FAQ: Mineral Makeup Explained

Atlanta Salon & spa talks with Rita Patel of MiA BelleZZa Cosmetics

1) How should I apply mineral make up if I have dry skin? How about oily skin?

I personally like liquid mineral foundation for the face. I have dry patches on my face and I find liquid mineral foundation is much better. The liquid mineral foundation seems to absorb deeper into the skin, to provide maximum benefits of the product. Sometimes applying a lightweight moisturizer before application helps with the dry skin issue. Powder foundation is much better for oily skin, although liquid is just as good. Mineral make up is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores, and it contains natural anti-inflammatories to help heal and calm inflammation. So both powder and liquid foundations provide maximum benefits for any type of skin. MiA BelleZZa has both Liquid Powder Foundation SPF 15 and a Mineral Photo Touch Foundation, great for any type of skin. Liquid Powder Foundation provides a more matte finish, whilst the Mineral Photo Touch Foundation gives you a natural flawless glow finish. MiA BelleZZa also has a great Retexturizing Face Primer SPF 20. It helps to absorb excess oils, provide sun protection, evens out skin tone and provides skin with anti oxidants, Vitamins A & E to the skin.

2) How is mineral make up defined?

Mineral make up contains a combination of minerals including titanium dioxide, zinc oxides, and iron oxides. Most oxides have anti-inflammatory properties. Most mineral products eliminate the need for talc, oils, dyes, fragrances and preservatives, therefore making it the most natural form of make up. It’s great for people with acne, rosacea or any other from of skin problems. It is more pure than traditional make up products, making it more beneficial for the skin. Most of MiA BelleZZa mineral make up is hypoallergenic, great for sensitive skin.

3) What are some of the main benefits of mineral based make up?

It’s great for sensitive skin. It is also non-comodegenic so it doesn’t block pores. It allows skins to breathe. Also contains anti-inflammatory minerals, which is great with people with skin disorders. Mineral make up feels more natural and lightweight and eliminates that heavy caked on make up feel. Mineral cosmetics also contains natural light diffusers, helping to reflect light, which helps hide wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines around the facial area.

4) Are there special techniques or tools you recommend for applying mineral make up?

Mineral make up is best applied with a brush or sponge. Never use fingers! Usually apply mineral make up in a buffing manner. Kabuki brushes are great for powder foundations. There are many liquid foundation brushes available on the market now. These are great to apply a more natural flawless finish with liquid foundations.

5) What are the most popular mineral make ups? (Powder foundations/Blush) and why?

Foundations are the most popular form of mineral make up. Everyone wants that natural healthy glow finish on the face. Mineral foundations do exactly that, while also providing health benefits to the skin. Blushes and Bronzers are also popular. They provide the “icing on the cake” as I call it. Gives your face the extra definition it needs for a total glam look. Top off with mascara and lip gloss, and your all set for the day!

6) What are the visual characteristics of mineral based make up-how do they look different than other make up?

Mineral cosmetics give you a more natural, flawless glow to the skin. It doesn’t look or feel heavy as some of the traditional forms of make up. It lasts longer on skin than traditional make up, as it continues to absorb moisture all day long. Natural color pigments in mineral cosmetics are much more intense, therefore using less product.

7) Is it true that you can safely sleep in mineral make up?

You can, but I don’t recommend sleeping in any make up. Mineral make up is non-comodegenic, so it won’t clog pores, allows skin to breathe, so if just by chance, you have a crazy night, don’t worry, you’ll still wake up with beautiful skin!

Does mineral make up offer natural sun protection?

Mineral make up is a natural sun protector. It contains titanium dioxide, a great sun protector. Of course, if you’re still wary of sun protection apply an SPF lightweight moisturizer. MiA BelleZZa has a great Retexturizing Face Primer with SPF 20, sufficient for the face, plus you get the added benefit of a primer, you can even forego foundation with the Retexturzing Face Primer and still have a flawless look with sun protection!

9) Is all mineral make up the same?

Not all brands are the same. Some are hypoallergenic, some are not. It is great to do your homework before making a decision on a purchase. Most MiA BelleZZa mineral products are hypoallergenic. I have sensitive skin and wanted my customers to have the best out there. I actually provide the benefits of each product on my webstore, so my customers are visually able to see which product is more suitable for their skin.

10) How do I know what colors I should purchase for my skin?

That’s where the one on one personal attention comes into factor. I enjoy giving my customers a great new look, with colors they never imagined they could wear. With the right application and colors, I believe everyone can enjoy a little color in their life. I’ve had customers rave about their new looks. It just makes them feel like a whole new person. I enjoy doing that to my customers! Once they know what colors are more suitable for them, it makes purchasing colors online, so much easier for them. Not everyone has time for one on ones, which is where the internet comes into factor. I tell customers to research photos online and find people with similar skin tones and see what colors they wear. If it looks great on them, it will look great on you!

