purebeauty

I scream, you scream, we all scream for live cream!

2008-05-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

I just made my first batch of raw , vegan ice cream and I have a very big smile on my face. It was easy to make and the result was a cool, sweet, rich, very vanilla confection that could rival the best dairy based ice creams. And, guess what? It's good for you! My ice cream was based on young coconut, raw agave syrup, sea salt and cold pressed coconut oil with all of those wonderful enzymes still intact. Couldn't be simpler.

For a great raw, vegan ice cream recipe as well as a lot of other really great recipes, check out Raw Food real world by Sarma Melngailis and Matthew Kinney.

-Nasirah

Did 30 Days Change Your Life?

2008-05-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

e-mail me with the results of your 30 day project at pure_beauty@prodigy.net
I would love to get some feedback and possibly feature your results in a purebeauty article.
Let's hear what 30 Days did for you!

-Nasirah

Where's the juice?

2008-05-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

So, as everyone well, knows, I am addicted to juicing. I don't, or should I say, won't start my day without a tall glass of beautiful, fresh, green juice. First of all , I love the flavor and even more satisfying is the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing that I have just consumed the nutritious goodness of close to a pound of live, organic love (in the humble form of kale, lettuce, celery, apples and lemons) brimming over with enzymes...need I say more? So, pretty much whatever I eat for the rest of the day I know I've already done alot of good for my body.

Okay, so back to the point, I love fresh juice- which is surprisingly hard to come by these days. I recently spent time in California and Chicago and much to my surprise, I could not hunt down anything more than fresh squeezed OJ, wheatgrass shots and the occasional glass of carrot juice.

Who could believe that in California, mecca to the health conscious and land of the beautiful people, that finding a glass of fresh green juice, or even apple juice would be so hard. In Santa Cruz, we were sent to Whole Foods, then to New Leaf, Trader Joe's and a couple of other establishments whose names I can't recall and still no fresh juice. Jamba Juice scored points for serving up freshly squeezed orange juice, (hey, something is better than nothing.) It wasn't until the last day of my trip, while in San Francisco that I found freshly pressed apple juice at the pier.

A couple of weeks later I headed off to Chicago. Juice, no problem - I could always count on the juice bar at the Whole Foods that I always go to when I'm in Chicago. But, guess what? Yeah, no juice. The polite man behind the counter asked me when I had been in the store last because the juice bar had been closed for a while. Admittedly, it has been some time, but some things should never change.

-Nasirah

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Check-in

2008-03-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! We are one week into our 30 day project and I just wanted to know how everybody's doing. Share your experiences, ask for support or lend some words of support. Tell us how it's going!!! I'm dying to hear your stories!

-Nasirah

30 Day Check-in

2008-03-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

I hope all is well with everyone now that we are a few days into our 30 day project. I'm sure we would all love to hear about what's going on with our fellow project participants so at the end of the week I will post a check-in so we can share our experiences.

Hope to hear from you soon!

-Nasirah

Easy Beauty...Eyebrows

2008-03-03T22:18:00.000-08:00

Want to know one of the most effective and simple ways to improve your beauty quotient? Get your eyebrows shaped. Eyebrows are one of the most prominent features of your face and if they don't look good chances are, everything else will look a little off too.

The best piece of advice when it comes to eyebrow shaping; Don't overpluck! A beautiful, natural brow frames the face nicely and thicker brows look more youthful. You can have your brows plucked, waxed ar threaded depending on your preference. Many women choose to groom their brows at home. If you are brave enough to try it, visit cosmeticscop.com for advice on plucking and to learn about everything brow related. This great site has step-by-step diagrams that will teach you how to achieve the perfect arch. You will also learn how to fill in your brows and gel them.

It can be a little difficult to find all natural brow pencils so sometimes I just open up a charcoal capsule and brush it on sparingly with a hard angled brush to fill my brows. If you have lighter brows you might want to try using a mineral eyeshadow in taupe or some other natural shade with an hard angled brush. In a pinch natural eyeliners like those from afterglow cosmetics or Ecco Bella can be used, but they might be a little too soft so you may have to experiment. One product I haven't tried yet, but hope to soon is Beauty Wise Cosmetics mineral eye brow pencils .

Until then, keep your eyebrows groomed and your face framed beautifully.

-Nasirah

You Said It...What Does Beauty Mean?

2008-03-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

What is your dominant memory or awareness of what beauty means and the ramifications of being considered "beautiful" or "not beautiful" in society?

-Nasirah

Count Down 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project

2008-03-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment at the start of this new journey to extend well wishes to everyone. Remember, during this time of revitalization, that tests often spring up when we resolve to make change. Change can be a beautiful thing, but, it is not always an easy thing. We can find strength in renewal. You can renew your resolve by reading a particularly moving or touching piece of literature or poetry. Perhaps you do this through prayer or meditation. Be prepared to tap into your source of strength at those moments when your goals seem far off. And don't forget all of us. We are here to listen to you vent and to offer advice and hopefully smiles.

Just remember, no matter what happens, continue to move forward. Don't beat yourself up for weak moments. Get up and get moving again. What matters is what you do most of the time. As one of our 30 day project participants (thank you ceecy29) pointed out, consistency over a period of time establishes permanent change. Be as consistent as possible. Be honest with yourself and deal with any emotions that might impede your progress.

Remember that you are powerful and you have an innate right to beauty because beauty is truth and truth is light. In the light, we can see ourselves for who we really are.

-Nasirah

Daily Inspiration...30 Days to a More Beautiful You

2008-03-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

-Nelson Mandela

Simple Luxury

2008-02-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago as I walked through a famous, national chain department store that was having a big, fantastic sale, I looked down at all the wonderful bargains in my arms and it hit me...I didn't really, absolutely love any of the clothes I was carrying. Why was I buying them? Because they were such a "great deal," right?

After pausing briefly and thinking it through, I realized that this is the way many of us have come to live nowadays. We fill our lives with masses of cheap things to fill us up. We end up with cluttered homes and bodies. Everything is about getting more for less, from cheaply manufactured sweatshop clothes to supersized meals of frankenfoods.

If we adopt the idea of living with simple luxury we might be better off. Instead of buying an armful of "cheap" clothes you're not really in love with, buy one or two pieces that are truly beautiful, quality pieces you will have for a long time. Your level of satisfaction will be greater in the end and it will cut down on waste and clutter in your home.

When it comes to eating, if you like beef, instead of having cheap hamburgers every night, have a really nice cut of organic steak once a week; better for your body and you get to experience the simple luxury of pure goodness.

So, go ahead and be a bit of a snob. indulge in the finer things and streamline your life. They don't call them the finer things for nothing. Quality counts on your body and in your body.

-Nasirah

What's for Dinner?

2008-02-28T23:54:00.000-08:00

Some of our 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project participants have expressed a desire to improve their eating habits. With all the literature and "studies" out there it can be really hard to weed out fiction from the facts. One week blue peanuts from red trees in some far off, exotic locale are touted as the newest wonder food, then a week later more "studies" show that these rare blue nuts are not, indeed, as healthy as they were once thought to be...

Who knows what to eat anymore? It can drive you crazy if you let it. But, as far as I am concerned, the most simple answer is probably the best, most "true" answer. If you look around and consider what seems to be the most natural situation for mankind and most other omnivores, the simple answer is eat mostly fruits and vegetables. Our diets should be comprised mostly of real, fresh fruit and real, fresh vegetables. Things like meats, seeds, nuts and grains, or more dense foods should be the garnish or the side dish. But, all too often, it is the case that we simply decorate our meat, pasta or rice dish with vegetables or fruit.

It is important to stay balanced when it comes to diet, so don't stress out, but try to do the most natural thing for your lifestyle. I love the light to heavy concept; eat lightest earliest in the day and heavier towards evening so your body can digest overnight. I know, I know, this is contrary to most of what we have learned, but, I can testify that it works. Aside from amazing weight loss/weight stabilization this method keeps me energized during the day. One day during the weekend, I eat whatever I want. I usually stay within certain parameters (like no white sugar, flour, etc.) but, if I want something, I know the option is available to me, so I never feel deprived. This makes my lifestyle completely livable and realistic.

What this all boils down to is that you have to do what works for you and maintain balance with simple, natural rules. Eat simple, clean, foods from the fruit and vegetable groups that have been processed as little as possible most of the time and you will probably be okay. So relax and have dinner. Manja!

-Nasirah

You Said it...Biggest Beauty Challenge

2008-02-28T23:33:00.000-08:00

Tell us what you think.

What is your single biggest beauty challenge? (Name only the one thing that have the most trouble with.)

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Starts March 2!

2008-02-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

Let's get ready! With our 30 day project fast approaching, let's make sure that we have a game plan. In order to break old habits, it is vital to replace them with new, positive habits. If you have not outlined your goals and aims yet, take the time to do this as soon as possible. Make sure that you have all of the information, supplies and support you need to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Buy a beautiful new journal, invite a friend to walk with you in the mornings, stock your fridge with healthy foods; do things that make positive change appealing.

Remember that positive change is a good thing. And when it comes to change, inspiration is just as important as action. Every few days during our project, I will bring you inspirational words and affirmation cards. Repeating positive affirmations each morning can be a very positive force to create change. Words are important. You can print the cards and post them on your computer or your mirror or stick them in your journal. You may also want to create your own personal affirmations.

Thank you all for joining this project and for all of your support. If you have questions or need support at any time, remember that we are all here as a resource and a community.

-Nasirah

You Said It...Plastic Surgery

2008-02-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

Tell us what you think...

Is there any place for plastic surgery in the "natural beauty" world? Chime in with your opinion.

pure style...

2008-02-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Next week purebeauty will launch pure style, a weekly column devoted to keeping you updated on the latest, greatest trends in fashion and style. Our new fashion editor Ellen will bring you the best looks for Spring along with funky, fresh, unique fashions from up-and-coming designer/artisans from across the country.

Stay tuned!

-Nasirah

Daily Inspiration...

2008-02-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

If you want the world to be a more beautiful place, be a more beautiful person.

-Nasirah

Put Some Pep in Your Step!

2008-02-26T22:33:00.000-08:00

Need a little pick me up or a kick in the butt in the morning? Try peppermint essential oil. I looove the invigorating scent of peppermint whenever I want an extra zing in my step.

Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a carrier oil such as almond, apricot kernel or avocado oil and dot on your wrists for a quick pick-me-up!

-Nasirah

Recipes for Beauty...

2008-02-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

A few personal care recipes for your beauty...

Soap-free cleansers for face and body:

+ yogurt and lemon juice- around 1/2 cup yogurt to 1 tsp juice

+ oatmeal paste-use oats ground in a mini processor and mix with warm water to make
a paste.

+ honey

+ milk or sour cream

(These suggestions were adapted from one of the best Natural Beauty Books on the market. Janice Cox's Natural Beauty at Home is a must-have for both the aspiring and accomplished at-home beauty expert.)

Gently massage any of the above into wet skin. Using smooth, circular motions, massage skin with your fingertips. Rinse well with warm water and follow with moisturizer or an exfoliant, steam and mask if you are doing a facial.

These recipes are especially suited to dry skin types. If you feel the need to use soap based cleansers such as pure castille soap (try Dr. Bronner's) add a little glycerin or honey in your hand to prevent drying. Keep in mind that even if you have oily skin, over cleaning with soap based cleansers can create more oil production so you may want to experiment for a couple of weeks with a soap free cleanser. It may be possible that your oil glands will start to normalize sebum production if they are not overstimulated.

Be very gentle when cleaning your face. Use a very light touch especially when you are experiencing a breakout. Being to harsh when you have a pimple can lead to scarring.

To remove makeup before cleansing simply massage a light oil such as almond oil into skin, loosening makeup.

My personal daily face wash: a little baking soda sprinkled into my palm in the shower. I simply massage the powder into my face gently. This makes an excellent exfoliant/cleanser. If I want stronger exfoliation I simply use more baking soda, less water for a stiffer paste.

Always follow cleansing with a moisturizer. I love aloe vera mixed in my hand with a little glycerin. Aloe alone usually does not provide enough moisture for my skin, but glycerin does the trick.

Feel free to share some of your favorite natural personal care recipes for beauty.

-Nasirah

Featured Personal Care Product: Griffin Remedy

2008-02-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

This featured product line is by the super-natural company Griffin Remedy. I have been using their bath gel, body lotion and foaming hand wash in the orange blossom scent for the past few months. Why do I love these products? Aside from the fact that they are made from safe, natural ingredients, I love the fresh, fruity orange blossom scent. The lotion is just the right texture and consistency, not too thick, but rich enough to provide lasting moisture. The bath gel can be a little drying sometimes (I have hard water) but I fix that by adding a little glycerin to the bottle. Voila, perfect! I just love the bubbly foaming action of the hand soap. It feels so luxurious. Griffin Remedy is a real find. Great ingredients and products at an even better price. Products run around $6.00 on average.

-Nasirah

Clean House for Success

2008-02-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, all...Our 30 day project will be upon us in one week (project begins March 2). As we prepare to embark upon this month of positive change it is vital to set the stage for success. It's time to do the things that will support or chances of making lasting change. So, where is all of this leading? Clean your house! A clean ordered space will set the scene for your transformation allowing you to feel tranquil and to focus your energy on your goals. So take out the garbage. Clean up and create a beautiful haven for yourself . Nurture yourself and your goals. Who knows, while you're cleaning you might find alot more than lost sunglasses.

Have fun!

-Nasirah

Move it or Lose it...30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Fitness

2008-02-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

Our bodies are made to move. Exercise keeps us fit, youthful and fabulous. The health benefits of consistent, gentle exercise are innumerable. It's good for your bones, your joints, your skin, your and your spirit. Some consistent form of movement is an essential element of our 30 day project. My recommendation; at least 30 minutes of gentle exercise like walking or rebounding (excercise done on a mini-trampoline) each day. Light resistance work can also be very beneficial. Feel free to create your own program, but keep in mind that over-exertion can be just as bad as doing nothing. When we push our bodies too hard it can deplete the immune system and send stress hormones into over-drive.

Okay, so let's get moving towards our goals!

-Nasirah

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Signup

2008-02-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad you came... The start of the 30 day project is quickly approaching. I hope you are all getting geared up and setting your personal goals. I will continue to post advice and general guidelines and to set my own goals. Let's start a movement for true beauty from the inside out. Pass this on to someone you love and care about. At the end of the project purebeauty will feature the story of one inspirational participant. It could be you. Leave a comment below to let us know you would like to be part of the project and to lend support to fellow participants.

Thanks!

-Nasirah

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Calendar

2008-02-24T21:41:00.000-08:00

Fill in this calendar with your own personal 30 Days to a More Beautiful You key dates and schedules. For instance, I'll be doing facials , skin masks and deep conditioning my hair every Sunday. Click on the calendar, print out a copy, and count down the days to a more beautiful you!

-Nasirah

Anatomy of a Beautiful Face...30 Days to a more Beautiful You Target

2008-02-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know I tend to explore the deeper side of beauty more often than the surface aspects, but this time...I am going completely superficial. There are certain elements to an "attractive" face and they are things we can all pretty much achieve with a little nudge here and there.

1. Well groomed eyebrows shaped to fit your face

2. Facial symmetry(makeup can help even out minor differences)

3. Healthy skin

4. Soft, moisturized lips

We all have different faces and unique looks, however these elements seem to be universal markers of "beauty." I love makeup for fun and expression, but for everyday I love a very natural look characterized by muted, radiant color, lush lashes, softly color-kissed cheeks and lips and well groomed brows. I'm not a big fan of concealer or foundation except as temporary, occasional measures. When your skin is at its best you won't feel the need for these things.
Makeup should ideally be an embellishment, not a cover up. As an artist, I look at makeup as one more medium of accentuating beauty and a way to express a mood. This is the basic natural face.

1. Natural highlighting on brow bone, under eyes and on center of nose. Can be achieved with a neutral colored shimmer powder from a company like afterglow cosmetics.

