DID YOU KNOW...

COCA COLA HAS SOME CRAZY "BEAUTY" USES

Strip dye from your hair, or at least make it fade, especially if you have a tendency to dye it yourself! Simply pour a bottle of diet coke (and DIET COKE ONLY) over your hair, it helps fade dye and even remove it!

(Somehow it always pays to have a professional take care of your hair. You could end up with the proverbial 'green' hair if you're not careful!)

Neumann’s Nuggets

Remove gum in your hair by dipping it into a small bowl of Coca Cola. Let sit for a few minutes; gum will wipe right off.

(Someone try this out for me and get back to me. I want to know if it really works!)

Neumann’s  Nuggets

PROTEIN BEER SHAMPOO

Would you believe...

The proteins from the malt and hops in beer will coat the strands of your hair, volumize and actually strengthen your hair so it can repair itself. Talk about great body!

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup beer

(any old brand will do)

1 cup of inexpensive shampoo

(or use one that is really good for your hair)

Boil the beer until it is reduced to 1/4 cup. Cool it and add to shampoo. Wash hair like normal and rinse.

KICKSTART YOUR WEIGHT LOSS WITH GRAPEFRUIT

WEIGHT LOSS BEGINS AT BREAKFAST

With so much information out there for weight loss – do this – do that – don’t do THAT – what is a person to do?

I’m a big fan of the K.I.S.S. Principle – “Keep It Simple, Sweetheart”

So here’s a simple tea to begin and end your day with. No frills – just simple power.

WARM GRAPEFRUIT TEA

(endorsed by Martha Stewart)

2 c ruby red grapefruit juice (squeezed from 2 grapefruits)

2-4 T Honey

1 Cinnamon Stick

½ tsp whole allspice berries

In a medium pot, combine all ingredients with ½ cup of water. Bring to boil over high heat, strain, and discard solids. Serve with grapefruit segment or strip of zest.

Elegant, simple, but effective. Ingredients like grapefruit, wild salmon, almonds, avocados, and kiwi can trigger your body to process food more effectively – making your insulin more effective and leveled out.

Try it – you just might like it. Relax, sip a bit, enjoy…

DID YOU KNOW...

NEW USES FOR MOUTHWASH

Troubled by dandruff? Don’t let that get you down. Next time you shampoo, simply follow it with a nice alcohol-based mouthwash rinse. Repeat this until you find flakes no more.

(Well, yeah… they probably just fall off in an alcoholic-minty fog! Gives a whole new meaning to a “fresh” new “do”.)

Neumann’s Nuggets

Need a Good Face Cleaner? Only use a mouthwash that does not contain sugar to wash your face with. (Good luck finding that one!) Wash your face first with your typical face cleanser. Then apply some mouthwash to a cotton ball and wipe it on your face. Like any face astringent, you should feel a pleasant sensation. (I’ll BET!) When you are done, rinse, and your face will look fresh and clean!

(Wonder if it would work as well for an after-shave for men? Oh, Boy! And you thought the other stuff stings!)

Neumann’s Nuggets

NATURAL SUNSCREENS

SUMMER IS ALMOST UPON US!

When you’re shopping for sunscreen, it’s easy to get lost in the lists of ingredients that no one can pronounce and the labels covered in scientific mumbo jumbo. But if you value natural beauty and healthy alternatives to traditional cosmetics, look for products that are not only good for you, but also good for the environment. Because when you go swimming, what you put on your skin goes into the water with you.

Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – a good alternative. Typical ‘chemical’ sunscreens may be deemed safe for ‘humans,’ but are harmful to marine life.

Always use SPF 30 or higher.

Use sunscreens WITHOUT fragrance. Fragrances can cause allergic reactions.

“Prevention Magazine” has compiled a list of the most ‘natural’ sunscreens. Thought we’d pass them along to you.

http://www.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/how-find-best-natural-sunscreen?cm_mmc=Spotlight-_-933364-_-06032012-_-How-To-Find-the-Best-Natural-Sunscreen#ixzz1wmwEcsRE

SMILE

REMEMBER TO SMILE

You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is.

- Ellen DeGeners.

PAMPER YOURSELF AT HOME WITH A MINI SPA DAY

 

What do you think of when you hear or see the word SPA?

Total relaxation, pampering, and rejuvenation – you bet! You know you can create a mini spa right in your very own home – complete with food and mood.

