Dr. Teri Dourmashkin’s skincare line La Vie Celeste is a unique luxurious line of anti-aging products that are fragrance-free and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. I asked Dr. Dourmashkin how her line was born, and how La Vie Celeste has evolved and continues to grow.

1) How did La Vie Celeste get its start?

Actually, the idea of starting my own skin care company started 15 years ago after I met a woman in a health food store in NYC. She overheard me speaking with my friend about skin care ingredients and politely asked if she could join in the conversation since she had such an interest in this area. We got to talking and developed a friendship. We talked about the idea of starting a skincare line, but since we didn’t have any resources, it really didn’t go any further than that. Our friendship was short-lived, but what was most important was that the seed was planted; little did I know that La Vie Celeste would become a physical reality many years later…

Some 15 years later, I was in the midst of finishing up my doctorate in Health Education. I was trying to find ways of making extra revenue and I happened to find a website that talked about do-it-yourself (DIY) skincare. It was really interesting and that is where I first read about R-Lipoic Acid, which is what is in all of the LVC creams. They talked about mixing all kinds of antioxidants in a base of “Curel” body lotion which you can find in any drug store. That was a good start, but since I knew I wanted to bring products into the retail market, I knew that I had to do a lot better than Curel.

So, I began staying up late at night Googling base creams. At the time, I had no idea how to make natural skin care, so I was certainly in the infancy stages of my education. At the time, there were certain preservatives that I didn’t want to use and found it difficult finding a base cream in the US that met my specifications.

After much searching, I found Carmel, a woman who owned a small skin care company in Australia. She sent me her base cream, which I loved immediately. I was always an oil-free girl because my skin used to be very oily, and was a little nervous trying a base that contained oils. Much to my surprise, it absorbed immediately and didn’t cause any breakouts.

I began ordering other antioxidants from Carmel, such as green tea. I began mixing both the R-Lipoic Acid and green tea into the base formula. Eventually I began to add other antioxidants such as spirulina, pomegranate and oil leaf extracts. Carmel asked me to send her the mixed version one day and she said it was the best cream she has ever tried. Considering that she makes natural skin care for a living, I was thrilled with her comments!

La Vie Celeste has gone through many changes to perfect not only our original cream, but our other products as well. While our products are now made by a wonderful “green” chemist in California, we continue to use the original base cream in our face cream.

2) What makes LVC so unique?

When I developed the line (which started with our first face cream), I wanted to create a product that was suitable for sensitive skin. I envisioned something really clean (fragrance free), which is a rarity in natural skin care. Many natural skin care lines use a lot of essential oils which can be irritating for some. Essential oils can be wonderful, not only for aromatherapy purposes, but also for their healing properties for the skin.

However, it was something I wanted to steer away from because of the sensitive skin issue. The fact that LVC is a natural skin care line that is virtually fragrance free is something that sets us apart. I do use rose hydrosol in our extra rich and eye creams, but that is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin types.

I also take a “less is more” approach. I don’t believe it is necessary to use a multitude of products to get fantastic results. Many of our products are multi-taskers; this saves not only time, but money. For example, our face creams are 3 creams in one — your day cream, night cream, and age-defying treatment all in one! Our toner can also remove eye make-up as long as it isn’t a heavy application. Our wonderful Mother of Pearl Cleanser can be used as a shave gel/lotion for both men and women.

I wanted the LVC products to look and feel luxurious as well. Our packing is really beautiful and doesn’t look like it would necessarily contain natural products. Having said that, I do love the look that many natural companies convey in their packaging, but I wanted La Vie Celeste to have the look of a high end premium brand.

3) What’s been your best marketing venue and why?

Since we are a growing company, we are still experimenting with what might work best in terms of marketing strategies and venues. I think we have yet to find that one vehicle which might stand out from the rest. I think we can certainly further explore the potential on both Twitter and Face book and other forms of social marketing. We are also in the midst of a major overhaul in our website design, and are currently working with an amazingly talented team of web designers in the LA area. The new design should be up in about a month’s time. Conveying the right look and message is so important to a company’s branding.

I must give a big thanks to www.truthinaging.com. They sell the entire LVC line and they have helped to bring product awareness to our brand. And one can never underestimate the power of referrals and word of mouth. We also continue to work with professionals who are pitching our products to retail outlets. We are currently in a few stores and look forward to expanding our reach.

