Minty Facial Steam

I was looking for a refreshing recipe and felt in the mood for mint. So I went to my personal recipe box for food, beauty and fun. I made a yummy cool Mint Julep drink with fresh mint. I also prepared a fresh facial steam.

Mint Juleps … are so 🍃 refreshing!

I wanted to detox my pores a bit and give them a breather from makeup, pollution and more.

What you will need for this recipe:

1 bunch of fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves

1 gallon bottle of water poured into a pasta pot (pretend you’re making pasta)

1 glass Pyrex like bowl

Bring water to a boil and allow it to cool a bit. Pour this water into a bowl.

Crush up some great mint in your hands to let the aromatics come out.

Place the leaves on top of the water.

Place a tea towel over your head allowing your face to be uncovered.

Keeping a safe distance allow the steam 💦 to reach your face.

You’ll start to notice a bit of moisture to your facial skin and feel like you’ve been “working out”. That’s good!

Your pores are getting a workout,dead skin will slough off a bit and your your skin will love you for it all.

You can enjoy this facial steam once a week. I like to do it for at least 10 mins. until the water cools to lukewarm and your face is glows & dewy.

*

Do not put your pretty face in the steamy water. Just near it and allow the steam to rise and meet your face.

Have you ever tried a recipe like this?

Enjoy!

Easy Marvelous Mojito

I love to entertain my clients in my business and guests in my home. I even wrote a book on it “Entertaining in Your Salon or SPA. A combination of food,drink and marketing fun!

Now times are a bit different and we are in a new frontier as we are in the midst of social distancing. But we still need to stay hydrated and connected with our family at home too. I am sipping one or two with my husband today.

Here is a thirst quenching recipe to enjoy this holiday weekend!

Marvelous Mojito Lemonade

2 quarts of lemonade,6 large fresh mint sprigs crushed and place in the lemonade.

Refrigerate prepared lemonade for a few hours or overnight. Crush fresh mint sprigs. Place the mint into the bottom of the pitcher or each glass.

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To serve the lemonade pour into tall glasses and top with club soda. A lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint. Want to rum it up? AND add some rum. Go ahead.

Everyday is a reason to celebrate. Celebrate the beauty and meaning of Memorial day and why we enjoy and celebrate this beautiful long weekend.

Day 3 Gift Idea for HIM!

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Last year I bought my husband a variety of small herb plants and an ivy and placed them in plant pots.  He works on the computer hours at a time. He also likes to cook when he is in the mood. So, my ploy to get him in the kitchen worked for me all year.He not only made us some spa water with fresh rosemary and lemons. He also uses the basil with Italian dishes and pretends be talian. The plants have grown into these eco healthy plants that purify the air from bad things that get in our home and keeps him healthy from all that computer blue light and what rays our tech tools give off.

Bonus they are so beautiful to look at and aromatic too.

So, I highly recommmend if you have’t purchashed a gift for him yet…

Give him a few plants in a beautiful basket,wrap in a cookbook and a small kitchen utensil and spoon or whisk…

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You now have a thoughtful healthy and creative gift.

If he is a foodie even better. Remember it is truly the thought that count!

 

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Looking for beauty? Go to your kitchen.

You’ll find beauty in a pitch!

After you make that cup of Joe take some of the coffee grinds and put them in a bowl …allow them to cool. Mix with a dash of coconut oil and you an awesome and cheap coffee scrub for your body. They say it is great for cellulite too.

Rinse well after a nice scrubbing and be careful tub may be slippery. But so worth it!!!

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Kool-Aid makes a pretty and yummy LIPS STAIN in a pinch. Celebrities love to use this hack. Simply open a pack of this powdered drink and mix with a dash of water. Apply with a lip brush or Q-tip. You’ll have a pretty tint to your lips and it will taste good too.

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Got an avocado browning that isn’t pretty looking or quite edible? Cut it open and mash and you have a creamy hydrating face mask. Apply to a clean face and leave on at least 10 minutes. Softer skin in a few minutes.

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Mint all kinds (peppermint,spearmint and more) they make an aromatic facial steam. Boil water,let it cool and flat a few torn leaves into a bowl with the water. Allowing only the steam to rise up to your face. Feels so good, gentle lifts any left over makeup or soap on your skin.

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Lastly another fave of mine is to use cornmeal to exfoliate my skin and polish it too.

I am working on the cooking stage today sharing my fav’ beauty in a pinch that you can find in your kitchen. These are easy to use and on the cheap. Enjoy!

Come back for more!

Cool Yourself Off!

 

Baby it’s so HOT outside! And my COMPLEXION is not seeing perfection. My pores hate me and appear to be the size of swimming pools and my skin is pretty shiny in some areas and tight in others. How about you?

