Keeps on giving.

 

 

Baking Soda is a product most of us have in our kitchens that serves many purposes.  From baking, to teeth whitening, to exfoliating, this inexpensive product is worth ever penny.  Not only does a little go a long way, but it can provide so many uses for us.

Another use I just learned about with baking soda, while reading 'Real Simple', is for cleaning pans with crusted food on them from casseroles and such. 

To use: Sprinkle some over the pan with a light amount of water, let sit for 5 minutes and then scrub it clean.  It's also much softer on your hands than AJax!


Be grateful to the Lord for all you have~

                                                                     ALC

Strawberry White.

So I was surfing through Pintrest last week and came along this pin.  It had some beauty tips using all natural products.  Most are things we keep right there in our refrigerators.  I wanted to share at least on of these with you, and then you can go on to the link I post for the rest of the tips if you are interested. 

Strawberry Bleach Mask"Celebrities, such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, swear by this. This natural mixture will remove any stains and discoloration on your teeth. Crush one ripe strawberry and mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Apply the mixture on teeth with toothbrush and let it set for 5 minutes; then brush with your regular toothpaste. Repeat once a week." ~Sun Times


For more tips click here: http://specialsections.suntimes.com


Que pase una buena dia~

ALC

Max Out.

So, my dad bought me these workout DVDs when my family came down here to Panama to meet our third child, and newest addition to our family. I wanted a good workout, something that switches it up (so I don't get board), and most of all (most important) something very time effective.  Having 3 kids (one of them being a new baby), running a household and a small baking business, and just being a mom don't give you much time to yourself.  I needed something quick.

The Max T3 does just that.  For all you moms, or even busy women in general (men too), looking for a quick and effective workout this is a great one.  It has 12 workouts to switch up with, and it works your entire body...if you go through the different workouts.  Each one is between 12-20 mins.  How great is that?  Let me tell you,  I was sore after each workout for at least the first week.  You will definitely see results if you stick to it.

Remember that 90% of your weight loss comes from your eating, so add a low calorie (obviously not too low, and if you are nursing then add an extra 500 calories in) and you'll be sure to see RESULTS!



Bendiciones...

ALC 

Tweezing made easy.

Want a little help with tweezing those extra hairs in your eye brows, while trying to get that nice clean, smooth arched brow look?

Try running a small amount of clear mascara over them prior to tweezing. The mascara will help hold the hair in place making it much easier, and quicker, to tweeze those brows. You won't have as many hairs hanging down and getting in the way of the actual hairs you are trying to tweeze.


Use the mascara on a daily basis too, to hold those brows in place, keeping your look polished!

Blessings.

ALC

It's not just for flavor.

Want a great home remedy for healing headaches?  This spice has been proven in my household, & many others, (so I've read) to treat headaches, and for some even migraines.  Cinnamon.  Yes, something most of us have on hand on our spice racks or in our cabinets.  It only takes about a half of a teaspoon to do the trick.  So, you can sprinkle it on top of some honey or peanut butter (just go for it with a quick spoonful), mix it with some orange juice or even heat some milk up and mix it in with the milk.  I personally like to make some tea, add some evaporated milk and then sprinkle the cinnamon on top of that.  The tea is yummy and the cinnamon aids in helping that headache go away.  Try it the next time you have a headache and see.  It has worked for my husband and I both, but I am not saying that this will be the case for everyone.  It's worth trying, in my opinion.  Hope it works for you!

Some other good little tips to know with cinnamon are that it will also give antioxidant properties that keep cells safe from oxidative stress and dangerous free radicals (antioxidants help fight such diseases as cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and Parkinson's), and it helps fight against cardiovascular problems. Also, because of it helping insulin work better, cinnamon also helps lower blood sugar levels which is good for those at risk for diabetes.  Some studies have shown that it may even help prevent Alzheimer's.

My point?  Add a about a 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon to your diet a day, or even 4 days a week and you will be doing your body good.

Some other ways to add this spice to your diet include:

*Adding it as a topping to your toast over peanut butter, or with butter and a little bit of sugar.
* Sprinkle some on over your hot oatmeal.
*Add some into your juice, tea or coffee.
*Sprinkle it over the top of some fresh fruit...like apples.
*Snack on some crackers with honey and cinnamon.