11) Does mineral based make up expire or go bad? How long is the shelf life?

Mineral make up does not contain any moisture, therefore bacteria can not form. Mineral make up contain no preservatives, fillers, fragrances or dyes, so it can’t spoil. Some of my MiA BelleZZa products that do have a shorter shelf life, have expiration dates printed on the packaging. Usually it’s 12 months.

Rita Patel
CEO MiA BelleZZa Cosmetics
www.MiABelleZZa.com

Back to Barnesville: Old Time Skin Remedies from Rural Georgia, Part Two

remedies for the skin from Rural Georgia     Part Two

Reproduced with permission form the author; www.backtobarnesville.com

From Jim Doggetts Booklet, “Back to Barnesville”, 1977:

“While living in rural Barnesville, Georgia before the back-to-nature movement became popular, I spoke with many senior citizens regarding the various species of medicinal plants in the area, and how the people used them for different remedies.

Realizing the value of this almost lost part of our rich heritage due to certain claims of science, I set out to bring the information into some workable perspective so others could benefit form this knowledge and pass it on to future generations.  Back to Barnesville is the result.  A concise index of home remedies used by our ancestors for hundreds of years with confidence.  It can help you CUT COST by using what you already have.”

Dry Skin Cleanser

Mix 1 ounce olive oil with 1 ounce of powdered milk. Rub in skin and leave for about 15 minutes  and rinse of with warm water.

Honey Cleanser

Spread honey over face  to tone and revitalize skin.  Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.  Then rinse off with warm water.  Honey is an excellent substance for all skin types.

Facial Mask

Mix equal amounts of wheat germ flour and yogurt until smooth;  apply to face thoroughly.  Leave for about 20 minutes and remove coating with warm water, then rinse with cold.

Warts

Rub warts with the inside of banana peel, allow to dry and repeat after several hours.  Continue this application daily for about a week and warts should vanish.

Wrinkles

Heat approximately 1 ounce of olive oil in a small pot.  When oil is warm, massage wrinkle are thoroughly for fifteen minutes.

Sunburn Ointment

Mix equal parts of glycerin, sunflower seed oil and witch hazel.  Lightly massage sunburned areas.

Remedy For Boils

Make a solution of Epsom salts with hot water.  Apply solution with with clean cloth.  Crushed fig leaves in a bandage can also be used to eliminate boils.

Facial Fruit Pack

Mash two medium size tomatoes to a pulp and apply to skin.  Leave on for twenty minutes, then rinse with warm water; enjoy the renewing , cleansing qualities of this facial.

*These recipes are not endorsed or recommended by Atlanta Salon & Spa.  You should consult with a professional and do your own research before attempting the use of any home treatments.

Five Tricks to Summer Proof Your Hair

By Carlos Lissimore    http://carloslissimore.com

Summer can have a very drying effect on your hair, so in order to keep your locks luscious, you’ll need to switch some things up and use products that benefit your strands during hot, humid days. So here’s what you need to do to make sure your hair stays perfect all summer long.

1. Switch to a Different Shampoo

Your hair dries up very easily in the summer, so switch from your shampoo that adds body and shine to a shampoo that adds moisture and contains a sunscreen. Your locks will feel softer, smoother and much more manageable.

2. Put a Pause on Heat Stylers

One of the worst things for your hair (as you already probably know) is your blowdryer, your flat iron and your curling iron. Especially in the summer, these heat stylers will just burn your hair and make it that much drier. Instead, try experimenting with your hair’s natural texture. Let your hair dry naturally, scrunch it up with some mousse or do a cute side braid. Anything works.

3. Ditch the Color

Try not to dye your hair in the summer, especially if you’re thinking of going lighter since the sun already helps you do that. Colored hair reacts more quickly to the sun than non-colored hair, so take advantage of that.

4. Deep Condition

Keep your hair healthy and vibrant by doing a weekly deep conditioning treatment on your hair. You can purchase deep conditioners at any drug store so invest in a good one. Your hair will thank you for it!

5. Trim Split Ends

Don’t let your split ends take over your hair. Make sure you get a regular trim (about every 3 months, depending on hair growth). This will ensure that your locks stay healthy and shiny.

Lips Get Loud for Spring 2010

Lips get Loud

Bright Lip Color Kisses Spring 2010

By Laurie Viglione

Hyper-pigmented pouts are the ultimate beauty statement this spring. You will be the talk of the town by sporting a vivid shade like bright magenta, blood orange, or a gray toned lilac. The look may sound intimidating but you will find, when worn correctly, these hot splashy shades are irresistible.

