Here is a GREAT video with tips on at home beauty secrets with EVERYDAY household items…

Can HOT water detox your body?

At first blush, it may sound like a strange concept; to drink plain, hot water. You probably wouldn’t think there would be any benefit, health wise, to do so. Sure, we all know drinking cold water, on a regular basis, is good for us. However, some experts believe that drinking hot water can be just as beneficial as drinking cold water, but for different reasons. The main purpose of drinking any liquid, water in particular, is to hydrate our body. Either hot or cold water will serve this purpose. Obviously, cold water sounds more tempting than hot water.

There is some evidence to suggest you can benefit from some extra calories being burned by drinking cold water. The body has to regulate its temperature to around 98.6 degrees. Drinking cold water forces the body to work a little harder to bring the temperature back up. Cold water is absorbed into the blood stream more easily. By being absorbed into the blood stream easier, it helps to keep your body better hydrated. Especially after heavy physical activity and a lot of sweating has occurred. So, with all these benefits of drinking cold water, what benefit could drinking hot water possibly have? Would purifying your body be a good enough reason? Drinking hot water is kind of like going to a sauna.

When you drink a glass or two of hot water, your body temperature will increase a little. Just like when you drink cold water, and your body had to regulate temperature by heating up, the hot water will cause your body to want to cool down. The way our bodies cool down is by sweating. When we sweat from drinking hot water, we are helping to purify our bloodstreams. We literally sweat out the toxins which have built up in our body.

Some evidence suggests that by drinking hot water, we remove built up deposits in our nervous system. These deposits are responsible for creating negative thoughts and emotions. By removing these build ups, we can help to purify our thoughts and put us in a better emotional state. Drinking hot water can also actually purify the toxins out of your body.

How to turn EVERYDAY household items into ingredients for EVERYDAY beauty tips!!

1. How to Whiten yellow nails-If you have a problem with stained nails the first thing I’d recommend is to take the polish off and keep it that way for as long as you can, at least a month. This is the number one cause of yellowing nails. Secondly scrub your nails with toothpaste. This will remove some staining and help add a shine to the nails. Next, Take one tablespoon of lemon juice(natural bleaching agent) and the same of baking powder and mix together well to form a paste. Apply a small dot of the paste to the center of each fingernail. With the help of a buffer you’ll want to gently buff each nail, don’t overdo it by buffing too much. Now you can wash your hands again and pat dry. Massage a rich hand cream into the hands and nails. After doing this once per week you can get ready for polish. I’d start with a clear hardener or strengthener. Dark polishes are the worst for creating staining. If you must use a dark polish ALWAYS use a basecoat so it doesn’t seep into the nail.

2. Moisturizing dry hands & cuticles-Create a mix for your hands of one tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon sea salt (sugar if you don’t have salt). Once the mix is created wet your hands and quickly pat dry so still damp. Now pour the mix on the palms and tops of your hands to be sure to cover the cuticles and nails also. Keep rubbing this mixture for 1 minute. Now sit for 10 minutes and let the olive oil soak in. Now rinse your hands with lukewarm water and a gritty soap if you have it to cut the grease. You might have to wash a couple times with soap to remove. Once clean, pat dry and coat your hands and nails in some of your best rich hand cream. This replaces the need for such an exfoliating scrub like Sally Hansen. The oil moisturizes while the sea salt scrubs away dead skin to reveal new healthy skin. Do the same with your feet. I always do this before I begin painting my nails for an at-home manicure or pedicure.

3. Want to lighten your hair?-When spring and summer hit most people head to the salon and get themselves some highlights for that sun-kissed look. Highlights are great but the chemicals over time can cause hair to become dry and can be quite expensive. I know that most people that try sun-in spray from the drugstore usually go orange, especially if you are blond to begin with. If you aren’t looking for a major contrast in color but just a simple lightening, try lemon juice. Use a spray bottle with ¾ lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best, but the store-bought will do) and ¼ water and coat your hair by spraying all over the top. The sun has to process this to work, so you’ll have to sit outside in the sun. If you don’t like to tan, cover yourself up and hold a towel over your face. After about an hour you can wash it all out with shampoo. You’ll notice lighter, shinier hair. This won’t be a dramatic difference but will do the trick.

