Outer Beauty Accents

Just because we’re living through a recession doesn’t mean we’re ready to let ourselves go completely.  Luckily, there are plenty of luxurious, effective beauty treatments hiding where you least expect to find them – inside your house.  I’ve assembled a list of secret beauty products you can find in your kitchen. 

·       To reduce puffiness around the eyes, try lying down for 15 minutes with slices of cool cucumber over your eyes.  Or steep two tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes, put them in the refrigerator or freezer until cool, and place them over your eyes for 15 minutes.

·       You can prevent chapped lips by combining honey with petroleum jelly and smoothing it over your lips a few times a week. 

·       You can make your own moisturizing skin exfoliant by mixing 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup milk, two teaspoons of baking soda, one tablespoon of olive oil and five drops of tea-tree oil in a bowl

·       Mashed banana, applied to the face and left on for 15 minutes, is a great anti-wrinkle treatment – for a fraction of what you’d spend on an expensive anti-wrinkle cream

·       For an indulgent, moisturizing deep conditioning treatment, apply mayonnaise to your hair from the ends, working upwards toward the scalp.  Pile your hair on your head; wrap it in plastic wrap and a warm towel for 10 minutes.  Then shampoo as usual.

·       Inexpensive Epsom salts are a great all-purpose beauty aid.  Rub them over your body for the same exfoliating salt rub they use in salons.  Add them to bathwater for a soothing spa soak.  You can even mix in a few drops of fragrant oil to make your own version of expensive salon scrubs and crystals.

Who knows – with natural, organic products all the rage, you may never go back to store-bought beauty treatments again!

Yes, it’s cold outside (especially if you live in Canada, like I do!), the days are short and the skies are often grey.  But there are still plenty of ways to feel (and look) beautiful, even in the depths of winter.  Here are four essential tips to keep you gorgeous and glowing through the end of winter’s chill.

1.     Be good to your skin.  Between the frigid air outside and the drying artificial heat inside, winter can be particularly hard on the skin.  If you haven’t already, now might be the time to switch to a richer moisturizer to soothe dried-out facial skin.  Invest in a good body crème or lotion to tackle dry arms, legs, and especially elbows, feet and hands.

2.     Take care of your hair.  Cold air can make hair your hair drier and more brittle, so if you don’t usually deep condition, consider adding a deep conditioner designed for your hair type to your weekly beauty regime.  A gentle, moisturizing shampoo can also add body and manageability during the winter months.  A leave-in treatment can help cut down on frizzies and fly-aways.  And if all else fails, cover your hair with a cute, warm hat and you’re ready to go.

3.     Don’t neglect your nails.  Winter cold can do a number on your finger and toenails, leaving them cracked and dry.  Whether or not you wear nail polish, you can still keep your nails beautiful through the winter months.  There are many luxurious oils and crèmes designed especially to keep nails healthy.

4.     Add some colour.  What can brighten up a grey winter day?  You, if you add a touch of the colour of your choice to your winter outfit.  Wrap your neck in a warm red scarf.  Pop a pair of bright blue leather gloves on your hands.   Or invest in a cashmere sweater in your favourite colour.  There’s no better way to boost your self esteem – or your mood – than surrounding yourself with the things that make you feel beautiful and happy.

Remember, winter doesn’t last forever – even in Calgary!  So enjoy the chance to bundle up by the fire, and remember, spring is just around the corner.

Aloette Cosmetics offers a unique blend of two products, Nutri-Hydrating Mist and Visible Aid, that when used together serve to provide you with numerous first aid benefits.

Nutri-Hydrating Mist: A scientifically formulated soothing gentle spritz that nourishes and hydrates the skin instantly.  Over 90% aloe vera and silk Amino Acids make this product vital to radiant skin.  Enriched with vitamins A, E, C and B5 complex to increase cell regeneration and reduce the visible signs of aging this product is suitable for all skin types.

Visible Aid:  A soothing and healing creme that contains over 60% Aloe Vera and provide drelief from sunburn, insect bites, minor burns ans skin irritations.

When used together these products help to heal and alleviate symptoms from the following conditions:

• burns
• cuts
• scratches
• eczema
• psoriasis
• athlete’s foot
• stretch marks
• diaper rash
• rashes from shaving and /or waxing
• bruises
• cold sores
• anything medicinal
• scars - the older the scar the longer it takes to heal
• incisions from surgical procedures
• dry scalp

To use:  Spray the area with Nutri-Hydrating Mist first and then apply Visible Aid, use as often as needed.  These products are also very useful for pets.

To find out more about this essential “Frist Aid Kit” visit www.myaloettebiz.com/boldlybeautiful.

Wishing you a beautiful & magical journey to your health, beauty and skin care!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: beauty, first aid, health, skin care

The advice according to “Just Try It On” by Susan Redstone is to focus your shopping dollars on the following items:

• Seasonless Separates
• Holiday Gift Sets
• Shearling Jackets
• Lingerie and Pyjamas

November is the best time to find seasonless separates as they just arrive on the racks at this time and your selections will be better if you buy them now.

