Homemade Exfoliating Facial and Body Scrubs

Olive Oil a great choice for exfoliation

Brown Sugar and Oil for basic sugar scrub

.

Skin exfoliation is a great method of pampering yourself at home.

Some of us dream of visiting a spa three times a year but the cost of it becomes a major barrier and we lose out on the great benefits it can bring us. No more! 
Help is at hand and you can achieve smooth, moisturised and youthful looking skin right now with a few simple, natural remedies.

Exfoliation is the process where dead skin cells are removed from the surface layer of skin. It helps to control oiliness, pimples,  and scars and leaves you with smooth, renewed dewy looking skin because the new skin is of even better quality and its fresh and new. 

There are things in our cupboards that we can use to create affordable, effective and beautiful exfoliating beauty treatments.
Open those cupboards and have a look! I can only share a few in this post but there are a million others also worthy of mention such as honey, yogurt, egg whites and more.

The main ingredients we shall use here are brown or white sugar and oil.


For the face
Step 1
Clean your face of any make up or oil build up
The Oil Cleansing Method works superbly for this but use whichever suits you best.

Step 2
You can use either brown/white sugar/fine cornmeal or oatmeal ground (which you should grind to smaller grains) 
Oatmeal is a good choice for sensitive skin but for all skin types, do a patch test first
Remember that these measurements are a guide

Add 1 tbsp of your chosen exfoliation product in a bowl
Add 1 tbsp Oil of choice such as Sunflower oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil. Sugar with coconut oil is a delicious smelling combination. 
Mix together

Be adventurous and add 1 drop of essential oils such as rose, lavender or ylang ylang.
Lemon juice can be added to help remove dark spots but be careful not to go out in the sun after this treatment.
You can use any leftover mixture on rough areas such as elbows and knees to use it up. Nothing wasted!

Step 3
Apply to your face in circular motions and enjoy 
There is no need to scrub the skin as it may irritate but be gentle, allowing the ingredients to do their work.
The circular motion helps to increase circulation to the skin, which is often an ignored but much needed part of skin care. 

Take your time and enjoy this part of the cleansing, enjoying the benefits of the amazing ingredients in your kitchen cupboards and how wonderful your skin will feel afterwards. 
Leave it on for 3 minutes if possible but not absolutely necessary.

Step 4
Soak a cloth in warm water and gently wipe off the mixture, allowing the steam from the cloth to open up the pores of your skin.

Keep wiping until all the mixture has gone and there is no oil left on your face

Step 4
Tone with a cotton pad dipped in cooled green tea or a mix of apple cider vinegar and water to completely cleanse and seal your skin

Step 5 
Moisturise with your lotion of choice or a simple oil such as coconut, rosehip,sweet almond or jojoba.

Your skin will love you for it and everyone will notice the new glow.
Do this no more than twice a week so that the skin's natural oils can have a chance to work. 

Some people substitute salt for sugar but be careful as this may be too harsh on your face. 

For A Body Scrub
Sea Salt is great for an all over body scrub using greater quantities, starting with 1 cup of salt with up to 4 tbsp of oil. It is best to add the oil gradually to get it to the consistency that works best for you. You are looking for the balance of oil and salt that glides over the skin allowing you to massage without dragging your skin. 

Step 1
Prepare your mixture

Step 2
Set up the room

Prepare by putting on your favorite music, having a chair or stool handy, spreading towels on the ground and even having a scented candle burning. This is your time so do it in the way that you will enjoy the most. 

Step 3
Wash in the bath or shower
Step out and scoop some of the sugar mix into your hand and apply in circular motions all over.
Rinse off

Moisturise with Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil or any similar oil to seal in the moisture.

Use Olive Oil or Coconut Oil for moisturising your skin

You should notice that your skin has become smoother and a change in its texture and tone, possibly remaining moisturised for at least a week. This is what you pay for in a spa or salon and now you are easily achieving it in the comfort of your home.
Even better is that you should feel like a million dollars with a spring in your step.
This can be done up to once a week.

