5 things every Naturalista MUST HAVE....

1. Spiritual connection to Higher Power.  I personally am a proud Christian, non-denominational, who seeks my own truth based on my guidance and personal connection with God. It's so important to have your own truth.  This keeps you soul centered.

2. Favorite super fruit, veggie. Its always good to have a super fruit or veggie that you love that you can find almost anywhere!  My super fruit is a banana.  I can find bananas almost everywhere!  They even sell them at 7Eleven.   Whenever I'm on a road trip, I can always count on finding a banana for purchase.

3. Staple Cardiovascular exercise.  Having a cardiovascular activity that you love, that doesn't require equipment is great.  If you are on vacation, you can always take a run on the beach or a brisk walk.  I enjoy running so when on vacation, away from the gym, or a place I can't take my bike, I can always count on a good run, which I love!

4. Regiment to care for yourself!  With all the stresses of the world, its important to take out some time for YOU.  I've heard some natural hair girls say that they take a time every week to focus on styling their hair, which can be a task!  During this time, they really get into taking "me" time. Others may take out some time to get a massage or relax in the sauna, steam room or whirlpool.   Its important that we take time to center and maintain balance.

5. Staple Book or Meditation routine!  A good book can take your mind to a space of creativeness or may focus on a specific thought that may bring enlightenment.  Meditation allows you to quiet your mind so you can listen to your spirit.   Both are great ways to allow your mind to work optimally.

Bobbi Brown lip gloss.....

Ok ok, so I know I ranted and raved about MAC Lip Glass recently, but... in my recent travels, I visited Nordstroms to purchase some Bobbi Brown makeup (one of my favorites, but a current backup to my Temptu Airbrush foundation make-up) and was helped by the most amazing make-up artist. There was a special beauty event at Nordstroms with tons of the best artist in the area. Anyway, the artist was able to not only help me with my Bobbi Brown purchase, but with all the make-up products in the cosmetic department. Well, I told him how much I adore the MAC Lip Glass and he told me an amazing personal story of how Bobbi Brown Crystal Lip Gloss worked for him at a photo shoot. He applied the gloss to my lips, and let me tell you, I was sold. Flawless shine that works great by itself or overtop of lipgloss or lipstick if you are in the mode for some shine. I love trying and finding new products.. it really brings me a certain joy... :) Bobbi Brown Crystal Lip Gloss also has spf15 built-in! Great right? The BB Crystal gloss he applied on my lips remained for hours, providing a flawless shine.... a new love? Hummm... Really?... but MAC just took me back? What's a girl to do??? ;) ahhh.....love affairs! A love affair or emotional addiction.... u decide... have you tried it? What do you think?

Xoxo.....

Sorry I cheated on you Mac Clear Lipglass... will you take me back?

Picture courtesy of Maccosmetics.com

Well I must say that I have been a huge fan of Mac Cosmetics Clear Lipglass, since its first inception!  It has an amazing finish and clear shiny close is timeless.  It can add full seamless shine to any dull lipstick or can be worn alone.  Many have tried to match it, but the finish is the best!  Yes, I know it can be a tad sticky, but it gets 2 thumbs up for shine.  I think they have improved the product since its original release becuase it is not as sticky as it used to be.  Anyway, for me, its a winner-- and trust me, I have tried several clear glosses.  This one is perfect in pictures, showing a flawless lip and last a really long time.   Do you like? 

Ninja Blender Review

WELL Dolls and Gents...

My blender passed away over the weekend.. I guess I exhausted it with too many Green Smoothies over time!  Well, I believe that things don't happen to you, they happen for you!  So.. in keeping with that, I guess it was time to immediately replace my blender.  My sister and her husband told me about the Ninja Food and Drink Maker.  While at the store, it was the first blender I saw.. i figured it was destiny... so and I decided to purchase it!  I am so happy with my purchase.  The blender is amazing and perfect for my Green Smoothies and So Delicious milkshakes :).  So far so good with it!  I will post another video soon of some great new foods I've made with the Ninja!  I've made an amazing soup as well as my owm fruit sweeteners to use in my Vegan/ Naturally sweetened desserts.   

Desert Essence: Re-launch... Best natural face wash

Desert Essence has been a leader in the natural beauty industry for 38 years. With such amazing products its no wonder they have stayed afloat, and continue so  strong. My favorite Desert Essence product is the Thoroughly Clean Face Wash- Original. It cleans my face wonderfully, without over drying. My skin has the perfect balance after use. The face wash is all natural, and some of the ingredients include tea tree oil, awapuhi plant and soothing chamomile.  I;ve been using tis for about 10 months... Prior to this I spent TONS of $$$ on expensive face washes and in my opinion, none of them compare to Desert Essence.  Let me know if you try it or if you use it and your reviews/thoughts on this product. I'm sure others must love it, if they are the #1 selling face wash... xoxo

If you have dry and/or sensitive skin, you should probably try Gentle Nourishing Organic Cleanser.