Normally most, if not all, of your makeup decisions are based around your skin, hair, and eye color. The same holds true with the bold lipstick trend. A foolproof way to determine the correct shade for you is to breakup color tones into two categories, cool and warm.

Find out which category you fall under by looking at the veins on the back of your wrist. If your veins are blue than you are cool and can happily slick on hot pinks, bright magentas, and gray toned violets. If your veins are more green than you are warm and should stick to blood orange, hot pinks, and fire engine reds.

To rock this look you will need to pucker up to a plain face. Keep the rest of your makeup clean and soft, keeping the lips as the focal point. First, even out your complexion with a tinted moisturizer or foundation topped off with a finishing powder. Next, keep eyes understated with a flesh-toned eye shadow accompanied with one coat of mascara.

Now for the lips, start by outlining lips with a nude lip pencil for definition. Then apply a bright, matte lipstick using a lip brush to keep control of the intensity of the color. If matte is too extreme for you, apply a coat of lip-gloss on top.

Use your new lips to accessorize your wardrobe. A bright magenta lip can break up an all black or neutral outfit by giving it a splash of color. You can also compliment the color of your ensemble by choosing a lip in a shade in the same color family; think purple dress with a powerful pink lip or a red top with a blood orange mouth.

Get the lips!

Pink

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Provocative Pink

Revlon ColorBurst in Fuchsia

Nars Lipstick in Schiap

Orange

Makeup Forever Lipstick in Fluorescent Orange 201

Lorac Breakthrough Performance Lipstick in It Girl

Revlon ColorBurst in Coral

Gray Toned Violets

Covergirl Queen Collection in Plum Platinum

Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick in Bewitch Me 24

Dior Addict Lipcolor in Pinstripe Plum

Laurie Viglione is the owner of Revamp Styling, which offers Styling Personal Shopping, and Fashion/Beauty writing services.

Go Shopping with Laurie to improve your wardrobe more info

Bring your photographs to the next level with Laurie’s styling more info

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Back to Barnesville: Old Time Hair Treatments from Rural Georgia, Part One

Old Time Hair Treatments from Rural Georgia     Part One

Reproduced with permission form the author; www.backtobarnesville.com

From Jim Doggetts Booklet, “Back to Barnesville”, 1977:

“While living in rural Barnesville, Georgia before the back-to-nature movement became popular, I spoke with many senior citizens regarding the various species of medicinal plants in the area, and how the people used them for different remedies.

Realizing the value of this almost lost part of our rich heritage due to certain claims of science, I set out to bring the information into some workable perspective so others could benefit form this knowledge and pass it on to future generations.  Back to Barnesville is the result.  A concise index of home remedies used by our ancestors for hundreds of years with confidence.  It can help you CUT COST by using what you already have.”

HAIR FOOD SHAMPOO

Beat one egg yolk and then add 1/4 to 1 cup warm water.  Amount of mixture depends on length of hair.  Rinse with small amount of lemon juice or vinegar, then towel dry.

DRY HAIR TREATMENT

Heat one ounce of almond oil in a small pot.  When oil is warm, part hair and apply thoroughly to scalp; apply hot towel and when it cools, reheat and continue hot towel treatment for approximately thirty minutes  (then shampoo and rinse as usual).

PROTEIN TREATMENT

Mix 1/2 cup of dried milk with 1/4 cup of water into paste and apply to hair and scalp.  THen allow to dry, followed with usual shampoo.

DRY HAIR TREATMENT # 2

Shampoo your hair, rinse and towel dry.  Apply several teaspoons of mayonnaise (amount depends on thickness of hair) to scalp and work in thoroughly and leave on for at least 1/2 hour; repeat shampoo, rinse and towel dry.

BEER RINSE AND SET FOR FINE HAIR

Pour a glass of beer into your hair after the final rinse, towel dry and set;  this will give fine hair more body and makes it easier to set.  Don’t be annoyed by the prospect of beer odor; it will evaporate.

GREY HAIR

Boil one ounce of sage in one quart of water for fifteen minutes. Allow to cool, and then rinse to darken grey hair.

FALLING HAIR

Boil wild cherry bark and wash hair in decoction.

EGG SHAMPOO

Separate one egg white from the yolk, and beat egg white with one tablespoon of rum or brandy, then wet your hair and work in half  of egg white mixture.  Leave for five minutes, rinse and then repeat massage with other half of mixture.  Leave it

*These recipes are not endorsed or recommended by Atlanta Salon & Spa.  You should consult with a professional and do your own research before attempting the use of any home treatments.

