Berry Glow

BERRIES.
Simply looking at them makes me feel playful & alive. I mean, is there any more perfect, gorgeous shades of pink & red? There is just something magic about it.

And really, there is. Aside from my visual love affair, science has something to offer about the possible attraction. Yum. Gotta love the logic. And who says you have to EAT them to actually feel the love?

 

the strawberry:  (Fragaria ananassa) Bursting with the natural goodness of antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, folates and vitamin A * Strawberries are completely cholesterol free & extremely low on calories. Because of the amazing punch they pack with their antioxidant count, their regular consumption has been known to keep your heart & organs extremely vital. Strawberries reduce the free radicals (aka cellular waste, from all the hard work they are doing!) in your system, which in turn lessens the stressful impacts on your body. You feel, and ARE a more youthful, vibrant you. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 100g (about 1 container) of strawberries is 1,540 units A study was conducted on strawberries by Dr. Gene Spiller of the Sphera Foundation with results showing that antioxidant levels in the body increased remarkably 30 to 60 minutes after eating strawberries. .
for your SKIN: When used as a face mask, strawberries gently refresh & exfoliate your skin because of the presence of salicylic acid (to help balance oils) & a cornucopia of antioxidants which keep skin full of elasticity, hydrated & remove the effects of environmental stress on the face. Add a dash of cinnamon to your mask to enhance circulation & increase cell renewal. Cinnamon has really helped to keep the oils on my skin in balance. * After all masks, I will typically wash with a gentle cleanser & use shea butter as a moisturizer.


the raspberry: (Rubus idaeus) This beauty runs the scene with anthocyanins, pelargonidins, gallic acid, cyanidins, coumaric, catechins, kaempferols, ellagic acid, ferulic acid and salicylic acid.  What?! Not to fear. Those illegible words, they fight for the good guys.  Raspberries also are a bountiful source of Vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B complex, folic acid, copper, iron and dietary fiber. If you are looking to balance your weight, raspberries are rich in dietary fiber & play a magical trick to make you feel nice & full. Raspberries have an ORAC of 4,900 units per 100g (about 1 container).  The high levels of manganese present in it increase your basal metabolic rate which is the amount of energy you burn while at rest. Nice! So does that mean that you can maintain your health by lounging? Yes indeed. The more the basal metabolic rate the better the weight loss.
for your SKIN: With a similar profile to strawberries, raspberries can be mashed into a face mask to exfoliate & rejuvenate your skin just the same. Suggestion: Mix strawberries, raspberries & cinnamon together :)

 

the cranberry: (Vaccinium macrocarpa) Being one of the world's healthiest foods isn't easy... and being practically a pure ANTI-OXIDANT... now that's, working overtime. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 100g (1 container) of cranberries is roughly around 9,584 units. Cranberries are a rich source of essential micronutrients such as manganese, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. Like other berries, they are also rich in phytochemicals, flavonoids and polyphenols. Cranberries are known to be anticarcinogenic & act as anti-clotting agents (for those on blood thinners, it is suggested not to ingest cranberries). They are also used in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections and are so healthy for your heart!
for your SKIN: Pour 4 tbsp. of cranberry concentrate (no sugar) into your bubble bath & soak up the benefits. Also excellent as a hair rinse or to add to your shampoo. Use with caution if you have chemically bleached hair; blondes tend to soak up the reddish hue.

the blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)  With all the goodness of anthocynins, luteins, flavonoids, antioxidants and phytochemicals, blueberries have the amazing ability to greatly reduce inflammation. They are also known to improve vision. Blueberries have an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 2,400 units. A cup of blueberries which is roughly around 145g supplies over 30 percent of our daily requirement of vitamin C which helps to fight infections and scavenges harmful free radicals besides being anti-inflammatory in nature. Blueberries have been found increase mind & memory health, and keep our brains functioning optimally. The phytochemical pterostilbene (a methoxylated form of resveratrol) present in blueberries keeps glucose levels healthy.

for your SKIN: Mash together blueberries & honey (antibacterial & full of minerals!) to make a refreshing face mask. Amazing for refreshing areas around your eyes. For a feel-good body scrub, start with a base of sugar & add just enough of the blueberry/honey mix so that it sticks to your skin. This is my favorite way to exfoliate my whole body every once in a while. Exfoliation will keep your skin healthy & vibrant, plus it feels so, so awesome.