First off, prepare this typical spa salad, sit down someplace comfortable and enjoy every morsel. This salad will fill your body with antioxidants that are great for your heart and help to flush away toxins.

SPA SALAD

POWER-PACKED CHICKPEA, MINT & HERB SALAD

½ c chickpeas, drain and rinse

1/3 c fresh cucumber, diced

1/3 c tomatoes, de-seeded and diced

¼ c extra virgin olive oil

¼ tsp lightly roasted and ground cumin seeds (optional, but highly recommended)

A few fresh mint and cilantro leaves, chopped fine

½ T fresh lemon juice

Sea salt and fresh-cracked pepper to taste

First make the dressing by whisking together the last 5 ingredients. Then toss with remaining ingredients.

 

SPA MASK

After mixing the following ingredients together, apply the mixture all over your face and neck and leave on for about 10 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water splashed on your face, followed by a warm washcloth applied to skin.

Apply some kind of natural aloe vera gel or moisturizing cream afterwards. Look at your lovely face in the mirror!

1 T oatmeal, finely ground

1 T plain yogurt

A few drops of Honey

 

SPA FEET

Now this is the ultimate in making all your cares and woes disappear.

In a very large bowl of warm water, mix a sachet of lavender mineral salts and part of a small bottle of lavender essential oil. Grab a magazine or book, listen to music, or take this time to meditate on how grateful you are to have the time to do this and for everything else in your amazing Life.

Afterwards, pour a few drops of the lavender oil into a half cup of sugar. Use this mixture to rub all over your feet – then rinse off with warm water. This is a very pleasurable exfoliation treatment.

Apply a moisturizing lotion to your feet (perhaps something with peppermint in it, to just make you tingle). Massage freely all over your feet.

All we can say is WOW!

You are worth it!

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR

In Life, we are always looking for something faster, easier, and better – including our hair. There are a few things you can do – read on:

THROW IN THE TOWEL:  If you have delicate hair, you might want to wrap your wet hair up in an old t-shirt, instead of a towel. Towels can be a bit harsh on your hair and may absorb too much moisture. A t-shirt takes just the right amount.

GET BOARED: The old-fashioned 'boar bristle' brush is a much gentler solution for keeping your hair beautiful adn more manageable. It will also keep your hair looking shiner, because it helps distribute oil from the root to the tip. If your hair is damaged, this kind of brush is kinder and gentler.

GO TO THE PLAIT: Braiding your hair helps protect it while you are sleeping. There is less pressure on strands of hair when they are woven together for strength. Plus, your hair won't get so tangled and scare you when you look in the mirror upon rising in the morning.

DRY OUT: Just after washing your hair, it is more vulnerable to breakage, especially if you brush through it too harshly. It's a good idea to let it dry more naturally adn then carefull brush through it.

SMOOTH THINGS UNDER: Silk or satin pillowcases do not absorb so much moisture from your hair while you sleep - unlike cotton pillowcases. Silk or satin also help to keep your hair tangle-free while you sleep, due to their smooth surface.

Hope you found this helpful! 

HOLD ONTO YOUR HAIR

FOOD FOR KEEPING YOUR HAIR

HEALTHY FRUIT & OAT GRANOLA BARS

16 Servings

1 egg

1 egg white

1 c light brown sugar

1 T canola oil

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1 ½ c toasted oats

2/3 c dried cranberries, chopped

¼ c pecans, chopped

1 T flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread oats on a baking sheet and back, stirring occasionally for 15-18 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant. Reduce oven temperature to 325 . Line an 8x11 inch pan with foil. Lightly oil or coat with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, whisk first 7 ingredients. Stir in toasted oats and remaining ingredients.

Spread in prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes – till golden brown. Cool. Cut into bars with a lightly oiled knife.

Calories: 130 – Total Fat: 2 g – Protein: 2 g – Carbs: 24 g

A wholesome diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron will help reduce or prevent hair loss. Green, leafy vegetables, especially sea vegetables are good mineral sources. Raw oats provide silica. Dried fruits and cherry juice are rich sources of iron. The following recipe is a quick, grab-on-the-go snack or breakfast, which contain the above mentioned ingredients.

ANCIENT SECRETS FOR EXOTIC SKIN

EVER WONDER WHY SO MANY WOMEN FROM EXOTIC COUNTRIES, SUCH AS BRAZIL..

 or from China...

or from India...