Beat Depression Naturally By Boosting Your Happy Hormones


This article courtesy Angie Lewis/ Heaven Ministries

Beat Depression Naturally By Boosting Your Happy Hormones

If you knew there was a shark swimming next to you in the ocean, what would you do? Most people will hightail it out of the water as fast as they can back to the shore. As a matter of fact no one in their right mind is going to let a shark devour them alive! On the same token we can let food be our medicine or we can let food devour us alive. Which would you prefer?

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold-water fish, such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, remarkably reduce symptoms of depression? If you or someone you know suffers from depression, it would be a great idea to eat more of these types of fish. Sardines, oysters and flax seeds, are also high on the list of foods with substantial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. People who eat these foods three or more times a week show significant improvement in anxiety, insomnia, sadness, and suicidal thoughts.

Depression is an indication that certain hormones are out of kilter within the brain, specifically, beta-endorphins and serotonin.  When our bodies lack adequate levels of seritonin and beta-endorphins, that balance out our brain chemistry, we may feel hopeless, sad, depressed, touchy to criticism, offended, crave sugar and alcohol and feel isolated and lonely – all signs of depression.

If you suddenly found out that the foods you have been eating are causing an imbalance in your brain chemistry, what would you do? Would you stop eating those foods? Refined foods are insufficient in vitamins and minerals and are like drugs to the brain, especially those people who suffer from depression, self esteem issues, and sugar imbalances. The good news is you can be in control of your health by boosting seritonin and beta-endorphin levels in your brain through a healthy eating lifestyle.

Whole grains, beans and legumes, vegetables and fruits should be incorporated into everyone’s diet if they want to live a healthy and long life. If it is processed and denatured, don’t eat it. It’s really that simple. Let’s take a look at some foods that can actually boost hormone levels in the brain.

Foods And Supplements That Boost Happy Hormones

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is found in spinach, turnip greens, garlic, cauliflower, mustard greens, celery, fish, such as tuna, salmon, cod and red snapper. Also chicken and turkey and lean beef tenderloin. Spinach should be eaten raw or either lightly steamed. Remember with any vegetable it is always best to keep it in its natural state as much as possible.

Magnesium

Magnesium levels tend to be lower in people who suffer from depressed moods. Magnesium supplements and foods with magnesium should be incorporated into the daily diet of those who suffer with sadness, anxiety and depressed thoughts. Foods high in magnesium are, halibut, tuna, bananas, dried figs, barley, buckwheat, oat bran, wheat flour, prune juice, almonds, Brazil nuts, black beans, lima beans, broccoli and cornmeal.

Whole Grains and Seeds

Whole grains that are especially good are amaranth, buckwheat, millet, brown rice, whole grain breads and cereals. Nuts and seeds are also great foods that will boost happiness levels. Walnuts are especially good for boosting serotonin. These are healthy, high-protein carbohydrates, which are critical for increasing serotonin.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods and liquids greatly assist in digestion and assimilation of all the important nutrients you need for serotonin. Additionally, they boost the nutrients in your food by at least a hundred fold. Fermented foods manufacture essential B vitamins that help with boosting your mood.  Sauerkraut is an excellent source of fermented food. In addition, an excellent fermented drink is Dong Quai, which is great for energy and mood and it decreases cravings for sugar.

Herbs

The herbal supplements St Johns Wart and Gingko Biloba are excellent natural sources for treating depression and giving the body a boost of energy at the same time. We should never fail to recognize the importance of herbal supplementation in healing certain health conditions with. Herbs work and should be used in conjunction with other helpful natural treatments.

Red Raspberry Tea

Red raspberry tea is especially good for depression and bouts of the blues. This all natural tea balances out the hormones, giving a soothing and calming affect on the body and mind. Herbal teas are good for you and should be a regular part of your diet.

Exercise

Exercise boosts serotonin level in the brain. Even gentle exercise like walking can boost your immunity and mood. Walking is one of the best activities that virtually anyone can partake in. Walk for life.

Foods That Trigger Depression

Refined sugar

If you suffer from low moods, you may have intense cravings for sugar. This is your body’s way of trying to increase serotonin because eating sugar produces insulin, which gives you a temporary feeling of elation. But too much sugar overtime can eventually cause addiction to sugar, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia and alcoholism.

Alcohol

If you are trying to overcome depression you should not drink alcohol or take medications that contain alcohol. Alcohol works against the body, causing havoc within our emotions, which only exacerbate symptoms of depression.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants and pain medications are intended to mask the symptoms of depression and throw the bodies hormone system out of whack. The most important thing you can do for your health is to get to the origin of why you are depressed in the first place, so you can stop taking damaging medications. If you want to heal depression the natural way, the first place to start is in your daily diet.  Are you going to let food devour you or will you let food make you well.  Having good health in body, mind, and soul is a lifestyle choice. Don’t let depression, mood swings, anxiety, or low self worth keep you from enjoying life to its fullest. You can overcome depression and boost your happy hormones with food.