2. Well groomed brow. Have your brows professionally done or tackle them yourself if you feel up to it. They should not be too thin or heavily penciled in. DO NOT OVERPLUCK. Do not pluck too much from the inner brow and make sure each side matches. Symmetry is very important to achieving a "beautiful" look. If you make a mistake you can fix the problem by first lightly penciling in short feathery brow strokes and then blending in lightly with a brow powder.

3. Soft, natural colors on cheek , eyelid and mouth. Soft glowing colors like dusty roses and bronzes achieve a natural look on most complexions. One of my favorite brands is eccobella especially for lipsticks.

4. Lightly lined lids. You can use natural kohl sticks or charcoal pencils.

5. Defined eyelashes. I like to use aloe vera gel as a clear, natural mascara. Just use the wand from an old tube of mascara. (be sure to keep it clean)

6. Soft sheen on lips. A tiny, tiny touch of a light oil like almond oil will do the trick. Or try Burt's Bees lip balm. Or, even better make your own lip balm.

Okay, let's get beautiful!

-Nasirah

Face Facts; Skincare For the 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project

2008-02-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

Clear, glowing skin is the most beautiful accessory you could ever wear. Nothing says health and vitality like smooth, blemish free skin. Perhaps this is because our skin is a mirror to what's happening inside our bodies. The good news is that no matter what your skin looks like today, it can start to look better in just days. The condition of your skin can be drastically improved in 30 days.

If you want better skin here are a few simple guidelines;

1) If it's white, do not eat it! This is the most important thing you can do for your body and your skin. Your skin will become clearer, softer and less lined just by replacing processed white sugars, potatoes and grains with more natural options like agave syrup, sweet potatoes, and 100% whole grains. Simple sugars and refined carbs interfere with the proper formation of collagen (which is responsible for keeping our skin elastic and youthful). Of course, eat lot's of fruits and veggies.

2) Drink your water. While I don't necessarily believe that you have to drink a certain amount of water each day(this will vary), you do need to be hydrated for firm, supple skin.

3) Drink Freshly pressed green juices. I LOOOVVVVVEEEE juicing!!! and I can't say it enough!! Drinking fresh juices every day makes you feel better inside and it gives your skin an amazing, soft, GLOW that would make even J-Lo green with envy. The emphasis is on green juices for maximum impact. Use only enough fruit or sweet juices (i.e. apples or carrots) to make the greens palatable. My favorite fresh juice is green lemonade. I drink it every day.

4) Clean with care. Treat your skin with care, cleaning your face with chemical free, sulfate free cleansers. Harsh cleaners can make oily skin or acne worse by aggravating oil glands. You can also clean your face with ingredients found in your kitchen like milk or baking soda. Be very gentle when cleaning delicate facial skin (especially if you are prone to breakouts or irritation). (Stay tuned for more how-to info)

5) Dress with care. You take the time to put good things in your body, so it only makes sense to put good things on your body. Your moisturizer should be pure and effective. The best moisturizer I've found is aloe-vera gel mixed with glycerin; simple, inexpensive and safe. Aloe is intensely healing while glycerin is one of nature's most effective humectants. Moisturize every day and every night to preserve skin's elasticity. Your makeup should also be as pure as possible. Don't worry, if there are certain things you can't give up yet, just replace the items you can live without, with healthier options like AfterGlow cosmetics or Eccobella products. When your skin is healthy and glowing from the inside, you will greatly reduce your dependence on cosmetics.

-Nasirah

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Guidelines

2008-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

It’s time get in gear for our 2008 30 Days to a More Beautiful You project. We will soon be well on our way to getting more beautiful skin, increased energy, more balance, and greater self confidence. These are the guidelines that I will follow and recommend. Remember that these are just goals and guidelines. I believe strongly that you must educate yourself and follow the path that speaks to you.

We are all at different levels and as long as you are making positive change you are moving in the right direction. If you are new to these ideas and concepts choose three things to implement instead of trying to change everything at once. Baby-steps can take us where we need to go. Do not feel pressured to be “perfect.” You are already at the perfect point for this moment in your life. You have the choice to move forward to the best of your abilities and understanding. I hope you can learn something that will help you in your journey.

1) When you wake it is a good idea to take a moment of silence before the noise of the day begins. Mindful prayer or meditation will help center you and keep you on an even keel. Many studies have proven that prayer and meditation can have powerful health benefits. Positive daily affirmations are another good way to start the day.

2) Move your body for at least 30 minutes each day. This can be as gentle or as rigorous as you are comfortable with. Walking is a perfect option. Rebounding or jumping on a mini-trampoline (these can be as cheap as $20 in stores) is extremely beneficial. I do this each day and it is an invigorating way to start the day.

3) In the morning between 8 am and 12 pm try to ingest only fresh fruits and freshly pressed juices. Start with room temperature, steam distilled water (distilled water aids in the cleansing of your body) with a squirt of fresh lemon juice. After the water, move on to other fresh juices. You may enjoy any fresh juice liberally, but is important to emphasize green juices. That is why I love author Natalia Rose’s Green lemonade recipe. It is chock full of greens, but it tastes like lemonade. You can’t go wrong with lemonade.

A good juicer to try is the Breville Juice Fountain. I have had my Breville for 2 years and I absolutely love it. It is easy to use and clean up is a breeze. I cannot stress enough the importance of juicing. Juicing organic produce, especially greens, is like giving your body concentrated shots of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and pure earth love. If you drink 24 ounces of fresh green juices every day for at least a week, you will see a difference. Your skin will glow and be soft to the touch. And that’s only the beginning; your body will love being flooded with goodness at the beginning of each day.

Drinking juices and eating fresh fruit gives your body a chance to continue cleansing in the morning. Even if you cannot juice every morning, eat as much fruit as you like. Stay satisfied and full so you don’t feel deprived. Contrary to popular belief, freeing your body up from the energy expenditure of digestion will give you more energy for the day. Remember when you have eaten a heavy pancake breakfast and passed out shortly after. That is because your body is expending all of its energy trying to break down the food that you have just heaped into your stomach. Juicing and eating easily digested fresh fruits will free you from this cycle and give you a clean slate to start each day. Drink to your health!

4) Eat only pure, unprocessed, unadulterated foods. Stick to the fresh section of your grocery. Do not eat anything sweetened with white sugar. Use maple syrup, raw honey, agave syrup or stevia to sweeten foods. Drink distilled water. Eat only %100 whole grains (be careful to read ingredients as some items are deceptively labeled). Eat organic where possible, but don't get hung up on it. Remember that is just important to make healthy choices.

Use small amounts of coconut oil to cook with and use only cold pressed oils like olive oil, coconut oil and sesame oil to make salad dressings or to drizzle on foods for flavor as a healthy condiment after the food is cooked. Raw fats are much healthier for you body and they even aid weight loss.

Prepare fresh organic meats when possible versus, non-organic or processed meat like cold cuts etc. If you consume dairy, which is not recommended during this project, I strongly suggest using raw, organic dairy or at the very least just organic. The hormones and antibiotics in most meat and dairy can wreak havoc with your system. These things are very dangerous and are not to be taken lightly.

Eat Real Food! Do not use artificially low-fat, no-fat, artificial sugar substitutes etc. These things are not real foods. Our body does not know what to do with them and many of these things are filled with dangerous chemicals.

5) Try to eat as many raw, fresh fruits and veggies as possible, but do not feel that you have to eat all raw. Steaming, sautéing, and baking are all acceptable.

6) Eat a large green salad at the start of lunch and dinner. Lunch might even be just the salad. If you think that won’t be filling, think large salad. I mean a mixing bowl full of beautiful yummy greens, juicy tomatoes, fresh or roasted red peppers, a handful of raw sunflower seeds, spicy red onions, fresh or sautéed portabella mushrooms, fresh corn off the cob, yummy chunks of avocado, delicious briny kalamata olives, a creamy, healthy, homemade salad dressing… I think you get the picture. Whatever you choose

7) Snack when you need to. My snack of choice, a delicious snack for anytime except the morning, is any %70 or above chocolate bar. You do not have to count calories so let your body guide you to eat when you want to.

8) For dinner enjoy whatever healthily prepared meal you like. You can follow this with a healthy dessert if you like.