4. Hair Moisturizing Mask-Use eggs. If you are like me and make egg whites for breakfast, save the yolks instead of throwing them away. The protein in them will help strengthen your hair and moisturize it. Mix up 2 whole eggs whipped, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 of lime juice(lime juice optional-perks up curly hair). Leave on your hair for 20-30 minutes and tuck under a plastic shower cap. Add heat for better penetration such as a hairdryer or a heating pad and hot towel over the shower cap. Finish by shampooing hair twice and rinsing thoroughly.

5. Relieve Itchy Skin- Add 2-3 cups of quick cooking oats to your bathtub of hot water. Let is settle and stew in the water for a bit. When you are bathing, pick up handfuls of the oats and cover the itchy areas. You’ll need to shower with clean water when you are done, but do not use soap. This little recipe is great for adults as well as a child with chicken pox or poison ivy.

6. Recipe for Soft Skin & Prevent Yeast Infections-Add 1/4 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to a bath instead of bubble bath. It will soften your skin and protect from getting yeast infections, unlike soaps that are often the cause of yeast infections.

7. Fixing Foot Odor-Baking soda is a gentle alkaline powder that will neutralize odor-causing acids by restoring your skin’s pH level. Once a week create a relaxing food bath by adding ½ cup of baking soda to about 2 Gallons of water in your tub. Soak your feet for about 10-15 minutes. As you are draining the water, put a couple drops of peppermint or rosemary oil on each foot. This will create better circulation in the feet and a minty zing. Finish by rinsing feet, pat them dry and then ensure you use a lotion or foot cream to keep feet well moisturized.

8. Deep-Clean Oily Skin- A natural antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient, honey can be just the trick for your oily or blemished skin. Twice a day you’ll want to use 1-2 tablespoons of honey and warm it either by rubbing in your own hands or by placing in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften it. Massage it onto clean, damp skin using a pressing and releasing technique. Rinse well with warm water and pat your face dry.

9. Got the Flu?– One of the most useful tips is to get out the hydrogen peroxide and place a clean cotton swab in the bottle. Use both ends of the swab and stick one into each ear every hour. This works to speed up the healing and recovery process of the flu. My husband just tried this again this week and it works!

10. Got a mosquito bite? Hairspray is an AWESOME way to elevate the itching almost immediately. Your skin will be a little sticky but its a small price to pay when your “itchy!”

Rights to refuse service

A salon and spa has the right to refuse service. Most do not discriminate against the way you dress, talk, look or the way you smell.

One of the main reasons services are denied is due to health reasons. This is not only for your health but also for the safety of other clients and liability for the salon.

One of the BIGGEST refusals in a salon is for head lice.  Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp. They can be spread by close contact with other people. Head lice is very contagious and spreads very easily. There is a strict procedure of sanitation and disposal of any combs, brushes etc etc that have come in contact with the lice. Head lice is frequent amongst school age children and children that attend day care. It is always good to check prior to bringing your child in for a hair service.

Another common service is pedicures. If there are any foot fungus or infections present it is the right to the manicurist to refuse services. This is a safety issue because if the technician is to provide services to you we could spread the infection or inflame it. It is also a process for the salon to sanitize and dispose of the implements used.

Herpes is becoming more common and can have you refused for skin services because if the virus is inflamed it is contagious. Herpes simplex is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a lesion or the body fluid of an infected individual. Transmission may also occur through skin-to-skin contact during periods of asymptomatic shedding. Barrier protection methods are the most reliable method of preventing transmission of herpes, but they merely reduce rather than eliminate risk. Oral herpes is easily diagnosed if the patient presents with visible sores or ulcers. Early stages of orofacial herpes and genital herpes are harder to diagnose; laboratory testing is usually required.