Organic Body Care Product Primer

Guide for Shopping Organic Body Care Products

By Julian Huxley

Until the standards for organic body care products are developed and implemented in all countries, as an informed consumer, you have to check the ingredients of organic cosmetic products. For this you need detailed information about different chemicals that are being used in making cosmetics and the organic alternatives for them.
The Organic Consumers Association suggests that whenever you buy organic cosmetics, you should screen the truly organic products in the following manner:
The cleansing and conditioning ingredients should be made from certified organic materials.
They should not contain any chemical, synthetic or petroleum derivatives.
The manufacturing process should be simple and ecological in nature.
Non-agricultural water such as floral water and botanical water extracts should not be used to increase the percentage of organic content in the product.
The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, educates consumers about controversial ingredients that can be used in organic personal care products in its guide ‘Body Care – A Consumer’s Guide to Shopping and Living Green’. The following reference list can help you in judging organic cosmetics:
Emollients: Emollients are added in numerous body care products, especially those meant for skin care, because these substances help in moisturizing the body surface.
Chemical petroleum based emollients include hydrogenated oils, butyl glycol, mineral oil, monostearate dimethicone, oleth 2, paraffin, stearic acid, petrolatum, potassium stearate and octyl palmitate.
Natural oils and waxes that you should look for as emolliating agents include almond oil, beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, shea butter and olive oil.
You can also use certain natural oils with caution. These include cottonseed oil (cotton is often grown with pesticides and about 25% of the global pesticides and insecticides are used in cotton farming), peanut oil (it can cause allergic reactions on the skin, hence do not use products containing peanut oil if your are allergic to peanuts) and grapeseed oil (check the means of extracting the oil as solvent extraction is the most preferred way of extracting the oil).
Preservatives: Preservatives are added not only in food products but also in cosmetic products as these are also susceptible to bacterial growth.
Chemical or petroleum based preservatives include butyl paraben, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and dazolidinyl urea.
Natural preservatives include essential oils, vinegar, grain alcohol, honey, vitamins A, C and E and grapefruit seed extract (GSE).
Fragrances: There is hardly any cosmetic product in the market that does not have an aroma. Organic essential oils are the most important source of organic fragrance additives.
Synthetic fragrances include amyl acetate (banana scent), benzophenone (rose scent), coconut fragrance, cucumber fragrance, and various fruit fragrances. Consistent research in the field of chemical fragrances has enabled companies to develop synthetics that smell exactly like the natural products and if you don’t read the contents properly, you can easily mistake them for natural fragrances.
Organic plant extracts that have strong fragrances include extracts from cedarwood, lemongrass, citronella, orange, eucalyptus, tea tree and fennel. Organic essential oils are so effective that they form the basis of aromatherapy which has been practiced in ancient civilizations since thousands of years and is now gaining rapid popularity.
Solvents: Solvents form an essential part of all body care products. Solvents dissolve one or more substances and hence you get a uniform solution, cream or gel.
Common synthetic or chemical solvents used in personal care products include acetone, propylene glycol, benzene, butylene glycol and hexane.
Water is the most efficient solvent as it is neutral in nature. Water is added in many cosmetic products in varying proportions.
Other natural solvents include apple cider vinegar and grain alcohol.
Colorants: Since cosmetic products are primarily used for looks, looks of these products are also important. Colorants are hence added in body care creams, lotions, gels, etc., to ensure consumers don’t reject them due to a dull color.
Synthetic colors are obtained from coal tar.
Natural colorants include saffron, turmeric, annatto, paprika, caramel and beets.
Watch-out When You Buy Organic Cosmetics

