Fight Flu and Colds With Chicken Soup!

Rainy Season and flu is just around the corner.
I've been having a bad day because my colds has just started and I have a dry cough then I remember my Mom's Chicken Soup that is really good in helping me get rid of my flu and colds. Also, a perfect meal during those hard rainy days.

Based on research, any hot soup most especially Chicken Soup can loosen up the congestion of your clogged nose and keeps you hydrated. It should help you get back on your feet fast.

I'll be sharing my Mom's Chicken Soup Recipe. This recipe is really healthy and it is easy to make.

You'll be needing:

2 lbs of Chicken Breast Fillet
1/4 head of Cabbage (shredded)
Spinach (Optional)
Onion (sliced)
Tomato (coarsely chopped)
2 Carrots (peeled, sliced)
Garlic Cloves (minced)
Fresh Chives (chopped)
Fresh Basil (chopped)
Salt
Pepper
3 Cups of Chicken Broth (add more if you want more soup)

Procedure:
Cover Chicken in Water. Remove the Chicken after 1 hour. (The water will serve as your chicken broth)

After removing the Chicken, let it cool for about 5 minutes then half fried it in a Pan.

Meanwhile, Prepare all the remaining ingredients then add it to the Chicken broth after removing the chicken. Let it boil, then add the half fried chicken into the pot.

Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the meat is heated trough. Serve hot.

Best with a Garlic Bread.


Doing this recipe will not only relief your colds but it can also satisfy your cravings. Most especially when you have flu and you can't even taste anything.

Luxxe White: The New Beauty Trend

Everybody has been raving about glutathione because of its skin whitening effect, but don't you know that finding the best glutathione can also help you with other medical benefits?

Here in the Philippines, glutathione is already a trend but sad to say as much as people go crazy buying these products there are also a lot of people who counterfeit glutathione products to take advantage of the trend. This is really alarming since taking counterfeit products won't give you the result that you are looking for. Some commercialize glutathione products in the market sells are too expensive but low in content. They do this because of marketing purposes.

Luxxe White Glutathione is now the trend in the health and beauty industry today. Proven to be safe and effective by FDA. This glutathione promises to give you visible changes as early as two-three weeks and true to those promise more and more are now falling in love with Luxxe White.

What makes this product different from others? It is an enhanced type of glutathione. There are two types of glutathione and this is reduced and enhanced type. When you say reduced type it is basically a type of oral glutathione where all contents are in lower milligrams or dosage, the effect is slower and you have to take it in a higher dosage. While the enhanced type gives you the right components and all ingredients are more potent since they are all organic ingredients not synthetically produce. With these, you can see the effect even taking it a lower dosage such as twice a day. It is also a liver food since it detoxify our body from harm radicals that we get from our type of lifestyle. As it detoxifies our body it makes our cells more healthier. Luxxe White help supports the body's own production and preservation of glutathione. It is clinically to be easily absorb by our body providing a more radiant and glowing skin.

For Inquiries Message us at: 0917-739-4023

Look for Maria Osana

Homemade Green Tea Facial Mask

This simple homemade mask can refresh your skin and look brighter. All ingredients can be bought from your local supermarket. Skin and budget friendly. Nothing to worry with harsh chemicals that may harm your skin.

Based on a study, green tea is rich in antioxidant that makes your skin brighter and elastic. It can also reduce inflammation and can reduced enlarged pores. 

Ingredients:

3 tablespoon of green tea

1 tablespoon of aloe vera

1 tablespoon of honey

Procedure for Making the Mask:

Mix the all the ingredients in a bowl and continue to stir all the ingredients until all ingredients are mixed well. Put the mixture in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before use.

Procedure for Applying the Mask:

Apply the facial mask with your clean face. Leave it for about 10-20 minutes. Do this twice a week but for sensitive skin limit it to once a week only. This mask can help reduce pimples and dark spot. 

Remember, pampering your skin doesn't nee to be expensive. 

If there's anything you want to request or to ask just comment below or kindly send me an email.

Enjoy!

Natural Remedies for Acne

There are several natural remedies that can actually treat your acne and the best part it's actually inside your kitchen cabinet. Nothing to expensive and no harsh chemical that can harm your skin. People with sensitive skin and a health junkie will definitely enjoy all the recipes that I'll be posting. These natural remedies actually really works and it is skin friendly with people who have skin allergies like me.

- Aloe is very effective in soothing inflammation and redness. It would be better if you use a fresh aloe plant, apply the sap right into the affected area without any added ingredients.

- Ice Cubes is used in reducing inflammation. The coldness of the ice will help to close all pores and also forces the bacteria to come out. 

