New Sunless Tanning Review and LashFood

Jane Iredale Tantasia was included in this seasons Test Tube and after trying several sunless tanners and reading about the ingredients on the cosmetic database I have been very hesitant to try new brands but after doing some research on this product I decided to go for it. Its a very subtle color change and just adds a sun kissed look. You can apply daily to reach your desired color or just use once every few days for a glow. It has a wonderful natural smell that fades and doesn't leave the usual sunless tanning smell. There is only one color but it works for all skin types. At around $30 this product is natural and leaves you with a nice glow instead of an orange tan.

I have also been using a great new product called LashFood. As a former Lattise user I really didn't think a natural substitute would have the same effect but I have to say it actually works. Similar to Lattise it takes about 15 weeks to see a change but unlike Lattise one bottle will last months using twice a day instead of once. It doesn't have any hormone type ingredients and it's all natural plant based. At around $95 it is about $40 cheaper than Lattise and works almost as well.

The Hip Zipper and The Green Wagon

I want to take the time to blog about a couple of spots I have recently been hitting up in East Nashville.

The Hip Zipper- This is an adorable little boutique you can find vintage clothing, shoes and accessories from your favorite decade. What better way to go green that to stock your wardrobe with wonderful well made clothes that have lasted decades. I just recently purchased a beautiful red velvet dress from the 50's and the quality is remarkable. I also purchased a faux fur petty coat. Their prices are great, you may have to dig a little to find something that fits your taste but its well worth it. They also carry vintage specialty dresses by the register if you are looking for a beautiful dress for an evening out.

The Green Wagon- This is right down the street from the Hip Zipper. Its a tiny little shop that hosts a range of local and organic products. They also have a great refill station where you can bring old bottles and refill them with new organic skin care and body products as well as cleaning products. They carry a selection of non toxic cleaners and true mineral makeup. I love their children' s section where you can find clothing pieced together using vintage materials and non toxic art supplies. Also at the register they have delicious homemade gluten free baked goods. I highly recommend the brownies;)

Homemade Skincare

I am posting a few do it yourself lotions and potions. They are simple and can save you $ in the long run.

Eye Cream:

Ingredients:

• 3 T cocoa butter
• 3 T witch hazel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• Contents of one vitamin E capsule

Preparation:

Melt cocoa butter in double boiler until soft. Meanwhile put other ingredients in a small container to be used for storing. Add softened cocoa butter, stir well. Let cool, cover, and store in a cool, dry place. To use, apply a small amount in morning and evening, rubbing into skin in circular motions.

Face Mask for all skin types:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (skip the flavored stuff)
• A few drops of honey

Preparation:

Add the yogurt to the oatmeal in a small bowl and mix together.

Warm a few drop of honey. To do this, warm a spoon under hot water for a minute, then add a few drops of honey to the spoon.

Stir the honey into the yogurt and oatmeal mixture.

Apply the mask to the face. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with several splashes of warm water. Follow with a warm washcloth.

Mask for Acne Prone Skin:

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, preferably ripe (you can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using)
• 1 tbsp honey
• An orange or a lemon

Preparation:

Mix the banana and honey together.
Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon.
Apply to face for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth


* Please note these are recipes I found from various sources and not my own recipe.

Local Spa Review

I have tried out just about every spa in town and while each has their own specialties I would like to share some of my favorites.

For a facial: The Woodhouse Spa in Franklin has an amazing atmosphere and while its a little more than some of the other spas in town you actually feel like your in a real spa as apposed to a store in a strip mall. From the minute you arrive you are pampered with some of the finest tea, a warm neck wrap and a comfy robe. You will always receive the same service no matter how small the treatment as opposed to some of the others that treat you coldly if only receiving a pedicure. They have organic and natural products and you will not leave disappointed.

Cosmetic Market in Green Hills. I know what your thinking. A facial in the middle of a fairly busy cosmetic store but YES! In the back they have a small room for facials and I have to say that my facial was the best I had ever received. You can choose your facial based on the skin care line that suites you best. They also have organic lines to try as well.

For a Massage: A Moments Peace. The spa I am totally unimpressed by. It always feels cold in the waiting room and they never give you a warm robe or spa shoes, never offer you a beverage or snack but they do have a masseuse that is the best of any place I have ever been. Her name is Toi and she is AMAZING!!! I would go to a dump to have her work on me if I had to. She customizes the massage to meet your specific needs and she uses a combination of deep tissue and Swedish to leave you feeling blissed out. At only $70 for an hour session you cant beat it.

For Botox: I know I know.. I dont get this done anymore but if I ever decided to do it again I would go back to the same place. Belle Meade Dermatology. If you arent into walking around with a frozen face this is the place for you. They are minimalists so they will use the least amount possible to obtain the results you desire and if you arent happy and need more they will be glad to add a little extra.

Overall Spa experience: Athena Health Spa is a spa you can go spend the day. They have a state of the art fitness center, jacuzzi, steam room and lounges. Its women only so its designed specifically for us. I have never had a bad service there nor a completely memorable one but I will say if your looking for a place to unwind for the day this is for you.

My Favorite Products of 2010

I wrote last year of several products and after several months of use I would like to re review a few of my favorites.

First and by far one of my favorites, Egyptian Magic.. and boy is it magic. At only $32 a jar this will cure what ails you skin wise. It has been known to help with dry skin, oily skin, dark spots, freckles and I could go on and on. I wear this twice a day and with oily acne prone skin this jelly like cream does not clog my pores. My freckles had faded and I have porcelain skin thanks to this little miracle cream. You can find it online or at Whole Body. Save your money and instead of buying those $100+ creams promising to do it all... get a product that actually does.


So I'm aware this isn't an actual product but Lemons are amazing for your skin, You can sprinkle sugar on a half for a scrub or just use the juice to kill any bacteria that may be lurking on the skin.

Next is a weekly ritual of mine. Aztec Secret is pure green clay, you just mix with water or apple cider vinegar apply and get ready to feel your face pulsate. This mask only has one ingredient and helps keep your skin clear. Its around $7 a jar.

Enzymatic Therapy DermaKlear Akne Treatment Soap with Sulfur -- 3 oz

This is the only product I use to wash my face with. Its a bar made of zinc and sulfur. Its anywhere from $3 a bar on amazon to $7 a bar at Whole Body. While inexpensive this bar packs a large punch for acne prone skin. Its all natural with no fragrance.

Last but not least the Test Tube Program. This program is by NewBeauty Magazine. Its great! Its $29 quarterly but you receive a couple hundred dollars in product in each tube. You also get the magazine with product descriptions and details. I personally think as a skin care junkie this program saves me countless $$ because you get deluxe size products and you are able to decide what really works for you. I have found my new favorite eye cream thanks to this program. While not all the products are natural and organic most are so that's a major perk.

Change your thinking change your health and apperance.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".. this quote has never meant so much to me. I recently read a book called The Power. In it it spoke of love and gratitude as the most powerful emotions and through them the world can change. Not only the world but each individual in it. How you see your body and your health is a reflection of you actual appearance and health. If you only see your flaws then you have a poor self image and they show to others from your insecurity. If you focus on how bad you feel you only feel worse. I know its a struggle to try to see the positive but through it your world can change along with your own self image. I challenge you this new year to look in the mirror everyday and see your wonderful qualities and ignore the things that bother you. If you're sick try your hardest to look into the areas where you feel your best. I assure you if you can practice this on a daily basis you will be a happier person and in turn will make others around you more attracted to you.

On that note I would like to announce my blog will be making a slight change. Not only will I be focusing on outward appearance but inward including nutrition and spirituality.