For the past few years, we have let chemicals encroach freely in our life. As a result of this chemical intrusion, most of our food, cosmetics and medicines, are contaminated with harmful substances as they form the basis of our modern production techniques.
Like organic food, many people are now looking towards organic cosmetics. But lack of appropriate standards for organic cosmetics has enabled many manufacturers to take advantage of the situation and mislead the consumers.
The definition of organic should be modified for organic body care products with a different set of standards. What is the problem with the current organic certification system? If we talk about a 70% organic product while referring to cosmetics, the remaining 30% of that product can consist of strong chemicals. Thus many cosmetics, in which the active ingredients are strong chemicals can be labeled as organic with minor modifications in the less active ingredients, or adding them with mild organic agents.
As a cautious consumer, you always take a look at the contents apart from the organic label. Then how do the manufacturers succeed in fooling you? If you observe closely, most of the 70% organic manufacturers list the organic contents first and the harmful chemicals are listed in the end. Floral waters, and water extracts and infusions from botanical products, are listed as the prime organic contents in most of these claimed organic cosmetics. But, on the contrary, they hardly have anything in them. Floral waters are hydrosols that are basically water by-products obtained during distillation of essential oils. There is hardly an iota of essential oil in the floral waters. Can these, by any chance, be the organic cosmetics that you want to purchase?
Many companies add ingredients such as diethanolamine (DEA), cocamide DEA, and triethanolamine (TEA), which are known for causing cancer. Olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium myreth sulfate, and paraben preservatives are also added in these products. Yet the manufacturers manage to label their products as organic because the current rules enable them to do so.
Some labels print wrong information. They add words like ‘derived from …’ to give the impression that the product is made from natural substances. Example is ‘cocamide DEA derived from coconut oil’. It might not be necessary that the cocamide DEA mentioned in the product is obtained from coconut oil only. Again lack of proper standards makes it feasible for the manufacturers to do such fraud labeling.
Some companies go an extent further in misleading the consumers. When you purchase organic cosmetics, you intend to buy the cosmetic products which have ingredients made from organic means without the use of any chemicals. However, there are companies which will label their product organic, referring to the scientific meaning of organic, that is one containing carbon in it.

Sugar and Health

Sugar Overload Syndrome
Healing Mental and Physical Disorders Naturally

This article courtesy Angie Lewis/ Heaven Ministries

It’s hard to pass up treats made with sugar sometimes, but I know that I have to, or I will get “sugar overload syndrome”. Eating too many sugary laden products made with refined flour literally make me sick, emotionally and well as physically. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a symptom of sugar overload syndrome.

Hypoglycemia is not a disease like you have heard; it is a warning signal that lets us know we are overloading our body with too much refined products. It can be cured through proper eating. Low blood sugar attacks will not suddenly come back just because you had some ice cream or a candy bar, if you are already healthy.

Just because last month you had an attack of low blood sugar does not mean you are destined with this condition for the rest of your life. If you eat badly eventually your body will begin to reject what you are feeding it. These symptoms show up as ADHD, physical cravings for alcohol, bipolar, depression, hypoglycemia, diabetes, IBS, gluten intolerance, and low immunity. Refined foods do not have enough nutrition in them to support all of the bodily functions and the body becomes mineral and vitamin deficient.

Listen To Your Body

Do you know how to listen to your body’s warning signals? My body lets me know right away if I have eaten too much sugar or refined flour products. I am already quite healthy - I cleanse my system once a year, briskly walk 3 miles every day, and eat a whole foods diet. I very rarely eat refined foods, but when I do, it doesn’t affect me like it used to twenty years ago. Twenty years ago I craved alcohol and drink too much. But now through cleansing and healthy diet, I do not crave alcohol or sugar anymore like I used to.

When a body is not very healthy to begin with the warning signals are a bit harder to detect. Why is that? The unhealthy body is so overloaded with toxins that the warning signals have turned into health conditions like IBS, gluten intolerance, obesity, skin rashes, boils, asthma, flu’s and colds, high or low blood sugar attacks, etc, etc, etc. The good news is these conditions are still warning signals (symptoms) and you can heal your body naturally before these conditions turn into cancer and full blown disease.

Is Refined Sugar A Drug?

People who are afraid to give up sugar won’t admit that sugar is a drug. The medical establishments, who are afraid of the revenue they will lose, will not admit that sugar is a drug. But people who are healthy and who are not addicted to sugar products will tell you flat out that refined sugar is a drug. It acts like a drug in the system and causes numerous health problems that eventually lead to death.

Is sugar a drug? It certainly acts like a drug for many people. To those with health symptoms such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, alcoholism, and attention disorders sugar acts like a drug, doesn’t it? So what happens when sugar and refined flour products are totally eliminated from the diets of people with the conditions above? They heal! You can be your own doctor by taking responsibility for your health today!

5 Ways to Cut Down on Sugar in Your Families Diet

Drink Less Soda Pop

One can of coke has twelve teaspoons of sugar!  If you cut down on your soda pop consumption by only one a day, you will be getting much less sugar in your diet. Try drinking one less soda pop once a week until you are drinking only one a day.

Buy Real Peanut Butter

Most Brands of Peanut butter have sugar as their second ingredient after peanut butter. Most major grocery stores have at least one brand of peanut butter that has only peanuts and salt as the ingredients. You can buy creamy or chunky, whichever you like. In my opinion, real peanut butter tastes better.

Use Unadulterated Bee’s Honey

Be careful when buying your honey. Don’t be mislead by the word “Pure” on the jar.  Real bee’s honey you gather from your own hives, buy at a farmers market, or from health food stores. Real honey is not processed or cooked at a high heat. If you drink coffee or tea use real honey as the sweetener.  Real honey is more expensive than sugar, so when baking use regular sugar because the cooking process robs the honey of its vitamins and minerals.