All right, you get the point.  BTW, write me a comment if you have tried it, or do try it, and it works for you.


Make it a GREAT day:)

ALC

Blot, Blot...Blot.

So, it's been 4 months since I have blogged & I have to say that when I started this blog I didn't think I would let that happen.  I also didn't intend on having a house hold of kids and a baby sick for these past months also.  I guess we never do, though.  That wouldn't be good to plan on getting sick!  That's been my story here though, and now that we are finally revovering, I felt like trying this blog thing...again!

I actually saw this  beauty tip on twitter this morning, and felt like sharing it.  I know that I always like my lips more with some color and shine...sort of that 'dewy' look, so any tips on helping that look last, is something worth reading to me!

Enjoy, and follow the link http://simplystated.realsimple.com  for 5 more '5 minute quick tips' with beauty.

                                  How to keep your lip color lasting longer than 20 minutes?

Blotting.....this is the key!

"It might seem counterintuitive, but the key to making your bright lipstick last longer than 20 minutes is blotting. First apply a layer of the color to well-hydrated lips, then blot with one ply of a piece of tissue. (If you really want to make the color stick dust a bit of translucent powder on your lips through the tissue.) Then apply a second layer of color and lightly blot to remove any excess that might smudge on your teeth". ~ Real Simple Magazine

Blessings.

ALC

Show the glow.

Now that Spring has begun and summer awaits, and those sleeveless shirts come out, along with skirts (minus tights and hose) shorts and all other leg baring garments, most of us tend to wish we already had a little extra color on those exposed limbs. You can! Jergens Natural Glow will definitely help you out with that. I know most of you have seen, heard and might have even tried this product but I wanted to give a recommendation to you all as well. I love this self-tanner for many reasons:

1.) It is not streaky...but you must do some work to help it out and rub it in thoroughly, let it dry before dressing, and wash your hands right after (with soap).
2.) It doesn't feel too thick on your skin.
 3.) It doesn't smell bad, actually pretty good.
4.) It's under $10.00...buy it at Walmart and it is under $8.00.
5.) It is filled with vitamin E and other antioxidants.
6.) Though you don't see an actual 'tan' per say, you do get an enhanced color from this which does give you a nice "glow".

 Who doesn't like to feel that their skin looks a little more radiant?

**I personally suggest using it daily for the first couple of weeks and then after you attain a nice a color from it, go to using it every other day or even every couple of days. Also, if you are not seeing results, or as much as of result as you're wanting, then try bumping it up to a darker level. I know I originally started with the fair to medium tone, and ended up switching to the medium to tan tone. I was/am very happy with my results.

This is also a great alternative to basking in the sun....although a little of that is OK. A little extra vitamin D doesn't hurt...just put your SPF on;)





I am  officially going to start my post pregnancy weight loss in about a week and a half.  I will be at my 6 week after mark.  I believe in letting the body fully recover before beginning...as anxious as I get, I do wait (that's just me).  So, I'll be posting measurements, progress and routines...all of the exercise will be done from home too (for all you stay at home mom's hope this will help).


Bendiciones y feliz martes!!!

ALC



Another application to try this week: Try setting a small goal for yourself to accomplish before the week is over, or even over the weekend. Get it done and then set another one for yourself right away. I am going to do the same. I'll let you know what it is/was at the end of the weekend;) What's yours? Remember that just because it is a goal, it doesn't mean it has to be anything big. In fact, sometimes it's those little things we tend to let go, so just make it something that you want done..no matter how big or small.

Flower Power

So, I was watching E! News last night and caught their style section (surprised I hadn't fallen asleep) and saw that floral prints are on the style radar for this Spring.  The older I get the more I like my florals...ahh, don't know if that is a good thing or not.  I think many of us place floral prints and such to our Grandma's curtains and blouses!!

This is one of the new D&G campaign adds for their Spring attire and I love that they show the many different ways to incorporate the floral print.  Whether it's with a dress, top, sandal, purse, shorts, etc... you can definitely make this hot style your own.