...why their skin never seems to age or looks radiant all the time?

As you read on, you will discover some ancient secrets that women have been using throughout time - easy things that don't cost you a forture, either.

Indian women have always mixed together CHICKPEA FLOUR,

and TUMERIC

and ALMOND OIL to make their skin radiant on special days (like their wedding day). The chickpea flour absorbs oil from their skin, turmeric adds an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic property to the mix, and almond oil adds a healthy moisture. Their skin is instantly exfoliated, softened, and brightened.



·         1 cup chickpea flour

·         3 tablespoons of turmeric (powdered form)

·         Almond oil (enough to form a paste)

Make a paste of the ingredients. Apply to the face and body, and let sit for a few minutes - it will begin to dry. Then rub the mixture off with your hands, which enhances exfoliation. Would you believe that it also eliminates fine facial hair. Wash the rest of the mixture off - skin like a baby!

A VEGGIE A DAY...

Like OKRA

 Take a handful of fresh okra and boil until soft. Let cool and mash it up to a slimy consistency. Spread it over your face adn leave it for about 5 minutes. Rinse off. Totally refreshing adn smooooth...

Or RICE

 After you soak rice in water before cooking it, drain this milky-looking liquid into a bowl. Dip a washcloth into liquid and apply it to the skin that may have sun damage, age spots, or hyperpigmentation.

Some stellar properties of rice are high levels of  PABA, ferullic acid and allantoin, which are all high in antioxidants. Your skin will love you!

Or GRAPES

Italian women not only traditionally stomp grapes with their feet, but they also squish some up and apply them to their faces. Every part of the grape, from the skin to the seeds, are loaded with linoleic acid and polyphenols - potent antioxidants with moisturizing benefits. Want to fight the battle of 'age' - this is it.  

I trust you will find this interesting and stimulation - for your skin, that is.

   

Ever wonder why so many women from exotic countries such as Brazil...

SMILE

REMEMBER TO SMILE

“The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age.”

(Lucille Ball)

RECIPE - HEALTHY SNACK OR BREAKFAST

PAPAYA-BERRY YOGURT PARFAIT

Ingredients

• 3 containers (5.3 ounces each) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 5 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon juice
• 1 piece fresh ginger (about 2 inches)
• 1 papaya (1 pound), peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds discarded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 package (6 ounces) fresh blackberries
• 1 package (6 ounces) fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1/2 cup granola
• a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

 

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine yogurt, 3 tablespoons honey, and zest; set aside.
2. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the ginger (no need to peel) into a small bowl. Squeeze ginger through a fine-meshed sieve or strainer placed over a medium bowl to get a total of 1 tablespoon ginger juice. Discard pulp.
   To the bowl with the juice, add remaining 2 tablespoons honey and lemon juice; whisk to combine. Add papaya, blackberries, and raspberries and toss gently to coat.
3. To serve: Spoon half the fruit and juices among six 8-ounce tall glasses. Sprinkle chopped mint over the fruit. Top with half the yogurt mixture and half the granola. Layer with the remaining fruit, yogurt, and granola. Garnish with mint sprigs and sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg.

SPICY SKIN

GIVE YOUR SKIN SOME ZIPPITY-DO-DAH

If you allow it, as you age, your skin may lose some of the youthful, dewy look it had in the beginning. Want to help stop that? Sure you do! Here are a couple of tricks using 2 common spices found in your kitchen.

That's right - plain ole' cinnamon and nutmeg. This is a very inexpensive, skin-rejuvenating wash. Place 6 teaspoons of each spice and run it through your coffe pot's filter.

Pour this mixture directly into a warm bath, step into your bath, and soak for awhile.

You may also allow the original mixture to cool for a bit and then use as a face or body wash that you will leave on long enough to penetrate your skin - for about 10 minutes a day.

Cinnamon has incredible properties, such as helping to plump your skin, filling in fine lines and small wrinkles. A couple other benefits while using cinnamon is that it has been found by simply smelling it, your cognitive function and memory may be enhanced.

Nutmeg, on the other hand, will soften fine lines and let your skin glow. While smelling it, you may find your muscles relaxing, as well. When used in a homeopathy manner, it helps to treat anxiety and depression.

So in other words, you can get more than wrinkle-free skin out of this whole thing.