Milkshake w/Coconut Oil!! YUM!!

Greetings!!!

So I JUST bought a small tub of coconut oil yesterday at Whole Foods.

I paid around $11.00 for 16 FL OZ which really isn't that bad. 

And since a little goes a long way this makes the price look even better!

Anyway.

I've been playing with it and I thought a milkshake sounded yummy so I decided to whip one up adding some of my coconut oil for flavor and added nutrition. (Esp since it helps with hydration and I've been feeling kinda blah for a couple days now so it seemed like a good idea.)

 To say the least I am beyond pleased and have a very happy tummy!!

If you want to make the same quick and yummy milkshake I just did here's what you'll need:

A handful of strawberries

Handful of blueberries

 Vanilla Yogurt: The amount is up to you, I wanted mine kinda thick. Eyeball it.

A little less or just about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, slightly softened.

(As you can see my phone takes crappy pictures haha But you get the idea :)

1/4 to 1/2 a cup of whole milk, or simply eyeball it.

Blend well and enjoy!!!

**For those who have any allergies adjust to what suits your diet and or fruit preference.

I was shocked at how refreshing the coconut oil was and what it did to marinate all of the other flavors. I will def be playing around more with my cooking and coconut oil!!! 

Have a wonderful day!

 Bask in the delight of eating something sweet yet healthy :)

Shannon <3 

P.S.

(I am hoping to one day have a camera that I fully document all my steps directly but until then stand in pics will have to do...Thanks for understanding!)

DIY Coffee & Cinnamon Sugar Scrub!!

Good Evening!!

It's been a grey and rainy day here in the Springs so I felt the urge to play in my kitchen today...

I decided I needed a new sugar scrub seeing as I haven't had one in a LOOOONG time.

It's very simple and I'm pretty sure you have everything in your kitchen already if you're a coffee drinker. It took me less than 10 min to whip up, so all my errands and household cleaning could take a step to the side w/out causing any time constraint on my very busy day. 

Bonus points!!!

First things first....

What are these ingredients and why are they good for my skin??

Coffee:

Helps reduce inflammation

Aids in killing cellulite allowing circulation to take place

Makes a wonderful exfoliant 

Sugar:

Can help smooth skin that's eczema prone

Makes your skin glow

For every skin type

Can aid in unclogging pores

Cinnamon:

Plumps the skin

Yet another eczema treatment

Kills acne

Olive Oil:

Moisturizing

Soothes various irritations

Anti Age aid

Gives way for a smooth and closer shave

My husband says it smell like Starbucks haha 

(He doesn't like coffee but still wants to try it, I love him. :)

Lets get started!!

Here's what you need.....

A large mixing bowl

Measuring Cups and spoons

A spatula 

And a clean mason jar

**There's no particular order to mix this so don't worry :)

You can use fresh or used coffee grains, I tried used but will do fresh next round.

1 cup

The sugar is up to you, wether organic or not, but obviously organic would be better.

1 cup

Again freshly ground or not, it's whatever is easiest for you!

1 tablespoon

And last, extra virgin olive oil

About a 1/4 cup

 (I used a 1/2 and that made it too soupy...)

**Mix until blended.

Place in a mason jar for safe keeping and store in a cool dry place.

Your scrub should stay fresh for 2 months! 

(Makes sure when getting it out for use that clean hands or a clean spoon is used to keep from possible bacteria build up. This is very important.)

You skin should feel soft, supple and well moisturized!!

This is great for fast moving mornings when you don't have time to apply body lotion 

OR if you live in a humid climate. 

Use once a week for proper body exfoliation :)

And as always, enjoy you latest creation!!!

Hope you enjoy this as much as I am and will, it's great to know I'm using something safe and I paid under $5.00! I love that.

Good night!

Warmly,

Shannon <3 

Sore muscles? Try this bath!!

Hello! Hello!

So my husband just took his 11.5 hour black belt test and as you prob guessed he's pretty sore...
I told him I'd concoct a bath for him so we could get in there and work on releasing some tension in his body. His back, legs, arms ect all felt like one giant brick! He had trouble walking, go figure he was moving 9 hrs straights out of that 11.5. So proud of him!!!

A bath sounds like the perfect way to treat yourself doesn't it?

Try this if you're sore from a long day, healing muscles from a hard workout or feeling that sickly yuck from a flu or cold......

You'll need the following:

1. Essential Oils of pure form something like oils from doTERRA

(I used this round Peppermint)

2. Epsom Salts

3. 2 teabags of Tension Tamer 

(Simply drop in the water or open up and sprinkle around.
I usually open mine up then rinse afterwards.)

4. Olive Oil for slip if you're planning on working some massage or just use as a natural moisturizer/cleanser.

I never use measured amounts, usually just eyeball it.
But if I had to guess I would say....

