The Beauty of the Natural Nail vs Nail Enhancers

I am getting a lot a questions lately on how to transition from acrylic nails to natural nails.  Woman are beginning to realize that natural nails are very sexy and beautiful also.  I will tell you as a reformed user of nail prosthetic that it will not happen over night.  Depending on how long you have been an abuser of and have been chemically dependant on the acrylic stuff will certainly determine how your rehab goes.  Time and consistency will give you great results.  Here are some tips from the Mayo clinic and some of my own edits for your nails.  Enjoy.. any other question please write me.!

Nail care tips

No nail care product alone can give you healthy nails. But following these simple guidelines can help you keep your nails looking their best:

• Don't abuse your nails. To prevent nail damage, don't use your fingernails as tools to pick, poke or pry things.
• Don't bite your nails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection (paronychia).
• Keep your nails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria, fungi or other organisms from growing under the nail. Clean under the nails regularly and thoroughly dry your hands and feet after bathing. Wear rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods.
• Trim nails and file nails regularly. Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers and an emery board to smooth nail edges. Trimming and filing are easier and safer if done just after bathing or soaking the nails.
• Never pull off hangnails — doing so almost always results in ripping living tissue. Instead clip off hangnails, leaving a slight angle outward.
• Moisturize your nails frequently. Nails need moisture just like your skin does. Rub lotion into your nails when moisturizing your hands. Be sure to apply a moisturizer after removing fingernail polish.
• Watch for problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out.

  Special considerations: Manicures and weak nails

  If you rely on manicures to make your nails look good, keep a few things in mind.   Check to be sure that your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your manicure. Using unsterilized tools may transmit yeast or bacterial infections.  You may also purchase your own tools and bring them with you on your visit to your nail salon.  (I bring my own nail polish also)
  Weak or brittle fingernails can be a challenge to toughen up. The following tips can help you protect them, making your nails less likely to split or break.
  
  • Keep your nails short, square shaped and slightly rounded on top. Trim brittle nails after a bath or a 15-minute hand soak in bath oil. Then apply a moisturizer.
  • Moisturize your nails and cuticles several times a day and after your nails have been in water. Also, apply moisturizer at bedtime and cover your hands with cotton gloves.
  • Apply a nail hardener, but avoid products containing toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde. These chemicals can cause redness or irritate the skin. (Nail Tek is a great strengthener)
  • Apply nail polish. A thin coat of nail polish may help keep moisture in the nail. Remove and reapply the nail polish after a week.
  • Don't use nail polish remover more than once a week. When you do need a remover, avoid those that use acetone, which dries nails.
  • Take a biotin supplement. Taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily may increase the thickness of nails.

Hope you found this article helpful!

Pictures from the Salon Makeover

It was a lot of work, but it sure is fun to work from here now that it is done.  I feel more creative now~ Smile

Sneek preview of my salon makeover

Its not finished yet.. still have some painting and finishing to do. I am so excited. The pictures on the left side were the before. I will be sure to post when it is compleated.. I am loving this salon!

Ready for High School with a new updated look for this young teen.

Amber wanted a more updated look to her long locks as the new school year is steadily approaching. Summer sun and water had bleached out her hair not to mention the stress it put on her ends. A little magic from Redken color creme and some shades EQ to add to her shine and punch up her color. This teen is ready to roll~

Summer Heat getting you bored?

This heat wave we have been enduring has been no fun.  I have decided to start to make some gifts for this  up coming holiday season.  ( Its never too early to start!)  You can make these in bulk and then find some pretty jars to put them in.  Mason jars will also work very well. 

Sea salt is rich in natural minerals and regularly exfoliating your skin with salt scrubs is a pampering treat that can renew and condition your skin. Making your own homemade scrubs couldn’t be easier and the supplies are very basic. Here are a handful of different recipes to try, feel free to adjust amounts and try different essential oils.

Homemade Sea Salt Scrub Recipes

Just A Few Simple Ingredients Are Needed For Homemade Salt Scrubs

Exfoliating Salt Body Scrub
1/2 cup fine sea salt
1/4 cup oatmeal (ground, uncooked)
1/4 cup flaxseed oil
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
8 drops geranium oil

You can also use grape seed oil in place of the olive oil. if you feel olive oil is too heavy.

• Mix ingredients then massage over your body to exfoliate skin, it’s best to do this in the tub after a bath or shower.

