Beauty Tip: How to Clean Makeup Brushes

I have a set of makeup brushed that I bought back in 1997.  They are made by Estee Lauder.  They were very expensive at the time....about $50.00 for the set.  They have served me well all these years and are still going strong.  The one thing that I have been consistent about until now is cleaning them.  I have cleaned them religiously over these years.  I normally clean then every few months.  They have not been cleaned in about 8 months now and in particular the blush brush and the powder brush have become clumpy and less than smooth.  I have looked at them and there seems to be an accumulation of cosmetics on them.  They are no longer smooth when I try to apply anything with them.

It is very important to clean your makeup brushes regularly.  That will ensure no build up of bacteria being transferred from the brush to your face that could possible cause skin breakouts.  Cleaning of the brushes will prolong their life as well and ensure that when you use them, your makeup will go on flawlessly.

How to clean your brushes in 4 easy steps:

What you need:

• All your brushes...don't leave any out
• Liquid soap like baby shampoo or dove wash.  A few drops will do.
• Warm water
• Towel for drying

How to clean the brushes:

• Wet the brushes with the water but do not soak
• Take a few drops of the soap and lather up each brush
• Rinse each brush under running water until the water is clear. If you have not washed your brushes in a while you may need to lather a 2nd time and rinse again.
• Once clean, take the towel and press out all the water. Lay brushes flat to dry

Your brushes will be soft and new just like the very first time you used them!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

World Peace....

....Still Waiting!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

EAGLES: Help For Smokers

When I was smaller, my father used to smoke. He smoked for many, many years and finally he stop smoking on his own.  He decided to get into a wellness program at one of our local hospitals and he stopped smoking and started bike riding.  I remember he chewed a lot of gum. I think I was in college when He finally stopped.  He was a chain smoker of Winston cigarettes.  I remember when I was in elementary and middle school, I would go to school with so much smoke in my clothes that the teachers used to ask me if I was the one who smoked.  I guess they were looking to turn me in.  I would have to tell them that I did not smoke, but my father did and that was why my clothes were always so smoky.  He never opened any windows and smoked in the house and the cars.

I remember that on summer nights we would leave the sliding glass door open after dinner. The porch light would be on but the inside light was off.  If you looked at the top of the door you could see smoke pouring out of the house through the open door.  I showed that to my mother and she made a rule that their could be no more smoking in the house.  So with that, teachers did not ask anymore about me coming to school smokey. With that also came the fact that my mother decided that my father had to air himself out before coming into the house.  If he did not she would spray him with Lysol.  Not a joke...she did. I was witness to that many times.

Back them smoking was everywhere.  Even on TV, actors smoked and there was smoking in public places.  Back then when I was in school they did not any of the smoking cessation products they have today, like gum and patches and pills. Great advances have been made in the fight to stop smoking .  That is good.You do not see actors lighting up on TV and now, it is unheard of to smoke in any  public place. Still, people still smoke.  A few.  I never walk down see people walking around smoking.  Not even teens very much.

For those who are hooked on those little cancer sticks there is  help and hope.  There is still great advancements being made for those who want to stop smoking.  To help one give up being a slave to cigarettes, there is a global cessation study called EAGLES that can help you  stop smoking . Each year over 4 million people die from smoke related illnesses. I order to begin the process a smoker must be educated on all the health issues smoking can cause.  They range from low birth weight in babies from mothers who smoke, lung cancer and impotence to increased in dementia, thinning bones and illnesses caused by second hand smoke.  Those are just a few.

If you are eager to stop, participation in the EAGLES program might be for you.  The basic criteria are people between 18 and 75 who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day.The program lasts for 24 weeks and there will be a group who receives actual medication and a group who receives placebos.  All will get the same counseling, support and follow up via phone and by attending in-person  sessions.

If you are a smoker and this is a monkey on your back, shake it off or at least get help in shaking it off.  Please check out the site and get more information about the trial.  Just the information alone consolidated in once place about the ill effects and dangers of smoking and what it can do to your health makes the site a valuable resource.  There is even a smoking financial calculator to help you face the reality of the vast amount of money you may be spending on cigarettes.