Do all of this while to tub is filling up:

1. Start out with you epsom salts and sprinkle a med handful in.

2. Take the tea and either drop or sprinkle in.

(Mix both well! You don't want lobster hot water but you do want it def warm.)

3. Add a small amount of olive oil
(This does make the tub slippy  so use with caution)

4. Count out 25-35 drops of essential peppermint oil
(You want to have a slight cooling effect on the skin)

5. Continually mix until you're ready to get in!

**Try to let your body soak for 15-30 min, some people find the peppermint to be too intense and can only stay in for 10. It has a Biofreeze effect on your body and gets in there to soothe those muscles.

My husband asked me to work on some of his muscles while he soaked and the olive oil gives PERFECT slip to do just that. He also commented afterwards that his skin no longer felt tight or dehydrated. (Loosing all that water when sweating is murder on your skin) He's requested another before the week is out seeing as he feels better but now needs to tend to 2nd stage healing.

The good thing also is if you have a headache this will help as well :)

Hope you like this and it helps!

Have a wonderful day!

Warmly,
Shannon <3

Painful blemish?? Make it happy :)

Or at least make you happier haha

Here's a super quick way to help ease the pain of a blemish or two that may be causing some discomfort...

(Check for allergies first before considering this treatment)

Easy as 1, 2, 3:

1.Take uncoated aspirin tablets using genuine aspirin

2.And damp cotton round(s) & pre-dampened skin

3.Let the tablet dissolve before gently applying to effected area

(A slight white film over blemish or particles are normal)

4.Leave on the skin for 3 min the rinse with lukewarm water.

5. If desired dab on a little lemon juice or tea tree oil to finish off treatment.

For those ridiculously painful ones try the band aid method for half and hour!

* * Place moist tablet or capsule powder on skin,

use a small band aid to cover and hold to blemish for 30 min. 

This should reduce the size and ease the pain making it easier to conceal!

 Esp if you have a big event or date coming up. :)

Tip:

If pustule pops open use Hydrogen Peroxide to draw out any remaining toxins!

If need be hold soaked Q-tip to blemish and let the fizziness take hold.

You can see it clean out your pest before your very eyes!!

Just be aware over use of peroxide may dry your skin. 

And by over use I mean several times a day all week long.

I usually try to keep this to evening before I crash seeing as all my makeup is off and I can sleep letting my body heal from that wonderful little visiter. 

Hope this helps!

Don't forget to come by my facebook page and like me!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon-P-Aesthetician-Professional-Makeup-Artist/135714456464011?ref=tn_tnmn

Blessings,

Shannon <3

Quick & Easy! Clay mask.

Gooood Afternoon once again!!

I guess you must think I fell into a hole and got lost?

Close to it.

The spa has had me running around doing much more than I thought was possible...

I'm about ready to fall over.

No, I haven't forgotten about you wonderful people, 

in fact I've thought about my blog and you every day.

I miss it here :(

Anyway!

Onto something fun, quick, easy and rather fun...

Clay masks can get a bad rap for being overly drying and or too expensive.

I agree.

Most aren't made particularly balanced and they tend to cost too much for the good stuff. 

Getting stuff at cost sometimes has nothing to do with the fact I too enjoy a deal and something healthy for my skin.

I, like many suffer from pesky clogging of the pores in my T-zone and the occasional blemish. 

I have figured out most of the reason why my skin throws the occasional fit:

Food allergies (No, I don't know everything but I've figured out a low dairy intolerance)

Product ingredients and lack of purity there that I'm STILL finding

When I'm lazy and forget to clean my makeup brushes (Baaaaaad girl!!)

Always touching my face if I'm super tired or stressed

Stress

Hormone imbalance's 

Lack of vitamins or water

Ect

All very basic stuff that can cause anybody to have a pest come visit now and then :)

So.

I went in search of a clay mask to help me out once a week seeing as I LOVE to find new goodies!!

After doing some research and seeing the rave reviews I knew this puppy needed personal testing...

Here are a few steps to help get the most out of this mask:

1. Cleanse

(If you're wearing makeup you may need to do a double cleanse)

2. Steam for 2-5 min

(If desired)

3. Shake mask well beforehand then apply even layer from chin up.

(Be careful NOT to get it near your eye area as that skin is very delicate)

4. Watch the mask dry and literally pull gunk from your pores!

5. Wash off with warm water and follow with either a pore strip (If needed) from Biore then cool rinse or just a cool rinse.

6. Follow usual nightly product routine and enjoy the feeling of your soft clearer skin.

 Tip:

It may take a few times for this mask to actually clear up anything major but it does help. It will bring needed junk to the surface and when it comes out and pops (Don't pick!!) just use a little lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to help pull out any remaining toxin and let it heal from there. 

