Natural Ways To Treat Mature Skin!

I called my sister the other day to catch up and talk about her upcoming visit in July.  I mentioned some things I've noticed myself doing lately, like telling my husband I can only do a certain number of activities in one day, choosing and agreeing upon which ones we do.  I can’t just go, go, go until we run out of time or money.  Because before that happens, I will run out of energy.  Her response was humorous but true, “We’re getting OLD!”  She said it in a kind of disbelief, as if our mortality has sneaked up on us and we didn’t even realize it.  Of course, I’m not ready to say I’m old because of the negative connotations.   

   I believe that being mature, however, is a great compliment – things like coming to terms with life, having experience on a variety of fronts, wisdom, etc. and so forth, and so I’m going to refer to myself as
"mature"  (although I'll be the first to admit I'm like a teenager in some ways~I like to drive fast and I love Bruno Mars, for instance!).

Of course another sign of maturity is the wrinkles that come a-callin’.  I have found that there is the commercial way or the natural way to treat them.  I use a little of both.  (e-mail me and I’d love to share with you what I am currently doing!) But right now I’d like to discuss some of the benefits of natural ingredients in the care of your skin.  

Natural ingredients can be either home-grown in your garden, obtained at a health food co-op or they are sold by companies that combine and formulate natural ingredients as the sole active ingredient or in exclusive formulations. 

Here are some natural skin remedies I’ve found to be good:

1.     Cleansing with oils.  I didn’t start the Oil Cleansing Method until last year and I’m so glad I did.  When I was a teenager I cleansed with soap. When that became too drying, I used foaming cleansers until they too, became too drying, at which time, I switched to the creamy cleansers.  It wasn’t until just this last year that I started using oils and washing it off with a hot washcloth.  It leaves my skin feeling moist and not tight-feeling.  Suggested oils are Castor Oil, which is slightly drying, but the best bargain for cleansing and dissolving and it is a natural antibacterial! Mix it with other oils like avocado, apricot kernel oil or Argan oil (all excellent for mature skin).  Mix them together, for instance 1/3 part castor oil to 2/3 part any other oil.  All you do is mix them in your hand, apply to a moistened face, leave for 30 – 60 seconds, steaming optional, and remove with a hot washcloth.  Ahhh…..feels great! 

2.    Easy Natural Remedies From The Kitchen – There are so many of these, I’m sure your grandma had her own kitchen beauty secrets but here’s a few that I know: 

   Put the last bit of leftover egg white from a cracked egg under your eyes now and then and watch the wrinkles disappear.  You can soak cotton pads with buttermilk and pat it on your face.  Let it dry for 15 minutes then remove to refine your pores. Mayonnaise can be used as a mask or even a night cream to relieve dry skin!  (If you can stand the smell!)

3.    Rosehip Oil – This versatile oil has been touted by some as the next Coconut Oil!  This oil is full of viatmins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all the while reducing scars and fine lines.  Try to get cold-pressed because it has all of the unaltered nutrients.  The oil absorbs directly into the skin and one only needs a very tiny amount for it to be effective!  I use a few drops a few times a week. 

4.    Combination of ingredients – To keep up with scientific studies on natural compounds and oils, companies are constantly formulating combinations of these ingredients to make the ultimate natural beauty product.  I really like the Vitamin C Serum made by InstaNatural.com, combining Vitamin C,  Ferulic and Hyaluronic Acids (known for exfoliating and brightening skin), Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.  It really does a great job for a fraction of the price you’d pay at  a department store!

  Going the natural ingredient route is a great way to know what is in your beauty products, but even with that being said, make sure that you're not getting more in them than you bargained for, such as strange preservatives.  Also please watch out for anything made in China.  I am really leery of products coming out of China because so many times, upon independent testing, toxic ingredients are found to be in those products. Not always, but be careful!

  I've had fun sharing some of my natural beauty routines. Have your own fun and find the natural ingredients that make sense for your beauty routine!

A Weekend $50 Flash #Giveaway! Choice Of Amazon or PayPal!

For THREE Days ONLY a few blogger friends and I are offering this Weekend Flash Giveaway! 
One lucky reader will receive $50 USD Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card!!
This giveaway is for THREE Days Only! Enter Now!
We are making it easy peasy to enter! Just use the form below.
Remember, this giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on June 22, 2014! Tell your friends so they can enter, too!

Good Luck!

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A Great Dentist! Tips For Getting One!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, the thoughts and opinions below are my own.

I’ve been in the market for a new dentist for awhile now.  We moved some time ago and because it wasn’t THAT far away, I continued to see my old dentist, where I used to live.  But that proved to be time consuming and I found that it was too easy to put my dental visits off because, well, the dentist isn’t my most favorite place to spend my time!  I can rationalize not going to get my teeth worked on in favor of so many other things.  

 In my search for the perfect dentist, I found and used a few tips for finding a good dentist that I thought I’d share, so you won't put it off like I did for so long!  My teeth paid a price!

Waiting for my exam and cleaning

 Tips For Finding A Great Dentist

·    First of all, As a new patient, you should receive an inspection of the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, inside of the cheek and palate at the minimum.  With adults, a periodontal probe should be inserted between the gums and teeth to detect abnormally large crevices. Good dentists also chart their findings in detail.