 

 

  berrrrrrrry good ideas:

* Freezing them & eating them as a snack

* Freezing them & Blending them with Fozen Banannas in a Food Processor = Best "ice cream" ever!

* Purchasing them in powdered/concentrated form & mixing them as a tea.

* Simply adding them whole to your water bottles for a naturally flavored-water. Over the day, this just gets better & better....

lots of love,
Alana

Yoga Beauty

yo·ga: noun. (yo-guh) 3. union of the self.

The benefits of yoga are longlasting. Even if you only do one practice in your whole life, it is unlikely that you would walk away from that experience with nothing. More than likely, you leave knowing a part of you that you didn't realize was there.

 

Yoga is intended as an experience of yourself. This is why so many brilliant teachers out there will constantly remind you that, no matter where you start, you are in the perfect place. Whether you can touch your toes or not, there you are; in all your perfection. With all your faults, all your dreams, all your should-have-beens, all your sleepyness, your determination, your gratitude, your anxiety, your hungry belly. With no where to be but with yourself. Can't run, can't hide. You are on your mat to work it all out.

The beauty of yoga, is the ability to discover change as transformation. Change often blindsides us by suprise, and we deal with ourselves by silently fighting the world. Transformation on the other hand, is a subtle spark that we all posess, a desire that we all yearn to ignite: change MINUS the fear. Tansformation is ajacent to the dreams that we keep. And although transformation is at times a rocky road, yoga gives us the strength and grace we need. We have learned to flow.

Through yoga it feels somewhat impossible not to develop into your fullest potential. Yoga gives you the challenge and the tools;  which is exactly what is needed to break down any walls that no longer need to be there in your life, and to create new structures: mentally, physically, emotionally...that support your desire to live your dreams, no matter how simple or glamorous they may be.

Plus, that booty of yours---will definitly be lookin' fly. &  that just may be, a fact.

stay fly. :)
xx Alana

Beauty Secrets! The Evolution Of Cosmetics

Everytime I order from this company, I can hardly wait for the package to arrive. Once I truly stalked the UPS man around my neighborhood, waiting for him to finally (hopefully) get my house. Perhaps you have been there-done that, waiting for that special something. But have you ever gotten caught being ya crazy self?! When I noticed his truck starting to get closer, I quickly drove back and waited "patiently". When he rolled into the driveway *finally!* he hops out of his seat & simply says to me, "Next time, you can just drive up and ask me for the package......"

 (BLUSH) It's true.

But hey. I do it for the love of the game.To me, there is nothing more fun & more admitting to a feeling of achieving simple change, than getting some pretty new lipgloss, or some yummy body lotion that you could definitly eat. That little feeling is "the underglow"....'Cause nobody knows, but you. ;) After years of testing a zillion organic cosmetics, 100% Pure wins my heart.

So with all that being said, I am superexcited to be extending these gorgeous cosmetics locally in Michigan, via an online catalog for Fall 2012! Products will be available for pick-up locally in Midland MI, with the option for cosmetic consultation, at the Body Aesthetics studio. I have lots of interesting info to share with you about each of these simple little treasures, so keep an eye out for little tids n' bits, tips n' tricks.....

I can hardly wait............... ;)
xx! Alana

hey!

So today, is a great day. And I am proud to announce that, because not everyone knows what that feels like....or should I say...not everyone has *allowed* themselves to change thier mind about what this day means to them.  