Eliminate Condiments

What are condiments? Condiments are jarred processed foods packed with preservatives and sugar. They have no food value whatsoever. Condiment use can be addicting because of the sugar content. You may think it makes the food taste better, but in actuality it is the sugar you taste. The worse condiment culprits are ketchup, miracle whip, barbeque sauces, relish and sweet pickles.

Try Real Mayonnaise without the sugar and make your own pickled relish from fresh whole pickles, or if you really are serious, prepare pickles from your own cucumbers!

Eliminate Boxed Cereals

What do nine out of ten of the boxed cereals have in common? Sugar! There is only one cereal I have found at Wal-Mart that does not have any sugar and it is called Puffed Rice. Add a tablespoon of unadulterated honey to your bowel of puffed rice and be sugar free! Better yet, make oatmeal or granola and add your bee’s honey.

Eliminate Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Canned fruit is packed with high fructose corn syrup. What on earth for? Fruit is naturally sweet. Canned corn and many other vegetables have sugar or corn syrup in them. Read all labels on the canned foods you buy. Some foods are misleading and you wouldn’t think they would have sugar. Think again. If you are serious about cutting out sugar from your diet be sure to read all labels.

http://www.heavenministries.com/

Pesticide 411

Do you think about pesticides when picking out food for yourself and your family?  Well, you should.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition modernise and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.

The FAO has defined the term of pesticide as:

any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying or controlling any pest, including vectors of human or animal disease, unwanted species of plants or animals causing harm during or otherwise interfering with the production, processing, storage, transport or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, wood and wood products or animal feedstuffs, or substances which may be administered to animals for the control of insects, arachnids or other pests in or on their bodies. The term includes substances intended for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant, desiccant or agent for thining fruit or preventing the premature fall of fruit, and substances applied to crops either before or after harvest to protect the commodity from deterioration during storage and transport.

Many common household products are pesticides. including:

• Cockroach sprays and baits
• Insect repellents for personal use.
• Rat and other rodent poisons.
• Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars.
• Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers.
• Products that kill mold and mildew.
• Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers.
• Some swimming pool chemicals.

Pesticides, in short, kill living things.  They are by nature a risk to human health.  This risk is balanced with the good they do in killing potentially harmful organisms.

The Environmental Working Group http://www.ewg.org/ has strong recommendations, based on their research , for what to look out for.  Visit there website for detailed info.

An EWG simulation of thousands of consumers eating high and low pesticide diets shows that people can lower their pesticide exposure by almost 80 percent by avoiding the top twelve most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated instead. Eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables will expose a person to about 10 pesticides per day, on average. Eating the 15 least contaminated will expose a person to less than 2 pesticides per day. Less dramatic comparisons will produce less dramatic reductions, but without doubt using the Guide provides people with a way to make choices that lower pesticide exposure in the diet.

Most Contaminated: THE DIRTY DOZEN

Consistent with two previous EWG investigations, fruits topped the list of the consistently most contaminated fruits and vegetables, with seven of the 12 most contaminated foods. The seven were peaches leading the list, then apples, nectarines and strawberries, cherries, and imported grapes, and pears. Among these seven fruits:

Sweet bell peppers, celery, kale, lettuce, and carrots are the vegetables most likely to expose consumers to pesticides. Among these five vegetables:

The Full List: 47 Fruits & Veggies

Click here for the printer-friendly version.

RANK	FRUIT OR VEGGIE	SCORE
1 (worst)	Peach	100 (highest pesticide load)
2	Apple	93
3	Sweet Bell Pepper	83
4	Celery	82
5	Nectarine	81
6	Strawberries	80
7	Cherries	73
8	Kale	69
9	Lettuce	67
10	Grapes - Imported	66
11	Carrot	63
12	Pear	63
13	Collard Greens	60
14	Spinach	58
15	Potato	56
16	Green Beans	53
17	Summer Squash	53
18	Pepper	51
19	Cucumber	50
20	Raspberries	46
21	Grapes - Domestic	44
22	Plum	44
23	Orange	44
24	Cauliflower	39
25	Tangerine	37
26	Mushrooms	36
27	Banana	34
28	Winter Squash	34
29	Cantaloupe	33
30	Cranberries	33
31	Honeydew Melon	30
32	Grapefruit	29
33	Sweet Potato	29
34	Tomato	29
35	Broccoli	28
36	Watermelon	26
37	Papaya	20
38	Eggplant	20
39	Cabbage	17
40	Kiwi	13
41	Sweet Peas - Frozen	10
42	Asparagus	10
43	Mango	9
44	Pineapple	7
45	Sweet Corn - Frozen	2
46	Avocado	1
47 (best)	Onion	1 (lowest pesticide load)

Fall Hair Trends From The Runways

By Jennifer Van Leigh

Fall fashion lines are in stores now, but what about the hair? Fortunately, these styles are easy to re-create at any time. Atlanta Salon and Spa sat down with Robin Boyar, co-owner of Studio 305 in Buckhead to get the tips. 