The whole body mixes can last in a sealed glass jar for up to 3 months.
You can add a tsp of Vit E oil for extra preservative to be certain. The best method is to make it just what you need at the time.

Try it and tell all your girlfriends to try it too!
Awesome Beauty Tips!

Omega 3 Breakfast Beauty

Variety is the spice of life and based on that today I am trying a new addition to my breakfast oats

I'm always looking to get the best nutrients from my food and the two I am focusing on here are

• Omega 3 
• Fiber

The Linwood mixes work really well for great ingredients, taste and convenience.

I use a lot of the Linwood range of milled flaxseed mixes and recently bought one this one that I've always looked at but left behind on the shelf.

I was inspired to give it a try after a conversation with my son who says that he loves the chocolate range of those quick packet oats you can buy. They may not be the best but if that's his introduction to healthy, I am not standing in his way. So after that conversation I decided to make a more healthy version to see if I could use this new flavour mix

This mix is made up of 86% flaxseed and 10% cocoa. They claim to have processed the cocoa in such a way, that would reduce the fat and maintain a high level of flavanoids, which are the antioxidants we need. These antioxidants give us a healthy heart and maintain our circulation around the body. The mix is gluten free with no added sugar.
Of course there are berries in the mix which are strawberries and blueberries.

The packaging on the mix is full of health information which is very encouraging so that you can gain a full understanding of the product and why you are using it. 
Excellently done.

The mix looks just like it does on the pack as you can see and only one tablespoon is needed.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed should be ground before eating so this pack has done the job for you. The health benefits of flaxseed are that it may contribute to heart health as it is a vegetarian source of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids. 
On the Livestrong website, it says that 2 tablespoons provides 100 percent of our daily intake of omega 3.

Ground flaxseed is a super supply of dietary fiber, you can get 15 percent of your daily needs from 2 tablespoons. This is great news because fiber helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer which in turn means you eat less and should assist in weight loss.

A good intake of water is also necessary to ensure that you do not get constipated. You can see previous posts on this blog for ideas on how to increase your water intake.
You will find that after you use any of these mixes that it thickens the porridge or your smoothie as that is the nature of flaxseeds. In hair care it is used as a gel because of these properties.

So do I like this flavour in my porridge?
I have to admit that I did not. The reason for that is because I don't think chocolate with oats is my ideal combination at all. 
So I will have to leave my younger ones to enjoy that blend in porridge.

Would I still use it? 
Not this flavour! Just my personal preference, you might just love it. 
I do think that it will be best in a smoothie with bananas and fresh strawberries and that was my intention when I bought it. So I will share when I make that one as I won't waste all that goodness in a pack.
That said, I really do enjoy the other flaxseed mixes that Linwood make, especially the one with brazil nuts and almonds and would wholeheartedly suggest that you try them for yourself.
I will definitely continue to add this to my shopping cart every month.

They are easily available in the supermarkets and health food stores near the oats and cereals. One pack usually lasts for a month so the investment is worth it because you are more than worth it. 
PS They have not paid me to say any of this and I do not benefit financially by sharing it with you. I just find it a great product and thought you should know xx

Have you tried this yet?
How has it helped you?
What is the best way that you use it?
Leave a comment here and on Awesome Naturelles Facebook page
I would love to hear your awesome health stories

Awesome Minty Lip Balm

Awesome Minty Lip Balm

It's time to get creative and make some lip balm. I'm having the girls over soon and decided to make them something to take away other than a full belly!
Here is a recipe I found on Mountain Rose Herbs but there are a zillion on the internet that you can follow with great results.

