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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clean House for Success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project; Suggested Reading

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

30 Days to Life

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