Monthly Archives: October 2018

October 1, 2018

PRODUCT PICK – ON GUARD

doTERRA On Guard Product Description

As one of doTERRA’s most popular blends, doTERRA On Guard essential oil has incredible uses and benefits for both body and home. This protective blend can be taken internally to support respiratory function and the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.* With powerful immune-supporting properties, doTERRA On Guard is well-known for its ability to protect against environmental and seasonal threats.* doTERRA On Guard is an effective non-toxic cleaning agent that can be used to clean skin and household surfaces. doTERRA On Guard can also be diffused to help cleanse and purify the air. This essential oil blend has an energizing aroma that is warm and spicy.

doTERRA On Guard Uses and Benefits


Help your body receive the immune and respiratory function support that doTERRA On Guard has to offer by taking it internally.* To obtain these benefits, place two to three drops of doTERRA On Guard essential oil in a Veggie Capsule and ingest, or one drop of doTERRA On Guard oil into four fluid ounces of liquid and drink.* These methods allow the doTERRA On Guard oil to support the immune and respiratory systems quickly.* doTERRA On Guard is an effective alternative to synthetic options for immune support.*

Protect yourself from seasonal and environmental threats by using doTERRA On Guard.* doTERRA On Guard contains essential oils that are known for their positive effects on the immune system and can help protect against adverse environmental and seasonal issues.* When environmental or seasonal threats arise, take doTERRA On Guard oil daily to help safeguard your body and support your immune system.*

doTERRA On Guard can be used to support the body’s natural antioxidant defense.* To obtain these benefits, place one drop of doTERRA On Guard in four fluid ounces of liquid and drink, or put doTERRA On Guard in a Veggie Capsule and ingest.*

Kick off the day with a scrumptious pair of immune-boosting pancakes.* Infused with doTERRA On Guard essential oil, the doTERRA On Guard Pancakes essential oil recipe is packed with healthy and delicious ingredients. This recipe gives the traditional pancake a fun twist that both children and adults will love.

doTERRA On Guard essential oil emits a warm, spicy, and woody aroma. Diffusing doTERRA On Guard will fill the air with its sweet scent and provide an energizing and uplifting fragrance. When diffused, doTERRA On Guard essential oil can also cleanse the air. Next time you are expecting company at home, diffuse doTERRA On Guard to help purify the air and create a positive aroma.  

doTERRA On Guard contains cleansing and purifying benefits that can be used to clean household surfaces. For a natural and nontoxic cleaner, add a couple drops of doTERRA On Guard essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and use it as an effective all-purpose surface cleaner. With its unique aroma, doTERRA On Guard offers a fragrant, natural, way to clean.

Have the mid-day munchies? For a tasty and nutritious afternoon snack, slice up an apple and put the slices in water. Add a few drops of doTERRA On Guard essential oil to the water with the apples in it, and let the apples soak. After a couple of minutes, take the apples out of the water and enjoy a healthy, immune-boosting snack that will satisfy your afternoon craving and benefit your body.*

Get creative with doTERRA On Guard essential oil by making DIY Potpourri. This do-it-yourself project is a simple way to add a little bit of decor to your home while leaving your house smelling fresh with spices and herbs enriched with the scents of doTERRA On Guard essential oil. Simply collect your favorite spices and herbs in a dish of your choosing and then add a few drops of doTERRA On Guard for an uplifting and purifying aroma.

Looking for a hand cleanser that doesn’t include harmful or unnatural ingredients? Try making your own natural cleanser by using two ingredients: doTERRA On Guard and doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil. Simply, combine a few drops of doTERRA On Guard essential oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil and rub it on your hands and fingers for a natural hand cleanser.  

Rub doTERRA On Guard on the bottom of a child’s feet during the school season.

Combine the best of smoothies and fall with this doTERRA On Guard Pumpkin Smoothie essential oil recipe. This delicious beverage is the perfect way to start your morning off right. With the yummy flavor of pumpkin and a couple drops of immune-boosting doTERRA On Guard, this pumpkin smoothie will easily become a breakfast go-to.*

In a class setting, at work, or at home, place three to four drops of doTERRA On Guard essential oil in the diffuser of your choice and diffuse. doTERRA On Guard oil will emit an uplifting scent and will help purify the air. Diffuse doTERRA On Guard especially during the fall and winter months.

To purchase doTERRA’S On Guard, go to

my.doterra.com/spwellnesscorner

 

October 1, 2018

More Than A Diet

Challenges Associated with Getting Back on Track and How to Overcome Them

The level of uncertainty that comes along with weight loss. For this reason alone, I often suggest that we refer to this journey as a lifestyle change.  Now, with all of the other things we have going on in our lives, such as home, job and school issues, how is their time to take on one more challenge one might ask. Well, the trick is to take small steps that will have a huge reward.  Let’s talk about what these steps look like and how we can implement them into our day to day lives.

Weight loss has often been associated with being on a “journey” mainly due to the fact that one never knows when their goal will be achieved.  This fact alone can come with some anxiety due to

Plan of Action

Support System – Setting yourself up to be successful is always the key.  You have to move with intention and make sure that everyone in your immediate circle understands what you are doing and asking them to be on board to support your efforts is a huge first step.

Kitchen Makeover –  DON’T BE AFRAID TO THROW IT OUT.

I live by the notion that if it’s in the house you open the possibility of you eating it.  Get rid of the processed foods “junk food” in your cabinets and refrigerator. All sugary drinks, foods that are made with white flour and high in sodium.  Also including, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, and refined vegetable oils.

Kitchen Tools –  THIS IS HUGE

Make sure that you have the following:

  • A good set of pots and pans because I can’t tell you how many times I heard people say that they don’t enjoy cooking because their pots are crappie.  I enjoy cooking because I can control what I’m eating.
  • Vitamix blender OR high powered blender
  • Food Processor
  • Crockpot
  • Chopper

Plan your meals (Journal)

I use my journal in the planning phase.  I write in my journal what a perfect meal plan for the week would look like if I wanted to get a certain result.  In other words, I say to myself how/what would I eat if I wanted to lose 3 pounds. Then, I write what I am going to eat for the week and as the days come,  I eat what a wrote. Whenever I journal after, I have eaten, I leave room for mishaps and I often find myself saying “why did I eat that? OR damn, I messed up.

Once you have journaled, then you are ready to shop for ingredients. Shop the perimeter, and buy FRESH because we are what we eat.

Now, we all know that a great body is made in the kitchen, at least 80%, but the other 20% is made in the gym. Just as you plan what you’re going to eat, you have to plan when you get moving. Whether it is in the gym or through an activity, it has to be prioritized because we all need to live a heart-healthy lifestyle full of movement.

Now, with that being said, finding the right Fitness program that can make you feel like you want to be there and isn’t intimidating, fun-filled and filled with RESULTS is what I believe to be the key to your success.  So, I encourage everyone to find a fitness buddy and get started today with no delay.

For more information on SLEEK PHYSIQUE’s many fitness programs, go to

http://sleekphysique.com/programs/

 

October 1, 2018

Get Moving

What has you stuck and how can you GET MOVING?

Have you ever wondered why things just don’t happen for you as easy as it seems to happen for other people? Well, I found that whenever I’ve had thoughts like that, I seriously had to take a long hard look at the type and/or the amount of effort that I was putting behind my mission. Whether it is self, career or family we all can do something different that will bring about a different result or even a REWARD.

Whenever I wanted to bring about a change whether it was with my personal weight loss goals or with my business, I had to look at what am I currently doing and I look at what is working and what isn’t working too well for me. That’s something that you can do and I like to refer to this step as checking in. Once you understand what isn’t working for you then you have to get moving and do something different even if you’re not too sure of the outcome. Small changes matter, for instance, earlier this year I had a procedure on both of my legs called Microphlebectomy, a procedure for varicose veins. During these treatments, I’m not able to keep up my workout routine with the intensity that I am used to. So, I decided that I will focus on my eating habits instead and instead of doing what I used to with counting my calories, I decided to count my macros instead which switched my attention to my ratio of protein/carbs/fat that I consume. This change was just the shift that I needed to put me on the right path to get the RESULTS that I am seeking.

So, I hope this got you thinking about ways to GET MOVING in whatever you’re feeling stuck in because no one wants to feel like they are on a hamster wheel to nowhere.

 

October 1, 2018

Bon Appetit

Food Find: Durian

This edition of Bon Appetit’s Food Find is going to feature a food that I bet you’ve never heard of before. It’s called Durian! Now on a previous edition, the Mind, Body, Live family had shared with you Jackfruit and even a yummy recipe using jackfruit as well. If you look at the picture of the durian, you might say to yourself, “Wait… isn’t this jackfruit.” You would be mistaken! Often confused, jackfruit and durian, and not one in the same, but durian does have some interesting benefits. Let me first tell you how I came across this.

