LOW-COST, ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY

I have tried a TON of natural skincare products (and gone bankrupt in the process) and seen very few that actually work. So when I found a toner and moisturizer that ACTUALLY helped with my occasional pimples and reduced the prominence of my age spots (yep, already have some), I knew I had to share the news with anyone who would listen!

The brand Earth Science, you can check out their products HERE, is AMAZING!! Free of parabens, pthalates, and other harmful ingredients, these products cannot be beat! Not to mention my toner only costs $8.75!

I highly recommend the Clarifying Herbal Astringent (it's very gentle but effective), and the A/B Hydroxy Night Rejuvenator.




Oh, and if you have a moment, PLEASE CLICK ON OUR ADVERTISERS!! It helps to support the blog :)

PUPPY PALATE

I found THIS website with a list of vegetarian dog treat recipes!

A great way to please your puppy without spending a ton of cash. Not to mention you can make this a fun activity on a boring Monday evening. Invite friends who also have pets to come over and bring a few of the ingredients (and their pooch, of course!) and have a baking party.

Here is the recipe for the "Apple Cinnamon Pupcakes":

Ingredients:
1 tbl. Baking powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 tbl honey
4 cups flour
2 ¾ cups water
¼ c. unsweetened applesauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 c. dried or fresh apple
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all wet ingredients thoroughly. Mix dry ingredients separately. Slowly add wet mixture to dry mixing as you go. Make sure dry ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into the wet.

Pour mixture into muffin tins. Bake for 1 ¼ hours or until toothpick comes out dry. Makes 12-14 pupcakes in regular pans or around 30 “mini” pupcakes.

DON'T HAVE A DOG? HERE is a website with some vegetarian KITTY treat recipes, too!

WEEKEND DETOX

So I've been feeling a bit crappy this week, mostly due to major changes in my diet. I'm staying with my parents, which means food that isn't exactly so healthy and tends to be loaded with trans and saturated fat, dairy, and white sugar. I searched the internet for some detox plans that DON'T involve starvation and found THIS article.

In this economy, why spend a ton of money at a detox getaway spa or buying "detox" regimens from your local grocery store? Create your OWN detox plan for a lot less! Try it out for yourself! For a successful weekend detox, include the following:

1) Eat ONLY raw, organic foods, focusing on fresh organic fruits and veggies.
2) Drink caffeine-free herbal teas, like the Peach Detox Tea from Yogi Teas (look for Dandelion in the ingredient list), plus Ginger tea and Peppermint tea are great for easing and supporting digestion.
3) Take FIBER! Psyllium is a great option, but make sure to increase your overall water intake to almost 3 Liters per day (it helps move the psyllium through and prevents you from becoming dehydrated or forming a blockage). Try Trade Joe's: Trader Darwin's Secrets of the Psyllium. Benefiber is great, too, plus it's a little easier to swallow...
4) Take Milk Thistle. It helps support your liver as it removes toxins from the body. Recent research has also shown that it may help reduce overall cancer risk.
5) Drink lots of water! Best if the water has fresh organic cucumber or fresh organic lemon. Just fill a pitcher and throw in a ton of cucumber or lemon and let it sit over night.
6) MEDITATE each day for at least 30 minutes each day. Find a quite corner and grab a pillow for a stress and mind detox.
7) Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. If possible, pop in an at home yoga DVD to help support your detox.

I'll make sure to update the blog and let you know how my detox goes this weekend!