If you are coming in for skin services this could cause the virus to spread and also put the technician at risk.Massage service is tricky because if you are in pain and need a specific are massaged there could be specific health reasons to why the service should not be rendered. This will be discussed by your technician and any questions will be answered.

If you have severe backne it is often not good to be massaged until you have a treatment that can help the backne. This could be painful for you and also cause the spread of the acne.

These are  just some of the reasons why your services could be denied at a salon and spa. Remember it is not that the salon is not customer service orientated it is for the protection of you, other clients and the salon staff.

What to expect from a salon and spa

A visit to a day spa should be a blissfully relaxing experience, and not a stressful occasion. With a bit of research and preparation, you can be certain that your spa will be so enjoyable that you’ll be counting the days until your next spa getaway with us.

Whether you’re scheduling a visit for yourself, a friend, or a loved one, you’ll want to ensure that you make the most of a day at a Salon & Spa.  Even if you’ve never set foot in a day spa before, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed or intimidated. Here are some spa basics to help you prepare for a great spa experience.

A price savings isn’t necessarily a good bargain. Quality products just cost more. Cheap products can cause adverse side effects or be ineffective.

When choosing a salon and spa, it is often more beneficial to receive a good word of mouth recommendation than being lured in by a coupon or discount.

Your stylist or therapist should be warm, welcoming and keep constant communication as to what to expect during a treatment or service. If you are wanting pure relaxation, communicate that to your technician. Communication is the key to a successful service.

Always try to arrive early for your scheduled appointment. If you are late, you will sometimes not get the full treatment time because other clients are booked after you. Usually the therapist will do his or her very best to work with you if you are a little late.

If you are planning on having any facial or body waxing, PLEASE do not use alpha hydroxy acids or retinol A cream on the area being waxed for at least a few weeks. This is VERY important. These creams have a tendency to make the skin more sensitive and if you try to wax, you may end up with very sore area or even a red patch that will take days to disappear. Some salicylic acids can upset the balance of the skin enough to cause problems during waxing. When in doubt, ask your esthetician or dermatologist.

Tipping is not required but is greatly appreciated by your practitioner. Many therapists are paid on an hourly basis. A day spa, like a hair salon, is considered to be part of the service industry. Just as you tip your waitress according to the quality of your meal, you may wish to tip your practitioners in the same manner. You can do this very easily and discreetly at the reception desk. Some clients prefer to give a gratuity in the treatment room at the end of their service.

What effects does massage therapy have on your skin?

Our skin, being the largest sensory organ comes in so much contact with everything around us! This leaves us susceptible to germs, illness, and diseases. Massage can also give you healthy, vibrant skin! Improved elasticity of skin can take years off, leaving you looking and feeling great!

Additional benefits of massage to your skin:

• Massage helps to reduce tension in the skin and adjoining tissues as well as increasing its circulation and improve its nutrition.
• Massage can help to re-moisturize, and soften dry skin
• Increases seburn (natural oils produced by your skin) production, helping improve your skins suppleness
• Massage can help with some skin conditions like eczema, but please check with your Doctor to make sure that what you have is not contagious.
• Massage helps your skin foster resistance to infection!
• Increases nutrition to the cells in the skin and encourages cell regeneration
• Massage increases production of sweat from sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through the skin 
• Dilation of surface capillaries, which improves skin’s color and tone
• Massage assists in improved skin gland production  
• Superficial scar tissue is reduced
• Realigns scar tissue after surgery

Massage candles are great for the skin as well. Using your candle is very simple. Light your candle and wait a few minutes until the wax melts into oil. Most candles come with a spoon perfectly fitted for spooning just the right amount. Spoon the massage oil directly onto you or your partner’s skin and begin massaging- the oil will never melt to a degree that is uncomfortable. The oil will stay emollient and rich for a long-lasting massage, and then it absorbs leaving the skin smooth, silky and dewy.

Use the massage oil on hands regularly to keep the skin and cuticles healthy. The oils from the candle help nails grow stronger, longer and healthier. And remember to look for a special blend of soy, coconut, hemp, avocado, jojoba and apricot oils to maximize health benefits.