·        Be wary of flamboyant advertising-- it is likely to signify an emphasis on mass production rather than quality.

·        Friends and family members are a great resource. They can tell you about the personality of the dentist and office staff, and answer questions. Here are some things to consider with them:

1.     How well does the dentist explain treatment options?

2.     How long do you have to sit in the waiting room?

3.     Do you feel comfortable asking questions?

4.     What is the environment provided?

5.     How does the office handle emergencies?

6.     How long do you have to wait for an appointment?

7.     How are bills handled?

8.     What is the location of the office?

9.     Charges for each treatment?

·        Other Places To Call:

1.     Your dental insurance company — Your insurer will provide names and contact information for dentists in your area who take part in the company's dental plans. Usually you will have to pay a lower fee if you use these dentists. Your insurer also may have other information, such as whether the dentist accepts new patients.

2.     Your state's dental association — Each state has a dental association that can provide names of dentists who are members of the American Dental Association (ADA). ADA membership is voluntary. Most dentists are members. However, ADA membership does not mean a higher quality of care.

3.     Your local hospital – Some hospitals have their own dental clinics, or can recommend local dentists.

4.     The nearest dental school —A dental school in your area can be a great resource. Most dental schools have clinics that accept new patients. The care given at these clinics is excellent. The cost is often lower than visiting a private-practice dentist. Usually, routine care at a dental school clinic is provided by dental students and residents (dentists who are completing advanced training). They are supervised by dentists who teach at the dental school. For complicated and newer procedures, these clinics offer state-of-the-art care. Check our list of dental schools in the United States and Canada to see if there's one near you.

I think I’ve finally found a great dental group in my area!  It’s called Platinum Dental Care!  It's one of 5 dental offices with Platinum Care Dental Group around Utah Valley and Northern Utah! 

 I was referred to them through some other Utah Bloggers that are in the know and I decided to give them a try.  The time spent in the waiting room was very minimal, but the time I did spend there was spent looking back at some very beautiful smiles on the wall.  

 They gave me an initial exam along with a cleaning.  I found them to be very personable and friendly.  My dentist was very professional and answered all of my questions thoroughly.  

My dentist and Cara, the hygienest

 I loved both of the hygienists.  I actually had two appointments, the first one was the exam and the second one was the cleaning.  So I got to be with two hygienists and really liked them both.  I found the exam to be informative and thorough ( I liked how Cara used the periodontal probe and explained the measurements they were taking on my gums) and I found the cleaning to be pleasant, with the latest technology.  Afterwards I was given a dental pack with a toothbrush, floss, mouthwash and toothpaste!  I plan on going back to get some more extensive dental work done, because my teeth shouldn't pay the price for my procrastination!

 

My other cute hygienist

My teeth are happy!

To Find These People!

Have you ever found yourself inadvertently catching a glimpse inside a picture window and seeing a scene that gives you an idea of what the people inside are all about?  I have, but in this case, I got more than a glimpse inside some people's life, I now feel like I know them. 

This may be a little late, but in my defense I really didn't know much about it until today.  About two years ago my dad was driving down a street about a mile away from his neighborhood in Sandy, UT when he saw something laying in the road.  And being the inquisitive person he is, he stopped and picked it up.  It was a camera.  So not knowing who it belonged to, seeing no one around, and not wanting it to get smashed by a car, he brought it home with him. 

He showed it to me and I didn't know what to make of it.  We looked for a name on it, or anything that might put us in touch with the owner.  We looked through a couple of pictures on the viewer but didn't recognized anyone.  It looked like typical pictures, nothing special.  I told him he might try to put it up on the Classifieds to see if someone claimed it.  He said he might do that.  Well time passed, and I didn't really hear much more about the camera.  

....until today.  I saw it laying out and apparently my Dad wants to start using it, since no one has claimed it.  Well, I'm not sure of what kind of effort was made.  It's kind of hard to find the owner to a random camera left out in the road. 

But today I actually took out the card reader and looked through the pictures, trying to get some kind of clue about the owners.  I was struck with how many pictures were actually on this camera.  A lot.   I didn't actually find who it belonged to, but I felt like I took a look into some collective lives, people who live together, who love, and who really really like to take pictures!  I felt like I got to know them a little bit.  Here's what I pieced together.

One of the two girls below may be the owner of the camera.  They seem like they are inseparable.  They are either sisters, cousins, or extremely good friends because there are tons of pictures of these two.  It seems like where one is, the other one will most certainly show up sooner or later.  And they like to goof off a whole lot.   Their last name is either Ross or Rose.

 Next we have a lady who is, in my mind, the mom.  She seems to love all the subjects of the pictures a lot. 

Then we have some children of various ages - and two in particular, a set of twins!

 Again, it seems like if one shows up,

 The other is not far behind!

They have documented birthdays and other special occasions

 It was kind of fun peeking into the lives of these
people.  I almost feel guilty, like a voyeur, but this is my effort to locate them and return a piece of their lives that cannot be captured again.  If you can piece together any kind of clue as to who these people might be, please shoot me an e-mail, a tweet, or a Facebook post.  I'll get it and we can work at returning something that is priceless.  Here are the last pictures taken on the camera in July of 2012.