Living in China, and documenting my travels on my youtube channel Roads Less Traveled, I’m often pushing myself to try new things. Reason #1 being that it’s always good to try something new, and reason #2 being that I love to show my viewers the different things I come across in China-life.

One thing I must say is durian is EVERYWHERE in China. I have also seen it around South East Asia often and after the millionth time of seeing durian pizza, durian lays chips, and durian candy, I had to wonder, what is this fruit that people here love. I finally adventured out and tried it… and it was interesting to say the least.

So, here is it. Benefits of Durian include: strengthening cardiovascular health, reduces cholesterol, helps prevent cancer and anemia, boosts bone health and even relieves insomnia!

Although these are just the beginning of benefits that durian has, there must be a reason that everyone here in Asia is going crazy over it.

**Don’t forget to check out my travel channel for more information! https://www.youtube.com/c/RoadsLessTraveled

October 1, 2018

Wellness Corner

ESSENTIAL OILS 101

Antiviral Oils

fresh tea tree leaves and essential oil

ANTIVIRAL ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE HEALTHIER THAN LYSOL

Its fall and that means back to school, but along with hitting the books this is the time of year when contracting all sorts of germs and viruses are at an all time high.  But we are fortunate that the earth has provided us with its resources in the purest forms of dry herbs and essential oils. However, today we are going to talk about essential oils and in particular antiviral essential oils.

So you may ask what is an antiviral?  An what are the best antivirals that should be in our medicine cabinet.  So let me answer these questions for you. An antiviral refers to a substance that is able to inhibit or stop the development, function, or replication of an infection causing virus. I came across  a list of maybe ten (10) best, however, I am going to discuss my top antiviral essential oils on this list.

  1. Tea Tree Oil also is known as Melaleuca  It is one of the best for killing topical and airborne viruses.  I used this essential oil every day that I had to stay in the hospital because I didn’t want to catch any infections or get sicker than I already was and it saved me. In addition it is antiseptic and antifungal.  And I love Melaleuca for all of the following reasons: It is best at killing viruses and bacteria, it has purifying properties ( in other words it will cleanse the skin and nails) and it even works on acne prone skin to return it to a clear surface. I love that I can take it internally and it helps to provide a healthy immune system. It is also excellent for teeth pain, I would know.  Its great for skin irritations, soothing the skin. I even love if for sore throats. I can not say enough about it and I carry it in my handbag at all times.
  2.  Peppermint is antiviral but is also antifungal and antibacterial.  Because of these properties, you will find it in chest rubs used to reduce the symptoms of a cold because it kills many fungi, viruses, and bacteria.  Because of its properties, it can boost the immune system and still kill the infections that are causing the threats. In additions to purifying the air in your home peppermint has been used for the following reasons, digestive disorders, nausea, fever, flu, halitosis, heartburn, headache, motion sickness, throat infection, seizures, varicose veins, vomiting, and even arthritis.
  3. Lemon is antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, astringent, even anticancer.  Lemon has been used to fight food poison, malaria, typhoid epidemics. Used to lower blood pressure, to help with liver problems, arthritis, sore throat.  Lemon is an excellent disinfectant, germicide, heartburn, intestinal parasites, ureter infections, water purification, respiratory problems. I have even used lemon to help keep open wounds from getting infected.  Lemon is also an excellent cleaner around the house removing gum, wood stains, oil, and grease spots, wiping down counter tops and even wiping off electronics such as smartphones. Just an excellent all-around cleaner of germs.  So you can see imagine how this would go to work in the presence of a virus.
  4.  Lemongrass is added to this list because of its ability to fight infectious disease.  It is antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic. It can be used for the following issues: Bladder infection, digestive system, edema, fluid retention, kidney disorders, lymphatic system, respiratory problems, and sore throats. Lemongrass is useful in treating wounds and preventing them from becoming septic. I personally love lemongrass for sore, pulled or cramped muscles.  I have a love affair with this essential oil.
  5. Oregano this oil is serious and doesn’t play.  It is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic and will stimulate the immune system. Its effective with colds, viral and bacterial pneumonia and it strengthens the vital centers.  It really is a lifesaver during flu season, so make sure to grab you a bottle quickly October is right around the corner. Oregano is so potent that it not only damages the strains of bacteria, but it also helps to minimize the bacteria’s ability to generate toxins which can be severely harmful to human health.