I have always LOVED doing a form of Cryotherapy since I was a little girl! Only the treatment had not come out yet and entered the beauty universe. Here’s how I did it. When it is hot like this I  take water fill an ice cube tray and freeze them. If you want to add fruit or flowers inside before you freeze them…go at it. It makes them prettier too!

Next your freshly clean face is ready for a cooooool delight.I apply an ice cube (I sort of warm up a few seconds in my hand so no freezer burn face) Roll around and go up and down. I do not do the eyelid. This icy treat will chill you down quick! If you are hot on the neck and breast area roll a fresh cube there too.Use until you are done with the cube or save to use another time in a bowl in the freezer.

Using  ice cubes will tighten your skin and pores, refresh your skin and cool you down.

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Follow this ice cube treat with a HYDRATING tall glass of water with fresh mint (spearmint or peppermint) and fresh lemon slices. The key here is not to drink it iced much or no ice at all.The digestive tract does not like REALLY ICED water or drinks. In order to detox your system from all the sweet drinks and coffee you had all week. TRY this room temperature way. In the winter we will try something else but this is great for our bodies especially nowadays in this summer season.Skip a plastic straw that’s what I do… however,I’ve discovered the beauty of paper straws and reusable straws.

 

The lemony with a hint of mint water is a nice refreshing way to drink water and I love to serve it to my husband,family and when company comes over. ENJOY!

 

 

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Kitchen Beauty

Friday on a pop culture and entertainment show here in sunny Florida called River City Live TV I shared some of my signature beauty secrets from the kitchen or your own backyard. I thought you would enjoy them!

Make a facial steam bath…to open up your pores and sweat!

Your skin will love it. Make a pot of tea water…fill a glass bowl with some of that hot water.Rub herbs in palm of your hand a bit.Place sprigs of rosemary OR fresh spearmint inside the bowl of steamy water. Allow time for it to float and infuse the aromatics from the herb.  You can also try this D.I.Y. with other fresh herbs from your fridge or garden. Place your face near the bowl and let the steam (not water) hit your face.Do this for at least 5 minutes. Rinse your face well and use your fav’ face toner and a light moisturizer next.

In a pinch and don’t have any facial scrub at home?

Try using cornmeal from your pantry!

Take a spoonful and place in a little dish. Add some water. Make a little liquid  grain like paste. Apply on a clean face and work in gentle circular motions. Stay away from your eyes and lips. Leave on for a couple of minutes and rub again gently. I like to do this on my T-zone. Rinse well and follow up with your facial toner.This is not only great for the pores but also great for dry flaky skin as a natural exfoliant.

Got stress?

A kitchen rolling pin isn’t just for baking darlings…Get it out and have your sweetie release the stress on your back and or back of legs. Use with gentle strokes.It really does wonders. Use a dash of olive or sunflower oil for some massage oil slip (like massage therapists use). I like it better than on dry skin. When you can’t see your massage therapist this works!

Roses aren’t just good to decorate your house with they also make a floral delight for your eyes. In place of cucumbers a rose petal has soft hydrating properties. They say ancient Chinese royalty loved to do this. I prefer organic roses. All you do is take a petal and place one on each side. Rest your eyes and listen to some music or enjoy the quiet in the room.Now, remove the petals and enjoy softer skin.

I LOVE making fruit or vegetable infused water.…and drink it all day. Better than coffee or sodas and they quench your thirst and make your skin happy too. On TV I showed the viewers how to make a personal bottle of this water. I found an adorable glass with a straw built in and keep it on my desk or work area.

1 container or large pitcher of spring water

1 fresh organic kiwi sliced

1 sprig of  fresh mint

ANOTHER version simply add wedges of oranges.

Allow them to set in pitcher for at least an hour or more. This lets the above make love together and makes the water taste great. Enjoy!

*Drink at room temperature. That’s what a lot of doctors say is best to do. Not ice cold.

Remember my philosophy is not all things have to come from a store…making it yourself is fun and kinda therapeutic. I hope you’ll let me know of any ideas or recipes you like to do too! I LOVE hearing from you.

xoxo

 

 

My Skinny Water Recipe

Get Bikini ready or to wear less clothes with this cool water cocktail! I love-making this refreshing treat. So, I thought I’d share this recipe with you to enjoy for the long weekend.

It is also time to stay even more hydrated and this is one of my beauty secrets with a healthy twist. Say Bye Bye to sodas and sugary coffee drinks. Give your body what it needs. Water!

Here is what you’ll need:

1 bunch of fresh mint

1 fresh orange

1 fresh lime

1 fresh grapefruit

1 pitcher of drinking water

*ice is optional

Mint is refreshing and helps and tastes even better when you are tired or stressed out.Grapefruits are popular for their fat burning properties.Limes help remove toxins,are great for the skin and aid in losing weight. Oranges are filled with vitamin C and helps to keep you healthier.