Towards the end of the month the stores will be filling up with Christmas Gift Sets and they usually sell out very quickly so try to take advantage of their availability before the end of the month.

Shearlings and fuax shearlings start to arrive int he stores now, as well, and if you are in need of a new jacket this is the time to buy!

Finally, lingerie and pyjamas can be found in abundance in the stores now, for yourself, or for Christmas gifts. This is an especially great time to look for warm, cozy flannal sets.

Wishing you a beauitful & magical November!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: Christmas, gifts, lingerie

And it’s not a Hallowe’en costume!  According to Susan Redstone, of “Just Try it On!” these are the items you should be looking for in October:

1. Holiday Outfits:  there will be many selections left from September as well as some pieces coming in to spice up the holidays. Glittery sweaters and blouses can add to your holiday look with any of your fall bottom purchases.
2. Parkas:  with winter just around the corner this is the time to invest in a very warm and fashionable parka.
3. Party Shoes:  even if you can’t but a new outfit, buying some shoes to go with the older outfit is a great way to make a new statement and the selections this month will be wonderful.
4. Belts:  what better way to create a fashionable to sweaters and jeans than with a belt.  The belt you choose will make a difference to a seemingly boring, yet very necessary warm winter wardrobe.
5. Costume Jewellery: when all else fails, if you shopped til you dropped in September and your budget is low, look for very fashionable accessories to create a new look to your wardrobe.  The selections will be divine at this time, with new pieces coming in for the holidays.

This is also a great time to start making your gift purchases for the holiday season.  The stores will be starting to stock up on the special holiday gifts this month and it is less stressful to buy a few gifts each month before the holiday season rather than leave it all to the last minute.

I wish you a beautiful & magical October!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: accessories, fashion, gifts, Shopping Tips

The stores are filled with fall and winter fashions by now, but what should you focus spending your endeniably hard earned money on?  Thanks to Susan Redstone, author of “Just Try it On” there are some tips for you consider this month.  The best things to buy are:

• Pocket Books and Wallets
• Fall/Winter Bags
• Winter Boots
• Party Dresses
• Sweaters
• Winter Day Dresses
• Winter Separates

These items all offer the best of the best right now, where selection is concerned and that is why it is the ideal time to buy them.  Even the part dresses should be considered now before the prime selctions are gone. If you have the resources, and you know you have that special holiday party coming up, go shopping!

Wishing you a beautiful & magical journey!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: beautiful, shopping, tips

Yoga is such an essential part of an inner/outer beauty regime that I though it was essential to include some of White Apricot’s top recommendations.  Not only are they beautiful but they are eco friendly as well.

1. Be Present:  this is a modern collection of high quality comfortable clothes that  re suitable on the street and on the mat. The main focus of this colorful collection is they focus on the seven chakras, or energy centers. www.bepresent.com
2. Bhakti Ware:  A collection of colorful cotton batiks leggings.  The leggings have a slight flared leg and the tanks feature a built-in bra for added support. You can check them out at www.bhaktiware.com
3. Blue Canoe Organic:  Pure and Non-toxic! This is  a collection of both fitted and relaxed organic cotton garments in soothing color palates. Find your outfit at www.bluecanoe.com.
4. Doce Vida:  This yoga clothing, from Portugal, is designed for every woman, regardless of size or shape. The pieces are designed to reduce muscle vibration and fatigue, while minimizing moisture to the body. www.docavidafitness.com
5. Gaiam:  The “Strike a Pose” organic cotton tee from Gaiam is sensational as the the Sophie Top. For more information go to  www.gaiam.com.
6. Hyde Yoga:  This a line of graceful yoga clothing for both men and women.  Available in many different styles and colors, the collection features shorts, leggings and drawstring pants along with tanks hoodies and long-sleeved thermal tops. Check it out at www.yogahyde.com .
7. Inner Waves Organics:  This wonderful collection of organic cotton yoga clothing comes from the shores of Maui. Waves yoga clothing is both durable and extremely comfortable. It is designed for both men and women and is available in many colors and styles. You can order your own at www.innerwavesorganics.com.
8. Jonano:  Jonano has created the ecoKashmere® yoga pant that, unlike real cashmere, never needs drycleaning and, due to natural anti-bacterial properties found in bamboo, it kills odor causing germs. www.jonano.com.
9. Lotus Blossom Style:  ”Transforming culture through clothing” is the motivation behind Lotus Blossom Style.  The Goddess Colection tees are all organic cotton or bamboo and perfect to pair with yoga pants.  www.lotusblossomstyle.com.
10. Yoga Tribe and Culture:  This is a “fresh and hip” look. Discover your inner yogi at www.yogatribeandculture.com.

Tags: eco friendly, fashion, shopping, yoga

Brought to you again from White Apricot (an amazing resource) are eleven top eco friendly handbags.

