Routine Remedies

I use these 7 products every day and some twice a day.  No matter where i'm traveling, I make sure they are stowed away in my luggage. I can honestly say these products really work and have helped my skin enormously.  As we age we loose our estrogen, ( among other things) the levels fall, and studies show that the loss of estrogen can cause dryness, shrinking, and fine wrinkles.  Our skin does have some ability to repair itself, so no matter your age, it's important to do everything you can to prevent further damage.  The above items are a solution for putting moisture and a bit of repair back into my dry skin.  

A friend of mine recently told me about NERIUM FIRM CREAM  I have to say after using for a few weeks I can honestly see a change  in the crapeing of my skin on my arms and above my knees. As we age we loose so many hormones that keep our body moist inside and out! but I do believe there are quality products out there that can slow down the clock just a bit.  NERIUM products are made with NAE-8 extract, derived from the Cerium oleander and aloe vera plants. So far I do like what I see.

Acezone  I didn't experience acne as a teenager but I have as an adult.  Acne, cyst, "zits"  it's all unpleasant.  This topical white gel works great and fast!  I did get it from my dermatologist and he gave me a coupon for my purchase.  Be sure to ask your doctor for one, it is expensive.  If iI have a cystic breakout or pimple, I apply Aczone several times a day and it will be gone.  Many medicines leave your skin  dry and red, Aczone does not.  This is a must if you are having annoying breakouts.

I found BIAFINE CREAM in France in one of the many fabulous pharmacies. I keep a tube in the kitchen because it's great for kitchen burns and sun burns.  BIAFINE is featured in fashion editorials about must-have products from France.  If you are planning on a laser peel, BIAFINE is popular with cosmetic-surgery patients for after care. It's definitely worth a read. 

The moment I smooth on my Biotherm  A beautiful apricot scented lotion, I am instantly swept away to the isle of Capri. This Lait Corporel is incredibly light and milky, you can feel your skin drink in the moisture.  This lotion is packed with Vitamin F and derived from Apricots and my skin feels and smells feminine and beautiful. 

Last summer we traveled to Martha's Vineyard and I stumbled upon Arianna, a skincare boutique and found this magical eye serum Premier Supreme Eye Infusion from the Dead Sea.  Not only does it work wonders but a year later and I still have some left.  I use this product EVERY morning as soon as I wake up.  It is pricey indeed, but I continue to get my money's worth. In the morning if I have a few dark circles or puffiness, I apply the serum and it begins to do the job. I will defenitely purchase again, in fact, it's almost that time.  

I lather  PHYSIODERMIE cream all over my face, neck and chest.  If your skin is on the dryer side you might benefit from this cream.  It has a nice clean smell, not overpowering. 

LACRéME CUCUMBER for your eyes, I use LACRéME before applying my makeup and before bedtime. I love the refreshing smell of the cucumber.  During the day I throw it in my bag and  love to apply right after my workout.   

It's Succulent Sunday

Why not think beyond the blooms for your planting pleasure and seek out the succulent.

I couldn't decide what I wanted to plant in my kitchen window, so I hopped in my car and  headed to La Cienega Nursery.  I know succulents are all the rage so why not be part of the Succulent Gang? 

Once I began planting these beauties I wish I had bought more.  Their colors are so vibrant and  I love their  geometric shapes.  

When planting your succulents don't forget to choose a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom  and ask about lighting so you can have proper placement.  Be sure and welcome your new friends into your home.

It's believed our little-green leaved friends are helpful for our mind and body.  Sometimes everyday life and routine are a bit boring, and we can get 'stuck in a rut'.  This is where gardening can be beneficial, and might I say healing too. Not only are plants beautiful to look at, but just the simple act of feeling the dirt in your hands brings you in touch with Mother Nature, and thats always a good thing.  There is a real sense of achievement when you've finished your planting, and you'll probably notice a little smile on your face, just looking at the beauty.  Planting allows you to be in the moment, it's the simple things in life that make us appreciate just how fortunate we are.