High-End Natural Skin Solutions At Factory Direct Prices - RainShadow Labs

Are you someone who loves high end natural beauty products? 

Do you use products from a company that promotes green products? Chances are those products have been made by an outside manufacturing source, packaged and then used by that company. Rainshadow Labs has been manufacturing beauty products with natural ingredients for companies since 1983. They are based in Oregon! 
 I’m glad I found out about them because I can have their base products delivered to me for so much less than I would pay for a brand name product. Chances are that the brand name product probably has been formulated and manufactured by them anyway, but packaged and marked up in price considerably. I was given their Eyebright Gel to try out. 

When it came to my door, there was no fluff. It came in a simple 36 oz. amber jar and I was actually a little confused. Normally products come in attractive packaging and with some brochures or fliers telling you just how wonderful the product and company is. Nothing of the sort with this delivery. Just a plain amber jar. Nothing else.

 I opened it and took a whiff. It smelled like fresh cucumber! I put some on my face and it was a gel that felt very cool and refreshing. I put some on my neck and I was pretty impressed. My neck actually looked better. This was pretty impactful, especially since this is made with 75% organic materials.
    I even had my husband try it.  A 36 oz. jar of gel can go quite a long way, so I have recruited him to start taking care of his skin. He hasn’t been one to do that and I think it’s high time he starts paying attention to his own skin. So he does use it and he does it willingly, which is a nice surprise. He really likes the cool feel of it and the fresh and pure smell, just like I do. 

    A couple of small things I noticed about the gel:  When you put it on and it has been on for a few seconds, it will feel slightly sticky until it absorbs, which takes a couple of minutes. Because this is made of raw ingredients, it is best to keep it in a cool and dry place. I actually keep it in the refrigerator. In the winter, that would be too cold for me, so I would find a place where the heat isn’t directly on it.  The ideal temperature for this product is 45 to 72 degrees.  
From their website,  I see that they have the most affordable, highest quality and most profoundly innovative lotions, gels, soaps, washes, body butters, serums, crèmes, scrubs, candles, and bath salts, using essential oils and organic active ingredients.  They do recommend you get a sample size before you buy larger sizes and they are very kind—the first 3 samples are free with just freight charges. Otherwise the samples are $3.95. 
   Here is a description of the Eyebright Gel: " This formula speaks to the deep and grounded evolution that Natural Skin Care Formulating has gone through in the last three decades in order to be able to deliver such a brilliant eye therapy product to you today. It is no exaggeration to say that this formula addresses every single eye area concern possible. Dark circles, wrinkles, sagging, puffing, loss of plump and firm, loss of tone and resilience....its all taken care of in this delicate and light gel. Do not be deceived by the elegant and refined nature of the look and feel of this formula. This product is NOT to be underestimated. From Plant Stem Cells to Multiple Complex Peptide blends....from botanically derived Hyaluronic Acid Spheres to fiber and cellular rebuilding Amino Acids.....collagen boosting and skin firming and wrinkle repairing ingredients are fully loaded into this genius formula. Use it daily. Use it ten times a day. You will be addicted!" 
Directions for Use: Dab around eyes, forehead and cheek area. Can be used as an all over face treatment. Safe to use morning and night. Can be used under makeup.

 Ingredients: This gel consists of 75% organic materials. 

 Eye Bright - enriched with sodium hyaluronate—a superior moisture magnet especially good for the naturally dry area around the eyes. Due to its astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it tightens and reduces puffiness. 
 Aloe - cooling, soothing and calming effect to the skin. It is antibacterial, antiseptic and has anti-fungal properties. It helps the skin to naturally heal. 
Natural Fragrance -  like fresh cucumber, very refreshing and result of the Cucumber Hydrosol. 
Jojoba Oil - contains almost all of the vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin and hair: 
Vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium. And it’s even gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin without causing allergic reactions. clears impurities that the oil extracts from the surface of your face and neck. It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. 
Periwinkle – a known anti-inflamatory agent 
Licorice - Consistent use of licorice extract over time has been known to fade dark spots and blemishes, and lighten skin. Potent antioxidants in licorice extract fight skin-damaging free radicals. 
Reishi - contains ingredients that cause melanin suppression as well as other beneficial trace elements. These contents might help reduce the presence of and destruction caused by free radicals, promote cell regeneration to increase skin thickness and texture. 
 Also, Gotu Kola, Frankincense and Vitamin E are in this gel! 
   Another great thing about RainShadow Labs is that you can actually have them formulate a product to your own specifications.  For instance, if you are allergic to certain ingredients or plants, you can have your own product made up for you.  Or if you want to start your own business, with your own product, you can have RainShadow make it, manufacture it and package it.   It would have to be in a bulk size, however.  And you do pay for the lab formulation time.  
    I was really happy with what I found out about this lab in the moisture-drenched state of Oregon and want to continue using these products for a long time to come!

Thanks for visiting! This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to support this site. All text and opinion are 100% my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation!