Lifestyle

Beauty ritual for moms on the go (and all women who don’t have time) – part 1

September 29, 2012 / Lifestyle, Skincare / 0 comment

A friend of mine asked me for some beauty advices for young moms and so she has inspired me to write this post that I dedicate to all mothers, especially those with small children and no time. After the maternity leave many young mothers realize that they haven’t taken care of themselves and then they don’t know where to start.
I completely understand that the newborn baby is your world, but don’t forget about yourself. If you won’t take care of yourself (not just outside but also inside) you also won’t have enough energy to share with your beloved.
I want to give some quick beauty tips to all young mothers, so that they won’t fall in the trap and forget about themselves. Don’t get me wrong: I know how it feels to care for yourself and have zero time. But with some good advices and some organization it can be done! Overall, it’s very important to celebrate every aspect of your beauty and consequently feel good about yourself. This way you will be at ease and full of energy not just by yourself but even your closest people will feel it. Take just a couple of minutes every day for yourself and spend them preciously. That time is yours and is sacred: it is meant to fill your batteries. Once a week take a few hours just for yourself and relax. I recommend to visit a good (organic if possible) salon and do some facial treatments, give your body a massage, do some relaxing exercise, chat with a friend or anything that you love and makes you feel good. You also must know how to receive good if you want to give it, too. Otherwise, you will end with low batteries and no energy.

So apart the regular “beauty basics”, here are a few tips how to look gorgeous every day with just a few products. I know that a mother is always gorgeous, but if she celebrates her beauty and herself she is even more seductive to the entire world!

Basic Skin care

Take at least just a few minutes every evening and morning for the basic beauty routine. Your skin will thank you! This way you also stimulate your feelings and wellbeing.

Did you know that all our organs are connected through our face?

Do a massage on your face while applying the cleanser or cream. The warmth of your hands through massage will help you release negative emotions, balance hormones, feel better and the skin will be radiant and naturally lifted.

Choose a few but high quality organic products

1. A good cleanser that can be rinsed with water is a must-have. It will do a great job: it will clean impurities and refresh your face every morning and evening. Here are some Green makeup suggestions

2. The next step is the toner. For those who has no time the best solution is a refreshing toner in a spray bottle. You can even take it with you and use it during the day to uplift and refresh yourself. I recommend a good organic hydrolat depending on your skin type. Choose light essences like chamomile, rose or lavender. They are calming even for sensitive skin and for your senses as well. You can also spritz it on your body instead of harsh chemical perfumes. Since there are many hormonal disruptors in conventional perfumes, you don’t want to harm yourself and your baby. Keep yourself as natural as possible and instead of the perfume use natural hydrolats.

3. Instead of a normal moisturizer, choose a rich serum according to your skin type. They have more beneficial properties to feed your skin during hard times and hormonal imbalances, than moisturizers. They should be among basics especially for revitalizing the skin and give it a boost of vitamins and other beneficial ingredients.

Optional luxuries

Face masks once a week choose 1 or more masks to clean impurities or hydrate your skin. Use clay for impure skin and rich nutrients like honey for hydrating.

Body oils/lotions for preventing or diminishing stretch marks. Good organic massage oils will nurture your skin, make it soft and relax you before you go to sleep. With a nice massage you will stimulate the blood and lymph circulation and relax your muscles.

top photo credit: fashion gone rogue by Alexi Lubomirski for Vogue

Cold-pressed oils: The difference

September 13, 2012 / Body care, Lifestyle, Skincare / 9 Comments

My series of cold-pressed oils articles has been put aside for a while. Before continuing with this series, I want to explain what is in general the difference between cold-pressed and conventional oils. This is not important just in cosmetic use, because what we apply on the skin goes also in our blood system. What we eat It has also has a huge impact on our health.

Oils used in conventional cosmetics (and even cheap oils in the food industry) are not cold-pressed. They are produced by using heat in the extraction process and other chemical substances, which change the nature of the oil molecule from a normal trans fatty acid to an abnormal configuration that is literally poisonous for our body. This kind of extraction is very convenient for the industry, because you produce higher quantities (and it’s cheaper than the cold-pressed extraction), but the nutritional quality and the oil’s flavor are totally degraded.
In contrary, vegetable organic cold-pressed oils are extracted by squeezing the seeds in a big press. The oil produced by this method has no trace of chemicals and trans fatty acids.

