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
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Did 30 Days Change Your Life?
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
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?
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
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
Saturday, March 8, 2008
30 Days to a More Beautiful You Check-in
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
-Nasirah
Monday, March 3, 2008
30 Day Check-in
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
Hope to hear from you soon!
-Nasirah
Easy Beauty...Eyebrows
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
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
Saturday, March 1, 2008
You Said It...What Does Beauty Mean?
What is your dominant memory or awareness of what beauty means and the ramifications of being considered "beautiful" or "not beautiful" in society?
-Nasirah
-Nasirah
Count Down 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project
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
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
“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
-Nelson Mandela
Friday, February 29, 2008
Simple Luxury
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
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
Suggested Reading...In Defense of Food
Check out journalist Michael Pollan's latest work, In Defense of Food. It's a very interesting read which goes quickly. It's sort of social commentary meets common sense in healthy eating. Pollan writes this healthy manifesto in a fresh prose style that is approachable yet extremely informative. The big question Pollan poses is why, in this world of scientific advancements and nutritional research are we more uncertain than ever about what to eat and how to eat?
Pollan doesn't only answer this question, he traces the roots of "nutritionism" in our society and shows us where it all went a little fuzzy.
-Nasirah
Pollan doesn't only answer this question, he traces the roots of "nutritionism" in our society and shows us where it all went a little fuzzy.
-Nasirah
Thursday, February 28, 2008
What's for Dinner?
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
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
Tell us what you think.
What is your single biggest beauty challenge? (Name only the one thing that have the most trouble with.)
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!
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
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
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
You Said It...Plastic Surgery
Tell us what you think...
Is there any place for plastic surgery in the "natural beauty" world? Chime in with your opinion.
Is there any place for plastic surgery in the "natural beauty" world? Chime in with your opinion.
pure style...
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...
If you want the world to be a more beautiful place, be a more beautiful person.
-Nasirah
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Put Some Pep in Your Step!
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
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...
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