Some stores you might check out to go pick yourself up something new would be:

Bloomingdale's
Macy's
Forever 21
BCBG
Charlotte Russe
Banana Republic
The Shop

Just a few to get you started, and they all fit our budgets in some way.

Below are just a few pics from Bloomingdale's and Forever 21 to give some inspiration with taking part with the flower power  this spring....

ALC

h-2-o

So, my sister and I were talking about loosing weight ( I am officially starting to try to shed off my pregnancy pounds) and she told me that she recently lost even more weight, and faster and easier than before, by drinking LOTS of water.  Now, we have always been told to get our 8 glasses of h2o in daily, but my sister was telling me that she read an article (almost two years ago, so can't locate it now) about how lots of water in your diet (80 oz a day) burns extra fat. 

Here's the deal; according to this article, the reason that our bodies hold on to extra fat is because it thinks that it is not going to be getting enough water (remember our bodies are made up of 80% water), therefore it holds on to extra fat to know that it will have a source of fuel (for lack of a better word).  By drinking 80 oz of water a day, your body begins to realize that it is getting enough of it's need for water and it begins to let go of  some of that extra fat that it has been storing, or hanging on too.  Thus, you begin to shed some of those unwanted pounds.  Combine this with some exercise and healthy eating habits and you are on your way to getting that body you want, or once had!

Please take note:  Because I can not locate this article ( again she read the article almost two years ago) please consult your doctor if you have any questions, concerns or health conditions.  Always pay attention to your body, and if 80 oz seems to be too much water for you, then come to an agreement with your health physician about a healthy amount of water for your body.

Here's to staying healthy, taking care of our bodies, and skin, and getting back in to shape.

**One more side note.  All that water is great to keep your milk up if you are a nursing mom too.

Que pase una buena dia!

ALC

Lime + Salt

+

A great natural disenfectant for your cutting boards and counter tops is lime & salt. The acid in the lime helps to kill the bacteria while the salt creates a gritty texture to work as a scrub. 

To use:  Sprinkle salt through out surface of cutting board.  Slice lime in half (slice the lime almost half way then twist the top off of the lime) and then squeeze a little bit of juice over the area.  Take the lime and use the open side face down to rub over the salt through out the surface of the cutting board.  Just as you would with a soap and sponge.  I always wash my cutting board afterwards too, but this is just an extra step in helping to kill bacteria, especially after cutting meat.

**Lime is also great for taking the smell off of your hands after preparing fish, or eating it.  Learned that out here in Panama.  I have yet to see a person not douse their hands with fresh lime after preparing fish.

Try it.

ALC

The perfect CAMOUFLAGE.

  I don't know if many of you battle some bags under your eyes, or fight with some circles hanging around those pretty brights but, as of 11 days ago, I have been.  Thank God I feel pretty good, and have a good amount of energy despite the sleep I am not getting (my little guy is SO worth it though), but the circles under my eyes would have others believing differently.  However, there is a GREAT quick fix to this problem, and I thankful for the little solution....so is my husband.  Being that blue and orange are on the opposite side of the color wheel, using a concealer or cover-up with an orange tint to it will automatically take away any darkness luring under you eyes.  Use this cover-up after you apply your concealer....circles no more.  

I have also found that dusting under my eyes (slightly) with my bronzer (again, make sure there is some orange tint to it) at the end of my make-up routine has given my eyes a little more boost of color too.  Definitely brightens me up.....which in turn, boosts my mood up.  Funny how that works, isn't it?

Let me know how it works for you, or please share any other secrets you might have in blending in under eye circles.

Que pase una buena dia....

ALC

What A blessing children are.  As of March 10,2012 my husband and I were blessed with our third little blessing...Alex Joseph Correa.  He is such a perfect addition and completion to our family.  Thank you Lord for our newest blessing along with our two other amazing blessings.  I am truly blessed with the favor of the Lord. 

Now on to healing and weight loss.  I'll be posting my progress along with some tips, remedies and workouts that I'll be doing to get back into the grind.....and shape!

Blessings....

ALC

Swipe.

Besides applying this to your feet, if they are dry or cracked (and then putting some socks on), there two other ways that I use this product and have not switched to anything else for years now. 