- Egg whites can reduces oil and minimize your pores. Just seperate the egg white from the yolk, then apply the egg white to your face using a clean make up brush or your fingers (just make sure they're clean), after a few minutes you'll start to feel it tighten. Leave it for about 15-45 minutes then rinse off with a cold water. It will have an instant glow.

-Lemon Juice has an antibacterial properties that is good in removing impurities and helps in clearing your skin. Apply the lemon juice to your face then leave it for about an hour then rinse off with a cold water.

- Coconut Oil is best for anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. It is reach in moisturising components that is really good for your skin. It helps in fighting bacteria and inflammation. Coconut oil is the best moisturiser for sensitive skin because it doesn't clog your pores. Apply the coconut oil to your face then massage it in a circular motion and leave it for 5 minutes. You may re-apply a couple of times a day. Just wipe of the excess oil with a tissue or rinse of with a cold water. 

- Cornstarch is a gentle remedy for acne. Just dilute a 1 tablespoon of  cornstarch with a little water, stir it well until the consistency is thick (good enough to make it into a facial mask). You may apply it directly to the affected area or apply it to your whole face then leave it overnight. The coldness of the cornstarch will actually help in reducing inflammation.

 - Tea Tree Oil is a very powerful oil for acne problems because of it's antibacterial component. Mix a small amount of Tree Tea Oil with an equal amount of water. Dip the cotton ball then apply it to your face. You may leave it under your make up to prevent clogging of pores from cosmetics. 

- Baking Soda helps eliminate breakouts and reduces inflammation. It is also a good exfoliator in removing dead skin cells because of this it works great to reduce any acne marks. Dilute a few teaspoon of baking soda with warm water until the consistency is thick. Apply the paste to your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes for the first time of use as it may feel powerful. As you continue to use baking soda as a facial mask you can gradually increase the time up to an hour or even leave it overnight.

Here a few tips:

- Always clean your face twice a day. Use a foaming cleanser instead of cream based oil. Clean face prevents further break outs. 

- Toner is a must have. Choose toners that suites well on your skin type (to know your skin type please refer to my entry Skin Type: Know the Basic). Look for toner with salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids as it can help clear breakouts.

- Use a water based moisturisers and sunscreen as it feel lighter and prevents pores from clogging.

- Don't scrub your skin. Be gentle. It won't improve your acne. It can also irritate your skin.

- Avoid touching your face with your hands. As your hands can transmit bacteria to your face that can worsen the acne.

Patience is always a virtue. Improvements always takes time. If you choose the best acne remedy for you, stick with it and religiously take care of your skin and you'll see the results.

If you have your own acne remedy, feel free to share. 

Photo Source: makeupandbeautyblog.com

What Causes Pimple?

Pimple occur when the sebaceous glands, which are located at the base of hair follicles becomes overactive. 

But What is Sebaceous Glands?

Sebaceous glands are tiny skin glands which secretes sebum (a waxy/oily substances) to lubricate our skin. Abnormality in production of sebum will result in several medical conditions and the most popular of all is Acne.

The Sebaceous glands, which produce sebum exist inside our pores. Usually, dead skin cells are left behind and get stuck by the sebum which causes a blockage in the pore. This is also where the dirt starts to accumulate. This accumulated and blocked sebum has bacteria, this growing bacteria is usually linked to acne. Generally, acnes exists harmlessly on our skin but it can become a problem. The bacteria feeds the sebum and produces a substance that leads to inflammation of the skin. 

Blackheads and Whiteheads are also a type of pimple.

People who are prone to acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of testosterone - a hormone found in both male and female. Testosterone can make the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum making dead skin cells clogging up, which increases the blocking of pores.

Basic Tip: Avoid touching your face often as because your hands contain dirt and bacteria that can easily transfer to your face by simply touching it. When answering calls, don't let your mobile phones touch your face as it can also transfer bacteria.

The Magic of Brown Sugar

Exfoliating your skin is one of the most important treatment that you should do for your skin religiously in order to make your skin healthy and free of acne. But you don't have to spend a huge amount of money just to visit facial clinics for exfoliating treatments as you can do it straight from your home. You'll be surprise that brown sugar on your pantry and honey will do the trick. Brown sugar is known as the mildest exfoliator for oily and sensitive skin. It removes dead skins, sebum, dirt and other impurities from the pores making you have a glowing skin and pimple free.

Ingredients:

3 teaspoon of brown sugar
1 teaspoon honey

Procedure:

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl then apply all over the face and scrub gently in a circular motion.
After 15 minutes, once dry rinse with cold water then pat dry.


Repeat doing this homemade scrub twice a week to remove all impurities. You'll see that your skin becomes more hydrated and smoother. This homemade scrub will also prevent further breakouts.

Suited for Oily and Sensitive skin.

