Basil Lemon Facial Tonic For Oily Skin

Oily skin happens when the sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is necessary. The oil overflows and gives the skin a greasy shine.

Oily skin needs cleansing to prevent the pores from getting clogged. You want to avoid harsh products that will strip your skin of it's natural oil and cause flakiness. You also want to avoid products that will leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated. They cause the upper layers of the skin to shrink and this restricts the oil flow through the pores, which leads to blockages and breakouts.

When washing your face you want to use hot water as it dissolves the oil better. You want to limit to washing your face two or three times a day. Too much washing will stimulate your skin and produce more oil. If your skin is extremely oily then you might need to wash it three or four times daily. The great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

For the decadent beauty with oily skin here's a quick, easy and budget friendly recipe for a homemade facial tonic/refresher that will help to cut down on the oiliness.

Basil is a natural refresher for the skin where as lemon is a natural astringent that aids in fighting skin blemishes.

Basil Lemon Facial Tonic
Ingredients:
3 tsp Basil leaves, dried
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 c boiling water (you can used distilled or any floral water of your choice)
1 tspGrapefruit Seed Extract (acts as preservative)

Tools:
Small saucepan/pot or glass measuring cup (if microwaving)
Measuring spoons
Mixing spoon
8 oz bottle

Over a medium-high heat bring water to a boil. Add the basil leaves, cover with top and let steep anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Add in lemon juice and grapefruit seed extract and mix thoroughly before transferring to desired container.

Exercise Equals Healthy Hair

Did you know that exercising is a sign of healthy hair? Not only is exercising good for your overall health but it does wonders for your hair.

When you exercise you:

• Release the toxins that have built up in your body
• Increase the blood circulation that provides nourishment for your hair follicles
• Release stress that could cause severe hair loss and help you relax
  

Be sure to combine your exercise with a well balanced diet. This a great way to prevent hair loss and even eliminate the use of taking medication that prevents hair loss.

Note: If you were to walk one hour every day for a month not only would you lose 20 pounds in a month but you'd have healthier hair.

Reviews

I did some shopping over the weekend and a few items caught my attention. So keep an eye out for reviews on the following products:

• Turbie Twist Hair Towel
• Smooth Away
• Kinoki

Great Cup of Coffee

I found this stove top coffee pot to make a great cup of coffee. I have tried and used other stove top coffee pots and espresso makers but in my opinion this one does the best job.

Add a tablespoon or two of coffee (depending on how strong you like your coffee) to the strainer and add water to the bottom vessel (fill it up to the rivet). Insert the strainer, screw on the top and set it on a high heat. Let it boil for a couple of minutes. You should hear the water percolating through to the top vessel. Once done remove from heat, pour and serve.

Please note it only makes one cup of coffee. It's also good for loose leaf tea.

Money Saving Pedicure

So if you're like some of us you're looking for ways to save money in these unstable economic times but saving money doesn't mean that you have to give up some of the finer things in life such as your pedicure.

Here are some quick, easy and money saving tips for you to do your own pedicure.

• Set a relaxing mood by lighting some incense or a few flavored candles and putting on some background music.

• Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your water. It helps to soften the skin and makes it easier to remove the rough skin that has formed on the heels and soles of your feet.


• Add a natural liquid soap (castile) to your water, scented with peppermint for a stimulating foot bath. You can even add some lavender, sandalwood or your favorite essential oil or fresh herbs or flower petals to deodorize your water.


• Relax and unwind by soaking your feet for about 20 minutes.


• Clean your feet thoroughly with a natural foot brush. Make sure to get between your toes to remove any buildup of dead skin and dirt.


• Clean under your nails gently with the sharp end of the orangewood stick. This removes any dirt buildup from under your toenails.


• Exfoliate your feet with a foot scrub that will remove the dead skin. Rinse your feet in the foot bath and use a pumice stone to remove any additional dead skin that may still be on the soles of your feet.


• Rinse your feet clean and pat them dry with a clean towel. Massage your feet with a moisturizing cream, paying special attention to your heels and any other areas that tend to be dry.


• Gently push your cuticles back with the blunt end of the orangewood stick. This helps to protect the nail bed and keeps bacteria out.


• A straightedge cut prevents ingrown toenails so be sure to trim your toenails straight across. Be careful not to cut the nail too short.


• Use an emery board to smooth the rough edges of your nails. To avoid splitting the nail make sure you file in one direction.


• Buffing your nails is an excellent natural alternative to nail polishes and polish removers. Buff your toenails to a beautiful shine with a nail buffer.