You’ll find that making the transition to massage oil candles is a wonderful and warm addition for your skin and home.

 

Hair Myths You May Have Thought Were TRUE!!!!

There are many hair myths that have been passed on to generation to generation and some are even legends. Once a hair rumor starts it spreads like wild flower and it is like playing the telephone game in high school… The version has been changed and altered to something completely different…

Myth: Frequent trims make hair grow faster.
Truth: Hair grows a half-inch per month, whether you cut it or not. Hair may grow slightly faster in the summer, but that has nothing to do with the stylist’s scissors and everything to do with hormones, which do speed growth a little. One thing a trim will do: Eliminate split ends, making hair look better.

Myth: Stress can make your hair fall out.
Truth: Although your hair is falling out all the time, to the tune of 50 to 120 strands per day, it’s possible that you may lose a few more strands when you’re “catastrophically” stressed, meaning you have had a major life change such as a divorce, lost job, or surgery.

Myth: Switching shampoos can make hair look healthier.
Truth: It may seem so, but experts scoff. Hair can’t tell the difference between brands or build up tolerance to any product. Your favorite shampoo will work the same every time you lather up, week after week, month after month. If you have very oily hair or favor a particularly sticky styling product that contains wax, it does pay to use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to wash away residue.

Myth: If you pluck out one gray hair, two or three will sprout in its place.
Truth: While this isn’t true, plucking out those gray strands is a bad habit. You can damage the roots, causing infection or leaving a scar.

Myth: You can’t make flat, fine hair look fuller
Truth: Five minutes with a set of large hot rollers will add life to straight hair.

Myth: Rinsing with ice-cold water after a shampoo will give you shiner hair.
Truth: It might wake you up, but a dousing of cold water will have no effect on the shininess of your tresses.

Myth: Coloring your hair causes major damage.
Truth: Products today — both at home and in the salon — are gentle enough not to weaken hair. In fact, some contain extra conditioners that may leave hair more manageable than before. Although it’s not necessary, it can’t hurt to consult a professional stylist the first time you do anything permanent to your hair or scalp.

Myth: You should brush your hair 100 strokes every day
Truth: Brush it only to style it, because brushing pulls hairs out of their follicles and possibly weakens individual strands.

Myth: You can mend split ends with the right products
Truth: Once they’re split, that’s it. You can try to make split ends less noticeable by applying a product containing silicone or beeswax. It will temporarily seal ends together, making hair softer and more manageable.

Myth: To get really clean hair, you must “lather, rinse, and repeat.”
Truth: One thorough washing will do the trick.

Does chlorine help clear acne?

Summer is a beautiful time of year. The weather is warm; the days are long. But, summertime can also bring oily skin, blackheads and breakouts. With a few changes in your skin care routine, you can keep your skin looking and feeling great all summer long.

One very popular acne myth, especially during the warm spring and summer months, is that chlorine from swimming pools can cure acne. Many people will claim that breakouts or pimples they have will start to get better after regularly swimming during the summer months, but this is not entirely true. While the chemical chlorine can make your acne temporarily get better, too much exposure will make any blemishes even worse. The reason chlorine can make your skin a little clearer is because it dries up oil produced by the sebaceous gland, which is responsible for a large number of acne breakouts. The amount of skin improvement people see can vary greatly, but many people might not see any improvement and immediately see their acne get worse.

While many people can experience temporary acne relief from chlorine found in swimming pools, this will not be a long-term solution and it can even make your acne worse if you have too much exposure. As a result of the oil from your sebaceous gland being dried out, your skin will become dry and therefore itchy or irritated. This will make your skin red and can lead to scarring if you scratch dry areas or current blemishes. So while many people might claim chlorine is a miracle acne cure, that is not the case and even short-term results have their drawbacks and can lead to long-term problems like acne scarring.

TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Heat and humidity can cause oil glands to work overtime. Control oiliness by washing your face with a cleanser that is recommended by a Licensed Skin Therapist that can analyze your skin and skin type. If your skin gets exceptionally oily, you can do a midday cleansing or use oil blotter wipes that absorb oil on the skin. Avoid using your hands that have bacteria and germs on them.