Enjoy and Stay Pretty!

Real Deal on Glutathione

I am often asked what is glutathione, some may say its only for skin whitening while others may say its about anti-aging. But what is it really?

In this entry, I'll be discussing the meaning of glutathione and its medical benefit.

What is Glutathione?
In recent decades of studies, researchers found an antioxidant that is even more powerful that is glutathione. Basically, it is present in every cells of our body. It is produced by our liver naturally and begins to decline around twenty years of age. Composed of 3 amino acids that are vital for cells survival. Glutathione can protect our cells from harmful radicals and also known as a potent detoxifier. Our immune system also need glutathione to function properly. There are certain medical benefits that we could get from glutathione aside from its whitening effect.

Why do we need it?
Glutathione helps other nutrients and antioxidant do their job properly. Without it, no amount of supplementation or healthy eating will do us good. Our immune system depends on this substance, lack of it causes us to be more prone with other diseases and causes us to get sick more often. Glutathione also protects are cells deteriorating very quickly. Enough glutathione level helps us in getting rid of toxins, stress and other things that are cause by physical or emotional stress. Because it is nearly impossible to avoid these things with our modern lifestyle.

Health Benefits of Glutathione:

- Increase energy
- Slows down aging process
- Strengthens immune system
- Detoxifies liver and Cells
- Improves mental focus
- Improves quality of sleep
- Reduces the effect of stress
- Suppressor of inflammation
- Help prevents cataracts from forming
- Better digestion
- Brain support
- Whitens skin

With adequate supply of glutathione, it plays a significant role in helping our body to stay healthy inside. We can still get glutathione from eating raw eggs, unprocessed meat and spices such as turmeric and garlic because they contain high amino acids which our body requires for the production of natural glutathione.

Lemon Water for Cleansing

Whether you are trying to lose some weight or just want to have a refreshing drink that is good for your body lemon water is always the best way to flush all the toxins in your body, not only its refreshing but its also health.

Why detoxify?

Detoxify means cleansing our body from toxins maintaining a healthy digestive system and to maintain overall health. The body does have a system in place to detoxify these harmful toxins. The most important cleansing organ is the liver. Eliminative channels include the bowels (the digestive system), kidneys, skin, lungs, and lymphatic system.

In this entry I will be teaching you how to create this refreshing Lemon Water Drink that will surely satisfy your tastebuds.

Ingredients:

1-2 Liters of Water (depending on how strong you want it to taste)
Part 1 of Watermelon
1 Lemon or Lime
Handful of fresh mint leaves (about 10-13)
Ice Cubes

Directions:

- Slice up a good amount of watermelon and cut it into pieces then put them in a jug or pitcher.
- Cut 1 juicy lime into wedges and toss in he watermelon.
- Add a handful of fresh mint leaves and pour in 1-2 liters of cool water filling the jug
- Let it sit for overnight to let all the flavours come out

When serving, just add ice cubes and enjoy daily.

*You may use cucumber as a replacement to watermelon.


If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Enjoy your detox drink!

source: everydayroots.com for this refreshing drink and photo

Skin Type: Know the Basic

Do you really have oily skin, dry skin or combination? If your answer is “not sure” or “I don’t know.” Then this article is for you. I will be discussing on how to know your skin type. I will explain each and every skin type and their descriptions so it would be easier for you to analyze your skin. Do a self-test now this is important so you would know what type of skin care do you need.

Step 1: Analyze First

Skin Test Guide:

·      Look at your clean, unmoisturized face in the mirror. Is the overall texture dry, oily or smooth?

·      How does your skin feel after washing it using your current facial wash?

Skin Type: Normal

Analysis:

·      Smooth and even with small pores

·      Your cheeks are the driest part of your face but not excessively

·      You are experiencing some shine and larger pores around the forehead, nose or chin

Skin Type: Dry

Analysis:

·      Feels tight after washing

·      Dry and Flaky

·      Feels rough and uneven

·      Sensitive

·      Small pores almost invisible

·      Fine lines are shown faster

*If you feel tightness through the forehead, it is an indication of dry skin.

Skin Type: Oily

Analysis:

·      Skin is shinny most especially through the forehead, nose and chin which we call T-zone.

·      May have large and visible pores

·      Frequent breakouts

Skin Type: Combination Skin

Analysis:

·      T-zone is oily

·      Dry cheeks or spot dehydration

·      Pores are lager on the forehead, nose and chin

Skin Type: Sensitive Skin

Analysis:

·      It can range from dry to oily

·      Easily irritated by cosmetics, moisturizers and cleansers

·      Prone to redness

·      Itchy or blotchy

Now that we know all the different skin types lets proceed to step 2 that is skin care.