9) Mediate stress in positive ways. Practice deep breathing. Do something every day that you love to reduce stress and keep you vital. Read a book by your favorite author, paint, sing, play with your kids, anything that makes you happy. Keep things in perspective and keep in mind that your perception is your reality, Put on your rose colored glasses and see the good in life.

10) Try to get to sleep before midnight and sleep in a completely dark room. This may actually be the hardest rule for some of us (including myself) to follow, but do the best you can. Take a moment to clear your mind and relax before sleeping (your bedroom should be free of clutter). Prayer or meditation again.

If you want to learn more about good nutrition and healthy lifestyle, two books that have taught me a lot are Fit For Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond or The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose.

Stay tuned for personal care guidelines and beauty how-tos to help us make it 30 Days to a More Beautiful You and Me!

-Nasirah

Love

2008-02-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

Love and give thanks for creation
Love yourself
Love your fellow man
Know that love is doing, not just feeling

Happy Day!

-Nasirah

Kombucha

2008-02-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

My newest obsession is GT's Organic Raw Kombucha. Just to clarify, I'm actually not exaggerating, I am a little obsessed. G'ts Kombucha is an amazing fermented, naturally sparkling drink.

GT's Kombucha is labeled as "Living Food for the Living Body." It is extremely healthy and I guarantee you have probably never tasted anything like it. When you unscrew the top it gently pops and you get a whiff of the very zingy, tangy aroma, slightly reminiscent of apple cider vinegar. The natural fermentation process gives the drink it's very distinct tart flavor and imparts natural effervescence. With flavors like Cosmic Cranberry and my personal favorite Mango Synergy, GT's Kombucha will leave you wanting more.

GT's Kombucha is made from a "handmade Chinese tea that is delicately cultured for 30 days. During this time, essential nutrients form like: Active Enzymes, Viable Probiotics, Amino Acids, Antioxidants, and Polyphenols. All of these combine to create an elixir that immediately works with the body to restore balance and vitality."

The company's founder, "G.T Dave began bottling Kombucha in 1995 after his mother's success from drinking it during her battle with breast cancer, " and Kombucha has been used as a restorative tonic in China for years.

With so many so called health drinks on the market that are nothing more than glorified, high sugar juices, GT's Kombucha is a true gem. Drink it. It's good for you and it is yummy...

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project; Suggested Reading

2008-02-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

Before we embark upon any change, it is important to be armed with good information. Our first 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project will begin March 2. In preparation for the project I suggest three books that will help you formulate a plan of action and keep you motivated throughout the 30 days and beyond.

Any real transformation starts in the mind. We cannot hope to gain true beauty by just slathering on potions and creams and colors; we must unlearn what we have been taught and re-learn what is truly good for our bodies. We need to know what real food is and what our bodies really want. We need to be aware of the connection between the condition of our spirit and our external condition.

The previously reviewed books Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin and The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose will give you basic knowledge of good nutrition and lifestyle. And regardless of your spiritual affiliation, What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula is a basic primer and guide to attaining equanimity and balance in your life.

Keep in mind that these books are merely suggestions. The important thing here is to do what works for you. Choose two or three books that inspire you to be healthier, to be more at peace and keep you motivated. Happy reading and lots of knowledge!

-Nasirah

Top Ten Fashion Trends for Spring 2008

2008-02-12T22:56:00.000-08:00

According to Elle magazine this spring's top ten trends are:

1) Geometry Lesson-

Brightly colored geometric prints and linear forms created interest on runways from Fendi to Ferregamo

2)Boys' Club-

The Classic tailored blazer is always in style although this spring it appears in a more luxurios incarnation of lush fabrics and rich colors instead of standard black

3)Color Revival-

Color makes a bold statement in time for spring

4)So Transparent-

Up and down the runways of fashion week transparent fabrics left little to the imagination

5)Brocade Brigade-

This spring will see rich fabrics ripe with luxury and bold patterns

6)Fringe Benefits-

Fringe isn't just for hippies anymore; this spring's fringe is full of glamour

7)Summer of Love-

Hippie chic isn't just for hippies anymore, it's all grown up with sexy sophistication

8)Artists' Touch-

Pollock-like splashes of color emblazon dresses from Gucci to Misoni

9)Melting Pot-

One world, global fashion combines cultural influences

10)It's a Cinch-

Well-dressed Women wear waspish waists...

-Nasirah

photo source: elle.com

30 Days to Life

2008-02-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

The idea that no matter what exists today or what we are today, we can create a richer, more fulfilling tomorrow is one that humans have been drawn to since before people started making new-year's resolutions. But, does hope really spring eternal? Can we really make profound change in a relatively short amount of time? Can you change your life in thirty days?

purebeauty challenges you to be more beautiful in 30 days. Our first 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project will start this March. This 30 days is a time to renew body, mind and spirit; 30 days of harmonious movement, thought and healthy living to achieve a higher vibration of beauty inside and out. In other words, you can be significantly hotter in just 30 days if you are willing to commit to exercising, eating well, and taking care of yourself.

Read: you, significantly hotter, in just 30 days. Do I really need to convince you?

Stay tuned for details about the 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project...

-Nasirah

Beautiful Girl

2008-02-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

Each week, starting this week, purebeauty will feature a beautiful woman who embodies confidence, style and heart. This week's beauty is none other than the talented, fresh faced and ultra-stylish Rihanna. Just when it seemed like every young R&B singer was starting to look like Beyonce, Rihanna dared to be different. She chopped off her hair and took it up a notch. Her bob haircut was chic, fresh and unexpected. And now, she has switched it up again. Her new, supershort, edgy haircut is a little round-the-way girl and a little punk. It is a perfect marriage and the perfect style for Rihanna's pixie-like face. Her beautiful blue Zac Posen Grammy dress was the perfect compliment to her new haircut. The gorgeous jewel tone was vibrant and exuberant.

So, Why do we love Rihanna? Three simple reasons; she is talented; she dares to be different, which in a world of cookie-cutter beauties, is very refreshing; she is fabulously confident, and that is beautiful.

-Nasirah

Green Lemonade

2008-02-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a tasty, healthy way to start your morning I have just the thing; a tall frothy glass of delicious green lemonade. The recipe by Natalia Rose author of The Raw Food Detox Diet and Raw Food Life Force Energy is full of fabulous, living enzymes and beautiful vitamins and minerals and just plain earth love. I've had this juice every day this week and it is some good stuff. It gave me more real energy than coffee ever could and my skin looks 10 X better. The original recipe and many more great recipes can be found in The Raw Food Detox Diet (a great read by the way).

Just throw some organic romaine lettuce, a few leaves of organic kale, an organic apple or two, organic lemon and ginger in your juicer and adjust to taste. There you have it. An amazingly healthy, tangy start to your day!

-Nasirah

Are you a Skinny Bitch?

2008-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Authors Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin want you to be a Skinny Bitch. As a matter of fact, if these two women had their way, the world would be full of Skinny Bitches. Their New York Times bestseller Skinny Bitch is a self described "no-nonsense tough-love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous!"

I have read alot of books about what to eat and what not to eat, some good and some pretty forgettable, but Skinny Bitch was a completely refreshing read from start to finish and the perfect how-to-have-a-healthy-body manual for beginners. The naughty, attention grabbing title is just the beginning. The authors successfully marry smart, modern girl style with all things granola; for the girl who drinks wheat grass shots, but still shaves her pits and could run a marathon in stilettos. Think Samantha Jones meets the health food movement. With Chapter titles like Pooping and Don't Be a Pussy this book is not for the faint of heart, but it can help you unlock the beautiful, healthy, conscious, goddess you are inside.

Read this book. I promise you will laugh, you will learn and possibly even make some positive changes in your life. Don't be fooled by the title. This book is about far more than being skinny. It is about being the best, most radiant, harmonious you.

So, here's to being a Skinny Bitch!

-Nasirah

Food Combining for Better Health

2008-02-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

So, maybe you've heard about low carb diets, all fruit diets, dairy free, gluten free...the list goes on. You may not know about food combining. The concepts have been around for many years and the ideas have been published in books from the classic Fit for Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond to The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose. The basic idea is that good digestion is the cornerstone of good health. Different types of food such as fruits, starchy carbohydrates and proteins are digested in different ways, some foods requiring and acidic environment to be digested and others requiring an alkaline environment. When you mix foods from these different groups at one meal it can wreak havoc on your digestive system, slowing down your body's functions and possibly causing weight gain and a host of other symptoms like heartburn and flatulence.