The Cold-Press Process
Extracting oil through cold-pressing involves crushing the seed or nut and forcing out the oil. Presses come in a range of sizes, from small sizes for home use to huge commercial presses. The seeds are dropped inside a cylinder that contains a rotating screw. This screw grinds and crushes the seeds until the oil is extracted. Small holes in the bottom of the cylinder allow the oil to escape into a collection container. Although some heat is generated through friction as the screw breaks down the seeds, it’s usually not enough heat to damage the oil.

Regarding the quality of oils, their use and differences, I especially got knowledge through Dr. Johanna Budwig’s work.

“Her research has shown the tremendous effects that commercially processed fats and oils have in destroying cell membranes and lowering the voltage in the cells of our bodies, which then result in chronic and terminal disease.”

I have read her books and recommend them to you, but to illustrate you quickly about what I’m talking about in short I found this website where her work is explained. I didn’t immerse so much in her diet science but I was more interested in the scientific explanation and researches about the differences between good and bad fats and the importance of using the best oils for our health. Here is a short excerpt from the mentioned article about Dr.Budwig’s science:

“Without the proper metabolism of fats in our bodies every vital function and every organ is affected. This includes the generation of new life and new cells. Our bodies produce over 500 million new cells daily. Dr Budwig points out that in growing new cells, there is a dipolarity between the electrically positive nucleus and the electrically negative cell membrane with it’s high unsaturated fatty acids. During cell division the cell and new daughter cell must contain enough electron rich fatty acids in the cells surface area to divide off completely from the old cell. When this process is interrupted the body begins to die. In essence, these commercially processed fats and oils are shutting down the electrical field of the cells allowing chronic and terminal diseases to take hold of our bodies.”

This is a short note for all of you who also care of your body inside and not just outside. I’m a firm believer that the beauty is first located inside of us – in body, mind and spirit – and consequently reflects outside. The ritual of celebrating our outer beauty should be the harmonious answer to honoring even our inside beauty. Eating food that is alive (= from nature and healthy grown) is one of the best ways to start taking care of our inside.

Do you like/use cold-pressed oils? Why and which ones?

Organic lavender from Slovenian Karst – part 1

July 25, 2012 / Lifestyle, Skincare / 0 comment

and the distillation process of Lavender essential oil

I was a total fan of perfumes since ever and thus interested even in the process of producing perfumes. One of the methods used in perfume production is also the plants distillation process. Have you read the Patrick Suskind’s book Perfume? I did many years ago, but not so much because of the story itself but because of the charming nature of producing perfumes. The story was located in France’s famous city with Lavender fields: in Grasse … And of course I wanted to once see the distillation process of plants needed for perfumes… And guess what? I had this charm right at my hands! I just had to go a few kilometers far from my house to discover the magic world of organically grown Lavender and its beautiful distillation process that I want to introduce you in.

Lavender is one of my favorite plants not just because violet is my favorite color and because the amazing therapeutic smell of Lavender…It seems there is more behind this beautiful alchemy of scents…

I’ve also realized that summer is the season when I unintentionally discover beauties in my green native country Slovenia. So a few weeks ago, I discovered the biggest production of organic Lavender in my country, in the amazing region of Slovenian Karst. I took a trip in the lovely Karst village called Ivanji Grad and literally caught the last drop of Lavender essential oil. It was the last day of distillation process and I was there just in time! It’s needless to say that I was in heaven when I inhaled and watched Lavender everywhere! I checked the entire process of distillation and so finally my wish came true 🙂
I also met the owner of all this beauty, Mrs. Tanja, who explained me everything about the production of Lavender essential oil. But this is not the end! In the upcoming 2nd part of this post a big surprise is waiting for all beauty and Lavender lovers like me 🙂 where I will unfold the best part of Mrs. Tanja’s story. Here are a few things she told me about her Lavender production:

– In Ivanji Grad all the Lavender is produced organically, without any pesticides or other toxins.

– They have 5 species of Lavender on different fields and are adding new ones.

– In Ivanji Grad they harvest their Lavender manually. They have their own distillation and drying rooms.

