A life without gluten

I started implementing a gluten free diet sometime in November of last year, but it wasn't until late December when I realized I was on the right track. My sister had gotten me Elisabeth Hasslebeck's book, The G Free Diet, for Christmas, and I read it in about two days. As I was reading her story about having celiac disease (gluten intolerance), it was like me telling my own story. I could relate to so many things and I felt like I wasn't alone in my journey. Sometime later I shared this book with my neighbor for her husband to read. He too had the same story and came to the same conclusion. Since then we have been able to share our ideas, GF recipes, and new GF products. My neighbor started a blog, We Being G-Free, to chronicle their family's journey into a life without gluten. For any of you out there that are gluten intolerant or know someone that is you may enjoy following their story. With 1 in 133 people in the United States having celiac disease, its nice to share the information.

Gentle Exfoliant

My favorite daily exfoliator that I like to use is PCA's Gentle Exfoliator. I keep a bottle in my shower and use it every morning. It's a non-abrasive creamy scrub that is very effective in preventing the build up of dead skin cells. With the combination of aloe vera and glycolic acid, your skin is polished and smooth feeling. Great for keeping those pores cleaned out.

Milia

Milia, or whiteheads, is caused by an accumulation of dead keratinized cells and sebum trapped beneath the skin. Very similar to a blackhead, yet you cannot extract them as easily. When they are extracted though, the trapped matter feels like a grain of sand.

The best way to treat milia, is by daily exfoliation and facials. A good exfoliator will help slough off the dead cells and excess sebum so it doesn't get trapped under the skin. A facial will further soften the skin and with the proper tools and technique, the esthetician can extract the milia.

The Brazilian Bikini wax

We dread getting it done, yet every month we hoist ourselves up on the table and prepare ourselves for whats going to happen next....yes ladies its the dreaded bikini wax. And not just any bikini wax, the Brazilian bikini wax.

There has been so much talk about Brazilian bikini waxes and its been called so many different things, "Full Brazilian, " The Sphynx", "Full Monty", "The Playboy", but what is it really?

A Brazilian bikini wax involves removing hair in the pubic and anal area. You can either have it all removed or you can leave a small strip of hair , called "the landing strip", towards the top of the public bone. All modesty is left at the door and your legs are put in various positions in order to remove all the hair. After the hair is removed in the front, you flip over and get on all fours to remove the hair in the anal area.

Its really not as bad as it may sound. The procedure is over fairly quick and then you are on you way and you won't have to worry about it again until next month. No more shaving. The pain is tolerable, and the more you get it done the less your hair grows in. See there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So what are you waiting for?

Spring Deals

Its finally here! My ad went out this past weekend to local residents in the Clipper Magazine. Thanks to Clara Wallace Art & Design for designing my ad. Love it! Already a great response. Some great deals untl May 5th ladies and gents. So get them while they're hot! You don't need a coupon to cash in. Just mention the ad when you make your appointment.

DIY Avocado Mask

The Avocado Festival in Fallbrook, CA is just around the corner and its got me thinking of avocados. I eat avocados almost everyday. I love them! They're high in protein, vitamins, and essential fatty acids which are good for the body and for the skin. So why not slather some avocado on your face to give your skin some extra nourishment.

This mask is great for mature and dry skin but it is suitable for all skin types.

1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

1 Tbsp plain organic yogurt

1 Tbsp honey (optional, for added moisture)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process for 20 seconds. Apply immediately to a cleansed face and rest for ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water and follow with a moisturizer.

Spring Cleaning

Spring is here! Time for the spring cleaning, and I'm not talking about your house. This is the time to spring clean your skin. After battling some of the harsh temperatures of winter, you skin is in need of some TLC. A facial is just the solution. Cleaning out your pores, sloughing off the dead skin, and adding more hydration can be achieved during your facial. A facial will bring back that glow and increase its circulation that it may not of had during the cold winter months.

This is the time to also go through your skin care products and see if you need to change things. With warmer temperatures on the way, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer. And you may want to up the SPF on your sunscreen, 30+ or even 70+ .

With my great spring deals going on right now, you can buy one facial and get the second one free. Spring cleaning never sound so fun !