Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Gratitude

Looking for inspiration to get into the Thanksgiving spirit? How about a few words to reflect on as the holiday season kicks off?

Thanksgiving quotes can help do the trick. Here's a collection:

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." -Gerald Good

"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" -Henry Ward Beecher

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." - W.J. Cameron

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice." -Meister Eckhart

"Praise God even when you don't understand what He is doing." -Henry Jacobsen

"An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day." -Irv Kupcinet

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." -Edward Sandford Martin

"Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude." -E.P. Powell

"For flowers that bloom about our feet;For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;For song of bird, and hum of bee;For all things fair we hear or see,Father in heaven, we thank Thee!" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." -W.T. Purkiser

"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence." -Erma Bombeck

~Have a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! ~ Kimberly

Now that it's Winter -- don't put away that sunscreen!

Now that it’s winter & people are putting away their beach blankets and swimsuits. Unfortunately they are also putting away their sunscreen, though their skin won’t be thanking them for that!

Consider this: about 95% of wrinkles come from UVA exposure, and UVA exposure is with us from dawn until dusk, and penetrates windows and clouds. So number one below should be first and foremost on your winter to-do list.

1) Remember that UVA =aging. Wear a UVA/UVB protective naturally based sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 30 every day, rain or shine.
The top layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, is your environmental protection barrier. It is made up of lipids and dead skin cells and it is constantly under assault from weather. Cold weather as much as UV exposure creates gaps in the lipid barrier allowing moisture loss leading to dry, scaly or even cracked skin. Further damage may occur by moisture loss from the skin cells in the lower layers of the epidermis, which could affect the health of all cells. Dehydrated cells function poorly and the immune system of the skin becomes weakened. So second in line in your to-do list is to:
2) apply moisturizers to prevent moisture loss. With cold weather comes cold and flu season. We think about taking extra anti-oxidants to stave off germs, but also consider your skin. It too is undergoing additional oxidative stress in the winter—for example, think about what a beating it’s taking when you are engaging in outdoor sports, even shielded with sunscreen and oils. So third on your list is to give your skin an anti-oxidant boost at night, when it’s undertaking its repair work. Number three on the to-do list:
3) use a anti-oxidant rich serum in the am and/or in the pm. If at all possible, your serum should contain anti-oxidants that scavenge free radicals that attack lipid membranes as well as cells and cell structures.
Here then is your short list:1) UVA/UVB protection 2) Apply a moisturizer day and night / moisturizer specifically for Men 3) use an anti-oxidant repair serum in the AM
and/or an amazing anti-aging/anti-oxidant serum in the PM.
The one extra: The facial for super-busy people. Give your skin a weekly treat with this quick and easy Organic Facial Masque apply to cleansed face leave on for about 15 minutes, rinse and follow with your skin care regimen.

Check out this video: http://www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets?movie=malligne

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Holiday Help for your Skin!

Every holiday season is stuffed with sweets and treats that are bound to
wreak havoc on one's physique. This year, don't consume countless
calories on "useless" junk food when you can seek the "better" food that
not only tastes delicious, but also benefits your skin.

Jean Lilly, skin care expert of Votre Vu, a luxe beauty brand, knows what
ingredients work best for the skin. Head towards the dishes with the
delicious ingredients below and not only will you satisfy your taste
buds, but your skin as well.

http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?s=11522691

You can get these Fab'vu'lous Products @ http://www.votrevu.com/sites/beautysecrets

Twitter Moms: The Influential Moms Network

Monday, November 16, 2009

Thanksgiving Traditions in the Johnston-Connaire Family

TwitterMoms asked: "What three favorite family Thanksgiving traditions have you passed or will pass on to your children?"

Well, being a mother of 6 children the oldest being 20 and the youngest 3... We've already had some traditions that have come and gone... some lasting for years but, then a new one replaces an old one. For the past few years now.... We, my DH and myself, have cooked the family Thanksgiving dinner at our home. I love it. I've learned how to make all the traditional dishes from scratch. All the children love to help with something... some helping with the preparation of the food (peeling potatoes)... others setting the table.
We all love the feel of a Cool, Crisp Thanksgiving Day to get us outside and on our Four Wheelers... we ride off and on through out the day.
Of course, a tradition that is shared by many I'm sure is the 'What am I thankful for' question that goes around the table and everyone answers!
Play games, watch Holiday Movies, & we try and do a craft for the younger children ie:
Pine Cone Feeder: This project is so easy it’s a great one for kids of all ages. You will need a pinecone, peanut butter, bird seed, and lightweight wire. Wrap the wire securely around the top of the pinecone to create a hanger for your ‘feeder’. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, and then roll in bird seed and hang up for the birds! It’s really that easy! Since the pinecone will be too heavy for large birds like cardinals and jays use a seed appropriate for smaller birds.

The day being filled with Family, Love, & Thankfulness!



Sunday, November 15, 2009

Easy to do Beauty Secrets


When meeting someone new, most people take notice of the persons face first. For this and other reasons, maintaining clean, healthy skin is paramount to self-esteem, confidence and even attitude.

Getting healthier skin is not contingent upon high-cost prescription medications or obsessive skin care routines. Modifying your daily routine a tiny bit and upholding disciplined cleansing habits can help to add flawless skin to the list of your best qualities.

Eat healthier By avoiding foods that often make your face breakout, your skin will be less oily and more resistant to blemishes. Some problem foods that may cause pimples or breakouts include chocolate and other candy, French fries, fast food, pizza and soft drinks.
To get your skin in better shape, you may not have to give up everything that has negative effects on your skin, but rather, eat those things in moderation. Have greasier foods as a special treat or on rare occasion when eating a healthy, balanced meal is out of the question.