Today smoking does not have to rule your life.  There are various resources to help you kick the habit.  EAGLES just may be the start you need.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Reducing Silent Inflammation

Silent inflammation is a killer.  I was watching Dr. Oz last week and he was talking amount many things and he mentioned inflammation and how it is the start of all disease....how it is not good to have it in our bodies.  He always scares me when I watch his show.  It is just TOO informative and makes me so AWARE of what I might be doing wrong and what I need to change.  In particular he was talking about gargling...how if we do not gargle, mucus and inflammation literally builds up in the back of our throats and esophagus-es and blocks oxygen.  Gargling reduces it.  I have always been an intermittent gargler.  My bottle of Listerine lasts me a long time.  Since last week, I have been using it each day!

After doing some more reading on the new, I learned about silent inflammation.  How aches and pains, back pain, coughs and headaches are due to that.  Well, I have had this awful cough since Christmas.  Now I have the feeling of inflammation.  I know that it borders on paranoia but I feel filled up and overrun by it.  And I feel the pressing desire to be rid of it. Silent inflammation is manifested by the coughs, aches and pains.   Food is the answer. Food is the solution.

Good fats are one thing that can reduce inflammation.  I grew up taking cod liver oil everyday. My mother was a firm believer in  wheat germ, worm medicine and cod liver oil.   I actually liked it.  I have some in the refrigerator right now that I will be taking when I get home.  I have yet to convince my child it is a good thing.   Ginger  is also something that will reduce inflammation...the fresh kind.  Eating the right kind of sugars can also reduce inflammation.  Starches are wrong and the fruit sugars are the better choice.  So, more fresh fruits like: apples, apsaragus, beans, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, green beans, honeydew melon, kiwi, leafy greens, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, spinach and strawberries.

The best thing we can do is get rid of the free radicals that are everywhere. Antioxidants are what we all need.  These are the things that will keep cancers away.  The key foods we need here are berries, kale and other leafy green vegetables, grains like quinoa , seaweeds or sea vegetables and cacoa or chocolate. The  darker the better.  I feel like I am ready to make a change.  Really.  Less meat and more fruits and vegetables.  I am already a seaweed fan so that will not be an issue.  Seaweed and its benefits are something I have been able to teach my child.  She will eat that with no problem.

I am planning a radical change within this next two weeks.  I am so anxious to have this horrible lingering, inflammation filled cough go away.  We all need to begin to see food as medicine, pay attention to our bodies in regards to inflammation and eat lots of antioxidant filled foods.  Here is to a lifestyle change. And...a big thanks to Dr. Oz for making me so aware of what I need to do!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Watery Dreams

There have only been two times in my life when I had the water dream.  Once when I was in high school and once this week.  They are dreams to be reckoned with.  In high school I was asleep and very tired but in that place where my body was asleep but my mind was awake to some degree. I was having the feeling that I needed to go to the bathroom.  I had a large glass of water before bed.  I ignored that feeling.  A little while later I was dreaming I was at a wonderful, beautiful waterfall.  I was memorized by the water and then I was watching the water fall from the ledge that was about 20 feet above me and all of a sudden it was the best feeling to see that water fall.  Suddenly I was awake and my bed was wet.  That is the message of the water dream.  I had ignored that nudge to wake up and go to the bathroom.

This past week I had the same thing happen.  I was not at a water fall.  Again I ignored that urge.  I was tired and asleep but aware.  I was at the edge of a river and watching the water flow past me and again...it was the best thing to watch that water flow.  Luckily I caught myself.  I jumped and made the mad dash to the bathroom.

Our bodies do talk to us even when we are sleeping.  Listen. Listen well.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Cracking Walnuts

This is an ad for a gym. I guess the Russians are so fit they can crack walnuts with their butt cheeks! REALLY? I know I will not be eating any walnuts that have been opened that way. I wonder how many people have tried this??? CRAZY!