The last oil I’m going to mention in this list, believe it or not, is Lavender.   It is known as a “universal” oil because it covers a multitude of sins/concerns.  Lavender is pretty to look at and has a beautiful smell, but don’t be fooled. Lavender is an authoritative antibacterial oil which can boost your immune system and resist diseases and viruses. I’m going to list the various areas where Lavender is effective so you can truly understand how it covers a multitude of concerns.  Lavender is anti-infectious, anticoagulant, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antitumor, cardiotonic, regenerative, and sedative.

Now that I have discussed antivirals with you and gave you a few of my favorites, I think you should add at least a couple of these to your medicine cabinet right away.

To purchase these amazing oils, go to:

my.doterra.com/spwellnesscorner

 

October 1, 2018

Recipe of the Month

Durian Cake

 Now that we have given you a slight introduction on the durian, let’s provide you with a delicious recipe we have found!

 

 

 

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

170g self raising flour

170g butter

140g sugar

115g mashed durian

4 egg yolks

4 egg whites (beaten)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 180C or 350°F.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add in the egg yolks one at a time.
  4. Beat well before adding the next yolk.
  5. Add durian meat and beat well.
  6. Next, add in the beaten egg whites.
  7. Last but not least, add in the flour.
  8. Put in a 8 x 8 greased pan and bake for an 1 hour.

** Warning: Durian meat does smell a tad strong so it might be a good idea to warn your family members when you are about to try this cake.

October 1, 2018

Healing Power of Art

Healing Power of Art

ART THERAPY – CARDMAKING

Craft greeting card. Income from hobbies. Home based business.

In every issue of MIND BODY LIVE we talk about art as an alternate way to deal with the stress that can cause you to eat more or have unhealthy eating disorders.  Since this week is International Thinking of You Week where we were challenged to send a card to a family member or friend through the mail, that’s right sending smiles through the mail, I was encouraged to talk about the benefits of card making and why.  This particular form of art therapy has a two-fold benefit. In other words it is not only helpful to your personal therapy, but also to the health and well being of the recipient, and that is HUGE. Let’s proceed. In 2013 there was a study conducted were the cognitive and neurological impact of receiving a handmade card vs. an email won 3 to 1.  In other words the people who received handmade cards had higher brain activity and were happier than those who received an email or text message. Then when over 2,000 mothers were surveyed they enjoyed handmade cards twice as much as social media messages and three times as much as an email greeting. In other words DO NOT SEND YOUR MOTHER AND ELECTRONIC CARD SEND HER A CARD THROUGH THE MAIL AND YOU WILL MAKE HER VERY HAPPY.  Now this goes a long way with making other people feel good, it increases others self-esteem, it helps them not feel alone and can even pull them out of depression. You have given them something tangible, something to look at and smile about, and even something to hold. They want to save it. They want to put it on the refrigerator to look at or even on their desk. And all of this is happening because you sent a handmade card through the mail, and that is huge. But I did say this was two-fold so let’s look at some of the benefits to yourself.

  • You can’t craft when you’re angry!  It helps you to calm down and unwind from stress and worry as it focuses your mind on the task you’re doing.  Because it is a creative process you need to concentrate on the here and now – not like daydreaming when doing the washing up, where you are on autopilot, you need to be engaged with the card you are making.
  • Repetition has been shown to induce relaxation which is good for your mind, it allows it to switch off and reboot.  Especially true of crafts like knitting, crochet and hand-stitching but also cutting, sticking and adding embellishments have the same calming process.
  • Craft can help you meet new people and join new and positive social circles on and offline.  It’s a great way to get to know like-minded people you can chat to. It allows you to open up more to people when you’re chatting.
  • Cardmaking and craft is a form of self expression, it’s not just about the finished product it’s about choosing the craft supplies you will use, the process of designing and making and with card making there’s an extra step to the process as you can send your card to friends or family, or perhaps donate them to charity.  All of this can have a great effect on your wellbeing.
  • Sometimes when you are really unwell or feeling tired, achieving something creative no matter how small can be what you need to stay positive.  
  • Making a handmade card for a family member with a personal note inside will always be more meaningful than an email or text can ever be, it’s a tangible thing that they can hold and display.
  • Creative tasks release dopamine which is a natural anti-depressant!

So the message here is MAKE TIME FOR CRAFT – it’s good for you!

