Got Dry Skin?

If winter makes you think of your dry skin instead of beautiful pale blue skies with crisp fresh breezes, snuggling up in soft, warm blankets, or the opportunity to wear the life out of your favourite boots then it may be time to consider adding some of the following foods into your winter cooking repertoire.

ü  Nuts - almond, brazil, cashew, macadamia, pecan etc

ü  Fresh ripe avocado

ü  Full cream dairy products

ü  Fish - salmon, tuna, sardines, herring

ü  Seeds - pepitas, sunflower, flax or linseed, chia

ü  Coconut and coconut oil

The above foods are all laden with good fats, yes GOOD fats and providing you don’t have any serious allergies or intolerances to them they can be really quite beneficial to your body. Before you all rush out and get coconut ice cream sundaes with piles of whipped cream and nuts on top– that’s not where I was headed...we’ll have a brief chat about the how and why.

You’ve all probably have heard names bandied about such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 and Essential Fatty Acids and cholesterol but do you know what these “good fats” do in our bodies? 

Each individual cell in our body is encircled with a border of cholesterol-type molecules, they ensure the fluidity and flexibility of the cell wall as well as assisting in transporting oxygen and nutrients into the cell for energy production and waste and energy out of the cell. Good fats are also used for a multitude of biochemical reactions within the body including transporting important hormones, transporting fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, and E, reducing inflammation, improving nervous system and neurotransmitter function in and around the brain and body as well as supporting our biggest organ and first line of defence – the skin by keeping it supple, flexible and healthy.

On the outside - hot showers, baths, air conditioning and heating can all have a drying effect on the skin especially as the humidity drops off during winter. Gently exfoliating with a natural bristled dry skin brush or loofah before getting in the shower will help slough off dead skin cells.  After the shower dry off and apply a natural, nourishing oil such as coconut to the body and rosehip or jojoba to the face, especially at night before going to bed.

 
So, I suppose my most important message here is when eaten in the right forms and as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle (Disclaimer J - by right forms I mean as close to nature intended as possible and healthy balanced lifestyle means with handfuls of fresh healthy green, red, yellow, orange and purple vegetables and fruit in season along with lean meat or fish (organically grown AND free range where possible) combined with at least 30 minutes of exercise enjoyed daily) you will have yourself on the right track to surviving the winter season with beautiful glowing skin that will last you a lifetime...

It’s ours – we need to look after it!

Til next month, enjoy the short, fresh winter we have here in Queensland.

Rebecca

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

I was a product tester for Beauty and Lace for this product. Check out my review and others at http://beauty.beautyandlace.net/beauty-chick-chat-carmex-squeeze-tube

Le Tan Flawless Legs

LOVE LOVE LOVE this product!!!! Read my review at Beauty and Lace.


http://beauty.beautyandlace.net/beauty-chick-chat-le-tan-flawless-legs#comment-1316

Origins - Brightening Peel Pads - Exfoliator

I tested the Origins range and absolutely loved this product. Every tub contains 40 circular facial pads, each with a textured surface and containing glycolic acid. These two features combine to provide a gentle exfoliation experience. TIP - double your supply by cutting each pad in half ;-)

In short, MD Formulations Face and Body Scrub look out..., there's a new kid on the block.

Origins describe the product as "These clinically-proven, skin brightening peel pads rival the instant smoothness and radiance restoring benefits of a professional 30% glycolic peel without the redness. Plus they help restore clarity and improve evenness of skin tone."

http://www.origins.com/product/3854/11109/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Exfoliators/Brighter-by-Nature/High-potency-brightening-peel-with-fruit-acids/index.tmpl

 

 

md Formulations - Face and Body Scrub

This is my number 1 product and always the first thing I pack when travelling. Before make up, clothes, toothbrush, it's this! My sister (43 years young) and I have been using md for years now.

3 reasons I love this product?
...
- EVERYONE can use it.
- The tiny, smooth, synthetic granules ensure a gentle exfoliation with every use.
- The Glycolic compound increases skin hydration and dissolves dry, dead skin cells. Improving the feel and appearance of skin.

My skin is softer, smoother, more hydrated and looks healthier with this scrub. When my skin is in this condition make up is applied easier and last longer.

A must try for everyone!

Something New ...

It is said that ‘a change is as good as a holiday’ and from reading some of the information that is coming out after various studies on mood, brain health, general wellbeing and the perception of happiness it seems to me that this saying is probably spot on. 

Now, I’m not saying major changes like quitting your job or moving countries are required to achieve this feeling or that this euphoric holiday feeling will last forever (let’s face it, holidays are called holidays not everydays for a reason) but simple variances from your normal routine have the opportunity to achieve a similar positive impact.

My sister and I recently took the opportunity to go horse riding, something neither of us had done for at least 10 years, it was so relaxing and unwinding because you had to pay attention and focus on staying on the horse, therefore leaving the daily drone of ‘what should I cook for dinner?’ and ‘did I pay that electricity bill?’ far from reach. 

The benefit of focusing on just what you are doing in this moment (also sometimes referred to as mindfulness) apparently builds new brain cells and neurological pathways if the task is something new to you and requires hand/eye coordination.

So, for the effort of holding on for dear life, smelling a little funky and the sudden development of a John Wayne - like swagger we left for home with new brain cells and sore butts in tow, plus the feeling of having had a really relaxing day. 

So I’d like to suggest in the next couple of weeks you try something new, whether it be taking a guided canoe/paddle board/bike ride along your local waterways while the weather is still beautiful or learning a new skill that you’d always wanted to eg. dancing, guitar, art/pottery classes. Whatever your taste there are plenty of low cost activities out there to stimulate the brain and enhance your happiness.

‘til next time... enjoy!

Rebecca Owen

Naturopath (BHSc)

My sister and I.

Surfing with the horses.

Meet Rebecca - Naturopath

I am so excited!!! Please meet a close friend of mine and fabulous Naturopath - Rebecca :-)

Rebecca is a qualified Naturopath having worked and studied in the health industry for the last 10 years. Her primary focus is to help people find healthy goals and solutions that work for them - as well as enjoying some well placed ‘new things’ in life, after all it’s all about balance isn’t it?

Rebecca will be writing feature blogs for us on a monthly basis and keeping us up to date with what's happening in the health industry. If you have a topic you would like to know about please let me know :-)

Welcome Rebecca :-)

Westfield Fashion Parade

I made my way to Westfield Chermside today for the noon fashion parade styled by their own stylist Christie Nicolaides.

Christie showcased four big trends for the coming season - Leather and Lace, Mixed Prints, Shimmer and Shine, and Berry. I have attached the run sheet below and numbered each look so it corresponds to the pictures.

Some of my highlights from the show were the men's Saba chinos in Look 3, Wittner shoes in Look 4, men's Industrie jacket in Look 7 and stole from Country Road in Look 16.

As always everyone who booked a seat at the show received a goodie bag with vouchers, products and a cute Bluejuice scarf :-)

Check out the pictures below and see if something catches your eye :-)




Goodie Bag



Christie Nicolaides, Westfield Stylist

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Look 4

Look 5

Look 6

Look 7

Look 8

Look 9

Look 10

Look 11

Look 12

Look 13

Look 14

Look 15

Look 16



ghd Brushes & Heat Protect Spray

So we have the perfect hairdryer (check out my previous blog on ghd AIR hairdryer) we now need the perfect products and brushes.

After chatting with Shantelle, from the Oscar Oscar salon in Fortitude Valley, about the new brushes by ghd I decided on the Natural Bristle Radial Brush Size 3. I was in need of a new round brush and the tension provided by the natural bristle when styling really appealed to me :-)

The range also includes ceramic hollow barrel brushes. These brushes heat up when used with a hairdryer which speeds up the drying process. Love it!!!!

I also picked up the new Heat Protect Spray. I haven't used it yet but I will be sure to let you know when I do :-)

Check out the full range at via the links below.

For more information:

http://www.oscaroscar.com.au/blog/

http://www.ghdhair.com/au/shop

Product display at Oscar Oscar in Fortitude Valley

Natural Bristle Radial Brush Size 3.