1. This stuff is AWESOME for removing your eye make-up.  It seriously ALL comes right off.  And so gently too.  I usually apply a little right under my eyes and then dip my cotton pad in to the jar to get a small amount (less is more), and then just swipe over your eye like you would with any other eye make up remover. All make-up comes right off! 
2. I apply under my eyes as my 'eye cream' nightly.  I do sometimes switch up every couple days with my 'all about eyes' cream by Clinique, but other wise I use Vaseline as a nightly product. Oh, and I usually take the extra grease on my fingers to run it over my lips before bed too. 

*Bonus: You will spend roughly $3-$5 (depending on the size of the jar)  vs. $12-$35 (even more depending on the brand) on an eye cream, or remover AND the jar of Vaseline will out last any little eye cream or remover by months....think about it....TRY IT!


Happy Weekend!!  Let's hope my little guy wants to make his way in to this world this weekend!!!


Cuidate~

ALC

Customize those lips.

Many of you might already do this or have tried this.  I have tried this before, but have recently just fallen in love with it again.  I just crossed paths with a beauty section that recommend to mix your lip gloss with your blush or eye shadow.  I have been bored with my lip stick colors, am on a budget, being that we are about to have our third child and therefore, am not running out to Felix (our version of Dillard's or Macy's) to buy a new color.  What a great way this is to change your lip color up and really play with different tones.  I LOVE IT, and recommend that you play around with it too.  You can always apply a lip liner first (remember to always smudge the corners and hard line with your pinkie to blend), or a lip stick color and then go over it with your customized mixed gloss from your blush, or shadow.  I am seriously diggin' this and wanted to pass this little beauty tip on to more of you lovelies....

Let me know how you like it....

LOS PROVERBIOS 3:5

ALC


**photo obtained here http://eshopdemo.tramin.artio.cz/english/bare-escentuals-bareminerals-blush.html

Heal it with something sweet.

Has your child just bit their lip, cut it from falling down, or some how ended up with a small cut to their tongue or lip?  A great way to almost instantly stop the bleeding (and the crying) is to apply straight white sugar to the cut.  Stops the bleeding, almost immediately too.  Plus, it tastes good so they will usually open their mouth to let you apply it, and it usually solves what could be a 10 minute crying session in about 2.  This works for any adult as well;) 

As always, use good discernment.  If it is a severe cut, go to your nearest doctor, as sugar will obviously not mend a deep wound inside of the mouth.

Let me know how it works, drop me a line or e-mail.  I always like feed back.

Dios te bendiga.

ALC



*photo from: liftbigeatbig.com

Sábila

Sábila, or in English aloe vera, has recently become one of my best friends.  My daughter occasionally gets eczema from the chemicals in pools on her face, shoulders and back.  They always seem to be too drying for her sensitive skin.  It never seems to fail that whenever we first go to the pool, a day later she has the rash, itchiness, red bumps, and then peeling.  Once it peels, she has some discoloration and then with a tan, it makes the discoloration that much more noticeable.  Not so fun when it is on your face.  I have always applied small amounts of 1% hydro-cortizone to the affected areas, along with giving her some Benydrol or Cloro-Trimeton before hitting the pool up.  Well, thank God one of my good friends out here ( big shout out to Caroline)  recommend that I start using pure aloe vera.  She told me how well it worked on her son, who also use to get eczema, and that it would help with the itching and scratching, along with restoring the smooth texture back to the skin....she was right.  While the cortizone always helps, it is a form of a steroid so you have to be careful with too much application.  I now have an alternative, natural at that, and it works wonders.  I highly recommend this for one's skin.  It smooths, moisturizes, restores and calms.  Here is a list of other things that you can use this natural plant product for:

• Through out your face, i.e. under your eyes, dry skin, t-zone balance....
• For cuts and burns
• Apply to the ends of your hair for regenerative treatments 
• To shave with
• Apply for moisture and smoothness after shaving
• Apply to sunburns
• Diaper rash burns
• Apply to your tan to prolong it
• Remove make-up
• Replace your lotion with in humid climates (lotion makes you sweat more in humidity!)

I have also been using this for my belly during this pregnancy to help with the itching (from growing these last couple weeks that I have left) and to help with stretch marks.  I feel like it has done me well. 