I dragged out my old computer this morning, in order to use a photo editing program I have on there, and taped to the monitor was the first Louise Hay Affirmation that I ever came across. And, how fate has it, it actually came right to me. It came in the mail, with this simple little bracelet that I ordered off Etsy. The bracelet cost me $3, but I remember just feeling like I NEEDED the thing. And honestly, I have absolutlely no clue where the bracelet is now, but thank goodness for that lovely Etsy girl. The affirmation she sent to me, was called River Of Change, and was printed just like this: 

in order to change my life outside,

I must change inside

it's amaxing how the universe begins to help me

it beings me whatever I need

I am willing to change and grow

when I am ready to make positive changes in my life

I attract whatever I need to help me

RIVER OF CHANGE affirmation ~ louise hay

Well. Needless to say, I took this as a lil' blessing. But I didn't realize how much it impacted me until this morning. Reflecting back, I love the sense of growth I feel inside.  And that if I have somehow made a difference along my way, and if not in the lives of others at least in my own, I can be at peace. And I am at peace simply by saying to myself that I am at peace. Right here & Right now. I believe it is that simple.  I have learned that it is not about controling yourself, it is not about letting go of yourself, it is about doing what YOU want to do because you know there is no other way. Now that's what I call superpower. :) 

So today, I remind myself again, that it is up to me to make my life, a beautiful, worthy, fun-filled one. 1 moment at a time. Have a sweet day today <3

xx Alana

Lemon Love

LEMONS!

When life gives you them,  squuuueze them! into your water, of course. :) Drink that water, steam your face with that water, and feel like a new born babe all over again.

;)wink. Just watch those precious eyeballs. They'd rather stay out of it.

 

 

refreshing benefits:

sourced from: beautifulskincareblog.com (thank you!)

 

Exfoliating – Exfoliate with lemon to maintain clear, youthful skin! Lemon fruit acids are ideal for gentle exfoliation; add the vitamin content of lemons and you’ve got a complete skincare treatment right in your kitchen! To exfoliate, apply lemon juice on clean skin for 5-10 minutes then rinse.

Teeth Brightening – It’s not a secret anymore that one of the best natural whitening products is lemon.

Rub half a lemon on your face or any darker areas like elbows and knees. Repeat every day until you notice improvement in pigmentation. But remember to use sunscreen all time for increased protection!

Neutralizing environmental damage – Sun, pollution and stress take their toll on your skin. Vitamin C is known to be a potent anti-oxidant that combats the effects of free radicals on your body. Why not use it on your skin as well? It helps prevent wrinkles and helps maintain skin elasticity. Mix a bit of lemon juice in your favourite home made treatment mask to reap the benefits of antioxidants!

Toning – Tired skin is no longer a problem when you have a lemon at hand. Shrink pores and regain your glow with this concoction: in a glass of water, squeeze half a lemon and add a few cucumber slices then shake and let stand for 5 minutes. With a cotton ball, wipe your face for a minute then clean with cold water.

Hydrating and nourishing – Lemons are popular for their Vitamin C content, don’t forget they are also a good source of folate, potassium, magnesium and Vitamin B6. Lemon’s nutrients detoxify, repair and renew skin from the inside out. Use this 20 minute mask to energize your skin: one teaspoon each of lemon, honey and black tea infusion.

Fighting wrinkles – because Vitamin C stimulates collagen formation, using lemon juice in your wrinkle treatments can improve your results. A home made, hydrating wrinkle treatment is a solution made of milk and a bit of lemon juice. Apply it on your face for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Pore cleansing– If your skin is oily, and clogged pores or blackheads are often a problem, lemon can help. Because of its exfoliating and astringent properties, overnight lemon juice treatment on problem areas can help you achieve a beautiful, smooth skin in the morning. Apply with a cotton swab where needed and let dry.

xx

Your Skin: What Does Food Have to Do With It?

It is common knowledge that simply: We are what we eat.


But what happens when what is considered a healthy, healing diet, isn't showing the results we expected?

