We all are familiar with the concept of coffee as a beverage, but did you know that it can be beneficial for the skin too?!? Yes, coffee can actually help perk up your skin too!

The caffeine that is in coffee has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stimulating properties. It works by encouraging circulation and blood flow, which helps remove toxins, fat and excess fluids.

"Caffeine is now found in some face creams and serums. The acid in it functions as an antioxidant. Because several studies have found that it may protect against sun-induced skin cancer, it's a great extra boost to your usual sunscreen and antioxidants. Because caffeine also constricts blood vessels, it has been shown to help reduce skin redness.

In eye gels, caffeine helps deflate puffy skin because it constricts blood vessels. It helps drain excess blood and lymph fluid to help temporarily deflate puffy eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Nothing cures cellulite or eliminates it entirely. The best we can do is make it look better for a few hours. Caffeine is the main ingredient in anti-cellulite lotions. It works by temporarily dehydrating fluid from fat cells, making them look smaller, according to dermatologists.

A number of scrubs contain ground coffee beans or seeds as an exfoliate. There are also fragrances and lip balms with coffee or mocha, an invigorating scent. Smelling coffee can be a stimulant and make you alert, because you associate the smell with the invigorating effects of drinking coffee. It's a learned response." 
(Source: www.cbsnews.com/2100-500169_162-3087624.html)

I've been really enjoying the effects of using my Coffee & Spice Sugar Scrub recently in the shower. I'm not a coffee drinker, though I do enjoy the occasional mocha. I'm happy to have found a fabulous way to enjoy the aroma of coffee and some of it's "perky" benefits.

Autumn makes me happy!
I LOVE this time of year. It's time to slow down, get cozy, and nurture ourselves! How do you nurture yourself? Do you take enough time out of your busy schedule to nurture yourself? If not, then perhaps you are like the many of us who have busy lives and fully intend to take time out for self care but struggle to make it happen. Well, I have good news.....now is a good time to to start! The season of Fall can support you in nurturing yourself. The energy of the Fall season is all about slowing down, harvest, and nourishment. How can you put these elements into practice within your own life during this time of year? Think small. Think simple. Here one idea: instead of starting your day with the long To Do List in your head before you even fully wake up, slow down.....try the simple act of taking a few intentional deep breaths upon waking in the morning while you think about three things you're grateful for. What simple act can you think of to incorporate into your day that will be nurturing?

Fall is harvest time. One of the definitions of harvest is: the result or product of an action. Actions can be big, and actions can be small; but make your actions intentional and you will reap the benefits. What I mean is, if you make an effort to take some kind of action toward nurturing yourself more, whether big or small, you will find more peace and balance in your life - reap THOSE benefits baby! ha ha

The message of the season; take the time to nourish your body and soul.


I will make time this season to nourish my body and my soul by:

- Getting back into the routine of a monthly massage

- Pampering my skin and spirit with a facial

- Taking one evening a week to do something crafty

- Taking time to JUST sit and watch the leaves fall

- Enjoying the process of making a nourishing meal and eating it SLOWLY

   

How will you make time this season to nourish your body and soul?

How To Heal Dry Cracked Heels      
I come across a fair share of dry cracked heels in my line of work - especially in the Summer. They can be stubborn, persistent and even sometimes painful. Check out this article to find out what causes dry cracked heels and how to treat them at home naturally.
www.drycrackedheelstreatment.com

My favorite thing to prescribe for healing super dry feet and hands is Uspa's Healing Hands; hand & foot cream. It's something I personally keep by my bedside and use on a nightly basis. I've had many people have great results using this exquisitely silky and deeply penetrating cream. Ask to sample it next time you're at the Beauty Temple....you'll see what I mean.