Obviously most of us are not going to go and grow our own aloe vera plant, so I recommend this pure form of it that you can buy at most drug stores.

Bioland- organically grown Aloe Vera Gel


**I would love to hear feed back on how this product works for you, or if you have any other recommendations for use of this plant.  So, drop me a quick comment (especially if you wish to pass some more info. on to other readers) or e-mail me. 


Dios te bendiga

ALC



-note: this is for external use only, always consult a doctor first and read the back of the bottle for any warning signs.

Green & Yellow

Besides adding some flavor to a cold glass of water, or looking pretty hanging off the side of one, or having some nice cold lemonade/limeade (love those), there are actually many things in which theses sour fruits are great for. They both can aid in many ways in mainting your health and curing things such as sore throats, fevers, and bacteria on the skin (will talk about the last one in another posts). Lime's definitely work better for killing the bacteria, (that goes for counter tops too) but lemons are just as effective when in need of some healing with an annoying cold, sore throat, or fever.

+

If you are beginning to feel that scratchiness that you know will shortly be followed by a sore throat, then might I suggest (only suggesting...consult a doctor first) taking a tablespoon full of honey with some fresh squeezed lime or lemon juice on it every two to three hours. I would do this for a good three days. You will be surprised at the results. Being that I am prego, my doc. (and neighbor and just about everybody else down here) advised me to do so since I can't take any meds. I did this while also drinking lots of water. The sore throat/cold never went any further. I have been an avid user of this combo for a while now, but when I soley used it (since I can't take anything else being prego) for my throat ( along with a TON of water) I really saw the effectiveness. This is great for kids too. Sometimes we rush them into cough syrup so quickly, and it is worth giving this natural ingredient a shot first. I am not saying this will always work, or that you shouldn't go to the doctor. Yes, if you are concerened, then get your butt in to your doc. However, I am suggesting a great natural remedy that might do the trick for you before having to turn to medicine. It is also a fantastic aid with your medicine, so if anything you'll feel better faster. I believe it's worth trying safe natural remedies on your body. Use good discernment though...that of course goes with anything.

Also, give yourself some nice hot lemon tea at least twice daily. I sugest either straight lemon/lime juice (fresh), or mix half and half with either some tea or some water. This helps whip your cold into shape as well.

Keep the fever down by adding three cap fulls of fresh squeezed lime juice, a cap full of vinegar and a bowl ice water. Dip your wash cloth in so it is nice and COLD. Apply to your forehead, chest and back of neck. My mother-in-law always suggests this and I have to say that it is a nice alternative to sticking your child in a cold shower, or you having to hop in there yourself.

• Tip: To get the most effectiveness out of the tartness along with the acid of the lemon/lime only slice it half way through the middle and then twist the rest of it off. One of my husbands friends that grew up on a farm gave him that advice when bringing us a bag of limes.

ALC

Stain no more.

Many already have heard this, and I can confirm this myself now that I am an avid user, hydrogen peroxide solution really does work as a natural remedy with whitening your teeth. I am a daily coffee, or sometimes tea, drinker and have had problems with staining from these beverages. This is a great solution to help with the staining as well as mainting some other problems that you may be dealing with in your mouth such as:

• Strengthens teeth
• Helps to heal and minimize canker sores
• Helps with the healing of cuts in the mouth

To use: Rinse mouth with a cap full of hydrogen peroxide (after brushing), once a day (or every other day), for 30 secs. DO NOT SWALLOW. After use, lightly rinse mouth out with water (rinsing and spitting the water out). You can also use a little on your tooth brush before brushing for added protection.

A couple of other things that this home product is good for are:

• Soak and wash your vegetables & fruits in to kill bacteria
• Soak your tooth brushes in for a minute to kill bacteria (rinse with water for a minute afterward)

As with anything, use this product in moderation and never swollow this product. It is for external use only, as it is a disinfectant. It is also a product that kills all bacteria (meaning the good bacteria also) and that is why I use it every other day vs. every day. Keep a balance.

*People with braces might find this helpful as well for the staining of the brackets with certain foods. Apply the same usage, and see if it helps.

Smiling always makes your day better, so might as well do it with confidence and some pearly whites!

Pase un buen dia....

ALC