Designer watch: Korto Momolu

For all my naturally beautiful fashionistas out there, I hope you got a chance to either attend or keep up with some of the fashion from fall fashion week 2010 in NYC... there were some really interesting and aspiring designs this year. Korto Momolu especially stood out for me as I loved her designs while she was on project runway and was really interested to see what she air do with an entire line. She definitely did not let me down! Check out some of her things from the runway and her site at.

So Delicious coconut milk icecream

Interested in a tasty alternative to regular icecream? Try So Delicious by Turtle Mountain. It's very tasty! Although its sweetened with Agave Nectar (I'm not a big fan of agave) its a good occasional treat and is better for you and less sweet than sugar. The other ingredients are pretty good though!

BONUS: If I'm in the mode for something extra, a take a scoop So Delicious vanilla bean coconut milk icecream, a cup of So Delicious coconut milk for drinking, a dark chocolate and oatmeal raisins cookie by Kashi, blend all ingredients together in the blender for a cozy milkshake with 1/3 of the fat and calories with no processed sugar!

Raw/Vegan Mint Chocolate Cheesecake

Move over Cheesecake Factory, there is a new VEGAN Cheesecake on the block! For all of my vegans/raw food dessert lovers, I had the most amazing raw/vegan cheesecake ever!

I purchased this locally (for me), but the site is WWW.ziascafe.com. The ingredients included cashews, almonds, coconut oil, dates, raw cacao beans, vanilla extract, mint and sea salt. I have to figure out how to make this and blend all the amazingly good ingredients together, but until then....I'll continue to be a regular at Zia's! If I figure out how to make it, ill ne sure to post my recipe. Any suggestions?

Happy First day of Autumn! Tips for season change...

Happy 1st day of Autumn! The leaves are getting reading to change, the squirrels are gathering their nuts, new local fruits and veggies to taste are in season and it’s a time of harvest. The air is crisp, the colors of foods are vibrant, ahhh yes, the sound of leaves swishing soothes my soul. Simply put, I love Autumn as it’s a time of change, transition, growth and maturation in nature and in us. People tend to turn inward both mentally and physically during this season as a natural instinct as the departure from Summer takes place and the preparation for Winter begins. Here are my top 5 tips on how to stay focused in Autumn! Remember.. it’s a lifestyle, it’s a journey… TOP 5 TIPS on How to Stay Focused in Autumn, mind, body and spirit:

#1. Continue to enjoy the outdoors! Although the days are shorter, Autumn is a great season to appreciate the great outdoors. Most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors, inhaling recycled air and other people's germs, so take every opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh crisp air. Be sure to dress in layers and keep your neck warm.
#2. Boost your Immune System! Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C, E, Beta carotene, Zinc, Omega 3 Fatty Acids which boost your immune system naturally. Wash hands thoroughly. Take Echinacea supplements. (I usually take for 2 weeks, then stop. Do not overdo it with the echinadea).
#3. Fall Cleaning! Clean your home inside and out as well as other surroundings. This is a great time to get rid of things you accumulated over the hustle and bustle of the summer. Empty the trunk of your car and store your lawn chairs, beach accessories etc. so they are in optimal use for next year.
#4. Take a class! If you are not currently enrolled in school for the fall, look into taking a class in an area of interest or seek a certification in your field. There are tons of classes that you can take from pottery, cooking, sewing, nutrition.. the list goes on! There are free classes as well as relatively inexpensive classes that you can take. Enhance your knowledge and expand your mind!
#5. Reflect on the inner you, but NO REGRETS! What did you learn about yourself that was new this summer? Did you complete task, did you accomplish everything on your Spiritual checklist? Whatever the case may be, don’t REGRET anything! Take this time to reflect on the inner your and your growth on your journey of life. Start with…
(1) Analyze & Acknowledge
(2) Take responsibility
(3) Create a Solution
(4) Take Action

Anything that is on your list that you did not accomplish, use this time to refocus and get things done! The best way to clear your Mind of clutter to make room for new ideas and vision is to yield to your Spirit, listen to your Spirit for direction and understanding then let your Body manifest the solution and turn it into an ACCOMPLISHMENT! You will feel great once you check things off your list… then.. on to the next thing… Remember: Life is a journey…

Nameste.. xoxo

Top 3 Outdoor Exersice Activities for Autumn

I HEART the weather in September on the East Coast! Warm days & cool nights... I'm really enjoying the weather this month and hope you are getting out and enjoying it as well! If your on the East Coast in the US like I am, God has blessed us with some amazing weather right now so take advantage of it! Rise early and enjoy the morning or shorten your workday and enjoy in the evening. Whatever your fancy, just do it....

Fall is just around the corner.... Here are my personal top 3 Autumn outdoor aerobic activities....

#1. Cycling! Not only is cycling a ton of fun either by yourself, with your mate, a group of friends, or family, its low impact and one of the best all around aerobic exercise and heart healthy exercises. Cycling had been proven to boost your metabolism, improve balance and coordinator (be sure to engage your core while riding), and is one of the best exercises to shed stubborn flabby abs (...yes)!
In addition, cycling is a great way to explore new places and covers more territory then walking. You can find local nature trails and meet fellow cyclist while on your travels. AND cycling is GREEN as it does not let out harmful chemicals into the air.
TIP: Dress warm for an evening ride, get cycling gloves to protect your soft hands and be sure to take a scarf if you don't like your neck being cold like me! Plus a scarf while riding is uber chic... ;)



Me, preparing to cycle at a local trail!

#2. Hiking! This is a great way to explore nature! With the seasons changing, many of the pesky summer bugs (mosquitos, biting flies, stink bugs) are dying off so you have more freedom without worrying about "random bites". :) Hiking is great for overall body wellness as it engages you legs, thighs, core and arms for full body aerobic fun. In addition, you get a good dose of fresh air at a different altitude. Taking breaks while hiking is a great time to gain serenity and find a quite place for a brief meditation!
Check your local Craigslist or magazine websites as many will post guided hiking trips right in your neck of the woods. Hiking groups are good so you never have to hike alone and provide a great way to meet people who share similar interest as you.
TIP: For optimal safety, Never hike alone, take water and some nuts, dress in layers and bring back souvenirs! As a child, my parents would take us on "nature walks" and we would collect the most beautiful leaves and rocks! We would glue the leaves to boxes, along with other crafty things and paint the rocks with faces! My nature projects have since graduated to more elaborate crafts, but it makes great Autumn Home Decor.

#3. Walking! Always a classic exercise, walking is your body's natural form of exercise! It's safe, simple, requires no equipment, is good for your heart, encourages healthy digestion and is a great full body aerobic activity. Walking is beneficial at a slow pace or ay a fast pace. It really gets gets blood flowing. Walking helps to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, improve your mood and gets your adrenaline going. If done in the morning. It sets the pave for your day and in the evening, it encourages good sound sleep.
TIP: Wear light colored clothing or clothing with a reflector so motorist can see you. The days are getting shorter and you don't want to underestimate the sunset and be out walking in the dark unprotected.

BONUS: This is a BONUS for me as I haven't done this yet and I really want to! Has anyone been....... Canoeing/Kayaking?! I really want to try it, but haven't built up the nerve yet for it!!!! Please encourage me.... :)


Xoxo...

Brahmi Oil.... Great for hair growth, sound sleep and much more

Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic and Research Center provides a monthly newsletter with a wealth of knowledge in Ayurvedic medicine and practices. Please check out the July 2010 issue of AyurvedaNews for more information on the benefits and uses of Brahmi.

Here is the Brahmi oil that I use on my hair.  Brahmi oil is really amazing and promotes the growth of long and lustrous black hair and provides sound sleep. It also helps in curing dandruff, burning of eyes and joint pain.
















In addition to Brahmi oil, see my previous post on my Top 5 hair oils.   Enjoy!... please post comments on your results with Brahmi oil!

A little Leopard goes a long way... Top 3 leopard picks

For all my fashionista, fall is almost here... we've retired our whites, but that does not mean our fiery side and fierce fashion has to suffer and be put to rest for frumpy and bulky clothes! Fall and winter are perfect times to explore timeless fashion options mixed with a little 'on-trend' accessorizing!

Release your wild side a little and embrace the animal in you! Remember, a LITTLE goes a LONG way when it comes to this timeless trend.

My picks:

#1: Christian Louboutin Kathena Leopard-Print Clutch (as seen carried by Kim Kardashian most recently). I personally love this clutch, or something similar in size and pattern. The size is perfect... not too big and not too small and the pattern is not overbearing as some leopard patterns can be! Instead of the typical yellow gold, try complementing this with pewter gold-tone or bronze jewelry to balance it out and nude or gold tone makeup...I think you have a winner! Timeless, effortless and chic!!!

picture courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

#2: Leopard pumps can be super stylish when done right. PLEASE keep it simple when it comes to leopard shoes.. it can go wrong really fast!

Giuseppe Zanotti Pony Hair Strappy Heel

#3: If you are truly bold and decide on a full on Leopard-print outfit, make sure its tailored and flowing -or- if you go for the fitted look, more coverage is chic.  The dress should be nicely tailor and be sure to wear your shaperwear  underneath for a smooth finish ;). I like this dress with a nice belt to showcase a trim waist.