The tools: Bobby pins, hair elastics, fine tooth comb, medium-barrel curling iron.

Look: Deep, Slick Parts
Where You’ve Seen It: Alexander Wang, Chloe, Pucci, Jill Sander
Starting with unwashed hair, create a part on the side of your choosing. Using a fine tooth comb, sweep the hair into place, smoothing with your other hand. Robin recommends Redken Forceful #23 Finishing Spray for a flexible hold to keep your part in place throughout the day. The look can be finished with a barrette, a low ponytail or a fashion-friendly knot (see below).

Look: Brushed Back Pompadour
Where You’ve Seen It:Carolina Herrera, Gucci, MiuMiu
For those with long hair, section out your front piece, depending on how much height you’d like, and pull the rest back to keep it out of the way. Separate your front into another two separate pieces, one behind the other. Take a medium-barrel curling to your front piece, making sure to “keep it in a curled position until the hair cools” reminds Robin. This piece is what will give you a smooth and shapely pompadour. Back-comb the rear piece until you achieve your desired height and volume. Gather the two pieces together and pull toward your crown, though “make sure not to pull too tightly” warns Robin. Secure with a bobby pin if necessary, and finish with Tri Aerogel Styling Spray for firm hold.
Alternate looks: The runways of Karl Lagerfeld and Prada featured messy, casual versions of this look, using only backcombing and bobby pins, forgoing the smooth appearance. The stylists for Oscar De La Renta aimed for a more formal bouffant style, for which sectioning and back-combing your side pieces is also step toward achieving a fuller look.
With a pompadour in front, anything goes in back! Create a faux-hawk, a high ponytail, or a French twist.

Look: Loose Natural Waves
Where You’ve Seen It: Anna Sui, Dsquared, Proenza Schouler
There’s not much to this look, simply clean and healthy hair parted any which way you’d like. For this look, focus on the health of your hair and scalp. If you’re a product junkie, Robin recommends leaving shampoo on your scalp for a minute or two, “to fully cut through all the product build-up.” Give yourself a scalp massage through shampooing and conditioning, using the pads of your fingers to stimulate the scalp and roots. For those with finer hair, use a conditioner on the lower lengths of your hair only, to avoid a weighted, stringy look.
With your refreshed scalp and clean hair, add a part and you’re ready to go. If you’d like more waves, Robin recommends applying Redken Spray Starch, and then wrap individual sections around a medium-barrel curling iron held vertically. Once the hair has cooled and the curl has set, finger-comb through the lengths of your hair to soften the effect.

Look: Buns and Knots
Where You’ve Seen It: Christian Lacroix, Giorgio Armani
Paired with a slick part as seen at Armani, or worn high at the crown, buns and knots are a great way to add accent or focus to your style. If you plan on using a part or other styled front that may affect the way your bun sits, take care of that first using the tips above.
Both buns and knots start with gathering your hair into an elastic as a base for each look. For a simple bun, take the ponytail and twist tightly, shaping the hair into a circle as it coils in on itself, pinning through pieces of your hair and securing them to the elastic. Tuck the ends into the elastic, or pin one final time, and you’re all set. You can finish with a holding spray, or let a few pieces fly as time passes. For a light but secure hold, one of Robin’s surefire tricks is crossing two pins through the base.
When making a knot, take tiny sections from the aforementioned ponytail and twist until they coil, securing each set of ends into the elastic. For a less formal effect, take the small sections and loop over and under, every which way, pinning ends to the elastic as you go.

The Look: Hyper-Pinned
Where You’ve Seen It: Christian Dior
No one does it like Dior when it comes to clothes, but now you can have the hair! By far the friendliest style for a lazy Sunday when you still want to look runway-cool, over-pinning works best with slightly dirty hair and a part of your choosing. For a stronger look, oversized pins are the way to go, although contrasting colors work just as well. The stylists for Dior used pins to create faux-bangs, bobs and finger waves, but your hair pattern is entirely up to you, so get creative!

Robin Boyar at Studio 305

2293 Peachtree Road
Atlanta GA 30309
404-351-3519 

Hair and Makeup by Erika Audrey for Helmet Salon in Midtown. Call 404.815.1629 to schedule an appointment. 

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