4) What is your best skin care tip?

NEVER go to bed with your makeup on. This is probably one of my biggest pet peeves. Leaving make-up on before bed can clog pores, cause irritation (especially around the eyes), etc. Here is a little tip if you are too exhausted to remove your makeup before bed: Just swipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in toner. It will remove excess oils and debris and it is a whole lot better than not doing anything! Always try to remove eye makeup and mascara.

5) Tell us something you do for fun!

I love to shop for the usual “girly” stuff. Even, if I don’t purchase anything, looking can be a lot of fun… and there is nothing like a good sale to get those endorphins going!

I also love to play with my beautiful dogs. We recently got a Pomeranian puppy whose name is Cherie. I have another Pom who is 9 years old and a 2 year old Chihuahua. Watching them interact is hysterical and always makes me laugh or smile.

Lisa Hernandez is passionate about finding and sharing green beauty & style…to whoever is willing to listen.  A former corporate executive, she turned her passion into a career and hasn’t looked back since.  She is the Founder of The Green Beauty Pages, the only online directory of its kind, and blogs on Modern Green Beauty. She loves uncovering new brands and learning the story behind them, as there’s always a good story. She enjoys being a wife, mom, aunt, daughter and friend. Her favorite pastime: Good times with good people.  Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.

The Celestial Path to Beauty is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

A while back, I wrote about soy, dairy and their potential relation to acne. We had some awesome readers comment, sharing their experiences, further supporting the idea the solution to healthy, clear skin is different for each of us and a little willingness to goes a long way. In related news, our Wellness Warrior, Nadya, recently posted a great piece on 3 ways to Eat Dairy Without Negative Consequences. Recently, readers have continued to comment and ask questions. When I went to respond, I realized I still had a lot to say!

***

Common recommendations for people suffering from acne include avoiding everything from grease & sugar, to proteins, salt, wheat, soy, dairy and nuts. Prescriptions including birth control, retinols, antibiotics, accutane and other topical treatments are also frequently recommended. These things do everything from altering hormones balances, to speeding up cell turnover to killing acne bacteria. None of these goals is necessarily a bad thing, but what if we could figure out why our cells are turning over so slowly, why our skin was so prone to bacteria or why our pores are so easily clogged without resorting to prescriptions? Surely we don’t all just have “defective” skin? Additionally medical conditions like PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome) which can also affect the complexion seem to be growing increasingly prevalent. The result: INCREDIBLE FRUSTRATION for those struggling with breakouts.

There are a few things my experience and research has taught me about managing “problem skin” and maintaining a healthy complexion.  But beyond anything, don’t give up! Keep searching for your potential triggers and solutions. Many doctors, dermatologists, etc don’t ask about these things before offering a prescription solution, and sometimes a prescription is going to be necessary, but I’m here to tell you, these things make a huge difference. Granted, this article is long, but I don’t like sound bites (i.e. “doctors now say that eating carrots improves night vision!”) – they don’t help. But hopefully, this might!

Everything in our bodies is connected, and clearing up your skin (if you can) purely with products is often only a temporary fix.  If there’s an underlying issue, you’ll eventually end up right back where you started.  Inner health naturally leads to a clearer complexion, so examining lifestyle factors that influence your overall health often also illuminates what might help product-wise, to get your skin looking and working its best.

Image courtesy of Flikr (lisedmarquez)

Drink More Water; Improve your health to junk food ratio: This is not about feeling bad about anything that you eat, but rather, being realistic about what you expect your skin and body to do based on what you give it. When I’ve been mac’n’cheese–ing it (it’s my weakness) and neglecting my veggies, I see it in my digestion, and consequently, my skin. Same goes for peanut and almond butter. Many products claim to help skin retain water, but there is no substitute for hydrating from within. If I pay attention for a day or two and drink a few extra glasses of water, rebalance my diet plus some extra fruits and veggies, I’ve seen my skin improve in as little as 24 hours. To this end (and I’ve been back and forth about this), unless you eat a really consistently balanced diet, consider a multi-vitamin - this one is great, highly biologically active, and offers superior absorption into the blood stream than pills or liquids (90% vs 20%!) You also have control over how much you take because it’s a spray.