Heck after the lemon juice or peroxide I use a dab of my Juice Beauty Apple peel and let it stay on that blemished location over night. 

Love. 

It. 

Yes, it is a thinner clay mask and can be slightly messy.

But I love it :)

It's 4.2 Oz. and cost me 9.39 + tax

(If I was awake enough last night I would've take step by step pictures but alas I was in the heroic zone and had enough energy to apply it and do what I usually do afterwards then head to bed.)

Hope this mask helps and you fall in love with it as I have!

My husband even likes it :)

Have a blessed day,

Shannon <3 

Vitamin Eeeeeeeee! Let's heal some scars....

I've had my share of scrapes, bumps and bruises.
I don't always mind if something leaves a scar esp if it has a good story behind it!
Then there are others I really would rather do without.

Vitamin E:

Has been proven to help heart disease,
Prevent cancer,
Strokes,
Cataracts,
Severely cracked and dry lips (hands and heels),
Help slow and maybe reverse some signs of aging.

It has wonderful antioxidant properties which are important to cell membranes that help purify and cleanse the body as well as heal your skin when it comes to scars and various other unsightly things.
Now I'm not saying it'll take care of any and every scar cause some need to be removed via a Dr.
However, it can really do wonders on acne scars, some stretch marks, cuts received on the job ect...

Read further to see where I gathered more information!
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/vitamin-supplements/benefits-of-vitamin-e.htm

 Also.

Vitamin E can be found in your food as well which can be another powerful way to heal your body..

 If curious :)
http://www.livestrong.com/article/21779-foods-vitamin-e/

Tip & Application Procedure:
I usually get capsules and a sterilized pin to prick a small hole and squeeze out what I need.
Take notice though, this capsule once punctured is only good for 1 week max!!
Storage of such a little guy can be done in a air tight plastic bag or small container.
Apply to your scar or healing wound 3 times a day until desired results.
If it's easier just do it twice a day morning & night.


Yet another cool tidbit on something you will most likely find in your kitchen!


Have a wonderful day and stay warm, it's chilly here in somewhat sunny CO ;)


Warmly,
Shannon <3

Ladies, interested in whiter fingernail tips??

Let's talk about dirt!

The dirt under and around the nails.

Are you grossed out like me when you see people with filthy nails and you see them touching the same doors and things you to?? EEEEeeeeee....me too!!
Our fingernails and under can carry some pretty disgusting crud.

Now I get it that some people have professions where they are always around dirt and gunk.
I lived in a garage with my guy friends when I was a teenager and I worked on a ranch.
So I definitely get it!

However.

With all of these super germs (and regular everyday) that keep popping up it gets one thinking about what more can I do to protect myself? Doesn't it? We all work around other people and know people don't keep their hands as clean as they really should. My co worker Linda at the spa reminded me you should sing "Happy Birthday" while washing your hands to know how long it should take to thoroughly cleanse.
I had forgotten that!

But what are some other tips to keeping clean?

Hydrogen Peroxide is cheap, convenient and easy to get a hold of!
It's slightly more dense than water and has a funky smell to some but it's a wonderful bottle of joy to keep under your bathroom sink! I usually keep at least 2.
Hydrogen Peroxide is Anti-Viral, Antibacterial as well as Anti-fungal.

You can use it for the following:

A mouth rinse (Which my husband swears by!)
Clean out cuts and other various ouchies.
You an soak your tooth brush in there for 10 min to kill germs and bacteria.
Can help cleanse various things of nasty stuff in your kitchen.
Ect....

But I want to mention a quick way to soak your fingernails!

It's simple:

Here are a few things I use when I don't have much time and still want to take care of my nails...

 1. Wash your hands in warm water with soap so your nails are already wet.

2. Take a small glass or plastic bowl and pour some hydrogen peroxide in, enough so it can comfortably cover each nail and slightly above the fist place where you finger bends.

3. Let soak for 10 min.
You should see bubbles and feel some fizz, and be warned as if you have a cut it may sting.
Don't freak out if your skin gets little white patches.
It's normal and mine have ALWAYS gone away shortly after I take my fingers out and they are dry.

4. After 10 min you may remove and either proceed with an at home manicure (Which I will have another blog for when I get some pics taken!) or dry them off and use some lotion to moisturize if you desire. I live in CO so I usually don't have lotion very far.
(Actually, there's a bottle at every sink in my house!) 

Ladies, you will LOVE this if you like your natural nails long, it will give them a french tip effect, add clear coat and you're good to go!!
And if you have artificial soak them anyway to help keep underneath clean.
Gentlemen, this is great no matter what job you have! It'll help keep sickness away from you and your loved ones. :)

That's all I have for now and I hope you liked this little tip!
Keep  coming back and let me know what you'd like to see, have me try ect.. I love to do this and more importantly I love talking with you!!

Warmly,
Shannon <3