Hydrate and exercise Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water per day coupled with some regular exercise - walking, running, bicycling, engaging in sports - should have a great impact on ones complexion. Increased blood flow due to aerobic exercise will positively impact ones complexion with a glowing look to replace dull skin.
Not only will exercise and drinking water help skin tone and texture, but it will also make you feel more energized and great about yourself. By keeping your body in shape, you will feel less stressed and more capable of achieving those things you set out to do.

Add a beauty beverage drink to your daily routine like Votre Vu's SnapDragon: This delicious private blend of powerful anti aging super-fruits and botanicals features Mango, Pomegranate and Acai Berry juices. A mélange of teas (green, white, and gorgeous red) infuse some spice to your life. Seven daily vitamins plus Collagen, Aloe Vera, Foti, Ginkgo Biloba and Baobab Fiber round out this exotic beauty mix, supported by naturally safe extracts, fruits and minerals which may enhance energy. No preservatives or sugars added (you're sweet enough). Used daily, Snapdragon may help repair, restore and re-balance your body's internal systems, naturally giving your skin a radiant, beautiful glow. It may boost your overall vitality when added to your daily beauty regimen for optimal health, inside and out. Luscious and fabulously refreshing, there is not another match on the market, just like you.

Monitor sun exposure By using a moderate strength sunscreen, you will be protecting your skin from sun damage, skin cancer, aging and premature wrinkles. Too much sun can blister ones lips, leaving them red, sore and charred. Sunburned skin will eventually peel most times, leaving skin areas blotchy and sensitive. The best approach to preventing sunburn and other sun-caused skin problems is to monitor how much time one spends in the sun and to avoid sun exposure by using sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.

Practice a regular cleansing routine Cleanse, (exfoliate), tone and moisturize. This daily routine should carry you on your way toward healthier skin. Select a gentle skin cleansing milk that works for your specific type of skin - normal/dry, oily, sensative or mature/moisture impaired. Using your selected product, cleanse face in a circular motion and rinse with lukewarm water, as hot water zaps skins moisture.
Then Tone. Follow the toning stage with an exfoliant. An exfoliant does not have to be granular or rough. An exfoliant product is often effective in smoothing rough areas and releasing dead skin cells, allowing the face to be better moisturized. The exfoliant step can be done as needed, usually 2-3 times weekly.

After the exfoliation process concludes, use a toner to tighten skin and remove any makeup or cleanser residue. A nice alternative to a toner would be doing a facial masque at least once a week, which tackles clogged pores while also firming skin and leaving it soft and silky.

Finally, pat skin dry with a soft towel but do not dry up all the water. Apply a moisturizer with sunscreen (if yours doesn't have sunscreen apply a sunscreen after your moisturizer) to help protect your skin from dryness and from the elements. Apply a Serum prior to your moisturizer in the evening to help Repair & Rejuvinate your skin.

By following the daily skin care routine along with drinking lots of water, exercising and protecting your skin from sun damage, you should soon notice positive results. Maintaining discipline and adhering to your goal to achieve healthier skin make the actual task at hand so much easier to accomplish.
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

Friday, November 13, 2009

SSSssshhh French Beauty Secrets

Thursday, November 12, 2009

French Philosophy on Beauty is Simple: Make Looking Great & Aging Well a Part of Your Daily Life!

Starts With French Beauty Secret #1

Votre Vu's Daily Skin Care Regimen With Naturally Based French Made Skin Care. ~ I can get this 4 step Regimen done in 5 minutes!
Steps:
1. Cleanse - AM/PM Apply a generous amount of milk to face, neck and décolleté using fingers or a cotton pad. Massage into skin in light, circular, upward motions to ensure that all impurities are removed. For deepest cleansing or to remove heavy make-up, use a washcloth to gently massage the cleanser into your pores. Remove with cotton pads or warm water.
2. Tone - AM/PM After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad and apply tonic to face, neck and décolleté in a gentle press and release motion. Repeat until cotton pad is clean.
3. Treat - AM/PM Apply a generous amount of sérum (about 3 - 4 drops) using your fingertips and gently massage into skin. Use circular motions to apply from the center of the face to the outer edges. Use light, upward movements on the neck and décolleté.
4. Protect - AM After cleansing and prepping skin, apply a small amount of day crème on the face and neck. Apply using light, circular motions until the entire product is fully absorbed. Always use sunscreen. For drier complexions, use the serum underneath your crème in the AM daily.

Daily Regimen Skin Care Sets for Four Different Skin Types ~You Can't Go Wrong!~

Votre Vu's SnapDragon Holiday Drink Recipe

Holiday Mall Walk
Blender Mender

6-8 oz. SnapDragon
6-8 oz. Water or Milk
2 Scoops of Protein Powder
Ice or Frozen Fruit for a
thicker recipe
Blend all ingredients together
until smooth. Garnish with freshfruit of choice.

A Votre Sante!

Votre Vu's SnapDragon Cocktails & Mocktails Holiday Recipe

Lenox and Twittermoms asked what your favorite Holiday drink is:

Naughty N' Nice

1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Grand Marnier
2.5 oz. SnapDragon
Sugar (to taste) to rim the glass
Ice Cubes
Slice of Lemon

Mix first 4 ingredients together and
shake. Wipe rim of glass with the
lemon slice and dip into sugar to coat.
Add ice to glass, attach lemon slice
to rim, then pour & enjoy!
A Votre Sante!

Votre Vu's Beauty Beverage Drink SnapDragon http://www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=6012

Lenox & TwitterMoms Drinks of the Season


More Drinks of the Season Recipes