Fit for Life is a more than adequate primer on the benefits and how-tos of food combining. The Raw Food Detox Diet takes these basic concepts a step further and incorporates more raw and living components into the plan. Both books were quick and easy to read and wonderful investments in time. I have incorporated food combining into my daily life and I have experienced weight loss and increased digestive comfort. I really like the principles of food combining because there is no calorie counting and no portion sizes. You eat until satisfied. I have always had a large appetite, so this works for me.

-Nasirah

Daily Inspiration...

2007-11-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

photo by James Armer

Never looking back, or too far in front of me. The present is a gift and I just wanna be.

-Common

Complete at-home facial

2007-11-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

A day at the spa is an indulgence that we don’t always have time for, but, luckily we can recreate a spa facial in our own homes. The five basic components of a facial are: cleansing, exfoliation, steam, mask and moisture.

Step 1

Clean face using oil cleansing method or method of choice.

Step 2

Exfoliate with your homemade exfoliant or exfoliant of choice. Do not splash face with cold water after exfoliating if you are proceeding to step 3.

Step 3

To perform steam treatment, first bring a pot of water to a boil. Remove from heat and pour water into a large heat safe bowl. Add any of the following herbs or essential oils to the water. Sit down and lean over the bowl with a large towel over your head. Exercise extreme caution when handling hot water. Relax, breathe deep and remain over the bowl for ten minutes while the steam opens your pores. If you get too hot at any point lift the towel.

Step 4

Gently rub face mask of choice into face and neck. Let mask sit for 10 minutes or until prescribed. Rinse with warm water until all traces of mask have been removed. Do a final rinse with cool water to close pores.

Step 5

Moisturize with moisturizer of choice. Apply moisturizer while face is still slightly damp in order to seal in the moisture. You can simply seal the moisture in with a light oil of choice.

A complete facial can be enjoyed once a month for healthier, more youthful, glowing skin.

-Nasirah

Mask Your Skin

2007-11-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

Face masks are a wonderful indulgence that should be enjoyed when you need some "me" time or when your skin needs an extra boost. This article from Associated Content explains the importance of facials and gives step by step instructions to make your own mask at home.

-Nasirah

Daily Inspiration...

2007-11-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

photo by James Armer

Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real.

-Deepak Chopra

Black Beauty

2007-11-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

So, I discovered a quick pimple fix this morning in my bathroom (thanks to a red, glowing pimple on my nose). I remembered making a paste of activated charcoal and water for an itchy,
swollen mosquito bite this summer. Within thirty minutes of applying the paste, the bite was flat
and the itchiness was gone.

Because of its absorptive properties, charcoal has been used effectively to treat many things including snake bites and diarrhea. (do not substitute this information for proper medical diagnosis or treatment) I figured, if charcoal can absorb the poison from a snake bite and can flatten a mile high mosquito bite, it could probably take down a pimple.

I emptied the contents of one activated charcoal capsule and mixed it with enough aloe vera gel to make a paste. I applied a dab of the paste directly onto the cleaned pimple. Once the paste dried i gently flaked it off (you could wash it) and the pimple had flattened considerably and the redness was gone. I reapplied the paste once more and by the time it dried again the pimple was virtually non-existent.

This means good-bye to expensive, harsh, chemical laden blemish cream and hello to blemish-free skin!

For more information about charcoal visit http://healingtools.tripod.com/thn5.html

-Nasirah

Daily Inspiration

2007-11-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

photo by James Armer

Cultivate harmony within yourself, and harmony becomes real;
Cultivate harmony within your family, and harmony becomes fertile;
Cultivate harmony within your community, and harmony becomes abundant;
Cultivate harmony within your culture, and harmony becomes enduring;
Cultivate harmony within the world, and harmony becomes ubiquitous.

Live with a person to understand that person;
Live with a family to understand that family;
Live with a community to understand that community;
Live with a culture to understand that culture;
Live with the world to understand the world.

How can I live with the world?
By accepting.

-Lao Tzu
from the tao te ching

Sleeping Beauty

2007-11-09T20:20:00.001-08:00

One of the pillars of any effective beauty regimens is sleep. Sleep gives our bodies and minds a chance to heal and to be restored. I recently read an interesting article by Marcus Ryan that espouses the benefits of sleep for our faces and our bodies. In the article Ryan states that,

"Getting a good night sleep is key to keeping your skin keep its youthful appearance. Thus, it's earned the name beauty sleep. Beautiful skin is where beauty begins and a youthful appearance is what every woman wants."

Even more importantly, he goes on to say, "beauty sleep will do more than just give you a youthful appearance, it will reduce your risk of important health problems, such as heart problems too."

Now that you know that beauty sleep isn't just for a youthful appearance, you should make sure that it's a priority and that you get enough sleep. So go for it and get your beauty sleep and get the health benefits at the same time!

source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Beauty-Sleep-Its-Not-Just-For-A-Youthful-Appearance&id=812144
photo source:http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/west-elm-low-platform-bed.jpg

Daily Inspiration...

2007-11-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

photo by James Armer

“this is my life. it is my one time to be me. i want to experience every good thing.”

-Maya Angelou

Quote of the Day...

2007-11-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

photo by James Armer

Ever since happiness heard your name,it has been running through the streets trying to find you.

-Hafiz

Dr. Oz Green Drink

2007-11-08T00:07:00.000-08:00

Want to eat more green veggies and incorporate more raw food into your diet? Oprah's trusted M.D., Dr. Oz shared his recipe for a healthy green drink packed with nutrients and living goodness. Manja!

-Nasirah

Dr. Oz Green Drink Recipe

2 apples, cored
2 big handfuls of spinach
1/2 cup of chopped parsley
1 celery stick, chopped
1 thumbnail length of ginger root, peeled
1 lemon - juice only (use peel slice for zest)
1 medium cucumber

Place ingredients in a blender, add 4 oz. spring water or a handful of ice cubes, then puree quickly for one minute. Makes two glasses of Dr. Oz’s green drink.

The green drink has a strong taste and if you are used to drinking soda or sweet tea, the taste will take some getting used to. Dr. Oz suggests adding other items at first to sweeten the green drink to your taste.

Green drink - Optional ingredients:
2nd cucumber
raw carrot
unsweetened fruit juice
banana

source:http://hitsusa.com/blog/277/dr-oz-green-drink/

Dairy Good...

2007-11-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

Milk is one of the most gentle yet effective cleansers nature has to offer. It is safe and effective to use as a daily facial cleanser for morning and night. Mix 1/2 a cup of cold milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir the mixture well and pat gently onto your face and neck with a cotton ball or soft white towel/cloth. Leave the mixture on your face for 2-3 minutes. Apply again and gently rub in small circular motions. Finally, rinse your face and moisturize with your favorite moisturizer.

This

cleanser hydrates, soothes and exfoliates. It is suitable for all skin types.

-Nasirah

Scent sense...

2007-11-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

I love the ritual of spraying on a light, beautiful body spray after a shower. There are few more refreshing moments during the day.

We all love to smell good and scent can transform our mood. Certain scents can also have an affect on our health and well being. Essential oils have been used for years in aromatherapy. Oils such as grapefruit are said to contribute to weight loss and lavender is soothing and relaxing while peppermint is invigorating and revitalizing.

Making your own signature scent with essential oils couldn't be easier. Simply add ten to fifteen drops of your favorite oil to every one ounce of distilled water in a small spray bottle. Shake well each time before you spray. This body spray is all natural with no additives or synthetic chemical fragrances. It can also be used as a room mist. Here are just a few oils you can customize your body spray with:

lemon- uplifting and energizing

lavender- calming and soothing

rosemary- stimulates memory

grapefruit- uplifting, aids weight loss, confidence

peppermint- invigorating and revitalizing

chamomile- peaceful and relaxing

orange- relieves tension, lifts mood

franckincense- excellent for skin, calming

Note: Essential oils are very strong. Be sure to dilute oils with water before applying to skin to prevent irritation.