Step 2: Skin Care to each Skin Type

Skin Type: Normal

Normal skin needs a daily routine cleansing with a foaming, cleanser, exfoliation twice a week, a moisturization and use of a sunscreen to keep it healthy. Stick to diet that is rich in vitamins A, C and E to maintain your soft and smooth skin. Keep yourself hydrated it is important in detoxifying your body.

Skin Type: Dry

This skin type requires a special care. Use richer cleansers, limit yourself from sun exposure and use a good moisturizer that can protect your skin’s natural oils. Layering moisturizers can do wonder. Start with lightweight then layer a richer cream. Use of night creams helps remove the dry skin most especially with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA). It removes dead skin while moisturizing new skin cell.

Skin Type: Oily

Prevention of breakouts requires a healthy diet and a regular skin care regimen.

You should cleanse your face at least twice a day to prevent dirt accumulation and to keep your pores open. Alcohol-free astringent must be used to remove excess oil. Your moisturizer should be oil-free to prevent your skin from over drying.

Skin Type: Combination

Start investing on two separate products for dry and oily skin. Regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing for the oily areas while use a milder cleanser and denser moisturizer for the dry areas. Look for moisturizer with AHA it is best for this type of skin.

Skin Type: Sensitive

People who have sensitive skin are an avid fan of hypoallergenic products such aveeno, VMV hypoallergenics and other baby products. This skin type requires mild, nonperfumed cleansing products. For toners, alcohol-free toner that are formulated for sensitive skin are best to be used. Also, use cleaners and moisturizers that specially formulated for this skin type.

Knowing how to analyze your skin type can help you choose the right products for your skin. Most of us are not aware on their skin type as a result they tend to buy the wrong products that are not suitable for their skin type having no effect on your skin or worsen the problem. Proper skin care is very easy if you know the basic. 

I introduce you to Basic Skin care!

Before buying the most expensive anti-aging cream, are you aware that your food choices can affect your skin? There are factors that can affect your skin. You should remember that understanding the basic about skin care that would help you maintain a glowing and healthy skin. I really believe that skin care products such as moisturizers can only make your skin healthy outside but I believe that healthy skin can’t be achieved if we don’t know the very basic skin care which is making it healthy inside. This entry will help you understand that skin care doesn’t always have to be based on all those beauty products you see in the market. Basically, it starts on your lifestyle and food choices.

Mind your Lifestyle:

If you live a healthy lifestyle that includes eating right and exercise you’ll be on your way on having a beautiful skin, but heredity may determine how your skin looks, behave and ages, you can improve it by taking care of yourself. You should learn to protect your skin from the sun, limit your alcohol intake and stop smoking. Drinking at least 8 glass of water and getting enough sleep are one of the few basic skin care.

Eat right:

Making your skin healthy comes along if you begin with good nutrition. The growth of new cells is dependent on vitamins, minerals, and hydration. That is why glutathione users needs a booster such as vitamin C because it helps the growth of new cells that are more dependent on vitamins and hydration.

You should have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, if your taking oral glutathione it is better if you really include fruits and vegetables to your diet. Always keep in mind to look for ACE vitamins: A to help prevent aging, C to promote skin clarity, and E to protect your skin against the environment. Vitamins A and C are most important and they are found on fruits and vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, oranges, sweet potatoes, spinach and melons are good source of vitamin A. While vitamin C can be found in strawberries, peppers, leafy green vegetables, grapes, guavas and papayas. Whole grain foods, fish and dairy should also be included on your diet because they are rich in zinc, which promotes healing and reduces inflammation in the body.

Biotin is sometimes identified as Vitamin H which is part of B complex which is needed to make your skin, hair and nails healthy. It can also prevent hair loss. Biotin can be found in peanut butter, whole grains and eggs.

Whether you are an oral glutathione user or not always keep this in mind:

Vitamin A

- is an antioxidant that is essential for the growth and renewal of new skin cells.

Vitamin B

-       it helps in promoting skin exfoliation and firmness.

Vitamin C

-       helps in building collagen, a protein that gives skin its structure, tone and elasticity.

Sleep is important:

Sleep is very important during this time, this is where are body’s cells have the chance to be repaired and be rejuvenated. Lack of sleep stresses all your body’s system including the skin as a result your skin becomes more prone to acne breakouts.

Too much sun is bad:

Yes, sun is a good source of vitamin D but overexposure is harmful. Too much exposure can cause pigmentation, premature aging and skin cancer. Staying under the sun? Protect yourself, wear a sunblock or sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 in the winter and 30 during the summer.

Remember a beautiful skin starts with a healthy skin. Make your skin healthier as a basic foundation of your skin. What you’ve read are the basic of skin care. Eat right and maintain a healthy lifestyle and you’ll be amaze with result.