It is not good to create a habit of cleansing too often. For some, a once per day cleansing may be all the skin can tolerate. Cleansing too often can break down the skin’s protective barrier and change the PH (potential hydrogen) of the skin, causing excessive dryness and irritation, and ultimately worsen breakouts.

Some dermatologists advise letting the cleanser sit on the skin for a few seconds before rinsing well. You can try an oil-absorbing clay mask a few times per week (less if you notice dryness or irritation).

Does Olive Oil snd Extra Virgin Olive Oil have health benefits??

Olive oil contains 77% monounsaturated fatty acids, 14% saturated fatty acids and 9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and Vitamin E. In addition, the presence of phenols, tocopherols, and other natural antioxidants in olive oil also prevent the formation of certain free radicals (highly reactive molecules) that may cause cell destruction within the human body. Here are some of the health benefits to olive oil.
Olive oil and the skin:
The ancient Greeks used to bathe with oil, using a special scraper to take off the excess. To moisture dry skin, apply it daily directly to dry spots and stretch marks. You’re not going to be using that much so use the best olive oil; extra virgin. Pure and Light olive oil has been chemically processed, avoid it.

Olive Oil also helps break down calcium deposits on the skin. It takes some time and dedication, but the benefits are amazing.  The long term benefits vs. Cosmetic procedures (such as laser treatments) because it is actually helping preserve the heath from within the body enhancing beauty on the outside.

Olive oil can also help relieve sunburn. Olive Oil contains polyphenol compounds that act as antioxidants to help prevent and repair damage to the skin done by accidental sun exposure. The skin damage is related to the destructive activity of free oxygen related radicals produced by skin cells. polyphenol components of olive oil have been compared to traditional antioxidants, such as tocopherols, used by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry to prevent skin damage. Results show polyphenols as having the highest activity as radical scavengers.
There are mentions in Greek texts about the protective effect of olive oil, a commonly used skin conditioner at the time. A few small scientific studies support this. But this doesn’t mean that it is safe to apply olive oil then sun tan lotion. No matter what you put on your skin, sun exposure will eventually age and damage the skin. Avoiding the sun, wearing protective clothing or at least using the newer UVA and UVB sunblocks would be better.
Olive oil as hair treatment:

 
This helps repair split ends, heals dandruff, and makes your hair shiny, silky, and lustrous. Massage a few tablespoons of olive oil into scalp and hair. Cover hair with a plastic bathing cap and leave on for 30 minutes or more, then shampoo as usual.
Olive oil also helps in treating baldness. Wash your hair regularly and treating your scalp with virgin olive oil.

Defend against Aging:
Olive oil contains rich amounts of Vitamin A ,E, minerals and antioxidants, in particular squalene, an excellent emollient and antioxidant, compatible with skin and containing high levels of collagen–skin’s own natural age-defier.
Antioxidants help slow the ageing process. Olives are high in polyphenols. These substances are water soluble so are mostly found in the waste water after olive processing. The oil retains a small amount of the polyphenols. Some of the polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol have been found in higher concentrations in good quality oils while tyrosol and some other phenolic acids are found in poor quality oils. The difference between virgin and extra virgin is the acid content and organoleptic properties such as taste, so undoubtedly extra virgin has different polyphenols than virgin but as before the total amount of polyphenols are probably the same.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits:

A new study shows extra virgin olive oil, which contains more antioxidants than more refined olive oil, may offer better protection against heart disease. Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of olives and contains higher levels of a class of antioxidants known as polyphenols than more refined olive oils that come from later pressings.

Researchers say these polyphenols may provide another way to reduce the risk of heart disease in addition to the heart-healthy benefits attributed to the monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil. Recent studies have suggested that the bulk of olive oil’s heart-healthy benefits comes from good fatty acids (monounsaturated fatty acids), but researchers say polyphenols may also contribute to those benefits and further reduce the risk of heart disease.
Extra Virgin olive oil also produced another healthy antioxidant effect. It increased the level of substances in the body that prevent the oxidation of bad, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of this type of cholesterol is linked to the formation of clots in blood vessels, which could lead to heart attack or stroke.