Slice up 4 mint leaves of the above except for the mint leaves.Shred a few of the leaves and keep a few whole. Place all of these in the pitcher of fresh water. Let it rest over night or if you’d like to enjoy it today place pitcher on the kitchen counter at room temperature for at least 4-6 hours allowing the water and the fruits to infuse together.

Serve cold and ENJOY the beauty and detoxifying benefits! It is not just for helping you get your body summer ready. It is delicious and refreshing as a drink for you and the entire family or your guests at a barbecue.

I like to rim the glasses in agave nectar or a dash of honey.Or you can skip this touch of sweetness twist.

I so enjoy shopping my little garden (this is a photo of my mint plant) #shoppinglocal and visiting farmers markets.

I also buy supplies at Whole Foods.They are on the same quest I am on and I love supporting them.Let me know how you enjoy this recipe. Have a fabulous relaxing weekend!

Learn to love water…it will love to back.

D.I.Y. Pore Glow and Facial Steam

THIS really works at getting your skin going and glowing.

I love my oh so feather light weight VIOlife personal humidifier! It really makes the dry air moist (Dry air sucks moisture from our skin) and it makes my skin LOOK and feel amazing after a good nights sleep and it on in my bedroom. It is eco-friendly as it uses a bottle of water (like you drink) or fill the bottle that it comes with and refill it again and again.Simply plug it in and you are good to go. You can also use this humidifier at your office desk or in your living room too.

Another skin energizing idea …

I also LOVE to do a facial steam bath for my pores.In this brutal long winter weather unless you are an avid jogger or workout at the gym…You really don’t work up a sweat. This steam bath that you can do at home like the spas do with their expensive professional equipment is cheap,chic and you feel so clean afterwards.

What you will need:

A pot of hot water (like you are making pasta)

1 bunch of rosemary,dried roses or fresh mint

Boil the fresh water on the stove top and place the flowers or herbs inside then turn pot off.

Next, place a soft thin towel (I use a kitchen tea towel) and place it over your head. Form like a veil on your head and over your face. Lean your face towards (NOT INTO) this steamy water brew.let the steam hit your face.

You will notice your skin will start to work up a sweat and your skin will start to get dewy. This is a GREAT sign.

Remember you are doing a facial STEAM bath. NOT anything more. You can do this approx. 5-8 minutes.

Today on TV I will show the viewers how to do this on a daytime talk show here in sunny Florida.

Go to:http://www.firstcoastnews.com click on the left side on THE CHAT and watch today’s video later today after it airs LIVE.

More recipes from the show to come.

COOL Summertime Strawberry Soup & more!

My Polish side of the family has some delightful recipes this soup is one of them. It is so refreshing in the summertime and while strawberries are in season especially.

What makes it special are these ingredients: (and the Polish FAMILY memories)

1 lb fresh strawberries
1 cup orange juice
1/2 tsp of good quality vanilla extract
2 cups of vanilla Greek yogurt
*whipped cream
*fresh mint leaves

Clean and hull strawberries and place in a blender,combine the rest of the ingredients except whipped cream and mint.Blend until smooth.
CHILL for a few hours or overnight.Serve in pretty bowls and top with dollop of whip cream and garnish with a few mint leaves.

Yummy,creamy and dreamy taste of a recipe from Poland.My mom would be proud I still keep close in my heart and continue these traditions.

Do you have a YUMMY or unique recipe you’d like to share with me?
I’d LOVE to hear from you!

*Yummy photo from the website Cool Photo Projects.

While strawberries are still in season,you might also want to enjoy my recipe for a Refreshing Strawberry Face MASK for your skin.

Here’s what you’ll need:

8 fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons of local honey

Mash the strawberries with a spoon and add in the honey. This will make a fruity honey filled face mask. The strawberries contain Vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin gently in a natural way.
If your skin is looking dull,tired,sun damaged or prone to a blemish you will LOVE what this mask does for your skin.

Leave on your face for at least fifteen minutes and rinse with luke warm water and a wash cloth.Follow with your moisturizer and eye gel.
They say that Hollywood Celebrities like Catherine Zeta Jones use strawberries in their beauty rituals.
This fresh mask will last up to a week in an airtight container. I prefer to store in glass NOT plastic container.

*As I have mentioned before always do a spot test on the side of your cheek or neck to see if you are allergic to any of these ingredients. If you know you are do not use this recipe.

Get cooking and enjoy these two delicious delights one for your body and one for your face. YUM!

Healthy Minty Lemon Water!

I love to make plain water special but not by adding a sugared up supplement drink additive. I like making water we do at beauty businesses and Day Spas! By popular demand here is my recipe for making your own …