Quit touching your face! If you don’t do it, GREAT! You can skip this. If you do, you MUST STOP. Also, please know that I lot of people, women in particular, struggle with this (myself included). In fact, it’s considered to be stress and control-related behavior that dermatologists are seeing more and more in women with anxiety and OCD. If this applies to you, consider that anxiety might be a related or underlying issue. Our skin is tough, but it just cannot take being pressed and inflamed and irritated. Which leads me to…

Managing anxiety and stress. The brain chemistry that goes with these feelings affects our body, mind and behaviors. The symptoms can range from changes in appetite, cravings, sugar & caffeine intake (or conversely caffeine can lead to anxiety), poor sleep (your skin repairs only during quality sleep), and exercising less. When you experience anxiety, your body’s priorities shift, as its resources are diverted from your normal bodily functions, repair and upkeep. This also compromises your immune system.  Our skin is part of our immune system – protecting our bodies from the elements, excreting toxins and waste, its natural sebum and acid mantle preventing bacterial, fungal and yeast infections and dermatophytes. People tend to think of relaxation as a luxury, something they’ll indulge in when the work is done, but making a little time every week to do something that relaxes you will benefit you far more in the long run.

From Breakouts to Balance: Understanding Your Skin is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Inner and outer beauty are major keys to healthy living. Daily we are bombarded with free radicals, harmful GMO’s, negative commentary of world events, and general un-coolness. So, how do members of the modern hippie tribe combat this and maintain “eco-beautyness”?

Steve

My eco-beauty habits are pretty simple. I take a shower when I feel dirty or sweaty and generally wash my hair with some sort of shampoo product. I dry my hair with a towel, run my fingers through it, sometimes with some jojoba oil or natural gel/mousse, and then let it dry on its own. About twice a week, I shave with the razor I’ve written about using the same products I used two years ago (literally, the same containers… I don’t shave often). Then I use some sort of deodorant, spray a bit of organic cologne so I smell a little better for a little longer, and brush my teeth. That’s as eco-beautiful as I’m gonna get. – Steve, Lifestyle Guru

Shayna

Habits that promote inner health along with a handful of products that I rely on every day are the basis of my beauty routine. The energy, calm and clarity I get from being outside, doing yoga regularly and being sure to drink lots of water, eat plenty of fruits and veggies and avoiding too much dairy are elements of my life that no products could ever replace. There are a few products have really stood out for me these past couple of years. I take Cellfood, a mineral, enzyme and amino acid oxygenating supplement every day- it’s the only thing I’ve ever taken that I notice a huge difference with (in everything from my energy level to my skin). Good For You Girls Blemish Wash might be the best darn face wash I’ve ever used; it’s sulfate-free, enzyme-based, really keeps my pores clear and also works great as a mask. Lastly, I love to smell good but I also cannot tolerate synthetic fragrances! The combo I’ve been wearing of Malie Kauai Koke’e and Ambre Blends Solace not only make me feel fabulous every time I smell it, but has garnered more compliments than anything I’ve every worn! – Shayna, Beyond Beauty Editor

Adwoa

My eco-beauty routine is as hands-off as I can get it. I have eczema on my face (severe in high school, but it’s gotten more manageable over the years). So I try to interfere as little as possible. I’m careful to drink lots of water, and I use mostly organic products on my face and body. I don’t wear makeup because when it’s on it often irritates my skin, and removing it strips my skin of much-needed oils. My scalp is similarly sensitive, and I’ve found that since shaving my head and removing the need for styling products, it is much happier!

When I was still swimming competitively, I relied on a steroid cream to keep my face in check. But after I stopped – and found out that persistent use of topical steroids can thin the mesoderm and increase risk of melanoma – I switched to a cortisone cream instead. Recently I came across a study implying that the skin of those with eczema is higher-cholesterol than average, and that a low-cholesterol diet can go a long way towards mitigating symptoms. So that’s another thing I’m weighing and might try.