Staring down the barrel!

Heat Protect Spray.

New ghd AIR Hairdryer

Yes it's a hairdryer! When was the last time there was this much excitement around a hairdryer?! Oh wait, I remember 9 June 1990. Picture this, it's my birthday and I have just been in the hairdresser for 8 hours getting my rad spiral perm. Mum comes back to pay and it's now time to convince her that I MUST have the hairdryer and diffuser to keep my hair super curly otherwise my life will end lol

Seriously though, for years now it has been all about the straightener. Well, move over straightener because the hairdryer is back baby! Oscar Oscar salons are stocking ghd again so popped in to the Fortitude Valley salon to have a play.

Shantelle, my brilliant hairdresser, showed me all the ghd products starting with the AIR. 

The first thing you notice is how sleek and professional it looks and durable it feels. Durable doesn't mean heavy either! But I was most interested in the cool shot function. As well as having the temperature and power controls, this cool shot is perfect for setting your style. Once you have finished styling your hair, you want all the heat out of it otherwise the style will move or kink. A similar method to remove the heat is to use the air filter end of the dryer. The cool shot is much much better as it doesn't gobble up or grab your hair. We like that :-)  

I have used the same hairdryer for over 10 years because I thought "oh it's just the hairdryer" but after Shantelle used the AIR on my 'just been to the gym' hair I'm convinced, I MUST have it! My hair was soft and smooth with very little effort.

Think about it, the better the result is from your dryer the less work your straightener has to do. Huge plus? I think so!

It retails for $199 which works out to $19.90 per year given the attachment I had to my old dryer :-) Well worth the investment!!!

Some other features include a 3 metre long power cable, 2 concentrator nozzles, professional strength motor and advance ionic technology.

...... My next blog will be on ghd brushes and products .....

For more information:

http://www.oscaroscar.com.au/blog/


http://www.ghdhair.com/au/hair-dryers/ghd-air

              Display at Oscar Oscar, Fortitude Valley                

Mecca Maxima Heaven

As promised, here is one of the great specials I found while at Wintergarden yesterday.

One of the closest stores we have to Sephora is Mecca Maxima. It's heaven for all us beauty fanatics!!

Their product range is huge:

• skincare
• make up
• perfume
• candles
• lip tattoos
• nail polish and strips
• tools and accessories

Here are a few of my fav's brands they stock:

• YSL
• Too Faced
• Victor & Rolf
• Stila
• Keihl's
• Jemma Kidd
• (view all brands at http://www.meccacosmetica.com.au/Brands/?gclid=CLPhk43BnK8CFeFMpgodJ3CcZg).

I love that the store is so spacious with a very user-friendly layout. Finding what you are looking for is not a problem. Scattered throughout the store are displays with particular themes. For example, a pink themed display with pink nail polish, pink lippy, pink make up bags, pink everything, which I think is really fun. They also have "play stations" where you can take your products, sit down in front of a mirror and test the products.

I was greeted by Bec, a MM beauty expert, who was friendly and helpful. We chatted about what was new in store and our fav products. She was just lovely.

Now to the really important stuff. What did I buy? Lashes for a shoot tomorrow and cream blush for me :-)

It gets better!! As I spent over $50 I received a gift. Yes we love gifts!!! 

I also joined the Beauty Loop which is a customer loyalty system. http://www.meccacosmetica.com.au/BeautyLoop/

Can't wait to visit again :-)

Adventure to the new Wintergarden

I popped into the new Wintergarden today and it's amazing!!! The stores are so spacious and staff are beaming with excitement which makes the shopping experience that much more enjoyable.

Check out the pictures I took below of my little adventure :-) Keep an eye out for my next post which includes details of special offers I found while there!

Here's one view of the entrance from Queens St Mall.

The grooviest escalators I've ever seen.

Fantastic from outside but wait til you see the change room area.

I fell in love with this Jacket while in Ben Sherman.

And here is the change room area. I want that chair!

Moving along we have Mecca Maxima.

Camper shoes.

The much talked about Sheike :-)