– Did you know that you need 50 kg of dried Lavender to produce 1 liter of pure Lavender essential oil? Stunning! A by-product of this is 9 liters of Lavender Hydrosol/Hydrolat (click here to know more about what is hydrolat)

How To Extract Lavender Oil and What is the Steam Distillation Process

(check the slideshow below to see the process)

Essential oils are produced by several different methods, among which the steam distillation is one of the most used methods for obtaining them. In the steam distillation process the raw material(Lavender in our case) is heated and the fragrant compounds are re-collected through condensation of the distilled vapour. Steam from boiling water is passed through the raw material, which drives out their volatile fragrant compounds. The condensate from distillation are settled in a Florentine flask (or Alembic). This allows for the easy separation of the fragrant oils from the water. The water collected from the condensate, which retains some of the fragrant compounds and oils from the raw material is called hydrosol/hydrolat. (Source: Wikipedia)

Beneficial properties of Lavender

Violet color corresponds to our 7th (crown) chakra that is located at the top of the head and is linked to the pineal gland. It’s not by chance that even Lavender is violet. Pure organic Lavender oil has a very high frequency and is used not just for calming but also to purify and cleanse our body, mind and spirit. If you have any stress or problems with headaches spritz your face and body with lavender hydrolat or inhale a few drops of high-grade lavender essential oil. You will feel better and refreshed! You can also put 2 drops of oil on your wrists and rub it into the skin to feel better. Lavender is also among rare essential oils that you can apply directly on the skin. Before doing yoga or meditating, you can even inhale a few drops of Lavender essential oil. It will help you to connect with your Self. When buying Lavender essential oil make sure is really high quality otherwise you won’t feel the effect! Even wounds, scars and acne will heal better, insect bites will soothe quickly. A few drops added in a warm bath will alleviate rheumatic ailments, sciatica, pain in bones and muscles. It will also help us in diseases, such as eczema and skin fungus. Lavender bath will calm us before bedtime. Lavender tea is welcome for mouth/gum diseases, excellent also for digestive problems, because it accelerates the secretion of bile and helps to calm nervous stomach and heart. However, we can go on and on with all the benefits that Lavender has got for us!

I’m really proud to promote such a unique and loving mission that Mrs. Tanja and her team are doing for themselves, for our country and for the planet as well! I will present you the entire story more in detail in the second part. Now, enjoy the beauty of Slovenian organic Lavender from Ivanji Grad on the pictures below! And perhaps take a nice trip there!

The Lavender essential oil is dripping out

Fields with organic Lavender in Ivanji grad (Slovenia)

Dried Lavender bouquets for producing organic Lavender tea

The alembic and the distillation process

The process of separation: the oil and hydrosol are separated

Arranging everything for the distillation process

The heat needed for the distillation (under the alembic)

Closing the Alembic pot for starting the distillation process

Pouring the Lavender in the Alembic (Distillation pot)

Another green refreshment for summer days!

July 2, 2012 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

In the middle of hot summer days I’m back with new ideas for your inner and outer beauty: refreshing summer smoothies that I make almost everyday! Because they have a delicate taste and are full of water & vitamins, they are perfectly hydrating and nourishing as well. So I thought to share with you some ideas!

Green makeup smoothie

my green smoothie

For two 3dl glasses mix in the blender:

2 apples (I used medium organic apples from our garden)

a bunch of green spinach

2 apricots

1 lemon (peel it before)

1 carrot

rice milk (depends on how dense you want your smoothie to be)

1 tbs of barley grass powder (optional)

Happy smoothie

For 2 persons mix in the blender:

1 orange

5 apricots

1 carrot

organic vanilla from Madagascar

1 tbs of maca root powder (optional)

water as needed

Bon appétit !

Beauty from inside out: My lovely smoothies

May 30, 2012 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

Today is my 100th post and unintentionally it’s going to be different from other posts. This is because I finally got everything necessary for creating something different in my kitchen that I wanted for so long. So I want to share my joy with you, too 🙂
Apart make-up and beauty, I like very much inventing tasteful, healthy and colorful novelties even in my kitchen. This give me a new inspiration and drive. I wanted to write about food and the relationship it has with beauty for a long time.

When talking about beauty, I don’t refer just on make-up and cosmetics which have an important part, but I also want to emphasize the beauty that is coming out from inside. It does matter what we put inside ourselves, how we nourish our body and our spirit. Our inside reflects even on outside.