When it comes to skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema & pH imbalances, we can see that what we put in definitely comes out. Although nourishing foods packed with vitamins & minerals is key, often food alone is not the only answer. The real key lies in our digestive fire, the strength & tone of our organ systems, & basically our body's ability to thrive & really handle digestion. The truth is that we can be eating what we consider to be the healthiest diet ever, but if we are unable to properly digest fats, carbohydrates & protiens efficiently, we can end up feeling like we are going no where.

I highly recommend using high doses of powerful digestive enzymes with what you are already eating, & see if there is improvement. It is also beneficial to take them on an empty stomach, which helps clean up your blood & repair your tissues.

Digestion is quite the task, when you consider all that is involved. A perfect orchestration of pH, enzymes & muscle tone is required to complete the task.


Throughout the course of my journey, I tackled using different diets, elliminating possible allergens, cleanses, flushes - the whole schibang. Over the long run, & desperate for a cure, a lot of this protocol actually aggravated my conditions more - which looking back I can totally attribute it to stress.


It is so important to understand that eating is supposed to be a way to relieve stress, not to create it. Eating is designed to be a reward system, for the mind & body; to encourage us to keep putting things in our mouths that make us feel good. Granted in the 21st century, there is some intelligence involved in figuring out what is actually making us feel good. Food that tastes good, does not necessarily make us feel our very best.


But now a days, there are so many options when it comes to eating healthy, that there is just no excuse not to explore it. Personally, I find the options at health food stores super exciting. The taste of organic, simple food is just gigantic compared to conventional foods. My tastebuds are getting crazy just thinking about it.

Exploration is the key! As long as you are exploring different diets with love & excitement, I would say that is golden. But, often times jumping from one thing to the next, in search for an answer can cause extreme stress in the body & deter your digestion from rewarding & nourishing you.  Remember that stress is the root cause of all dis-ease.  Digestion under stress is very weak & makes even eating something as simple as an apple diffucult on the body.


All in all, eat with happiness & eat with intuition! Remember that you not only are feeding your body, but your mind & soul.  Don't hesitate to use Enzymes in order to experiment with getting more variety in your diet. You will be amazed at how much things get better.


Cheers to happy eating :)

the Bare Basics: Understanding Break Outs

Targeting the root causes of breakouts can seem overhelming at first, but really it comes down to 2 simple factors. Either your breakouts are being influenced by External factors, such as a disturbed pH balance from over-washing - or Internal factors, which are digestive imbalances.

Identifying what type of breakout you are having will give you a huge advantage in the long run. So, to start this journey, we'll look at the basics first.

Breakouts caused by External Factors
are most always very surface level - they mature quickly, and are usually instantly whiteheads or blackheads. Often they are just small red marks, but they do not go into deep layers of the skin. You will often notice these when you wake up in the morning, or throughout the course of just a couple hours in the day. This is the most simple type of breakout to deal with, as the stimulus that is causing it is usually just getting our skin's pH to a happy place.

Things that can Help Immediately!

• Gentle Cleansers with Salicylic Acid
• A soothing overnight aloe vera mask (mix with crushed asprin)
• Allowing your Skin to Breathe
• Quality organic skincare
• Being aware of the products you use & what is in them

Breakouts caused by Internal Factors
are much more slow to mature, they are often painful & can take weeks to actually fully heal. They often can leave scar tissue, because of the way this deep infection debilitates the cellular matrix of your skin's tissues - this often reults in a sunken, pitted type of scar.

Dealing with Internal Factors can be frusterating, but know that there are solutions. I plan on highlighting a lot of this in coming blogs. In the mean time, feel free to contact me directly with your questions.

Things that can Help Immediately!

• Start taking quality Digestive Enzymes with your meals
• Believing that there is a solution & that You will find it
• Deep Relaxation so that your body can Heal

Simply put, a lot of skin problems are solved simply by paying attention to what we are doing externally. Being aware of what we put onto our body counts. The key is to choose products that are gentle, nourishing & balanced- & perhaps even learning to make your own!