-Nasirah

Homemade Facial Exfoliant

2007-11-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

photo by Jane Hian

Exfoliating sloughs off dead skin and clears the pores of dirt and debris leaving you with youthful, glowing skin. It is an essential part of a skincare routine. which should be performed once a week. Homemade facial exfoliants are extremely cheap and easy to make. To make a basic exfoliant you will need an exfoliating (abrasive) ingredient and a base ingredient.

Exfoliant:

corn meal

corn flour

sugar

kosher salt

ground almonds

steel cut oats

Base:

oil i.e., olive, almond, apricot kernel, coconut

egg white- good for toning and tightening

pureed fruit, i.e., berries, cucumber,tomato- acid refines skin

yogurt- smoothes and refreshes

milk-smooths and refreshes

Additions:

honey-for moisture and antiseptic property

glycerin-for moisture

To make exfoliant combine 1 part exfoliant, 1 part base and 1/4 part additional ingredient if desired. Chill if desired for a refreshing effect. Pat mixture onto face and neck and rub gently with small circular motions. Leave exfoliant on skin for five more minutes. Rinse with warm water until all traces of exfoliant have been removed. Do a final rinse of cool water and finally, moisturize.

-Nasirah

Simple Lip Balm

2007-11-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Recipe featured on makeyourowncosmetics.com

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon grated beeswax
1 vitamin E capsule (400 mg)

Blending Procedure:

Place grated beeswax (or beeswax beads) into a heat proof cup. Add olive oil and liquid from the vitamin E capsule.

Place the heat proof cup into a hot water bath until the beeswax is nearly melted. Remove from heat.

Pour into suitable screw top or other lip balm containers. Allow to solidify and cool before using.

Enjoy and tell your friends!

source:http://www.makeyourcosmetics.com/recipes/viewrec.asp?id=288&cat=facial
submitted by Kena

Simple Makeup

2007-11-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

This excerpt from Doctor Hulda Clark's 1995 book The Cure for All Diseases gives step-by-step directions to make your own cosmetics. While I have not tried these yet, I have used beet powder as a blush with success.

-Nasirah

Eye liner and Eyebrow Pencil

Get a pure charcoal pencil (black only) at an art supply store. Try several on yourself (bring a small mirror) in the store to see what hardness suits you. You may need to wet it with water or a vitamin E perle first. Don't put any chemicals on your eyelids, since this penetrates into your eye. To check this out for yourself, close your eye tightly and then dab lemon juice on your eyelid. It will soon burn! Everything that is put on skin penetrates. Otherwise the nicotine patch and estrogen patch wouldn't work. Not even soap belongs on your eyelids! Charcoal pencils are cheap. Get yourself half a dozen different kinds so you can do different things.
You could also use a capsule of activated charcoal. Empty it into a saucer. Mix glycerin and water, half and half, and add it to the charcoal powder until you get the consistency you like. Use a brush for eyelashes; use a finger for eyebrows.

Lipstick

Beet root powder100% vegetable glycerin
Combine 1 tsp. vegetable glycerin and 1 tsp. beet root powder in a saucer. Stir until perfectly smooth. Then add 1/2 tsp. of vitamin oil. Snip open vitamin E capsules or buy vitamin E oil. Very thick olive oil can be substituted. Apply liberally with your finger or a lipstick brush. Do not purse or rub your lips together after application. To make the lipstick stay on longer, apply 1 layer of lipstick, then dab some cornstarch over the lips, then apply another layer of lipstick. Store in a small glass or plastic container in the refrigerator, tightly covered in a plastic bag.

Face Powder

Use cornstarch from the original box. You may also try arrow root starch or potato starch. Use your fingers or a tissue to apply because applicators can carry bacteria.

Blush (face powder in a cake form)

Add 50% glycerin to cornstarch in a saucer to make paste. Slowly add beet root powder to the desired color. Use part of a charcoal capsule to darken it, if desired. A drop of food grade alcohol will also darken it. To make 50% glycerin, add equal parts of glycerin and water. Try to make the consistency the same as your brand name product, and you can even put it back in your brand name container.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion

2007-11-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

For years, before I realized how hazardous parabens are, I was addicted to the scent of baby lotion. We are all familiar with the pink "baby" scented lotion that honestly smells really great. Giving up baby lotion was a major blow, but one I had to take. Until now, I hadn't discovered another lotion that captured the characteristic "baby" smell and passed my safety test.

I don't know why I didn't find it sooner, but, Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion passes both tests. One sniff of the light, creamy lotion and I forgot all about the pink stuff. Baby Bee Buttermilk has a clean, light, sweet, but -not-too-sweet, scent that can melt anyone.

Check out Baby Bee Buttermilk at burtsbees.com.

-Nasirah

Basic Body Scrub

2007-11-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

We all love smooth skin and exfoliation is essential to achieve silky, baby soft skin. There are many commercial exfoliants available, but many of them are pricey or contain additives. It is amazingly easy to make your own exfoliants for a fraction of the retail price. With the holiday season fast approaching, a beautifully packaged, scented, homemade body scrub is a great gift idea.

This recipe from prairielandherbs.com makes a simple yet highly effective body scrub.

-Nasirah

1 part salt or sugar

1 part oil

For the salt or sugar: sea salt or raw sugar are best, but you can definitely use plain table salt, white sugar, or brown sugar too.

For the oil: use any mild, unscented vegetable oil - olive, sunflower, safflower, sweet almond, etc. Herbally infused oils work wonderfully too.

Mix ingredients together and scrub onto damp skin; rinse off and pat dry with a towel.

Optional additions: honey, dried or fresh herbs or flower petals, oats, essential oils or fragrance oils.

Note: Sugar scrubs tend to be more mild and less drying than salt scrubs.

-Nasirah

Bitten...

2007-11-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

It is every woman's inalienable right to

have a pulled-together stylish, confident

wardrobe with money left over to live.

GET BITTEN

This is the manifesto for the new clothing line Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker. SJP's new line of clothing, shoes and accessories debuted at stores around the country this year. The launch of the former Sex and the City star's line is something we at purebeauty are very excited about.
The clothes are very smart, relaxed and contemporary cute.

My favorites for this winter are the basic pea coat in white, the twill trenchcoat in desert sand, the striped mittens and the suspender wide leg trouser in classic black. The line also features a delicious selection of intimate apparel which include a pair of boxer briefs very similar to those we've seen on SJP's Sex and the City alter-ego, Carrie Bradshaw. And amazingly, every piece in the collection, which is available online at http://bittensjp.com/index.php and nationwide at Steve & Barry's stores, is priced at $19.98 or less. Yes, everything is $19.98 or less including the cashmere sweaters. We love this.

We love that women can get quality clothing that they will want to wear and feel confident and stylish in without breaking the bank. This line of clothes is not about trying to project a false image of wealth or status by spending all of your money or spending money you don't have. Bitten takes the pretense out of looking good and that is beautiful.

Here at purebeauty we love Bitten and we love Sarah Jessica Parker even more. SJP is undoubtedly talented, smart and beautiful even if some publications aren't bright enough to see it.

Nasirah

Flower Color Lipstick

2007-11-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

I am always on the look out for beauty products that help me look good and put my mind at ease. This weekend I picked up a tube of Ecco Bella Flower Color lipstick in Chocolate Kiss. This may be the best lipstick I have ever tried. It goes on smooth without being greasy. The color is the perfect not to dark/not to red shade of natural brown. The lipstick is not completely opaque so your natural lip color comes through just enough to keep it natural looking.

The Flower Color lipstick sells for $14.95 at eccobella.com and comes in 14 different shades from almond to Napa grape. The site also features a complete line of cosmetics and personal care.

-Nasirah

Raw Beauty

2007-11-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

If you are like me at all, you love food, and this menu from Pure Food and Wine in New York City looks like it could satisfy even my appetite. With lots of exotic sounding ingredients and names, you just assume that someone spent a huge chunk of their day slaving over a hot stove so you could enjoy a delicious meal. But there's just one catch, there is no stove at Pure Food and Wine, originally the restaurant love-child of Sarma Melngailis and ex-partner Matthew Kenney. The food at Pure Food and Wine is raw.