Today I’m going to share with you my new invented smoothies. I have been in love with them for a long time, but I haven’t done them at home yet. Yesterday the right time came and I took home lots of different veggies, fruits and some vegetable milks (rice, soya and oat). I even got a nice almost new blender that my mom got and never used. Everything came to me like a puzzle at the right time. Moreover, hot days are coming and hydrating smoothies are just amazing in summer! I have to say that I eat lots of vegetables, but I was never a big fan of fruits. I don’t know why but I love to eat them in smoothies.

Why smoothies?
I don’t want to preach about trends or healthy living, I just want to share what I like and makes me feel good. Especially in hot days I feel that my body and skin need more hydration because of water loss. Fresh vegetables and fruits provide not just lots of water, but also minerals, vitamins and other goodies that our bodies need. And I like them so much!

Fresh splash smoothie

I wanted something simple, hydrating and refreshing, so here are the quantities for 3 dcl of smoothie:

10 strawberries
1 banana
2-3 fresh pepper mint leaves
1 small carrot
lemon juice from half lemon

Put everything in the blender with some water and voila! A hydrating and refreshing smoothie with a delicate taste.

Pink love smoothie

I like to give them names 🙂 A sweeter and more nourishing version of the 1st smoothie.

6 strawberries
1 banana
lemon juice from half lemon
1/4 carrot (small)
oat milk
some goji berries
raw cacao nibs
coconut flour

Mix all the ingredients in a blender. Add oat milk as much as you prefer to obtain a desired texture (more or less liquid). In the end I have added a pinch of coconut flour, a few goji berries and raw cacao nibs on top. I simply like these super foods that add lots of pure taste and energy, instead of eating classic sweets.

For all doubting Thomas 🙂 and those who need a boost of inspiration ;), here is an excerpt from Planet Bio, my favorite Slovenian (and now even EU) online shop, about these delicious greenies:

Goji berries: All in all, goji berries rejuvenate and nourish the whole body. A handful or two of goji berries can sweeten any smoothie or day! Dried organic goji berries consist of 68 % carbohydrates, 12 % proteins, 10 % healthy fats and 10 % fibers, which have a great effect on digestion. They have lots of other beneficial elements and properties for our body. (read more about here).

Organic cacao nibs contain many natural ingredients such as serotonin (antistress), tryptophan (anti-depressant), anandamide and dopamine. Cacao is renowned as being one of the most complex food in the world and has high levels of potassium, calcium, sodium and also antioxidants, of which 10 % are flavonoids. (read more about here)

Green makeup tip When in the kitchen I create recipes following my feeling and taste. I suggest you the same with makeup: try, experiment and follow your intuition 🙂 If you don’t have those super foods, don’t worry, you might have some hazelnuts from your local producer, or like me strawberries from your own garden that are completely fantastic for your health, too. The point is to create and eat what you have nearest your hand.

If you will try any of my smoothies let me know. You can also share with me some of your favorite recipes as well.

Cold-pressed oils: Sweet almond oil

April 5, 2012 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

In the past winter I’ve been experimenting a lot with many different cold-pressed oils. I was especially focused on different nut oils from my local environment. I believe that the nature has provided us just with the right things at the right place and so we have everything that we need around us. It is not accidental that in extremely hot or cold climates grow plants which are different from those in mediterranean environment for instance.

This is why I have chosen to try some oils that I discovered in a local oil-extraction plant in my country. From a big variety of oils, I’ve chosen to present you the sweet almond oil for first, because I’ve been using it a lot recently; from kitchen to beauty. I was removing my makeup with it and I even incorporated it in some home-made organic products. It’s delicious when added in a dish at the end (soups, pasta, rice,…) or to dress the salads, because of its delicate sweet and nutty taste that derives from sweet almonds (there is also another type of almond which is bitter). However, possibilities to use it are endless. Let’s explore some of them.

Why the (sweet) almond oil is so beneficial?

When I’ve tried the organic cold-pressed almond oil (don’t mess it with the refined one from the pharmacy) for the first time, I noticed that is almost odorless and its color is pale yellow. The (sweet) almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. Sweet almonds are very good especially for low-carbohydrate diets, because they contain a small percent of carbohydrates. In addition they contain almost 50% oils, of which 62% is monounsaturated acids (=omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids) and just a small percent (6%) of saturated fatty acid. Almonds and the oil as well are also a rich source of vitamin E, vitamin A, dietary fibers, vitamins B (B1, B2, B6) and essential minerals. This is why almond oil is very good for regulating intestinal problems, lower bad cholesterol,etc.

