Organic Avenue-Pre Cleanse
by: Kathy Hodge

I decided to start my cleanse a day later, so that I would have a day to prep from start to finish. I wanted to start it correctly and try to wean my body with a crash course in a no-caffeine day! It was tough!

I got an email with prep information which they suggest doing the day before you begin. The suggestions will create a more beneficial outcome, make the process easier and improve my results.

Nothing all that drastic: (I say while reading the info, making it through the day was another story!) The day before I begin I should: abstain (or at least cut down considerably) coffee, refined sugar, salt and processes foods. Also limit my intake of meat, fish and dairy. Continue my normal workout routine, drink plenty of water, and eat as much organic fruits and vegetables as possible, as it will set the stage for the next few days.

On the night before: I should have a large green leafy salad. The salad’s fiber content will sweep the intestine and prepare the body for the fasting.

In addition, the next piece of advice to do on the night before kind of took me surprise…it was to write a list of intentions of what you would like to release from your life. When we fast or cleanse, we not only detoxify our organs but also cleanse emotions from the system (which are held in those organs) and have the potential to really shift unwanted ideas, people, circumstances and patterns, and move into a lighter more vibrant way of being.

I’ll admit that one took me by surprise. While I had thought that I had wanted to do the cleanse to get back to healthier habits, was I really in fact also trying to shed all that unhealthy emotional baggage as well? Is the cleanse an excuse to do an all over body and soul make over? It certainly gives me a different perspective on my reasons and will be one that I will need to think about over the next few days.

I must also say that I am very impressed with the Organic Avenue process. I have received daily emails on tips that make it easier. They start out with my mantra and with what to expect. They have also sent me my menu for the next day and explained in full detail what the benefit of each drink was. They have also warned me of the possible side effects, (the headaches, the mood swings) and call them if I need with anything. There have also been tips on how to make the cleansing easier on your body, such as dry skin brushing, sauna, colon hydrotherapy, exercise and of course the biggies of rest, relax, repeat…Even my delivery man is a doll! I love having all of their input-it’s like having my own cheering section, and it certainly does give added extra support. I am grateful for it!

Managed to avoid the extremely strong magnetic pull of every starbucks, dunkin donuts, deli, kiosk and any other place that sells coffee (I know that will be my hardest!) I am happy that I have the next couple of days which will probably be the hardest in terms of withdrawal to camp out and retreat…it will also give me a lot to contemplate!

Visit surveyjunkie.com for some news and info on SwirlyDo hair ties and Twist-n-Roll Tweezers!

Thanks to veganbeautyreview.com for trying Twist-n-Roll facial hair treading tweezers and loving it! http://tinyurl.com/27oqacy

The hottest hairstyle this season is the braid! Today’s braid is an updated version of the classic that’s perfect for a long day at the office or even a night out on the town.

Women’s Health magazine July/August issue (on newsstands now) shows a version that’s perfect for keeping hair off your face or for that dreaded “growing out your bangs” period.

Headband Braid

1) Make a horizontal line two inches back from your hairline and separate that front section of hair. Leave the rest loose.

2) Starting at the left side of the head, just above your ear, French braid until you reach your right ear.

3) Secure the braid with an elastic and tuck the ends behind your right ear. Curl the rest of your hair with a curling iron.

About Arganica
by: Kathy Hodge

We all want beauty products that work. As well as being natural and good for us as well as the environment. Well, how about a beauty product that has shown anti-aging properties for centuries? One that is not only natural, but one that when combined with other botanical oils correctly can create an even more comprehensive therapeutic treatment? A beauty product that helps maintain and protect a forest that was being damaged and successfully rescue it? And a beauty product that has ensured decent livelihoods for the populations dependent on the forest by the creation of a woman cooperative? No small order…

Hats off to Jodie Tassello and Bianca Beldini! These two adventurous women took a trip to Spain in August 2009. They had a chance meeting with a medicine man in the Kasbah while venturing towards Africa. He introduced them to “liquid gold” to help protect and nature their skin on the journey. The “liquid gold” which has been a Moroccan secret for centuries, came from the 1.5 million year old Moroccan Argan tree. And it is our luck that these two women with their backgrounds in research science and Eastern medicine realized the “liquid gold’s” age defying principles. Not only were these two entrepreneurial women able to analyze and manufacture a product that will naturally prevent skin aging, their educational background allowed them to infuse the cold pressed oil (in its most pure state) with other therapeutic grade essential oils. The result? Skin that is glowingly gorgeous, supple and nourished with the support of nature to help you defy the aging.