LOWER CHOLESTEROL

The Monosaturated fats in Extra Virgin Olive Oil help lower LDL, (bad), Cholesterol without affecting the HDL, (good), levels.

You can take 1 tsp. twice daily to help lower your Cholesterol levels. If you take too much Olive Oil at one time, you might actually raise levels.

Never take large amounts of Olive Oil right before taking a Cholesterol test at your doctor’s office! Temporarily it will raise your cholesterol levels before lowering it, so it’s not a good time to get it tested.

HELP WITH DIGESTION & CONSTIPATION

Take 1 – 2 teaspoons of Olive Oil daily on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and relieve an upset stomach, flatulence, and heartburn.

For constipation, take 1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. The better your body is able to get rid of waste products, the more weight you’ll lose. You can also use Olive Oil as an enema. Use 1 tablespoon mixed with around 20 oz. boiling water, cooled to lukewarm, and mix together. The rest is up to you!

EAR INFECTIONS:

Lukewarm olive oil can be used to treat ear infections or earaches. Place a few drops of warm olive oil in your ear and lie down for 5 minutes on the opposite side. Allow the olive oil to saturate your inner ear. You may not be able to hear during this time, so don’t be alarmed. Turn over and allow the olive oil to flow out of your ear. For earaches, soak a cotton ball in olive oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain dissipates.

If you have any health conditions or concerns, it is always advisable to consult your physician prior to taking any supplements or natural remedies.

Mosquito Bite Remedies

Mosquitoes are insects that have been around for more than 30 million years. And it seems that, during those millions of years, mosquitoes have been honing their skills so that they are now experts at finding people to bite.

Stings and bites from insects are common. They often result in redness and swelling in the injured area. Sometimes a sting can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Arthropods are insects that live primarily on land and have 6 legs. They dominate the present-day land fauna. They represent about three-fourths of known animal life. In fact, the actual number of living species could range from 5-10 million.

GREAT REMEDIES FOR ITCH RELIEF:

Household Items To Relieve Itching

1. Rub a bar of soap over the itch. I just tried this (Ivory soap) and the relief was near instant. I used a dry bar of soap directly on the skin, but I also have notes that you can spritz bite with water and then run bar of soap over area–or use a wet bar of soap.
2. Place a piece of scotch tape on the bite; or dab rubbing alcohol or ammonia on the bite first then stick on a piece of tape.
3. Hot water: Take a hot shower, or a hot bath, or apply a hot compress. As hot as you can stand it without burning you.
4. Ice cube, ice pack or very cold water

Dabbers For Itch Relief

The quicker you can apply one of the remedies below, the faster the relief. These are topical suggestions, apply directly to the bite area.

1. Nail Polish
2. Strong tea mixed with rubbing alcohol
3. Toothpaste (works for me)
4. Mouthwash
5. Vinegar (apply directly to bite or take a hot bath with 2 cups of vinegar in the water)
6. Honey
7. Underarm deodorant (solid or roll-on) – apply directly to bite area
8. Rubbing Alcohol
9. Ammonia
10. Bleach
11. Tea: Use a hot tea bag or a cotton ball soaked in hot tea to dab on bite area

Paste Applications

Mix these fresh then apply to bite as soon as possible. The consistency should be nice and thick so it won’t run, yet will still stay in place on the affected area. You could also spritz bite with water then apply grains/powders directly (generously) and rub them in.

1. Baking Soda & Water (works for me)
2. Meat Tenderizer & Water
3. Salt & Water (works for me)
4. Epsom Salt & Water (could also do this as a foot soak if it’s the ankle/foot area affected)
5. Tums Tablets: crush and add a few drops of water
6. Aspirin: crush then add a few drops of water
7. Aspirin – crush then apply a few drops of rubbing alcohol