If you’re not sure how to get started on your craft journey, feel free to contact me for some ideas, or simply take a look at my catalog: www.cindysplace.CTMH.com

 

October 1, 2018

Au Naturale

Creating Your PERFECT Skin Care Regimen

Welcome back everyone to another segment of au naturale. Now, you may be wondering from the title, “Perfect? … yeah right.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Yes, you too can have perfect, flawless skin. I mean, after all, we wear our skin every day. Is it a crime to want to have perfect skin? The only thing standing in our way is OURSELVES! The method to the madness is simply CONSISTENCY and finding a balanced/ tailored skin care regimen that works for you.

Here’s my story:

Recently I moved to Beijing, China. To some it might sound exciting, but to others, it might sound insane. I’m here to say that both sides are 100% correct. Beijing life has both ups and downs. Some of the downs have been concerning my skin.

Before moving to China, I mentally prepared myself for various things. For example, I knew that Chinese food in America is not the same as authentic Chinese food in China. I knew that I wouldn’t have access to different social media outlets without using a little thing called: VPN. I even knew that the water wasn’t the best quality, but what I didn’t know was how bad the quality really was. By bad, I really mean horrible! My skin started becoming dry, breaking out in pimples that I never knew I could generate, getting dark spots. My skin did a complete 180°. Finally, after a while, I knew this had to end. This is how I came up with my: Perfect Skin Care Regimen, which you too can have if you follow these steps. Afterward, I’ll also share my exact regime with you all (because no one should go through what I went through.)

Step 1: ANALYSIS & RESEARCH

So many people underestimate this step when it is essential to a perfect routine. If you are looking for ways to fix your skin in the first place, then it’s because you’re probably doing something wrong. Therefore, you must find out the right ways to go about skincare.

First – take a real, good look at your face. Stare at yourself in the mirror, make funny faces. When you raise your eyebrows, does your forehead generate more oil? Are your pores clogged and feeling rough around your nose? Feel your skin and decide where your real problem areas are, not just your acne. This portion is your initial analysis – your hypothesis if you will.

Then, DO YOUR RESEARCH, PEOPLE! Search up different solutions to these problems. Read articles (like the ones on Mind, Body, Live), watch youtube videos (like the ones on Roads Less Traveled), and really dive into what your skin care issues are and what the solutions could be.

After all the research, go BACK to the mirror and officially decide what your skin type is and where your focus areas are. For me, my pores tend to clog up around my nose. I have normal and sensitive skin, and I have dark spots that I would like to get rid of as well.

Step 2: MAKE A SKIN CARE ROUTINE

A skin care routine is less about the products you use, and more about what steps you’re doing and how often you do them.

There are many steps that are ESSENTIAL to skin care, and they have to be done HABITUALLY. These include:

  1. Facial Cleanser – This is your regular face wash, which you should be doing every day. It should not be as rough as a facial scrub, but it should properly clean your face. I recommend doing this step with a spin brush.
  2. Facial Scrub (2-3 times per week) – This is in addition to your facial cleanser. Since this is rougher, it usually isn’t used more than 3 times per week. Use at your own discretion after you consider your skin type.
  3. Face Masks – These are used to specifically cater to your skin and they are used as needed. I love doing my face mask once a week. They can also be used whenever you want really, so get creative with these.
  4. Toner – Toners are meant to further take the dirt and other things out of your skin. It also neutralizes your skin and helps set it back to normal, while keeping it more hydrated.
  5. Facial Moisturizer – This seals in all the hydration and/or keeps you hydrated. There are different moisturizers that are good for different skin types, but one thing is for sure, you NEED this step.

Step 3: CHOOSING THE PRODUCTS FOR YOU

Not everything that a beauty guru on Instagram uses is going to work for you (most times, it’s an ad anyway). Really dive into your skin type and figure out which products cater to that. If your pores are clogged, look for a face mask that can clean them out. If you have sensitive skin like me, be careful of the products you use and perhaps opt for a face wash that says ‘sensitive’ on it/ in the description. Most often than not, you came across some products during Step 1.

Here are some of the products I use in my skincare regimen:

Facial Cleanser – Currently using Origins Checks and Balances-

Facial Scrub – St. Ives Green Tea Scrub

Face Masks – Currently I’ve been using Aztec Indian Healing Clay mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar and I have always love using Freemans facial masks.

Toner –

Facial Moisturizer – I’ve begun using Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

**Don’t forget to check out my travel channel for more information! https://www.youtube.com/c/RoadsLessTraveled