Lavender Sea Salt Scrub
1/4 cup fine sea salt
1/4 cup olive oil
3 to 5 drops lavender essential oil

• Mix ingredients together then use to exfoliate body. Add a bit of water or liquid soap as you scrub.

Favorite Scent Sea Salt Body Scrub
3 cups fine sea salt
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup sweet almond oil
your choice of essential oils

• Mix ingredients together then store in a sealed glass jar. Use to exfoliate and scrub body after showering.

Peppermint Salt Foot Scrub
1 1/2 cups fine sea salt
1/3 cup olive oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil

• Exfoliate your soles and heels with this mixture after a bath or foot soak.

Tips

• Mix and store ingredients in glass bowls and jars to prevent reactions with other materials.
• For something different, try adding a bit of gentle liquid soap to your homemade scrubs before using.
• Use a loofah or bristle brush when applying the salt scrub, will give you a nice massage while exfoliating.
• Regular sea salts will work with these recipes but some believe that the Dead Sea salts are the most therapeutic, helps relieve pain from arthritis and achieves the “salt glow” to your skin

taken from tipnut.com

Great Haircolor to get you hired!

"Great haircolor is essential no matter what your job is." — Redken Celebrity Colorist Tracey Cunningham

Check out these tips for getting haircolor that says "hire me"—and make sure to discuss your haircolor needs with your stylist during consultation!

A polished look is essential—when hair shines, your whole look instantly seems more put-together. For an easy way to boost shine, ask your stylist for a Shades EQ gloss from Redken. Choose from a Crystal Clear "topcoat" or a wash of sheer, shiny color.

COLOR CARE TIP: Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner made with cranberry oil and ceramides keep colored hair healthy and full of shine. Use a few pumps of Smooth Down Heat Glide on damp hair before heat styling to make sure hair looks polished for work.

 

 

If You have more flexibility to express yourself!

Ask your stylist for haircolor that's customized to reflect your unique style and personality. Try "peek-a-boo" highlights for a bold pop of color, or ask for one of Redken's runway-inspired shades for a look that's fresh from Fashion Week.

COLOR CARE TIP: Keep blonde hair looking fresh with a weekly Blonde Glam Perfect Platinum treatment. Condition with Extreme Strength Builder to build strength and add luster.

 

 

If you need a look that's low-maintenance...

Our new Illumination technique is an updated take on the ombre haircolor trend seen on the red carpet. Color gradually transitions from darker at the roots to lighter at the ends, for a low-maintenance look that grows out gorgeously.

COLOR CARE TIP: For intense shine, smooth strands with Nature's Rescue Refining Sea Polish. Spray with Extreme Anti-Snap to tame unruly split ends and protect hair while heat styling.

Visit me your Redken stylist for exceptional haircolor results!

Cutie and the Beauty

On June 28th my daughter Erin had her third child a little girl named Jovie Mae. On July 12 my daughter in law Heather had her first son and named him Parker John. Babies and Mommies are all doing well. I feel so blessed to have 5 beautiful grandchildren!

Pregnancy and skin care.

It’s not a surprise that pregnancy changes a lot about your body, but many women simply don’t think about how their skin care and make up routines may change in pregnancy. Since the hormones that effect the body also change the complexion, you should consider reviving your make up as you progress through pregnancy.
A bit of make up might help you feel better about your appearance, even if you only wear a bit of make up. Remember that make up doesn’t have to be the full body deal, just a bit here and there to help you hide certain areas and enhance others.
Your make up routine should be something simple. In the first trimester, you’re likely to feel very tired and cranky. Having to roll out of bed for a fifteen minute make up work out is probably not high on your list. If you’re used to wearing make up, going without is likely to also leave you looking as green as you’re feeling in your co-worker’s eyes. So try to bring it down to basics. Consider doing simply your eyes, cheeks and lips quickly, leaving off the foundation.
If you find that the glow of pregnancy is only radiating blotchy skin, or chloasma (the mask of pregnancy), you can alter that with make up. A nice foundation or concealer can help to hide the uneven tones and blotchiness. Remember not to use foundation over concealer as they tend to cancel one another out.
If you’re experiencing acne or oily skin from pregnancy, you may want to switch tactics when it comes to make up. You may find that your tried and true essentials simply aren’t cutting it. Consider looking for make up with oil control that is acne friendly.
If you find that your skin is dry, even on your face, consider a nice moisturizer. To combine steps, you may want to try to find a moisturizer that is also a sunscreen. You can also find lip sticks that do double duty as well.
Pregnancy is probably not the time to jump off the deep end. Resist the urge to go for a totally different look. You have enough changes going on in your life and don’t need to figure out what you were thinking when you walked into the hair salon and ordered them to take the hair off into a more “mommy friendly” do.
When selecting make up be sure that it is something that you can tolerate. Your skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy. You should also watch out for certain chemicals in make up because your skin absorbs chemicals from everything. So avoid products with harsh chemicals, including those with mercury and vitamin A and its derivatives as these can cause birth defects. Many moms also like to avoid paraben and petroleum.