2 Tbsp Cocoa Butter
4 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
2 Tbsp Avocado Oil
1 Tbsp plus 1 Tsp Beeswax
15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
a few drops Vitamin E

Cocoa Butter in solid form and broken up on spoon; Beeswax Pellets

In a glass bowl or measuring cup, melt the oils, butter and beeswax. Put the glass bowl into a bigger saucepan or pot with water and heat it gently on the stove. This is called the double boiler method. Make sure that no water gets into the oil mixture and keep the heat on a low setting for gentle heating. Use a wooden bamboo stick or spoon to stir.
Once it has all melted, add the essential oil, Vitamin E and stir.
Pour into lip balm pots and leave to set

Melt it all in glass bowl; Pour into lip Balm Pots and leave to cool

This is really minty so next time I would add 10 drops on Peppermint EO. 

I love the consistency and the smoothness of this recipe. 
Easy to make, Awesome to use.
I'm sure the girls will love it!!

Ten minutes later it begins to set 

Try it and let me know what you think.
Luscious Kisses!

10 tips for a Healthy Life Eating Plan

The saying goes
Fail to plan, plan to fail

So if you are serious about your health it's time to plan how best to achieve it. Sometimes we approach our desire to have a healthier life by focusing on what we should cut out rather than what we should include. Let's switch that and focus on what we should really be doing more of to see how we can begin to include the good stuff in our daily diets without it being a huge chore.

Think about what a healthy lifestyle means to you. 

Some thoughts might be:
1) I need more sustained energy to take me beyond mid afternoon. 
2) I need to enjoy what I am eating
3) Eating more fresh or raw appeals to me
4) It needs to fit in with my work and family rhythm.

Visualise your healthy lifestyle and write down the key elements of it. 
You may have many more thoughts to add according to your aims.

10 Tips to build a Healthy Life Eating plan for you

1) Educate yourself on foods that provide more energy such as kale, salmon, spinach, fresh fruit etc

2) Plan your shopping to ensure that you have a constant supply of good things so that you don't slip back to bad habits when hungry.

3) Listen yo your body. Are you a sweet or savoury person? Once you recognise your leanings then you must provide alternatives to satisfy them. The key thing is not to ignore what your body is telling you. Listen.

4)Teach yourself how to make tasty, healthy snacks like granola and keep a supply with you wherever you go. Some quick and easy options are nuts, raisins, home made granola, chopped raw vegetables and herbal teas. Always have something on hand for emergencies.

5) Cook in batches. Don't just cook for one meal, cook a big pot and freeze some for later. This is really rewarding.

6) Shop in bulk for those items that you love and are continually buying. If you love oranges buy a box instead of a bag; if you love strawberries do the same. 
Wash them, juice them and bottle it in your fridge or freezer. You could even freeze lemon juice in ice trays for future use. Strawberries and other soft fruit can be washed, chopped and frozen in zip lock bags in the freezer.

7) Recycle or purchase more suitable storage containers. Keep an eye out in the Poundshops and similar places for affordable ones or shop online for what you need. Glass is always best but start where its practical and use plastic until you can upgrade. Amazon is great for mason jars with lids. When you have your items properly stored, it gives you a buzz when you reach for them. Order in the kitchen!!

8) Set aside time for chopping and storing fresh items. You may want to chop all the fruit for smoothies then put them in individual bags for daily use. You can do the same with vegetables for juicing. I have saved a lot of money doing this as I sometimes found that the bell peppers or strawberries would be off before I could use them. Now I wash, chop and freeze as soon as I buy them.

9) Wash and chop lettuce, kale, cabbage and spinach for use during the week. Even when you buy the ready chopped versions from the supermarkets, take the time to wash and dry them and then transfer them to a ziplock bag in the fridge. It makes cooking, juicing and blending easy when life is busy.

10) You can also buy frozen vegetables for cooking to help you to include them throughout the week

A brief starter pack
Purcahse your oils, seeds and nuts in advance so that you have a variety to use. Eating healthy is not boring!

A starter selection of oils
Extra Virgin or Virgin Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Hemp or Flaxseed Oil

Nuts and Seeds
Flaxseeds
Sunflower, Pumpkin seeds
Brazil, Walnut and Almonds
Chia seeds

Vegetables 
Cucumbers
Celery
Red bell peppers
Ginger
Carrots
Beet

Fruit for blending and juicing

Always keep a topped basket of fruit with avocadoes on your dining table for easy access and for eye candy. It's the best fast food there is!

