To Sun or Not to Sun?

What a struggle! With all of the information we know about the dangers of being out in the sun, exposing our skin to UV rays, skin cancer - ahhh! What to do?!? I just so happen to ADORE the sun, the warm feeling it creates, the slight glow it adds to the skin...but the slice of skin missing from my back due to "pre-cancerous cells" always makes me second-guess the decision to go outside.

This summer, I think a compromise is in order: a little sun, a little cheating - how about a suncreen mixed with self-tanner? I'm going to test a spray that has a botanically-based self tanner plus SPF.

This is my first summer home with the kids, so I can't NOT go in the pool with them, right? And, I spoke with a dermatologist about protection suggestions for the little ones - she recommended the swim shirts with hats at all times. And actual sunscreen LOTION, not the spray kind - she said the lotion is more effective.

And then after the sun, I'll test a formula which contains avocado oil that is supposed to moisturize and repair dry skin. It also includes ingredients that help restore the skin’s delicate moisture balance (and has anti-aging stuff...cool).

We shall see! What about you? What are your summer protection plans?

What Type of Face Mask to Use?

I love face masks - they just seem to be a powerful, quick way to change the feel of skin. You should aim for using a mask at least once/week...moreso if desired.

Feeling dry? Use one with extra moisturization.
Feeling oily? Use a clay or mud mask.
Feeling like you need a deep clean? Clay or exfoliate.
Feeling less than soft? Try one with a manual exfoliant.

Here are more details:
Clay masks are great at reducing oil, removing extra dirt and grime from pores, and overall deep cleansing. They also reduce the number of toxins in the skin.

The detoxifying actions of sea mud and bentonite clay help draw out impurities as they absorb excess oil from the skin. Also suited for oily skin to help prevent clogged pores, blackheads and blemishes. Helps detoxify and condition the skin’s surface. It wraps you in comfort and leaves your skin glowing.

For a mask to help moisturize, you can even try an at-home mask using mashed avocado mixed with honey.

Always be sure to follow the mask instructions - don't leave on a mask longer than recommended as it may cause irritation instead of benefits. And when applying your mask, use "upwards" strokes for best results. Enjoy the 15-20 minutes of you time.

Working from Home...One Girl's Opinion

I cannot tell you many times I've been asked recently how it feels to not go to a full-time office anymore. As you may know, I resigned an 11-year corporate career to become a better mom and wife...and to start my own home-based business.

Here are my experiences - both positive and challenging, so far:

Positive: No alarm clock
Negative: Staying up wayyy too late

Positive: Finally meeting some relatives that I've known for over 30 years
Negative: I've become almost too social lately...hard to focus on work!

Positive: Car Pool line!!
Negative: A very short quiet work day (wait a minute...?)

Positive: Extremely flexible working hours
Negative: Work time doesn't seem to stop

Positive: Helping others start their own home-based business, and seeing it grow
Negative: People don't realize it's an actual JOB

Overall, I have to admit this has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I do miss the corporate world, but I miss my children and husband much less now. : )

Can't wait for the summer! Pool time every day!!

The Basics of Aromatherapy

Wow - learned some new information today on aromatherapy. I knew there was a logic behind the different scents, and certain ones definitely help with moods...but this seems to make a lot of sense, especially in regards to one of my all-time favorites - sea salt scrubs:

The word “aromatherapie” was first used by a French biochemist in the 1930s. He is believed to have burned his arm during a lab experiment. After the accident, he rushed to soak his arm in the closest available cold liquid, which turned out to be a tub of lavender oil. Not only did the scientist gain relief, he then studied aromatherapy for the remainder of his career. Who knew?

Before my wedding, I was first introduced to a sea salt scrub...heavenly. All of the dead surface cells are sloughed away revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin. On my actual wedding day morning, I had a professional sea salt scrub, and my skin was so soft and pretty that day. I've been using a scrub at home ever since, and the ingredient list below helps me understand why it makes me feel so alive. Go figure! These are things to look for in your own scrubs/aromatherapy:

Lemon for vitality, toning and freshness.


Coriander leaves you feeling joyful and happy.
Kukui oil is a rich emollient that soothes and softens skin.
In addition to its natural antiseptic and anti-irritant properties, birch oil is generally used to tone the skin and promote circulation.

And besides being a great snack, did you know that sunflower seeds produce sunflower oil, which is the vegetable oil that is highest in vitamin E? Naturally high in essential fatty acids, sunflower oil moisturizes and conditions the skin.

Feeling softer already...

Up for Skincare, Down for Foundation

Here's a quick rule-of-thumb I learned while researching skincare and makeup, and I find it works quite well:

When washing your face or applying skincare products (toner, moisturizer), always wash or rub in an upwards motion. This helps cleanse the pores and apply product INTO the skin.

When applying foundation or powder, rub in a downwards motion - for two reasons: (1) the cells on the skin are like a roof, and you want them as flat as possible, and (2) you want to make the little tiny hairs on your face as UNnoticeable as possible, and this does the trick.

So, UP for washing and moisturizing, DOWN for makeup.
Whala - beautiful!