Almond oil in cosmetic

This mild, lightweight oil is widely spread in cosmetic uses and products. Because it’s very nourishing, with great emollient properties, almond oil is excellent as a moisturizer for dry skin. It’s very known in massage therapies and aromatherapy because it is a very good base/carrier oil and glides smoothly on the skin. It has excellent moisturizing properties and it is not as heavy as some other base oils, as it absorbs quite easy into the skin. The sweet almond oil is suitable for any skin type, especially for dry and mature skin. It maintains the moisture in the skin and because is rich in oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids, it helps to relieve the muscle pain.

I’ve also heard that almond oil is the best eye cream for reducing wrinkles and even dark circles. Of course, I gave it a try and the skin really felt smooth, especially when delicately massaged with this oil.

Among other benefits almond oil also:

– protects, softens, nourishes, calms the skin and soothes skin inflammations

– abundance of vitamin E in the oil helps reducing wrinkles and improves the state of dry skin

– it keeps the ph of the skin on normal level

– relieves the itching caused by eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis

– applying almond oil to the skin increases blood circulation

– it is also good to use during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks

– it is highly recommended for gentle baby skin care

– it’s one of the best oils for relaxation

– it can be used to cure the scalp and it also restores hair shine and supplies with moisture drained and damaged hair

– with regular use it helps to soften and balance the moisture in the skin

STORAGE As every cold-pressed oil, especially if you also use it for eating, is recommended to keep the oil in a cold and dark place. The fridge is the best option.

Green makeup tip Use the almond oil for removing make-up, as an eye cream; it will also strengthen your lashes. Use it for massaging your body after the shower, especially parts that suffer from dry skin, apply it generously on hands and massage it even in the nails.

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (abbreviated INCI ingredient on cosmetic products): PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS OIL

image credit via Flickr

Cold-pressed oils: Sesame oil

December 19, 2011 / Lifestyle, Skincare / 0 comment

My journey of discovering sesame oil started long time ago, when I was exploring Asiatic tastes of Chinese kitchen. Then I was fascinated again by it, when I went to an Ayurvedic yoga massage. The masseuse used for the massage a mix of cold-pressed sesame oil and calamus powder from the indian herb Acorus Calamus. This mix is very good for the entire body and spirit, but especially for detoxifying, stimulating the blood circulation and for relaxing the muscles. However, the sesame oil provides a smooth and moisturized skin. After the massage I felt really good and relaxed.

Benefits of sesame oil are known for thousands of years. It is mentioned in the Indian Vedas and used as well in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an oil with many healing properties. In Asia the sesame oil is an essential ingredient for cooking.

The sesame oil is made from sesame seeds. We know at least 2 types of sesame: black sesame (the one sprinkled around the sushi) and the pale yellow sesame, that you find mostly on top of breads and other baked products. There are many varieties of sesame oil, however not everyone is the best for eating and for the skin. The cold-pressed sesame oil is of a pale yellow color and it has preserved a number of good qualities, because it is produced from raw sesame seeds. You can use the cold-pressed sesame oil for inside (in the kitchen) and for outside (for your beauty regimen). Don’t mess the cold-pressed oil with the dark sesame oil, which is not made from black sesame, but it is made from roasted sesame seeds. The dark sesame oil is commonly used for cooking in the East Asian countries and its flavor and beneficial properties are not so praised as those from the cold-pressed oil, because the heat damages all their health-giving polyunsaturated fats.

Beneficial properties of sesame seed oil

– sesame is rich in calcium

– it has a high percentage of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is unique because stable at room temperature, thanks to its two naturally occurring preservatives: sesamol and sesamin.)