A Healthy Life Eating Plan
A Healthy Life Eating Plan could look like this when you first start

• something green in liquid form (juicing) and in solid form (raw, stir fry or steamed vegetables); 
• drink 2 litres water;
• good fats in avocados, seeds, nuts and oily fish; and 
• enjoy a blended fruit smoothie. 

There are examples for smoothies and juicing on this blog in previous posts, so do have a look for inspiration. 

If you follow some or all of these tips, your transition to a Healthy Eating Plan will be much smoother. You will enjoy increased energy, greater concentration and sharpness throughout the day, the week, the month.

Visit me on facebook for smoothie and juicing ideas as well: Awesome Naturelles. 
What other tips do you have?
I love a good share!

How to Stop Eating Processed Foods

Fresh fruit and Vegetables

There have been many food scares over the years with the levels of horse meat being found in processed foods being the most recent in the UK. Nothing wrong with horse meat but when you think you are eating beef, that's another story!
Many consumers are now wary of the supermarkets and food brands that they once trusted to provide quick and easy meals that would keep their families going in the busy periods of the week.
So what can one do now?

Eat less canned foods
These contain a large amount of salt, sugar and artificial preservatives. You can begin to use more pulses like lentils and kidney beans by soaking them overnight and using a pressure cooker to speed up cooking time. Another fab option is fresh fruit which is the best fast food there is or vegetables which require a quick steam or stir fry.

Increase the amount of fresh meat and fish
Visit the butchers and the fishmonger's section and ask questions until you feel comfortable that you are getting best value. They are also very friendly people and will help with cooking tips until you can give some yourself. Compare them with butchers on your local high street but don't write them off as too expensive.
I have found that you actually eat less of fresh food that you do artificial and so the cost pays off in the end.

Consider the amount of white products you consume
White bread, pasta and rice have no value at all but we consume large amounts. Find ways to replace them bit by bit with whole grain alternatives, starting with bread and then introducing quinoa, brown rice and wild rice. Just do it bit by bit.

Change shopping venues
Source fruit and veg in your local markets. They may not look the same or last as long but don't let that put you off as you will find that they disappear fast! 
You don't have to get everything in the big superstores, walk down the local high street and explore new places that sell fresh unprocessed foods. 
The local Turkish stores have an amazing supply of nuts, yogurts and fresh fruit and herbs.
The Indian stores have all the yam and plantain you need. Explore further.  

And now for the junk food
What snacks do you eat at home?
Fizzy drinks, sweets, crisps are all high in empty calories and just feeding an addiction for more of the bad stuff. 
Replace fizzy drinks with sparkling water mixes; use diluted fruit juices and of course introduce water at every turn. Have a lovely jug always filled with water handy. One in the fridge and one out of the fridge to meet everyone's needs. 
Replace crisps and sweets with trays of cut fruit, granola and flap jacks. You can find awesome recipes online and make up batches to last the week. 
Nuts and seeds are a great snack as well.
Don't forget the unsalted popcorn but include some sweet options as well with maple syrup and chocolate.

Be prepared to prep!
In order to eat less processed foods you have to be prepared in advance. Plan your meals and set aside time to cook. I find that I cook up extra on the weekends and freeze portions for during the week. That helps loads. Or you can buy chopped meats that will cook quickly and include vegetables to be a wholesome filler on the plate. 
You also have to be prepared to shop wider from a number of stores which may seem inconvenient but once you know which stores you like and what you want from each you will be amazed how quickly you settle into a new routine.
Planning is key so that you have all the ingredients that you need at hand.

So swapping processed foods for unprocessed foods takes a new set of skills which will only bring huge benefits to your health and your family. Well worth it!

Have you made the switch to unprocessed foods?
I would love to hear you tips.