1. Ashley Watson: Ashley uses all recycled leather for her bags and each one is a hand made edition or one-of-a kind. Available at www.beklina.com or go to www.ashleywatson.net for retailers near you.
2. Beth Springer: Beth’s bags are made from reclaimed and vegetable dyed leathers.  Check out the “Ecovertible” limited edition tie-dyed bag in rose. It’s very bohemian chic and uses leather for the trim. Available at www.bethspringer.com. 
3. Ecoist: This is a sophisticated approach to using candywrappers! The Daily Bag in green with orange handles is very cute and the Diva Clutch in Brown is wonderful.  www.ecoist.com 
4. Ella Vickers: Ella makes an assortment of totes, duffels, messengers, backpacks and smaller handbags and wristlets made out of recycled sail boat sails. www.ellavickers.com 
5. Heather Heron: Heather uses organic European hemp as the backdrop for all of her bags. Her celebrity following includes reese Witherspoon, Michelle Williams and Alanis Morrisette. Some styles are available at www.greenwithglamour.com. Also available at www.heatherheron.com.
6. HER Design: Designed Helen E. Riegle these beautiful handbags have been inspired by nature out of sustainable materials since 2004. Available at www.her-design.com .
7. Kim White:  Kim uses the most innovative fabrics to create her eco friendly handbags. Kim’s bags are made out of predominantly car upholstery from the 70’s and 80’s and the result is a collection of bright whimsical bags that comes with a tag showing the model and year of the car it came from. Available at www.kimwhitehandbags.com.
8. Matt and Nat: These bags are vegan and very stylish. Each bag carries with it a “positivity”message, featured on its designs. The bags also have cell phone and PDA pockets. Available online at www. mattandnat.com. 
9. Passchal: This line of handbags does a very stylish job of incorporating recycled rubber into fashion. They are made from truck or tractor inner tubes and are available at www.passchal.com.
10. Teich:  This line is sophisticated, clean and modern. Allison teich uses vegetable -tanned and chrome-free leather up against vintage materials and fabrics, composed of eco friendly fibers, like hemp and linen. Go to www.techdesign.com to find a retailer near you.
11. Vegan Queen: These bags are very upscale , structured and elegant, with a little bit of a rock and roll edge. For more information go to www.veganqueen.com.

Tags: eco friendly, handbags, stylish

This month, courtesy of “Just Try it On!” by Susan Redstone you are being guided expertly as to what ideal items should be purchased this month. With fall just around the corner these are some of the items you should be thinking about to purchase:

• Winter Coats
• Back to School
• Winter Boots
• Winter Skirts
• Flats
• Denims

Tags: beautiful, shopping, tips

Courtesy of White Apricot I a mpleased to share with you 10 beauitful dresses that are also eco friendly and fabulous!

1. Ajna Caleigh Dress:  This is very chic and avant-garde with asymetrical gathered panels.  It is made of bamboo and organic cotton in raw white.  $425 at www.tobi.com .
2. Beau Soleil Beau Baby Dress:  This is a simple and strpless dress, with top-stitching across the chest and a tie at the back to keep it snug.  It iis made of bamboo in perla (heather grey).  It also comes in navy and black.  $225 at www.shopbeausoleil.com .
3. Burning Torch Recycled Scarves Tunic:  100% silk, recycled, vintage, one-of-a-kind scarves are collected, cut and re-sewn to make this wonderfully sophisticated tunic dress.   Each one is completley unique.  $350.00 at www.burningtorchboutique.com .
4. EcoSkin Amber Dress:  The perfect basic and mini dress.  Throw on a pair of gladiator sandals to run around during the day or dress it up with heels and a great necklace at night.  Made of bamboo, tencel and a little spandex.  Comes mellow yellow, black, carmine rose and cloud.  $136 at www.nimli.com.
5. Linda Loudermilk Bella Dress:  Cool, comfortable and chic, this dress isa lightweght organic demin.  $288 at www.shopenvi.com .
6. Perfectly Imperfect Halter Dress:  Simple, natrual and coffee striped, halter style dress ties in the back and has a stylized asymetrical hemilne.  Made from 100% organic cotton.  On sale for $82 at www.thegreenloop.com .
7. Popomomo Letter V Tunic:  These dresses have great unique shapes and happy vibrant colours. Made of 100% organic cotton.  $128 at www.sodafine.com .
8. Raw Earth & Wild Sky Willow Tree Tank Dress: This is a long dress that very simple and elegant. 100% organic cotton.  $292 at www.btcelements.com.
9. Rebe Miriam Dress:  Very simple straightforward style, this dress works effortlessly.  It has side pockets and gathering in the back.  Made from 100% organic Japanese cottonn.  $238 at www.myrebe.com .
10. Viridis Luxe Color Block Mini Dress:  A bright black, melon and sand colored mini dress in a great geometrical print. Made of bamboo and organic cotton.  $167 at www.revolveclothing.com.

You can learn more about these great dresses and also sign up for White Apricots newsletter at http://www.whitapricot.com/fab_finds/rm_summer_dresses.php .

Wishing you a beauitful & magical journey!

In love and light,

Dawn 

Tags: beauty, dresses, fashion tips