– there are many studies about sesame oil that show improvements of many chronic diseases (high blood pressure,high cholesterol, diabetes, migraines…)

– as many cold-pressed oils, even sesame oil is a potent antioxidant with high levels of vitamin E , acting on a cellular level. It provides essential nourishment to the cells and it acts as a cell growth regulator

– it is naturally antibacterial, antiviral and it is a natural anti inflammatory agent

– many people use the sesame oil for curing chronic sinusitis and for killing throat bacteria

– some sources claim that it acts also as a UV sun protector

– people with skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema find sesame oil very curative

– applied on skin, it calms the burns. It also nourishes the skin, especially when exposed to hard weather conditions

– it kills bacteria and help to regenerate scalp problems, even when there are dandruff problems

– when applied to the skin, it helps your skin regaining softness and nourishment

In cosmetics you can use the sesame oil as a basic oil for massage. Try it even on damp skin after the shower or mix it with some organic sugar to get a gentle body scrub. Your skin will be soft and nourished. It can be applied on face skin, too. Sesame oil is especially recommended for protecting the tender baby skin or treating the young problematic skin. As many teenagers wrongly think that oils are not appropriate for their skin, this is not the case for cold-pressed oils. Especially the sesame seed oil helps to control spot eruptions and neutralizes the toxins, developed on the surface of the skin and in the pores, because of its antimicrobial properties.

For concluding, there are many legends that narrate stories about sesame seed. There is an Assyrian legend which says that when the gods met to create the earth, they drank the wine made from sesame seeds. According to Hindu legends and beliefs, sesame seed is the symbol of immortality and the sesame oil is considered one of the best oils. It is used even in celebrations, offerings, rituals and prayers.

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (abbreviated INCI ingredient on cosmetic products): SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL

Wellness, Beauty & Lifestyle 2012-13 inspired by our planet’s natural resources

December 12, 2011 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

I’ve just found this article that really amazed me and that I want to share with you. It is written by Li Edelkoort, known as the “priestess of trends” and one of the most influential creative people in the world of fashion. I first read about her more than 12 years ago, when I found an article in Italian Elle. It caught immediately my attention and admiration. And now I found this heaven-sent words that actually coincide with my vision of beauty and in which direction things should move. I add: “From your lips to God’s ears, Li!” 🙂

Here is the entire article that I’ve reblogged from Beautypress:

Wellness, Beauty & Lifestyle 2012-13 inspired by our planet’s natural resources

Over the past few years, the well-being industry has expanded its influence beyond food, spa and fitness, truly becoming a far-reaching phenomenon that also affects architecture, scent, beauty, experience and service. Today, we accept wholeheartedly that a discussion about bodycare, spa, cosmetics and even make-up can go hand-in-hand with our sense of health, organic living and peace of mind.

The marketing machine that has been feeding the beauty world for decades is losing speed amidst a social climate that is critical regarding ethical practice and cynical regarding countless broken promises. We believe in a future where products will stand on their own merit, proven by quality, animated by design and charming in character. Beauty will literally lie in the eye of the beholder since consumers will want to start from the inside, using nutrition, vitamins and other treatments in conjunction with meditation, energy healing and fitness; supplementing the use of better-designed products by making health and well-being their central beauty regimen.

This century has brought about a moment of reflection and radical change concerning the planet, in contrast to a former century of abuse, greed and violence. For the first time, a post-fossil society is emerging, giving man some hope and more faith for the futur – resetting attitudes and mentalities and respecting the earth and each other more. Man wants to get closer to nature on a more intuitive level.

No longer just a utopian dream, the desire for an organic lifestyle is becoming essential for survival, taking root as an extension of the ecological, sustainable and well-being movements that are in the process of redefining our ways of living and becoming embedded in our thinking, training, education and business practices.

Not only do we want to eat healthily and create consciously, in design, fashion and lifestyle, we also will want to become more tactile; seeking value in a product through the sophistication of its authenticity, feel and durability. Colour, too, becomes a crucial value to develop; from precisely-designed organic hues to biological dyes made from nature.

For these reasons, we investigated the most important natural elements our planet has to offer: Spanning raw materials from earth, rock, water, chalk and sand, to the use of roots, fossils, crystals and gold within the wellness context. Volcanic geology, lava and charred matter will help us conceive the rebirth of society, regenerating ourselves both physically and emotionally after such a rocky start to the century.
By delving into the earth itself, we will be able to reset our own core; connected to a primal and instinctive past, we will go forth with confidence, maturity and positivity. This time, we have to get things right – the outlook of the planet and ourselves depends on it.

Be well!