Now, you might wonder why anybody would pay someone to not cook their food. But, you might be surprised to know that alot of people would and do. The popularity of raw restaurants is increasing as more people become aware of the countless benefits of eating live foods. The following article from healingdaily.com give us a few reasons why so many believe that eating raw food is a much healthier choice than consuming cooked foods.

-Raw foods are rich in enzymes. Enzymes are needed for the digestive system to work. They are necessary to break down food particles so they can be utilized for energy. The human body makes approximately 22 different digestive enzymes which are capable of digesting carbohydrates, protein and fats. Raw vegetables and raw fruit are rich sources of enzymes.The enzymes in raw foods are destroyed by heat.-

-Most raw food, like our bodies, is very perishable. When raw foods are exposed to temperatures above 118 degrees, they start to rapidly break down, just as our bodies would if we had a fever that high. One of the constituents of foods which can break down are enzymes. Enzymes help us digest our food. Enzymes are proteins though, and they have a very specific 3-dimensional structure in space. Once they are heated much above 118 degrees, this structure can change.

Once enzymes are exposed to heat, they are no longer able to provide the function for which they were designed. Cooked foods contribute to chronic illness, because their enzyme content is damaged and thus requires us to make our own enzymes to process the food. The digestion of cooked food uses valuable metabolic enzymes in order to help digest your food. Digestion of cooked food demands much more energy than the digestion of raw food. In general, raw food is so much more easily digested that it passes through the digestive tract in 1/2 to 1/3 of the time it takes for cooked food. -

So , what exactly does this article have to do with the pursuit of beauty. Obviously, a healthy body is a goal we all want to attain and eating live, raw food gets us one step closer to that reality. But there is something else, that special radiance that comes with being vibrant and in tune. Some call it the raw "glow." What is the glow? For me, the glow is clear skin, bright eyes and an energetic radiance.

One look at the before and afters of raw foodies and you will know what that glow looks like. For a gallery of before and afters visit welikeitraw.com.

The good thing about the glow is that you don't have to be one hundred percent raw to start getting it. Making tweaks your diet here and there will yield tremendous results. Adding a couple of large salads every day and eating fresh fruit instead of canned is a great start. There are countless number of delicious raw recipes available. Recipes can be found on this and other internet sites. There are also many beautiful raw "cook" books such as Raw the Un-cookbook by Juliano, Raw Food/ Real World 100 Recipes to Get the Glow by Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis and Eating in the Raw by Carol Alt.

-Nasirah

Buyer Beware...

2007-11-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Buyer beware of so-called natural products. I'm sure you've seen the shelves of products at your local drugstore or grocer that claim "natural" status. Because of growing awareness, many consumers know enough to know that they should be looking for natural or organic products, but the beauty and food industries are taking advantage of the fact that most people don't even know what natural really is. Unfortunately, many companies are adding plant essences or one or two herbal ingredients to their chemical cocktails and passing them off as natural. Even sadder is that some companies with reputations as natural health personal care companies are using ingredients such as parabens that are antithetical to health by all accounts. While we should applaud some of these companies for trying to do better, we should not blindly trust them. Just because a product claims to be "natural" or because you can find it in a health food store, does not make it safe.

If you are concerned about certain additives or ingredients read the label every time and research ingredients you are not familiar with. If there is a product with less than healthy ingredients you feel you just can't live without or aren't ready to give up yet, don't. And don't feel bad about it. Simply having the knowledge lets you make an informed decision.

-Nasirah

Berry Beautiful

2007-11-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

Strawberries make a perfect treat. They are full of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants (the beautiful red color is a giveaway to the antioxidant power). More importantly, they are delicious and maybe even decadent if you prefer them dipped in rich dark chocolate...

Okay, I'm off track. Strawberries are one of my favorite beauty treatments. It's is oh so simple, yet very effective for mild blemishes or spot pimple treatments (those with severe or deep acne require a more holistic treatment) .

Clean your face with a mild cleaner or oil of your choice. Mash a couple of strawberries well. Proceed to smooth the mashed berries all over your face and neck. Leave the mask on while you do chores or overnight. You may feel a mild tingling after a minute or so. In the morning, rinse your face and moisturize. This treatment will leave you with refreshed, smoother skin.

How does it work? According to Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty for All Seasons, strawberries make an excellent skin-softening facial mask. A member of the rose family, strawberries contain salicyclic acid, which rids the skin of dead cells, allowing it to absorb moisture more efficiently. Strawberries also have a mild bleaching effect on the skin and help heal blemishes.

This treatment has been part of my beauty arsenal for years and it has never let me down.
It just doesn't get any more natural than this.

-Nasirah

Please do a small patch test behind your ear before trying this treatment.
Do not continue this treatment if you experience discomfort.

Not so sweet...

2007-11-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

So I have introduced you to a few things that we should be putting in and on our bodies on our journey towards pure beauty. Now I'm gonna give you the really ugly stuff. The stuff, we shouldn't go near with a ten foot pole or should I say, spoon?

We all know that refined, processed, white sugar isn't health food, but I don't think most of know just how detrimental it is to our health and our beauty. It doesn't just pack on unhealthy pounds and rot our teeth(as if that's not bad enough). Sugar ages us and affects our mental state among a whole host of other really bad things.

-Nasirah

Suggested reading:

76 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health by Nancy Appleton, Ph.DAuthor of the book Lick The Sugar Habit.

Oil Cleansing

2007-11-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

I recently tried the oil cleansing method which can be found at http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/ . Oil cleansing just might prove to be one of the most beneficial, revolutionary, wow, beauty "secrets" I have ever come across. You might think that I'm being a little overzealous about this, but I am simply amazed. I have generally "good" skin. It is relatively problem free and when I drink plenty of water, and eat well some even say it glows. I have a simple routine of washing and moisturizing (with whatever oil or lotion I have on hand). Well, I have already tried "washing" my hair in oil, but for some reason it never occurred to me to use the technique on my face. I'm so glad I did.

I chose to use almond oil because it is fairly light and I had some on hand. Following the instructions in the oil cleansing article, I gently massaged the oil into my skin. The massage itself was very nice, like a mini facial. At this point, I could already tell this "secret" was going to change my skincare routine forever. I wet a white towel with hot water from the tap and proceeded to alternate gently wiping my face in a circular motion with rewetting the towel until the surface oil was removed from my skin(about 30 seconds total). And, as usual, I splashed my face with cold water to close the pores.

Initially, my skin felt clean and refreshed, and the massage, the massage was an indulgence that started my day off right. Throughout the day my skin retained a very light film of oil which gave me a dewy natural sheen that I love, love, loved (think Beyonce dewy). Who doesn't love "dewy." "Dewy" is soft, glowing and moist, in other words, beautiful. Need I say more?

-Nasirah

No 'Poo

2007-10-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have naturally dry hair. Really dry hair and the single most beneficial thing I have done for my hair's health is giving up shampoo. Yes, I have given up the soapy, lathery, suds that most people think are requisite for clean, beautiful hair. My mom always taught me that my hair wasn't clean until it squeaked. Um sorry mom, but that was terrible advice. If your hair is squeaking it has been stripped of all its beneficial oils. And that is no good. Aside from that, most commercial shampoos contain a whole lot of harsh and or toxic chemicals we would be better off avoiding anyway.

If you need an alternative. Try my favorite, apple cider vinegar. It cleans your hair and it gives fantastic shine. I mix about 1/8 cup ACV with about 1 cup of water in a squeeze bottle in the shower, squirt it all over my hair, let it sit about 5 minutes and rinse. Follow with conditioner and style as usual.

For more details and alternatives read Why You Should Go No ‘Poo by Christi Colvin.

-Nasirah

...studies have shown that coconut oil actually penetrates the hair to help make it stronger.

2007-10-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Pure virgin coconut oil smells delicious and it might just put you in the mood for a tropical vacation, but one of the best things about it is that it's good for your hair. For the "science" we checked with thebeautybrains.com

-Nasirah

...studies have shown that coconut oil actually penetrates the hair to help make it stronger. And as it turns out, olive oil also has penetrating properties. Scientists at the Textile Research (J. Cosmet.Sci 52, 169-184, 2001) tested Olive oil, Avocado oil, Meadowfoam seed oil, Sunflower oil, and Jojoba oil. Their results showed that straight chain glycerides like olive oil easily penetrate into the hair. Polyunsaturated oils , like Jojoba oil, are more open in their structure so they don`t pass through the layers of cuticles very well.

