Facial wrinkles are no fun at all, for most people. They appear on our forehead and at the edges of our mouth as we grow older; they are also known as ‘laugh lines’.

These telltale signs of aging can be stopped or reduced with modern methods. One of the common ways to deal with sagging skin on the face is to have a face lift.

This is not a permanent answer because eventually the lines will reappear and another face lift will have to be performed.

Face lifts can be a really bad idea because the tissues in the face are traumatized during this controversial procedure. The plastic surgeon can also perform a procedure called a botox injection. This, like a face lift, is a temporary solution and has another major drawback.

These injections contain one of the most deadly biochemicals known to man! The muscles in the face become partially paralyzed by the dangerous injections. If you choose to go the route of a face lift or botox injection then be sure that you have researched the subject thoroughly.  Read more...

If you’re usually active during the warmer months, you may be looking for something to do during the winter months to keep you active. Have you considered the benefits of skiing – not only as an activity to enjoy, but also as a means to keep you in shape during cooler weather?

One of the biggest benefits of skiing is that it is a full-body exercise. You will work out every major muscle group from head to toe. It gives you an excellent cardiovascular workout while strengthening your heart. Skiing also improves the circulatory system and releases oxygen to the muscles.

Did you know skiing can help regulate your cholesterol levels? It sure can! Exercise helps a skier burn fat and lose weight, and that has to have a positive effect on cholesterol. In fact, skiing helps regulate the HDL (good) cholesterol which affects the LDL (bad) cholesterol.  Read more...

Identification:

A large succulent perennial plant with a strong fibrous root and a large stem supporting a rosette of fleshy, narrow, lanceolate leaves, green on both sides, bearing spiny teeth on the margins, and growing 1 to 2 feet long. The yellow to purplish drooping flowers grow in a long raceme at the top of the flower stalk, growing up to 4-1/2 feet high. The fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds.

Habitat:

It is native to East and South Africa and cultivated in the West Indies and other tropical areas throughout the world. Although there are over 200 species of aloe there are probably only three or four with medicinal properties. Of these, Aloe Vera barbadensis is the most potent.

Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Other Names: Burn Plant, Medicine Plant, First Aid Plant, Lily Of The Dessert

Flowers: Most of the year

Parts Used: Leaves

Cultivation:

Keep in sandy soil that is well drained. Potted plants need filtered sun or full shade.  Read more...

Whisk one egg white until it thickens, then whisk in 1 teaspoon of honey. Finally add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to your face and neck avoiding the delicate eye and lip areas. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash with warm water.

The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition. Contrary to what some people may believe, yoga was not developed as the newest way to slim down so they could fit into a smaller pants size.

The history of yoga goes back 5,000 years. It originated in India, and the first time the word yoga was found in written form was in the Rig Vada, one of the sacred texts used by Vedic priests. Yoga is a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Originally, yoga techniques were passed down from teacher to student through word of mouth. These techniques had never been written down until the Indian sage Patanjali wrote down a systematic method of yoga in the Yoga Sutras. Patanjali is considered to be the father of yoga.

According to Patanjali, there are eight limbs of yoga, which lead to the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

Yama – abstaining from violence, stealing, lust, greed

Niyam – developing devotion, purity, studiousness, contentment, discipline

Pranayama – controlling the breath  Read more...

Epsom salts are often used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, making it soft and invigorated. They also has been used by many to ease sore and stiff muscles.

Supplies:

* 1 cup Epsom salts
* Water
* Towel or sheet (optional)
* Shower

Directions:

Pour one cup of Epsom salts into a small bowl, adding just enough water to make a paste. This is a messy job, so after you undress stand over a towel or sheet, or simply stand in the shower instead (without the water running). Smooth a thin layer of the paste onto your skin over your entire body. If you have a partner who can help, that’s great, but if not then cover as much of yourself as you can.

Wait until the mixture has dried; it forms a white film. Then shower or, better yet, soak in a warm bath and let the salt help ease your sore and tired muscles, too! Do not use soap to wash off the salt, as you may clog your pores.  Read more...

On occasion it is beneficial to take time to relax in a soothing special bath and smooth the skin.

Depending on what you put into the water, a bath can be:

a. Nourishing
b. Stimulating
c. Toning
d. Soothing
e. Relaxing

Easy additions to the bath water are as follows:

a. 1 cup of vinegar: Soften water / soothe dry and itching skin
b. 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal: Soothe / soften skin
c. 1 cup of powdered milk: Nourish skin / combat dryness
d. 1 large spoon of honey: Relieve tiredness / sleeplessness
e. Orange or Lemon peel: For a pleasant odour
f. 2 tablespoons of laundry starch: Tighten / smooth skin
g. 2 handfuls of Epsom salts: Combat tiredness

Herbal Bath Treatments

Herbal baths have traditionally been incorporated into a beauty treatment regime. The more popular herbs for the bath include the following:

* Chamomile flowers, Elder flowers, Thyme – Softening / soothing skin
* Mint, Rosemary – Stimulating circulation
* Blackberry leaves – Clearing the skin
* Comfrey – Chapped, sore, spotty skin
* Lavender – For the pleasant odour/relaxing