Lidewij Edelkoort

About ageing

November 14, 2011 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

“All growth is from within. This is evident in all nature. Every plant, every animal, every human is a living testimony to this great law, and the error of the ages is in looking for strength or power from without.” (Charles Haanel)

Aging is a natural process when the skin loses its natural elasticity, because of many factors. The result are wrinkles and droopy skin. Many women, in constant search for the eternal youth, look after new solutions in outside form of creams and even surgery, that would help them regain their beauty. We are now, more than ever, in a period of time, when we will have to realize that the beauty does not come from without, but from within. Sooner or later, everyone of us has to face new wrinkles and the years passing by. So why running away? Why repressing the real state of mind and feelings and try to look fake at every cost? Thinking that outside of us there is a miraculous solution in a bottle?

Cosmetic can just help us as a tool to celebrate our already existing beauty through colors (make-up) and other beneficial ingredients that help the body regain its own vigor and growth of energy. But if searching just outside, we miss the main thing that is always there, within us: our spirit – the real source of beauty.

I decided to write this article, because I’d like to share with you also my thoughts about the other side of beauty, the one that we have to nourish within. Instead of constant complaining and rushing from one “miraculous” product to another, let’s try to find some balance, inner peace. One of the best methods to regain balance within, is mediation.

There are many different techniques of meditation, but the main point is to find the appropriate one for us. The one that will bring us inner peace, wellbeing and the right balance between mind and body.

Moreover, it is scientifically proven that meditating has many beneficial effects. Let’s take a look at just some benefits that meditation brings on physical level:

– leads to a deeper physical and emotional relaxation

– reduces emotional stress and anxiety (relaxes our nervous system)

– decreases the muscles tension

– helps to balance hormonal disorders (PMS; menopause,…)

– strengthens the immune system

– helps us to gain energy, inner and outer strength

– increases blood flow and slows the heart rate

– reduces free radicals (consequently: slower aging, less wrinkles and tissue damages)

– reduces cholesterol levels

– improves the flow of air to the lungs (=deeper breathing = more oxygen in our body)

– helps to increase the brain activity

– helps us in many chronic diseases cause our whole system becomes balanced

There is one extremely important thing about meditating: find your own technique that you feel comfortable with and persist in practicing it. At first, our mind plays a tricky game, with resisting to changes. Persistence will help you to achieve a better state of mind and body. Sometimes it’s not easy to change our beliefs, especially the negative ones, that have been inside of us for entire life. This is why persistence is the key. Personally, I prefer to calm down, to sit comfortably without moving and then just allow myself to be and to concentrate on breathing.

When you will find yourself worrying about your wrinkles and aging, try to relax about it, calm your mind with positive affirmations about your beauty and find your best way to relax your body on every level. You can meditate, do 5 tibetan rites or yoga, you can massage your face or even find a massage expert, listen to relaxing music, pamper yourself with aromatherapeutic effects of essential oils,… All these methods help you to balance and to relax body and mind, which is the essential step towards youth – inside and outside.

I’d really like to know what is your favorite treatment or rite that help you relax body and mind?

Enjoy yourself as you are!

(image via Flickr.com)

My eco chic bags

September 7, 2011 / Lifestyle / 0 comment

One of my green recycling tips is avoid the use of plastic bags. I really don’t like tons of plastic bags around in the house! Instead I have a few favorite eco chic bags that I carry around with me. They are very handy especially when I go into the food market and I don’t have to use the plastic bags. Avoiding to use plastic bags means saving our planet and stop the pollution. If I have any plastic bags, I try to reuse them as much as I can. When I go shopping big quantities I have 2 bigger bags where I can put everything. This way I avoid picking plastic grocery bags.

Sometimes I use one of these cotton bags even instead of my hand bag, especially now in summer. It’s light and handy to carry around. I can also wash all of them, because they are made from organic cotton.

I received the first bag (from left) as a gift. It was bought in Loft 18, a nice eco boutique in Paris. The second bag is from the shop Made in the shade in Milano, where I was buying Dr.Bronner’s organic cosmetic. It is made from light cotton and is very useful, cause I can put it in every other bag, so I always have an additional bag with me, in case of extra shopping. I bought the third bag in H&M, because I like its inscription and shape.

What do you think about using a cotton shopping bag?

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