Lanvin Leopard T-Shirt Dress at Barneys.com

TIP: Through the fall and winter months, continue to wear your feminine clothes to accentuate your body type.  Don't get lost in those cozy winter clothes and inadvertently put on stubborn winter pounds.

Being healthy is a lifestyle....

xoxo

ATTN PARENTS: Amazing book for teen girls!

Good morning!

Back to school is in full effect for our youth. I remember those days! Life can be pretty intimidating as you leave you tween years and began to come into your own. This is an excellent book which gives our teenage girls a great starting point to engage conversation and ask questions as it provides answers to many questions they may have about health, beauty, fashion, wellness, body image and development as they began to come into their own. I would like to recommend this book.


It provides amazing tips to help engage conversation. So whether you are a parent, godparent, aunt, uncle, or mentor.... check out this book for the teens in your life! (In addition, I am currently writing a book for teens providing natural alternatives to health and beauty, lifestyle development at a young age, overall wellness, body image, self love, etiquette and more! Please look out for this.)

All Natural, Night Time Toning and Brightening Facial Care....

Morning dolls!

Lemons and cucumbers are very important in Ayurvedic beauty care...and no wonder since both have amazing properties. A have a nightly regiment that works wonders in cleaning my pores, toning and balancing my skin. I do this full regiment about 2 times a week or a variation of it 4 times a week depending on my skins needs and the result are amazing day time skin. It is a bit of a process, but once you get into a routine, it falls right into your regiment.

What you'll need:
Small mixing bowl
Application brush
Blender or masher
Cotton ball
1 tablespoon Amla powder
1/2 lemons juice
Slice of cucumber

Stage 1: Amla mask for deep pore cleansing
First, you will need to thoroughly wash your face. (Right now I heart Dessert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi).
Next, mix the Amla powder with water to create a paste.(if you have dry skin, you can use olive oil.) Using the application brush, apply the Amla to your face in an upward and outward motion as if you were applying liquid foundation.
Let the Amla mask sit and dry for about 20 minutes then rinse with warm water and finish with a cold water splash.
NOTE: see previous post on How to use Amla powder for skin as a face mask

Stage 2: Lemon juice for toning
First, roll lemon to get the juices flowing then cut in half and squeeze 1/2 of the lemons juice into small bowl.
Dip the cottonball in lemon juice and gently rub the lemon juice on your face unitl even, avoiding eyes and mouth area. Pay closer attention to acne scars or hyperpigmentation problem areas.
Let sit for about 20/30 minutes. Rinse well and end with a cold water splash.
The lemon juice will tone skin and lighter dark spots or hyperpigmentation.

Stage 3: Cucumber for tightening, wrinkle reduction, refreshing and toning
First, take a slice of cucumber and blend in blender or muddy until all smooth, water consistency.
Using application brush, smooth onto face (should be mostly water since cucumbers are 90% water packed with nutrients!)
In the morning, rinse face.

Amazing results from this process. If your face gets to dry, do less frequently and moisturize morning face with jojoba or almond oil. I personally have oily skin and use a tiny touch of almond oil mixed with my sunblock and apply almond oil around my eyes and mouth generously in the morning.

I hope this works for you! As always, everyone is different, so do what world best for your skin....

Xoxo.... Namaste

A sweeter Green Smoothie! blended to perfection...

Ahhhh...... alas... another quick video on how to make an amazing smoothie! I hope you enjoy this! It's a little sweet, but its a great "starter" green smoothie for those new to the game.... enjoy!

Green Smoothie!

Hello my lovelies!

Green Smoothies are a great way to get your greens and fruit for the day! Check out this video on how to make a green smoothie... Enjoy. NOTE: This recipe is not very sweet. IF you want it sweeter, feel free to add some berries.

Happy Labor Day dolls and gents!!!!

I hope and pray that everyone is enjoying this Labor Day!!! This was an amazing weekend for me. I was able to catch a few movies this weekend and am still enjoying the amazing weather! I didn't make it to the beach this weekend, but hey... there are still 3 weekends left in summer. I did get to make a couple green smoothies this weekend, very refreshing! I really got a chance to enjoy... and not take things so serious! Working day in and day out, you can easily get lost in a mundane state. Remember that life is about your journey, and helping others along the way. We can't be our best if when we are stressed, so take time to smell the roses and share them!
Strive for balance in life, mind..body and spirit. All things will work together. Seize each opportunity. Declare your happiness and success as if you already have it in order to manifest!

On My Mind: Finding balance in mind, body and spirit

On My Mind: Finding balance in mind, body and spirit

This is an excellent post that I stumbled upon and it is inline with my thoughts at the moment and what is on my mind. It is truly amazing how God works. I am blessed everyday to have a great relationship with God. Please take the opportunity to read if you can.

xoxo...