How to start your day the healthy way

Eating for Health

Organic Oats, Raisins, Pitted Dates, Hemp Oil and Bananas

I'm really working on eating for health because as I enter into the more mature years of my life, quite happily, I might add, I realise I have to work in partnership with my body. Nature has provided all that we need to live in good health while food manufacturers provide all the unhealthy convenient options.

If we take the time to listen to Mother Nature and we will see the wonders of all her untampered ingredients that will assist us to live with renewed energy, good health and greater well being.  
We would be blown away. I know that I certainly am and continue to be as I look, learn and research. 
One habit that I have adopted to ensure I have the best day possible is to have a healthy breakfast. Eat like a king! 

What's a Good Hearty Breakfast Option?
Cocoa Pops
Frosties
All Bran
Kellogs K

I've tried them all and outgrown them and realise that they don't work for me as I need them to. I cannot afford to be ravenous by 11 o'clock in the day. 
It makes me miserable, I cannot concentrate and I'm not giving my best to work, family or anything else. I also find that if I start the day with these cereals I then feel like eating more unhealthy foods as the day goes on. Does that happen to you?

Recipe for A Hearty Breakfast
I never measure exactly so please adjust for your needs.

1/2 cup Organic Jumbo Oats
6 pitted dates chopped
1 Tbsp raisins
Available fruit: bananas (usually 1/2), strawberries, kiwis, blueberries.

Power Pack Punch
1 Tbsp Flaxseed usually Linwoods brand which comes in a range of choice
You can buy nuts and seeds individually, grind them and add them as you choose.

Super Power Punch
I Tbsp Hemp Oil
1 Tsp Coconut Oil

Method
You can use milk, water or milk alternative such as Almond milk
Add enough liquid to cover the oats and microwave for 1.5 or 2 mins maximum

Add raisins, dates and chosen fruit for the day
Mix
Add Flaxseed Mix and your chosen Super Power Punch oil and mix untill everything is blended

Put on some energising music and enjoy the goodness

The variations for this are endless. You can have  fruit based oats or a nut based or a mix of both according to what your body is saying that morning. 

I guarantee that you will be full right up to lunchtime and will only need to drink your water or herbal tea until then. Less snacking in between meals as well!!
You will be able to work with concentration, patience and joy looking forward to a healthty lunch.

Sources
I buy the Oats from Holland and Barrett as this brand does not go all soft and mushy in the microwave which is my personal preference. The rest of the family like the ordinary oats so you need to see which you prefer.
I also buy the coconut oil from them and a little goes a long way.
The Linwoods Flaxseed and other mixes are available from Holland and Barret also. 1 packet lasts a bit more than a month so its good value for  money and for health.
The rest of the ingredients can be found quite easily in the supermarkets and local stores.

I hope this gives you some help if you are looking to introduce a more healthy start to your day.
Go buy the good stuff and get ready for renewed energy and zest for your day.
Let me know how it goes.

A Mother's Day Drink

Energy Burst Smoothie full of the good essential oils, antioxidants and a burst of iron in a glass.
A great way to start the weekend for all the wonderful Moms on Mother's Day.

Omega rich Antioxidants in a glass

Following on from my last post on Hemp Oil, I decided to include it in a special Mother's Day creation smoothie which I tried this morning. As a busy mom, I focused on a drink that would boost energy and give some extra calcium as I don't drink much milk. 
Almond supplies this beautifully.

Ingredients

1 Banana 
A good handful of Spinach
1 cup Almond Milk
1 cup Pomegranate Juice
1 Tbsp Hemp Oil

Blend Away

Awesome Tips
You could add oats, sliced almonds or some protein powder for extra oomph!

This tasted so good that I forgot to take pictures of it after blending. 
The Hemp Oil has a specific taste which just blended in with the other flavours so err on the side of caution when adding until you get the flavour that suits you. 
The pomegranate juice with cherry gave it sweetness as well so no extra is needed.

It was a beautiful mixture of goodness which I recommend.
I am energised and I feel full! 

Let me know what you think!