 

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Lent and Coffee

The day of Lent is upon us. It is ash Wednesday.  It has been years since I have actually given up anything for Lent but this year I am thinking about it.  I only have a few hours left to decide.  I have actually given up things in the past.  Like when I was in my 20's, but I gave that up long ago.  This year I think I will.  I wish I had made a big thing of it when my child was small. She knows about giving things up but has never done it either.

What?  I was thinking Coke.  It is the only soda I like to drink and I do not drink it that often but when
I want one, I really want one because I have not had one in months.  Many that would be a good choice because it might be easy to achieve that goal.  Then I was thinking coffee...not give up but wean.  I know that if you stop drinking it cold turkey the caffeine headaches for me will set in.  That might be the better goal. to limit the amount of coffee I drink because right now it is at least once cup a day...maybe two.

I spend at least an hour a day at my local Barnes and Noble or a Starbucks doing work and having a coffee when I do.  I think that is it.  From coffee 7 days a week....to gently whittle that down without the headaches to may a few cups a week.  That would be a good goal that would better my health as well.  Even as I write this I am sitting in a book store having a nice BIG cup of coffee.  I also make coffee at home.  That would even help financially as well.  Just make coffee at home and have no coffee when I am out.  That will be a savings.

So coffee it is...reducing and saving money.  Only coffee at home.  Lent.  It will be a long season.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Japanese Salad

Japanese Salad

1 package prepared slaw
4 scallions, chopped
1 package Ramen noodle soup
1/4 cup margarine or butter
3 tablespoons sesame seeds or 1 cup sunflower kernels
1/4 cup or 1/2 cup slivered almonds 

Dressing:

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup sugar or Equal

Smash noodles in the package, the smaller the better. Melt the margarine or butter in a skillet. Add noodles with flavor pack, seeds or kernels and almonds. Brown mixture well. The browner the mixture, the crunchier the salad. Cool and put in airtight container. Add noodle mixture and dressing before serving.

This salad is the best!  Healthy and full of flavor!  

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Vibram Fivefingers Shoes

I have been wanting these Vibram Fivefingers shoes for a long time. I have heard good things about them, but I have yet to actually see anyone locally with a pair.  I would love to know how they actually feel.  I just saw a report on the news yesterday and the lady wearing them said she loved them.  I might just have to break down and get a pair.  I want to try them.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Atlanta Drug Rehabilitation

Let's start with the stars.  People like Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Lindsey Lohan, McKenzie Phillips and many, many more.  These are all the rich and the famous who are addicted to drugs or have had lives lost, ruined or changed because of drugs.  For every one  famous person there are probably many more average citizens who have been drawn into the evil web of drugs. Some of them live in the poorest neighborhoods and some live in the affluent areas of town as well.  Drugs are everywhere in all ages and salary ranges, from the rural areas to the cities. One of the bigger cities near me is Atlanta and I used to live there.  I was never around anyone who was wrapped up in the drug world but you knew it was there.  You only had to watch the news to realize that.

There is help for those who are addicted regardless of how they got that way. If you are in need of an Atlanta alcohol rehab facility and would like to remain anonymous, there is a place called Bradford Health Services in Birmingham that has been around for the past 30 years that offers alternative inpatient care for those living in the Atlanta area. Birmingham is just 150 miles outside the city and is easily accessible via the interstate.

The care given at the Bradford is in patient but it does not stop there.  They use a "continuing" care model that follows the patient even after they leave the facility.  Many Atlanta drug abuse rehab centers are now based on this model as well.  The program offers various treatments and plans to meet the individual needs of the patients and their families.  A 12 step program is used in individual, group and special treatment.There are also adventure based programs to help build trust, teamwork and self esteem.