Arganica’s product was formulated with purity and simplicity in mind utilizing the Aromatherapy principle of synergy. When the chemical constituents of two or more botanical oils are combined correctly, they will create an even more comprehensive therapeutic effect than if they were a single oil. Arganica’s argan oil contains saponins which soften the skin and restore the skin’s water lipid layer which helps reduce wrinkles. It also contains unsaturated essential fatty acids that our body can’t produce which protect cellular integrity and affect cell fluidity, helping to prevent loss of moisture and therefore play a key role in preventing premature aging. It is rich in polyphenol ferulic acid, known also for its anti-aging properties and its antitoxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties. Squalene, Vitamin E (twice as much as olive oil) and Sterols, which promote moisture retention. Arganica’s argan oil also contain therapeutic grade lavender and frankincense oils, which together promote regeneration of healthy cells , protecting from wrinkles and acting as a skin balancer.

In short: Arganica oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is rich in proteins to tighten and protect skin’s elasticity. It neutralizes oily skin. It reduces scars. It hydrates the skin by restoring its natural barrier and neutralizing free radicals. In addition to the wonderful product that Jodie and Bianca have created, they have also created an opportunity to successfully achieve the rescue of the argan forest and to create jobs for the women in the forest.

Traditionally the argan oil is exclusively prepared by the Berber women. In the argan forest, life is very family orientated and most women do not have regular jobs. They are often illiterate and constitute the weakest and vulnerable segments of society. Thus the woman cooperatives offered the first job offer and those willing to work their first salary ever. The Berber women, in addition to mastering each step in harvesting the nut and processing the oil, plant 1-10 new argan trees annually to support the local population. The reforestation in the argan forest is the most advanced examples of successful sustainable agriculture in Africa, and just as important, when you purchase a bottle of Arganica oil you are not only being kind to your skin, but also empowering woman’s cooperatives and protecting the Moroccan argan forest. www.arganicaoil.com

(Image: arganicaoil.com)

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Smart Cover Cosmetics
by: Vicki Fischer

I’m fascinated with concealers . They have a multitude of uses that really help bring out a person’s inner confidence by correcting a flaw such as a scar, birthmark, or more common, dark eye circles, just to name a few.

I recently had the opportunity to try a wonderful concealing product called Smart Cover developed by camouflage expert Flori Roberts, and Nancy Roberts.

Smart Cover Cosmetics has a nice array of products that target concealing, anti- aging, and everything else you need to create a flawless look. The instruction brochure by Hollywood Make-up Artist, Christina Smith, teaches you how to use the product with ease, along with lots of other interesting information.

This product is lightweight, creamy, and easy to use. I decided to put Smart Cover to the test on my tattoo. What do you think? I couldn’t believe how quickly it erased my tattoo, and how smooth my leg looked.

Smart Cover is available online at www.smartcover.com, or by calling 1-877-651-6655.

About Rae Cosmetics
by: Kathy Hodge

It has been a brutal summer in the Northeast. It will probably be our second warmest July of record. We have had about 20+ plus days of 90 degree temperature. Add to that the humidity. And of course in New York City, while the subway is certainly the most convenient way to travel, the temperatures are about 15+ degrees hotter under the ground. While I may look well-groomed and coiffed when I leave my apartment, I most certainly don’t look it by the time I arrive at my destination! My make-up is melted off and my eyes are irritated from the now liquid pools that have formed on my skin! I use a minimum amount of make-up normally, and I certainly don’t like applying heavy coverage nor do I have the time to constantly be primping and re-applying! Well, the make-up goddesses must have heard my plight and taken pity on me! (Either that or I really did look that bad!) As luck would have it, I was fortunately to meet Rochelle Rae, of Rae cosmetics when she was in New York.

Rochelle, who attended the prestigious Makeup Designory in Hollywood has a well deserved reputation as a premier makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur, became frustrated with the heavy makeup prevalent in today’s market, as well as the seemingly endless trips to the mirror to reapply. She wanted, as did her clientele, a makeup that would work in real life: and would be natural and long lasting to support real women and their active lifestyles.

After two years of research, design and careful attention to every detail Rochelle introduced Rae cosmetics; a fresh and versatile mineral make up line designed for active women and athletes looking for performance as well as beauty from their cosmetics. Pharmaceutical grade minerals and powders are oil-free, fragrance-free, won’t clog pores and are approved for use after treatments, such as microdermabrasion, peels and cosmetic surgery. Rae cosmetics were designed to work with all skin tones and types, including the most sensitive.

The line consists of face, eyes, lips, blush and bronzers as well as brushes and tools. Based out of Austin, Texas (and they really know hot down there!!), her line is readily available throughout the great Lone State. For those of us outside, she is rapidly expanding. You can also see her line and shop at www.raecosmetics.com

July 29, 2010
by: Kathy Hodge

Wish me luck! After blogging about Norma Kamali and how wonderful her wellness center was, and how I was planning to attempt her diet regimen, I am now about to start the plunge! While I am certainly familiar with the raw and vegan diet, I am a carnivore and while we are at it, I am addicted to chai lattes and a glass now and then of wine certainly works! But…I have wanted to try the cleansing fasts. I guess in some ways symbolic of cleansing the body as well as the soul. One that would hopefully help jump starts me to healthier habits. But I wanted a cleanse that would be healthy, and Organic Avenues’ cleanses (www.organicavenue.com) are definitely healthy and nutrious. It says that they are designed to nourish body and spirit, give your skin a remarkable glow and provide an unmatched healing experience.

For some background on Organic Avenue, it was founded by Denise Mari in 2000. Denise, who is working on her master’s degree in human nutition and is a certified phlebotomist, colon hydro-therapist and living foods lifestyle coach. An associate of Dr. Robert O. Young, author of the ph Miracle, Denise has been conducting advanced research in the “New Biology” using live and dried blood microscopy.

Organic Avenue has a few different cleansing programs. The “Love Easy” is for people relatively new to raw organic foods. It provides a truly balanced combination of juices and solid foods. It is a great way to start acclimating your body to the nutrient-dense, plant –based eating diet. The medium cleanse the one that I am starting, is the “Love Fast”. It is for those seeking the ultimate balance. It is their most popular cleansing because it features elixirs, juices and smoothies. It reduces the solid food intake and speeds up the detoxing process without going all the way to a juice only experience. Their third and most powerful cleansing experience is the “Love Deep”. It is Elixirs and juices: the ultimate juice only experience. It is a 5 day fast from solid food that should provide you with an unmatched surge of energy and incredible clarity that comes from drenching your body with vital nutrients.

An example daily diet from my “Love Fast” cleanse is; Chlorophyll Elixir, Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice, Young Love Green Juice, Goji Berry Smoothie, Cauliflower Soup, Fennel Salad, and Green Mylk. Sounds pretty healthy!

I will do my prep-work for my cleanse tomorrow…….they believe that there are a few important things to know prior to fasting that will create a more beneficial outcome, make the process easier and improve my results. They are:

The day before you begin your LOVE cleanse:

1. Abstain from drinking coffee, or at least cut down considerably.

2. Avoid all refined (white and brown) sugar, salt and processed foods.

3. If you are not a vegetarian or vegan, abstain from or limit greatly your intake of meat, fish, eggs and dairy.

4. Make sure to continue your normal workout regimen.

5. Continue drinking plenty of (filtered) water.

6. Consume a cleansing diet consisting of fresh, organic (if possible) fruits and vegetables. Include green juices, wheatgrass and blended vegetable soups. This will greatly facilitate the cleansing process and set the stage for the days ahead.

The night before: DINNER:

1. Make sure to have a large green leafy salad with a wide variety of raw vegetables (no beans or grains) or lightly steamed vegetables. Fresh lemon or lime juice, high quality first cold pressed olive or avocado oil, and Himalayan/ sea salt can be added, in reasonable amounts. This will sweep the intestine because of the fiber content and prepare the body for fasting.

2. Write a list of intentions of what you would like to release from your life. When we fast or cleanse, we not only detoxify our organs but also cleanse emotions from the system (which are held in those organs) and have the potential to really shift unwanted ideas, people, circumstances and patterns, and move into a lighter more vibrant way of being.

My real goal by under taking this cleanse is to try to incorporating more fresh and organic raw food, juices, smoothies, soups and nut mylks into my normal diet. I think that it is a wonderful and necessary habit which we can all adopt. And I believe that in eating healthier, in addition to being better for my health, I believe that it jumpstarts all good habits, .i.e. working out more, getting more sleep, and doing all those things that I know I should be doing but just don’t do very often!
I will keep you up to date on my progress…let’s see, tomorrow begins no caffeine, sugar and alcohol…nope not going to be easy!

The Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay welcomes Dr. Stan Castor of Artisan Aesthetics to the practice. Dr. Castor replaces Dr. Schaffer who is relocating to Alabama with his family. Dr. Castor will now be taking care of the Center’s aesthetic surgery needs. Currently Dr. Castor is offering two breast augmentation specials. Silicone breast implants are offered for only $4,995 & saline implants are available for $3,995. Pricing includes all associated surgery fees and is subject to consultation and evaluation by Dr. Castor. Call 1-888-424-9192 to schedule a consultation.

In honor of Thursday’s season premiere of hit reality television series “The Jersey Shore,” health & beauty brand, KYMARO has created the ultimate Jersey Shore experience with their “G.T.L.” bag. Housing items that give you the true Jersey Shore look, the exclusive laundry bag (that doubles as a gym bag) features products associated with the Gym, Tanning and Laundry.

All week, KYMARO representatives will be passing out these “G.T.L” inspired sacks including a “G.T.L.” branded t-shirt, a KYMARO sunless tanning kit, a discount card to Bally’s Total Fitness, and a Tide-To-Go packet, at “Jersey Shore” transportation locations like New York Penn Station.

These gift bags have Jersey commuters going wild – some are even willing to bare their “Situation” abs to snag a bag! Wish I was in Jersey right now!

These bags will be available for retail sale in August at www.ubuyez.com for $45.99.