What does that mean in plain English? Olive and Avocado oils penetrate all the way into the hair shaft. Meadowfoam seed oil partially penetrates, and jojoba and sunflower oils don`t penetrate at all. They`re very superficial and don`t really provide any practical benefit. Kind of like Ryan Seacrest.

-thebeautybrains

source:
http://thebeautybrains.com/?s=coconut+oil&x=0&y=0

Coconut oil is Beautiful...

2007-10-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Skin Health and Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is quite possibly one of the most valuable tools you can possess in your beauty and health arsenal. Coconut oil has stood the test of time across the world as an indispensable component of a healthy lifestyle. You can eat it, put it on your skin, or put it in your hair and you body will thank you for it. To read more visit..www.coconutdiet.com/skin_health.htm

-Nasirah

photosource:http://www.ecofriend.org/images/coconut_oil.jpg

Toxic Beauty

2007-10-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Danger

So we already know that it's important to know what we put in our bodies, but most of us don't know it's just as important to know what we are putting on our bodies. Think about it, your skin is your body's largest organ and absorbs whatever you put on it. Toxins on your skin = toxins in your body. A great article by Nicky Pilkington that breaks down the specifics can be found at

http://www.fine-skin-care-products.com/toxic_ingredients.html

Check out this article please. Do it for you and somebody you know.

-Nasirah

picture:
http://www.gocek.org/christiansymbols/images/skullbones.gif

Fat for Beauty...

2007-10-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

One of the most forgotten elements of a good beauty regimen is one you may not suspect...

fat. That's right, good fats help keep your body healthy and your skin soft, firm and supple.

In his G-living article, Author Brendan Brazier explains that there are many health benefits to be gained from consuming good fats. Brazier states that good fats:

"can strengthen the immune system, enhance brain and nervous system function such as mood, intelligence and behavior, greatly reduce cardiovascular disease, increase energy and performance, grow healthy skin, hair, and nails, regulate body weight, and improve organ and gland function."

These so-called good fats, which can be found in foods like avocados, flax seeds, and raw nuts provide the body with Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, the Essential Fatty Acids. Your body cannot produce Essential Fatty Acids. The only way to get them is by eating foods rich in EFA. According to Brazier, Essential Fatty Acids lend:

" support to the healthy function of the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, they also play an integral role in promoting cell health. Repair and regeneration of the cellular membrane is vital for keeping the body biologically young and enabling it to retain mobility and vitality throughout life. Contributing to our cells’ ability to receive nutrition and eliminate waste, EFAs help keep the cellular regeneration process moving. Our body’s ability to fight off infection and reduce inflammation is in part dependent on having an adequate supply of EFAs in the diet. In fact, healthy and efficient brain development in children has been linked to a diet rich in EFAs."

EFA's are also known to help keep the skin soft, supple and young by treating dry skin from the inside out.

Brazier's article also discusses the importance of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Medium-chain triglycerides(MCTs), and Antioxidants. GLA's, which can be found in Evening primrose, borage and hemp seed oils boast powerful anti-inflammatory properties. MCT's which are a form of saturated fat, are actually extremely beneficial to your health. The benefits of MCT's, which are found in coconuts and coconut oil have been known for years in other cultures. According to Brazier, MCT's can contribute to, "a healthy metabolism, weight loss and youthful skin."

While many people have heard about the immune boosting properties of antioxidants, they probably never knew that, as Brazier points out, "Plant based oils can also be a great source of antioxidants." and that, "Chlorophyll found in hemp oil has antioxidant like properties..."

So now that you have the basic information, what should you look for? Brazier's article simplifies the answer:

"A good fat should generally come from an organically grown plant based source with minimal processing to preserve their “raw”, nutrient rich state. Look for oils that are cold-pressed and have not undergone a distillation or purification process. Also try to avoid those that are exposed to heat and light as they can result in oxidation."

He lists the following oils as rich sources for good fat:

Hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, antioxidant oil blend (green tea seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, black cumin seed oil, black raspberry seed oil, blueberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil), pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil.

To read Brendan's article in its entirety, please visit:

http://gliving.tv/bodydesign/brendan-brazier-explains-fat/#more-186

2007-10-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

photo by Jane Hian

The basic building block of beauty is good nutrition. I know you've heard it many times before, but you really are what you eat. Eat brightly colored, live foods rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes and your body will thank you. According to Doctor Nicholas Perricone author of the Perricone Prescription there are certain superfoods that will enhance your beauty and help you age better.

Acai fruit
This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores.

Anything in the "Allium Family"
Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots can all help the liver eliminate toxins and carcinogens.

Green Foods
Green foods like wheat and barley grasses can be bought in powder, tablet or juice form, and offer greater levels of nutrients than green leafy vegetables. They also help cholesterol, blood pressure and immune response.

Beans & Lentils
You can reduce cholesterol while beefing up on antioxidants, folic acid and potassium. Try kidney, black, navy, pinto, chickpeas, soybeans, peas and lentils.

Hot Peppers
Both bell and chili peppers contain antioxidants, have twice the Vitamin C as citrus fruit and work as great fat burners.

Nuts & Seeds
You can't go wrong with a handful of nuts a day—walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia and pistachio nuts contain Omega 3 fats, which are great for your heart. Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are best.

Sprouts
Numerous varieties of sprouts are great with any meal. They're a great source of protein and Vitamin C. Try adding them to any dish and your immune system will get a boost.

Yogurt and Kefir
These cultured foods contain healthful bacteria that aid immune function, and the calcium helps burn fat. Try using them as a base for a smoothie.

These foods are said to have the following properties,

Prevent or reduce inflammation

Help regulate metabolism and burn body fat

Lower total cholesterol

Lower blood pressure

Help protect against heart disease

Help protect against cancer

Help protect organs from toxins

Promote digestive health

source:
http://www.oprah.com/presents/2005/young/life/life_superfoods.jhtml

purebeauty

I scream, you scream, we all scream for live cream!

Did 30 Days Change Your Life?

Where's the juice?

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Check-in

30 Day Check-in

Easy Beauty...Eyebrows

You Said It...What Does Beauty Mean?

Count Down 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project

Daily Inspiration...30 Days to a More Beautiful You

Simple Luxury

Suggested Reading...In Defense of Food

What's for Dinner?

You Said it...Biggest Beauty Challenge

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Starts March 2!

You Said It...Plastic Surgery

pure style...

Daily Inspiration...

Put Some Pep in Your Step!

Recipes for Beauty...

Featured Personal Care Product: Griffin Remedy

Clean House for Success

Move it or Lose it...30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Fitness

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Signup

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Calendar

Anatomy of a Beautiful Face...30 Days to a more Beautiful You Target

Face Facts; Skincare For the 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Guidelines

Love

Kombucha

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project; Suggested Reading

Top Ten Fashion Trends for Spring 2008

30 Days to Life

Beautiful Girl

Green Lemonade

Are you a Skinny Bitch?

Food Combining for Better Health

Daily Inspiration...

Complete at-home facial

Mask Your Skin

Daily Inspiration...

Black Beauty

Daily Inspiration

Sleeping Beauty

Daily Inspiration...

Quote of the Day...

Dr. Oz Green Drink

Dairy Good...

Scent sense...

Homemade Facial Exfoliant

Simple Lip Balm

Simple Makeup

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion

Basic Body Scrub

Bitten...

Flower Color Lipstick

Raw Beauty

Buyer Beware...

Berry Beautiful

Not so sweet...

Oil Cleansing

No 'Poo

...studies have shown that coconut oil actually penetrates the hair to help make it stronger.

Coconut oil is Beautiful...

Toxic Beauty

Fat for Beauty...

One of the most forgotten elements of a good beauty regimen is one you may not suspect...

In his G-living article, Author Brendan Brazier explains that there are many health benefits to be gained from consuming good fats. Brazier states that good fats: