DIY: Edible Anti-Aging Face Mask

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net (Africa)

Sometimes I can’t believe how many anti-aging products are on the market these days. Even more, many of them contain harmful ingredients, like parabens. Knowing the dangers, we still diligently purchase these products and let’s be honest, they aren’t cheap.

If you are anything like me, you probably live on a budget and would rather use something that is a little healthier and safer for you. What better way to do this than to make it yourself?

I love a good DIY because then I know exactly what is put in my products. Making it yourself allows you to avoid potential allergic reactions and of course, avoid the use of chemicals.

I believe that if what you eat is good for your skin, then what’s good for your skin should be worth eating. With that in mind, I started using this potent anti aging mask that isn’t just great for your skin, but is darn tasty!

All you need is 4 simple ingredients to make this tasty skin care recipe:

- 1 ripe Avocado

- 3 tablespoons Raw Chocolate Powder

- 1 teaspoon Matcha Green Tea

- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

Making this face mask is super simple. Just whip all of your ingredients together until they are nice and smooth. Give your face a quick rinse then slather on your mask. I’ll warn you now, you will want to lick it off your own face! If you cool this mixture in the fridge it makes for a very tasty pudding!

Feeling vegan? Use vegan chocolate powder instead! Vegan, gluten-free, edible and effective against fighting age? Not too shabby for only 4 ingredients.

Carrying on...

Once you’ve slathered on your face mask, let it soak in for 20 minutes. When your time is up, rinse it off with lukewarm water, pat dry with a clean face towel then apply your favorite anti-aging moisturizer.

Each ingredient plays a beneficial role in the anti-aging process.

Avocados are incredibly moisturizing fruits. They are made up of 85% fatty acids (think, Omega-3’s!) and are incredibly water-dense. They are also a valuable source of vitamin E and antioxidants so they effectively fight premature signs of aging.

The power of the avocado doesn’t stop there. These little powerhouses also contain anti-inflammatory properties to reduce skin inflammation and retain your skin’s elasticity.

Raw Chocolate is not only incredibly tasty, but carcinogen crushing, antioxidant rich age-fighter. It also helps regulate your pH balance, which can cause your skin to go crazy if unbalanced.

Matcha green tea is an exotic ingredient in many Japanese green tea blends. It offers 500% more antioxidant powers than the fad fruit goji berries. It is also 10 times more powerful than regular green tea because of its polyphenol content. Polyphenols fight fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, younger looking face.

Finally, unsweetened almond milk is a great source of vitamin E. The inclusion of this hydrating beverage is beneficial for fighting damage caused by overexposure to the sun. For the purposes of this mask, you must use unsweetened, as the sugar content in regular almond milk could wreak havoc on your skin and cause an acne outbreak.

Whether it be as a tasty treat or a potent anti-aging mask, this recipe is amazing. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Guest Post-

Author Bio: Sabrina is a beauty blogging jet-setter who loves sharing tips and tricks on how to look and feel your best via TopBeautyBrands.com. While she's on the go she creates quick and dirty DIY remedies like Fight Cellulite with Sage.

Connect with Sabrina on Twitter or Facebook.

Infographic: How Much Can You Save By Packing a Lunch?

How much do you spend on your morning cup of joe? $3.00? $5.00? Would it surprise you to learn that the average cup of coffee costs a consumer close to $4 bucks per day, which adds up to around $1,000 bucks per year? I personally try to limit my coffee intake to 1 or 2 cups per week because excessive intake can cause everything from irregular heartbeat to insomnia. Nevertheless, many of us depend on coffee to get through the day, so this coffee habit can become quite expensive.

With the crunch of the economy squeezing American consumers tighter each year, we are all looking for a way to save a few dollars here and there. This Infographic does a really good job of breaking down what we spend on dining out, and what we can save by packing a lunch.

Since this blog focuses on Natural Beauty Care & Routines, let's take a look at potential savings for the average woman.

• Women dish out around $5.00 per day on Lunch when they choose to dine out. I found this number to be rather low, especially if you're looking for some quality nourishment. I don't know where to find a healthy protein and vegetable lunch for $5.00. So this leads this tells me one of two things-

1. These women are eating fast food; OR
2. These women are eating junk food (i.e. Doughnuts, Honeybuns, etc.)

• Instead of dining out, the Infographic suggest a simple brown bag lunch consisting of a sandwich and fruit. For example, if you pack a Turkey Sandwich and Banana, you can eat for as little as $0.80 per day. I think that a sandwich for Lunch is not a bad idea, as long as you use Whole Wheat Bread, Lite Mayo, 2% cheese, etc.
• Ultimately, if a woman can cut back on dining out to only 2 days per week, she can save up to $13.50 per week/$54.00 per month/$648.00 per year. (I can think of many things to do with that extra $648.00!)

Check out the rest of the interesting info below:



Courtesy of CreditScore.net

CLOSED Giveaway: Huge 14-Piece Natural/Organic Beauty Lot

*Wait here while Rafflecopter loads. :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Travel Set contains a ton of Facial Products, Hair Products, and Bath & Body Products. This set is great for the Green consumer as most of the products are Certified Organic. Products include Juice Beauty, Dermalogica, Bliss, Pangea Organics & more! This set is also great for a consumer who is experimenting with Green products because it provides such a wide variety of products to sample.

I would love to keep these goodies to myself, but I'm giving them all to 1 lucky winner! Good Luck!

This Beauty Set Includes:

-          Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Conditioner 1oz Tube Sealed (Item height about 4 3/8 inches or 11cm)

-          Ahava All in one Toning Cleanser 1oz Tube (Item height about 4 3/8 inches or 11cm)

-          Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF15 Moisturizer 14% Zinc Oxide 0.5oz Tube Sealed
(Item height about 4 3/8 inches or 11cm) Exp 06/2014

-     Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Anti-Aging Mist 1oz/30ml
(Item height about 4 3/8 inches or 11cm)

-          Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer 0.17 oz Tube Sealed (Item height about 2 1/2 inches or 6.5cm)

-          Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 0.25oz Jar (Item height about 1 1/8 inches or 3cm)

-          Pangea Organics Facial Toner Italia Green Mandarin & Sweet Lime 2oz/60ml  Spray (Item height about 4 inches or 10.5 cm)

-          Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer with 100% pure Organic hemp seed oil 2.25oz/65ml (Item height about 3 7/8 inches or 9.8cm)

-          Bliss Body Lotion  0.5oz/ 15ml tube (Item height about 3 1/8 inches or 8cm)

-          SheaTerra Organics Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Shea Butter 1oz/29ml Jar (Item height about 1 1/2 inches or 4cm)

-          Ahava Intensive nourishing Hand Cream packet 0.14oz/4ml

-          Marvis Whitening Mint toothpaste 1.23oz/ 25ml
(Item height about 4 6/8 inches or 12.2cm)

-          Ahava Mineral Foot cream 0.58oz/ 25ml (Item height about 3 7/8 inches or 9.8 cm)

-          Bliss Zipped Travel Bag (10 inches x 6 inches or 24 cm x 15 cm)

Leibster Award- My First Blog Award

I received my first Nomination for a Blog Award- the Liebster Award! Yaaaaaaay! I have to send a very special thanks to Toxylicious for the thoughtful nod. I think that Blog Awards are so awesome because they allow you reach out and connect to your blogger peers and maybe even reach a new audience.

(source)

So, what is this Liebster Award you ask? I did a little digging around and I found that this award is typically given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Also, it appears the inspiration behind the name of the award is the German word Liebster, which means lovely, valued, beloved, etc. All in all, it seems that this Leibster Award is a method of spreading love to your fellow bloggers, so I'm excited to be a part of it!

Here are the Rules:

1.Post 11 things about yourself.
2. Answer the 11 questions that the nominating blogger set for you.
3. Create 11 questions for the bloggers that you want to tag.
4. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate and link to them in your post. (No tagbacks.)
5. Go to their blogs and let them know.
6. Follow the Tagger and visit at least 3 of the tagged bloggers.

Whew! Now that's out of the way, let's get down to business.

11 Things About Me:

1. I was a dog person until I was chased down and bit by a tiny terror of a terrier as a child. I am now a cat person.
2. I have 2 tattoos, both of which are symbols that I would have to explain the meaning of.
3. I don't like Romantic Comedies; they're very cliche and most of them suck.
4. I spend a large part of my day listening to Music, mostly Hip Hop, R&B and Alternative.
5. I have a new leading lady in my life- my beautiful 6-month old baby girl. She is EVERYTHING!
6. I love to travel, and will be taking another trip to the Smoky Mountains later this year.
7. I have a tough shell, but I'm soft and gooey in the middle...kinda like that Tootsie Roll Pop I just finished.
8. I have had the desire to dye my hair for the last year, but I cannot commit to a color.
9. I believe that you control your own destiny. You are the master of your life. If you can think it, you can achieve it.
10. I am TERRIBLY afraid of spiders; even the teeny ones that you can barely see.
11. I am a Vegetarian Wannabe. I have been slowly removing various meats from my diet, but I can't let go of my love affair with beef. I'm so ashamed.

11 Questions from Toxylicious:

1. Most embarrassing situation you have ever been in?
I stepped onto an elevator for a long ride up 10 floors. There was a young woman already on board.  Right as the doors were closing, the offender stepped on board.
Offender: So how far along are you? You're just glowing.
Unsuspecting Victim: (Nervous laugh)Oh, I'm not expecting.
Offender: Really? Well, how old is your little bundle of joy?
Unsuspecting Victim: (Even more nervous laugh) I don't have any children.
Me: So, how about the weather today, huh?
That was one of the most unpleasant and embarrassing events that I have ever experienced!
2. Which blog post are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of a blog postI did recently regarding natural aides for weight loss. I am in the throes of developing myself a healthy weight loss regiment, and doing the research for this post really helped me focus.
3. Whats your top blogging tip?
My tip would be to find your voice and use it to express your passions. The only way to succeed at blogging is to believe in what you're constantly yapping about.
4. If you are only allowed to use 3 beauty products for the rest of your life...which 3 would you choose?
Kiss My Face Creamy Face Cleanser
Miessence Sunflower Body Wash
Olive & Grape Seed Extra Moisturizing Fragrance Free Shampoo
5. Describe your morning ritual?
I keep it pretty simple. My morning ritual involves a facial cleanser and moisturizer. If necessary, I may use a natural blemish stick to deal with any breakouts. On most days, I'm makeup free or I apply a little eyeliner and mascara.
6. Top 3 tracks on your ipod at the moment?
"Somebody That I Used to Know" Goyte ft. Kimbra
"Mercy" Kanye West ft. Big Sean, 2 Chainz
"We Are Young" Fun ft. Janelle Monae
7. If you could be one woman in the world, who would you choose and why?
Ummm, Me!  Duh.
8. Best online clothing store?
Etsy.Com- Even though Etsy is not a site devoted solely to clothing, I always find the cutest tops and dresses. Not to mention, a lot of the clothing is homemade or made from recycled materials.
9. Best bargain so far in 2012?
I won three giveaways, valued at $300, in a two month period.  Lucky me! :)
10. Worst date you've ever been on?
 My worst day was with a really boring guy. He had absolutely nothing of value to contribute to conversation. The date didn't last very long. I got a phone call about an "emergency" that I had to tend to.
11. G string or boyshorts?
Well, wouldn't you like to know....

Questions for my Nominated Bloggers

1. If you suddenly came into a billion dollars, what would you do with it?

2. What last made you laugh?

3. What is your favorite movie of all time and why?

4. What is your dream vacation?

5. Would you rather have the power to be invisible or the power to read minds?

6. Why did you start blogging?

7. What is one of your favorite quotes?

8. What would be the theme song on the soundtrack of your life?

9. What do you miss most about being a kid?

10. What are you most grateful for?

11. If all the world's a stage, where does the audience sit?

Blogs I Nominate:

Eco Thrifty Living

Pure Makeup

The EcoDiva

Mother Nature's Maid

The Holistic Chick Online

Organic Beauty Vixen

The Nature of Beauty Blog

Organic Beauty Source

I decided to only nominate these 8 blogs because I think they the most deserving. Thanks again to Toxylicious!

Infographic: A Look at Cosmetics and Chemicals

I came across this Infographic this morning, and I just had to share it. Created by CosmetologySchool.org, the graphic has a TON of great information about the non-existent regulation of the Cosmetics industry by the FDA, and the apparent dangers of Cosmetic products that we use daily, like deodorant and sunscreen. The most interesting thing that I noted was that other countries have taken the initiative to start banning harmful chemicals that the United States still allows.

In a study done by the Environmental Working Group in 2007, it was discovered that over 750 Cosmetic products available for retail in the United States violate the safety standards, whether industry or cosmetic, in other industrialized countries. These other countries include Japan, Canada, and nations in the European Union.

In the last few years, several groups have been gaining steam in the fight for safer Cosmetics, most notably SafeCosmetics.org and Ewg.org. However, as long as the Cosmetics Industry in the United States is governed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Committee, instead of an unbiased regulatory agency, we will have to continue the fight for cleaner, greener Cosmetics.