Special extended care programs include but are not limited to a Women's Relapse Prevention Program, a Trauma Recovery Group and a Grief and Loss Group. Atlanta Drug Rehab is also very affordable thanks to Bradford.The professional staff is dedicated to measurable treatment outcomes that can help the addicted reclaim their lives from drug addiction.  If you are in the Atlanta area and you or a loved one needs help, consider Branford.  There is hope and it can be found at Branford.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Crock Pot Cooking

In the winter time my crock pot comes out of storage.  All summer it sits on the counter unused.  I love being able to just throw things into it and magically eight hours later you have an entire meal!  You cannot beat that for cooking ease.  I have found this cook book that might be very useful for some great winter meals.  Check this out.  You will not be disappointed.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Lazy Day

What can I say...still sick and coughing all day long.  I am so tired because I am up at night with the cough.  I have Tylenol, Advair, Claritin, Robitussin and still I cough.  I know I need rest because I have been run ragged as the human taxi for my mother and child the last two weeks.  I felt really exhausted right before I finally got sick.

Today has been a lazy day.  I did not go to church so I stayed home. My child made me breakfast and other than that I have not left the sofa.  I have blogged, watched The Godfather trilogy and played with the animals.  We have a cat and a chihuahua.  When I am sick and want to be still here they both come.  The cat snaking out a paw to my shoulder and rubbing against my head and the dog always the jealous one.  Whenever the car comes around there she is. She only weighs 3.5 pounds and she is a full grown dog.  The car clearly outweighs her but she will snarl at the cat in a hot minute.  So animals will not leave me alone today.  At least at this typing they are in separate corners.  The dog is asleep at my feet and the cat is up in the window.

As far as food today, it was not the best as far as low cal.  Breakfast was sliced Treat and an egg with orange juice.  Lunch was pasta salad, greens and chicken breast.  That was not so bad.  In between I had popcorn, a lemon poppyseed muffin and lots and lots of water.

Dinner? I think it will be soup.  I have some Italian wedding soup in the cabinet,.  Fitting as I am watching The Godfather.....well..off to the bathroom.  All the water has to go somewhere.  I am forcing fluids with this cold...trying to keep well hydrated.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Words to Live By

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Dark Spot Corrector

Having African American skin, I am no stranger to dark marks.  It is the nature of our skin to show blemishes and scars for a very long time.  Forever, if you do not do anything about it.  When I was a teen I was plagued with oily skin.  With oily skin came some acne and blemishes and dark spots that would not go away.  I masked and exfoliated to no avail.  I was just oily.  So for years I suffered because each little pimple that I got left a dark mark.  I used makeup but if I was having a bad break out it did not help.

Then I began to see ads in Ebony and Jet magazine for skin lighteners.  I began to wonder if they would work on lightening and evening out my skin tone.  I tired them.  They did work but it took a long time.The main brand I used was Porcelana Fade Cream.  It worked but it had a bad smell.  I am not sure what was in it but one of those chemicals was most smelly.  Almost like sulfur.

Today dark spot correctors have come a long way.  I have not used a product like that in years because my skin has moved from oily to combination and blemishes now are few and far between.  I have just heard of a new product called Luminaze. It actually breaks down melanin to improve evenness of the skin and diminished dark spots within seven days.  That sounds amazing.  I know that is nothing like the smelly cream I used to use. It can even be used daily with no irritating effects.

How exactly does this dark spot corrector work?  Well, that is an amazing story.  The enzymes that make Luminaze work are actually harvested from mushrooms that grow high in the Alps. The bark around these mushrooms were devoid of color.  These are the powerful ingredients that break down the melanin in our skin that caused the dark spots.  That is all these enzymes do so they target just the problem areas.

If you are having trouble with blotchy skin and are looking for a dark spot corrector be sure to give Luminaze a try.  It is ready available at major retailers like Nordstrom and The Bay.  It is also available on line as well.  Fade creams have come a very long way than the smelly creams of old that I grew up with.  Luminaze is patented and clinically proven to work better than any prescription fade cream on the market today.  So don't hide that pretty face.  Cleat it up the fast and easy way!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Calories: I knew that!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Pumpkin is NOT Just For Eating!

Some years ago when Oprah came out with her favorite things and one of them was the pumpkin mask made by Bath and Body Works, I like lots of others bought it. I fell in love with it and due to the Oprah Touch, I got about 6 jars at once.  I did use them all and even gave some away.  It lasts for a very long time.  I do not know what I was thinking about with 6 jars.  That is a very good mask.  The pumpkin is very beneficial for the skin and helps refine it.

Now I am on my last jar.  I had two but my daughter "borrowed" one jar.  I am thinking that it might be easy to make a homemade pumpkin mask as well.  Pumpkin is good for the skin because it is full of vitamin A, lots of other vitamins and phyto-nutrients.  It also has zinc to purify and enzymes to exfoliate.

There are lots of recipes out there for DIY spa products and I have found this one for a great home made pumpkin mask.  It is best to use the same day.  Let me know if you try it and how you like it.  I will be trying it once my last jar of the mask pictured above is all gone.  Happy spa-ing!


Warm Pumpkin and Honey Mask
Benefits: Nourishing, toning, lifting, soothing, purifying

Ingredients
5 tablespoons pumpkin, finely chopped
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon honey

Directions
Sautee pumpkin over low heat in water. Stir frequently to make sure the pumpkin doesn’t burn. Cook the pumpkin until it is smooth and soft, and then add one teaspoon honey. Stir well. Mash with a fork and set aside to cool to room temperature. Once cool, apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let set for ten minutes and rinse with warm water.

Storage
This mask is best used on the day of preparation.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Sick of Being Sick

I have been sick for the last 2 days, coughing and sneezing and up half the  night coughing some more.  I first got sick right after Christmas and I have been coughing since.   I have inhalors and have taken 2 bottles of tussin cough syrups.  They help and I was 99% better until two days ago.  

I am sick of being sick.  Right now I am tired and just cannot get rested at night.  Off to take some more medicine....

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Beach Condo

The Author of this post is Cheryl Martinez

Living in Florida is great, but I wish we lived closer to the beach. We live in Orlando, so we have to make weekend trips to go our to the coast. One of our favorite places to visit is Coco Beach. It is very family friendly, and not too far from us. We decided to buy a condo down there last year so that we can go down whenever we want. When we aren’t able to go, we rent it out to other vacationing families. Buying the apartment is a win-win for us since we make most of the mortgage back in rentals. We can rent it most of the year because the weather is so great down here. Since we are away from home more often since buying the condo, we decided to look into ADT florida and see if we should get a home alarm. My husband said he would feel much better if we at least tried to protect our home while we are away. My guess is that he is starting the installation now while the kids and I are at the beach.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

No Bake Nutella Cheesecakes

For the Crust

12 Oreo Cookies, crushed into crumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup Nutella
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed

For the Garnish

whipped topping, optional
chocolate shavings, optional
toasted, chopped hazelnuts, optional

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter. Evenly divide the crumbs between your individual serving dishes and press into the bottoms of the dishes to form a crust layer.

2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and Nutella until smooth. Add vanilla and mix to combine. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the whipped topping until well blended and no streaks remain.

3. Evenly pipe or spoon the filling into individual serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

4. If desired, garnish with additional whipped topping, chocolate shavings, and/or toasted, chopped hazelnuts.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

4 Ways to Beat Muscle Soreness

Treatment: Cherry juice The Info: A new study suggests this antioxidant-rich beverage (that has long been associated with reduced soreness in runners) can also speed muscle recovery after strength training. Your Rx: About an ounce of cherry concentrate (choosecherrish.com) right before your workout.

Treatment: Probiotics The Info: New research found that two strains of these healthy bugs, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei, decreased cell damage after a month of regular intense exercise. Your Rx: A capsule with 1 billion to 10 billion cells, once a day.

Treatment: Lemon verbena The Info: An extract made from the leaves of this shrub reduced muscle and blood cell damage in volunteers who ran for 90 minutes, but didn’t block the beneficial tissue-building effects of the workout. It’s the best of both worlds, note researchers. Your Rx: A one-gram supplement each day. (It’s not clear if teas and other formulas have the same effects.)

Treatment: Omega-3 fatty acids The Info: Taking a fish-oil pill once a day reduces soreness and eases inflammation 48 hours after a strength-training workout, according to a new study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. Your Rx: Usually one 1.8-gram capsule (varies by brand)