One more thing.. too tired to wash your face before bed.?  Keep a package of face wash towelettes next to your bed and your bottle of moisturizer. Give your self a once over before sleep.. and then a shot of moisturizer , a little bit of care is way better than not at all.  Then get a great night sleep!

Select Summer Foods For Scrumptous Summer Skin

Summer is here and most of you would be planning on tanning your skin to give it more glow. However, it is famously known that sun exposure causes risks of skin cancer, and not to mention pre-mature aging.  That’s why there are safer ways to giver your skin a glow.  There are many self face tanners on the market that work well.  My favorite Faces by Fake Bake.

Water is known as a complexion booster because it flushes toxins from the skin cells to give that glowing colour on your skin. Add some fruits and vegetables to that water and have a better skin.

Here are five fruits and veggies that not only will give you a better complexion but will also control your diet. Make them a part of your eating routine and see what difference they make on your skin.

1. Berries

Berries: Blueberries, black currants, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries help the body produce collagen, responsible for giving skin that supple and smooth look. “Berries, especially blueberries, are loaded with antioxidant compounds that are very effective in neutralizing damaging free radicals,” said Jackson. “Free radicals are generated in the skin by excessive UV exposure and lead to skin cell damage, premature skin aging.”

2. Carrots

It’s no secret that carrots improve vision, but less known is that carrots can prevent dry skin. They contain beta-carotene, which the body uses to produce vitamin A, which moisturizes the skin. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant removes free radicals, such as those produced by too much sun exposure, which can lead to premature aging. Vitamin C also aids in skin collagen formation, which declines as we get older.

3. Sweet Potatoes:

 A favorite at Thanksgiving dinners, sweet potatoes should be enjoyed throughout the year. Sweet potatoes provide vitamin E, which the body uses to regenerate and maximize the effectiveness of vitamin C, very effective antioxidants for skin protection



4. Mangoes:

 Per the National Mango Board, this tropical fruit contains more than 20 varieties of vitamins and minerals. Mangoes have a fruit acid enzyme profile and contain Beta-C and vitamin A derivatives that activate cell regeneration.

5. Mushrooms:

Mushrooms are one of the only food sources for vitamin D, contain antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties. All of this helps the skin remain strong and youthful, as inflammation plays a role in aging and may increase risk for some skin cancers.
 

One more thing.. don't forget to make sun screen a regular part of your make up routine.  There are skin benefits in  zinc oxide that is contained in sun screens. 
Zinc is an extremely essential element for healthy skin. Apart from sun protection, it is useful for wound healing, acts as an astringent and also helps with the treatment of acne.

For my "Mother Of the Groom Friends"

I was a mother of the groom once.  My daughter in law's  mom had it all under control and did such a great job with every detail,  that I was not sure what was my role.  So I did some research and found out! I concentrated on my job of putting together a wonderful rehearsal dinner.  I am posting here a great list from marriage.com for all of you who may need some direction in what way to go as Mom of the groom.

