The Many Benefits of Lemons:

Spring just reminds me of lemons. They are fresh, clean, and bring to mind thoughts of a new beginning. Here are a few helpful tips for using lemons.

Health: Lemons are full of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.  Just add fresh squeezed lemon juice to a glass of water for a full dose of vitamin C for the day. Add lemon and honey to your tea or coffee in the morning for a great vitamin boost.  Always dilute lemon juice as it contains acid that can erode the enamel from teeth.

Lemon Juice helps fight off the flu virus, the common cold and malaria due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.  Lemon juice gives good relief in fever. Lemon Juice mixed with water is useful in quenching the thirst of patients suffering from diabetes. It gives immediate relief in abdominal disorders. Lemon acts as a sedative for the nerves and the heart and allays troublesome palpitation.

Cleaning: A large number of commercial cleaning products smell like lemons and there is a reason for that. Lemons not only smell fresh and clean they can be a tough competitor among the chemical cleaners on the market. To get an eco-green clean just use a ¼ cup of lemon juice with about ½ gallon of water  to clean copper pots, counters tops, drains, windows and mirrors and more.  For use in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.

Beauty: Lemon acts as a natural hair lightener and skin bleach by reducing the pigment melanin.

Lemon juice when diluted can be used as a mouthwash to help remove plaque, prevent gingivitis and whiten teeth. Warning – when used at full strength lemon can erode teeth enamel. Be careful!

Lemon is a great treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

Cooking: Salt, pepper and lemons are the most common ingredients in the culinary world.

 Here is a wonderful recipe for asparagus with lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (can use hazelnut or walnut oil)
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt or sea salt
Pinch freshly-cracked black pepper or to taste
2 pounds fresh asparagus stalks, washed and trimmed
In a jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.
Blanch the asparagus in lightly-salted boiling water for about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; do not overcook. Remove from heat and refresh under cold water; drain well.
Toss asparagus with enough lemon vinaigrette to lightly coat.
Arrange asparagus on serving platter or individual serving plates.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Happy Spring –

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Mineral Makeup:

Is this more than just a trend or is it really good for your skin?

I have tried mineral makeup In the past; I believe it was by Almay, if I am not mistaken.  I was very happy with the results but I tend to need a bit more coverage than what this brand could provide for me. It is very natural looking and light feeling.

What makes mineral makeup different, and in some people’s eyes better, is not what is in the makeup but what is left out.  This list includes parabens, preservatives, fragrance, chemical dyes, and mineral oil. All of which can be bad for the skin and possibly cause a reactions or irritations of some sort.

Without these potentially harmful ingredients mineral makeup can be used by consumers with sensitive skin and because it does not contain oil it is perfect for people with acne prone skin.

Mineral Makeup won’t take the place of acne medication, daily moisturizers, or anti-aging products but you can get some benefit from using this type of product.  

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are both physical sun blockers, so an application on the face will provide some sun protection. Of course if you are planning the day at the beach or going hiking you better put on a regular sun block with an spf of at least 30.

Zinc oxide is also FDA approved as a skin protectant and does have some anti-inflammatory properties. It can be useful is calming irritated skin.

However, not all mineral makeup is the same. While most mineral makeup is free from artificial colors, preservatives, talc, and other chemicals, not all companies stay away from this formula. This is why some people believe mineral makeup is no better or different from traditional liquid foundation.

These products are not only the loose powder they used to be. Mineral makeup comes in all shapes and forms these days. Loose powder, eye shadow, lipstick and even bronzer.

So if you have sensitive skin or just want to try something new give Mineral Makeup a try. Just be sure to look for a brand with the least amount of ingredients.

Warm regards and love -

Erin