Responsibilities of the Mother of the Groom The mother of the groom is often at a loss as to exactly what role she plays in the marriage of her son. This is even more true when she has not participated previously in a wedding for a daughter or other sibling. The following rules of etiquette are shared to increase the joy and fulfil the traditional responsibilities of the mother of the groom. Her responsibilities include: The first rule of etiquette to be followed upon receiving news of the impending nuptials is to initiate contact between the families. Introducing herself and her husband to the bride's parents is her first responsibility. This may be as simple as making a call to the bride's mother and telling her how happy she is about the engagement or an informal invitation to dinner at their home. If preferred, dinner at a nice restaurant is always in order. This may be with or without the couple in attendance. If the parents live far away, a friendly letter is appropriate. A snapshot of the family and maybe even one of her son as a small child is always welcomed by the bride's mother and is a kind gesture. The importance of providing an accurate and timely guest list can neither be over emphasized, nor the importance of sticking to the guidelines given her as to the number of guests she many invite. Remember to include zip codes. It is the bride's mother who will first select a dress for her daughters wedding. A gown of complimentary color and similar styling is then chosen by the mother of the groom. She must wear long if the bride's mother wears long or short if she wears short. The color should not match the bridesmaids, nor the brides' mother, but compliment both. Reservations for out-of-town guests, invited by the groom's family, are the responsibility of the mother of the groom. It will be much more convenient if a block of rooms are reserved at a nearby hotel, which is near her home. It is the responsibility of the groom's parents to host the rehearsal dinner. This can be as simple as a salad potluck with paper plates in the backyard or as elaborate as an exotic dinner with live entertainment in the finest restaurant. Everyone who takes a part in the ceremony is invited to the dinner. It is proper etiquette to invite the spouse or significant other of those participating, and the parents of children in the wedding. Scheduled family photographs, prior to the wedding, will dictate the groom's parents time of arrival. If photos are not scheduled to be taken before the ceremony, the arrival should be no less than one hour before the appointed time As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind. However, if the parents are divorced, the father of the groom will have been seated previously, two pews behind the mother. The role as mother of the groom, in the ceremony, may include lighting the family candle on the altar, along with the mother of the bride. Family candles are lit after the candle lighters have left the altar area, and prior to the entrance of the wedding party. The first official duty of the mother of the groom, during the reception is to stand in the receiving line greeting guests and introducing her friends and family to the bride and her family. Traditionally she stands between the bride and her mother. If the fathers of the couple choose to stand in the line, she will stand between them. Be familiar with the responsibilities of the Maid of Honor. You may want to have a conversation with the Maid of Honor to coordinate and avoid stepping on each other's toes.

Happy weekend! Good morning Saturday..

White Tea Targets Wrinkles, Sagging Skin

New research shows that white tea can be beneficial in supporting the body's elastic and collagen, as well as be helpful for other parts of the body.

Next time you’re making a cuppa, new research shows it might be wise to opt for a white tea if you want to reduce your risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or even just age-associated wrinkles.

Researchers from Kingston University teamed up with Neal’s Yard Remedies to test the health properties of 21 plant and herb extracts. They discovered all of the plants tested had some potential benefits, but were intrigued to find white tea considerably outperformed all of them.

Professor Declan Naughton, from the School of Life Sciences at Kingston University in South West London, said the research showed white tea had anti-aging potential and high levels of antioxidants that could prevent cancer and heart disease. “We’ve carried out tests to identify plant extracts that protected the structural proteins of the skin, specifically elastin and collagen,” he explained. “Elastin supports the body’s natural elasticity, which helps lungs, arteries, ligaments and skin to function. It also helps body tissue to repair when you suffer wounds and stops skin from sagging.” Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues in the body and is important for skin, strength and elasticity, he added.

Results showed white tea prevented the activities of the enzymes that break down elastin and collagen, which can lead to wrinkles that accompany aging. These enzymes, along with oxidants, are associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Professor Naughton said, “These enzymes and oxidants are key components of normal body processes. However, in inflammatory conditions, suppressing the activities of these excess components has been the subject of decades of research. We were surprised to find such high activity for the white tea extracts in all five tests that were conducted.”The researchers were blown away by exactly how well the white tea had performed. “We were testing very small amounts—far less than you would find in a drink,” Professor Naughton, one of the country’s leading specialists on inflammation, said. “The early indicators are that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation, which is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers, as well as wrinkles.”

Eight of the other plants and herbs analyzed also helped protect against the breakdown of both elastin and collagen. After white tea, bladderwrack performed well, followed by extracts of cleavers, rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate.

Pauline Hili, PhD, technical director for Neal’s Yard Remedies, said, “We are really excited by this research as it helps us to remain innovative and at the cutting edge of natural skin care. Celebrating the plants used in the Neal’s Yard Remedies products and understanding their specific actions on the skin is what it is all about. The Kingston University research program helps us to create safe, highly effective and cutting-edge products so it’s an ideal partnership for us.”

Journal reference: TSA Thring, P Hili, DP Naughton. Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-oxidant activities of extracts from 21 plants. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2009, 9:27 (Aug 4, 2009)

Adapted from materials provided by Kingston University, via AlphaGalileo.

SALON MAKEOVER

Everyone loves a makeover.  It is now my studio's turn. I am so excited I am repainting, installing new window treatments, a new built in  make up vanity and new  built in  hair station.  I can not wait for it to be finished! I will be posting before and after pictures.  Feel free to follow..

It is possible to plant spinach in late August early September and get a crop before the frost of fall sets in.  Add a little lime to your soil to sweeten it up and enjoy your own garden spinach !  It is so beneficial to your health..I guess popeye really was up to something!

8 Benefits of Spinach:by Diana Herrington Jul 13, 2011 8:07 am

1. Loaded with Vitamins: like A, K, D, and E and a host of trace minerals.
2. Good Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids: the kind most of us need in North America.
3. Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Antioxidants: Researchers have identified more than a dozen different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents. In a recent study on the relationship between risk of prostate cancer and vegetable intake (including such healthy vegetables as broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts) only spinach showed evidence of significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.
4. Alkalizes the Body: All those minerals helps to balance off the highly acid diet which most of us subject our bodies to and which drains our energy, increases obesity and a creates host of other health problems.
5. Nourishes the Eyes: The carotenoids found in spinach protect against eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
6. Strengthens the Bones: One cup of fresh spinach (or 1/6 cup of cooked spinach) contains TWICE your daily vitamin K needs. This along with the calcium and magnesium in spinach is essential to maintain healthy bones.
7. Perfect for Green Smoothies and Salads: Organic pre-washed spinach is now readily available in most grocery stores. If you haven’t yet tried a green smoothie yet and think they might taste yucky then try one with the main ingredient as spinach. Spinach is so sweet, we guarantee you will be impressed.
8. Spinach is FRESH! Studies have shown that even the artificial light in the grocery store shining on those plastic tubs of spinach can actually help keep the leaves from spoiling. This indicates the spinach is still metabolically active and fresh.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-benefits-of-spinach-the-first-superfood.html#ixzz1S6pd0Ctl

Eat Your Way Into Beauiful Summer Skin

Scrumptious summer skin

In continuation of yesterday where I wrote about tomatoes being good for your skin, I am posting this one also.  Here are some other yummy garden treats that your skin will find simply delicious!

Does what you eat really affect your skin? You bet it does! Dermatologists earlier dismissed the link between food and skin health as myth, but research is beginning to show that there may be a degree of truth in keeping a healthy glow through monitoring what you eat.

Sun, SPF and scrumptious skin

Come summer, the harmful UV rays of the sun (UVA and UVB), takes their toll on our skin. In particular, the face and back of the hands, which are the most exposed parts of the body, get more weathered than other more protected areas. Obviously, sunlight is a major factor that leads to skin damage.

Besides making sure you use a good SPF factor sun cream on your face and hands try including the following foods in your diet, which will help rejuvenate tired, dry and damaged skin. Some foods even offer natural protection against the suns harmful UV rays.

Eating for scrumptious skin

1) Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C such as strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C helps to produce collagen that strengthens the capillaries that feed the skin. Also vital for a clear complexion.

2) Make sure you get enough omega-3 and omega-6 – both essential fatty acids. You’ll get omega-3 from oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel but plant sources like linseeds and flax oil are excellent, too. For omega-6 try safflower, sunflower and corn oils. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to offer natural protection against UVA and UVB skin damage.

3) Eat foods rich in vitamin E such as almonds, avocado, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower and corn oils as well as spinach. Vitamin E helps manage cell membranes, skin, nerves and red blood cells and reduce the appearance of scar tissue. Due to its antioxidant activity vitamin E also plays a role in the anti-aging of skin.

4) Zinc-rich foods, such as wheat germ, liver, pumpkin seeds, sardines and oysters, help to repair skin damage and keep it soft and supple. A bunch of summer vegetables contain notable amounts of zinc such as green peas, bean sprouts, asparagus and summer squash.

5) Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your skin - aim for six/eight glasses (250ml) a day. Tea, coffee and juices all count, but try to limit caffeine and fizzy drink consumption. Green tea is great; while all teas are rich in skin-loving antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances called catechins in green tea are thought to be especially beneficial.

And lastly, don’t forget about cucumbers! While they are not in the above list, their skin beautifying properties come not from being digested but from being applied directly to the skin. Cucumbers have the same pH level as your skin, a fact that helps refurbish your skin’s protective and natural acid balance.

So if you’re feeling tired and have dark circles around the eyes just slice the cucumber and apply it straight onto your skin to soothe and soften it. Or if your skin has had too much sun then place a few slices on your cheeks and forehead to feel instant refreshment and relief.

So get out to your local market and buy up lots of healthy summer foods to keep your skin looking scrumptious this summer and beyond…

Kristen and Mikes wedding at the Williamsburg Winery

Beauty and the tomato

Tomatoes remind me of people, they come in many different varieties, and shapes and sizes and all are beautiful in their own way.  These beauties are from my garden and I am ready to can them.

TOMATO ME - by Editor

I am a firm beleiver in the old saying beauty is only skin deep. So therefore I undenieably agree that we are what we eat!  This year we had a bumper crop of tomato's.  Not short of the traditional summer tomato sandwiches we are eating every day for lunch, but am finding comfort in canning my tomatoes.  Whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, tomato paste, tomato soup. and everyones fav the tomato jam. I have given bushels away to my clients and still have plenty left over.. oh what is a girl to do!  So I did a little research and thought you would like to know the beauty side of this garden beauty. The humble tomato is one item no kitchen shelf is ever without, no matter what the season or location. Perhaps this is why most of us take the tomato for granted and do not appreciate the tremendous health and beauty benefits it brings. Not many of us relish getting pelted on the face with tomatoes, but believe it or not, tomatoes are excellent for the skin. In fact, as far as anti-ageing products go, tomatoes rank high on the list. Tomatoes are rich in anti-oxidants and so they counter the ageing effects on the skin, by cutting out the number of free radicals in your body. Free radicals break down the support system for your hair and skin, so it makes sense to eat a tomato a day. In addition, tomatoes help preserve moisture levels in the body. In the summer or winter, when our skin is exposed to artificial heating or cooling, moisture levels in our body fall. We need to constantly replenish this water supply, or our body will start sucking moisture from the skin and the hair. In addition to eating a tomato a day, it makes sense to drink no less than 10 to 12 glasses of water daily. If your skin is oily, you can apply tomatoes to your face. It counters oily skin by absorbing surplus oil and also helps get rid of pimples and acne. Apply undiluted tomato paste to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm, not hot, water. In addition, tomatoes also help lighten the complexion, especially if mixed with cucumber juice. This makes a great face mask for oily skin. Place a cucumber slice on each eyelid and cover the rest of your face with the mask, taking care to avoid the delicate under-eye area. If your skin is dry, you can add some day-old curd to the tomato paste and then apply to your skin. Tomato masks have excellent anti-ageing properties, so start applying them once you cross the age of 25. If your skin starts burning when you apply to tomato mask, wash it off. You should feel a gentle tingling sensation after applying the tomato but if it stings too much, you could wash it off and add curd before applying the mask. Do you have a boil or a pimple? Apply tomato paste to it. The acids from the tomato will soothe the pain of a boil and will also speed its recovery. Slightly red cheeks looks healthy and very appealing. Eating tomatoes regularly gives you a pink and glowing complexion, so eat up! Hair Tip If ever your hair has absorbed foul odour which you are not able to lose despite shampooing it, a great way to neutralize this odour and get rid of the smell would be to apply undiluted tomato paste to your scalp. Leave on for fifteen minutes and then wash it off. Your hair should be odour-free, and dandruff free. Health benefits of Tomato Very low in calories and fats; but rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins; recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs. The antioxidants present in tomatoes are found to be protective against many cancers including colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Phytochemicals present in tomatoes like Lycopeneand carotenoids have the ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen free radicals. Red varieties of tomatoes are especially rich in the most powerful flavonoid antioxidantlycopene. Studies have shown that lycopeneprotects skin damage from UV rays and from prostate cancer. Zeaxanthin, another flavonoid compuond, helps protect eyes from "age related macular disease" (ARMD) in the elderly persons by filtering harmful ultra-violet rays. This veggie contains very good levels of vitamin A, and flvonoid anti-oxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. In addition, they are also good source of antioxidant vitamin-C(provide 21% of recommened daily levels per 100 g); consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. Fresh tomato is very rich in potassium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They are also good source of folate, iron, calcium, manganese and other minerals

What a lovely group of women I had the opportunity to work with on June 25.2011. Paige's wedding at the Williamsburg Winery was stunning!