Overall, the condition has pushed me to nourish my body while avoiding petroleum products and needless stress: not bad advice, regardless of what might be going on at skin level! – Adwoa, Managing Editor

Nadya

Since I am trying to be very mindful of what foods I use to nourish my body, it would be counterproductive to keep using chemical-loaded beauty products to nourish my skin. At the end, skin is the biggest organ in our body and absorbs everything we smother on it so it better be good! In my search for effective, natural, and preferably not too smelly products (my boyfriend rejected a few creams that smelled like a mowed lawn) I found a few that became my favorites. Right now I use coconut oil or ghee to prevent chapped Winter lips, Sundari Neem and Aloe Vera Tonic followed by a Neem and Avocado Balancing Moisturizer, Pratima products for my hair, and Oatmeal, Honey Whipped Shea Butter as a whole body moisturizer. Juicing or salad leftovers often end up on my face: cucumber skins is my favorite! A drop of essential oil works as a perfume and a good workout creates a healthy blush! – Nadya, Wellness Warrior

Jaszy

I have noticed that since passing the 40 year old mark my beauty regimen has taken on a bit more and a bit less in the process. I’d say that I probably use more products than I did in my 20’s and 30’s but I know that I’m using less in the way of ingredients and products that are bad for me.  My dear friend and fearless eco-beauty goddess Shayna has been my source of beauty education since MHMag began and I credit her with helping me understand the dangers of Parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol.

Over the years I’ve had occasion to sample and play with many a product and can honestly say that I’m just tickled that I’ve found a routine that works. Daily I wash my face with Acure Olive + Mint creamy cleanser and tone with pure Witch Hazel. For the increasing lines and wrinkles around my eyes, yes they are there…I use a super creamy eye cream and follow with Acure Chamomile + Carrot Day Cream or the Acure Radical Age Reversal Night Cream…’cause I ain’t getting any younger people. Every other day or so I use a brightening facial scrub to help with uneven skin tone and on days where I’m on stage or in front of the camera I dust with a natural mineral foundation and add some color.

All in all, I’d say the best part of my beauty routine is understanding and coming to peace with myself and my endeavor to be more conscious of my lifestyle choices and to not be so hard on myself when I sometimes miss the mark. Oftentimes a good eco-beauty choice can be as simple as deciding to drink more water, walk more, or trade one questionable beauty product for something more nature based. Whatever your inner or outer beauty routine, I hope that you choose to be present and be happy. - Jaszy, Head Honcho

We ‘d love to hear what you do to stay beautiful. Feel free to share your eco-beauty routine with us!

Feature image courtesy flickr.com/jadendave. 

How do you eco-beauty? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Dear EarthTalk: I always hear about hair products and sprays that claim to be natural and organic based. What are some hair products that can be purchased that are legit and cause no harm to the environment? –Penny Siegel, Milwaukee, WI

Many common hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners and hair sprays, can pose health hazards. Most of the shampoos for sale on supermarket and drugstore shelves use a chemical called sodium laureth sulfate (or one of its derivatives), a foamy de-greaser that can cause follicle, skin and eye irritation, and which has been linked to some cancers when combined with other common shampoo ingredients.

Meanwhile, mass-market conditioners typically rely on so-called quaternary compounds to produce thicker, silkier and tangle-free hair, but these chemicals can also irritate the skin and eyes and likewise have been linked to cancer. As for hair spray and other styling products, most work by coating the hair with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a plastic polymer that has been dissolved in solvents to keep it flexible. Environment Canada, Canada’s counterpart to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, classifies PVP as a medium health priority, although phthalates, triethanolamine, parabens and other hair spray ingredients may be more harmful, having been linked to respiratory, immune and endocrine problems as well as cancer.

Luckily for those who spend a lot of time and money getting their hair to look, smell and feel just right, a wide range of greener, healthier hair care products has emerged in recent years. Aveda has been a pioneer in the industry ever since Horst Rechelbacher launched the company in 1978 after visiting India and witnessing the healing powers of Hindu medicine and aroma. Today the company offers seven hair product lines tailored to different hair types, with the majority of the ingredients derived from plants, non-petroleum minerals or other natural sources. Furthermore, upwards of 89 percent of the essential oils and raw herbal ingredients Aveda uses in its hair cars products are sourced from certified organic producers.

There are hundreds of other companies, too, that sell natural hair products. A great place to look is at the GoodGuide, a website that rates 145,000 foods, toys, personal care and household products according to health, environmental and social responsibility standards. Top-rated shampoos listed there include Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar, Aura Cacia Kids Shampoo and Aubrey Organics Men’s Stock Ginseng Biotin Shampoo. GoodGuide’s top performing conditioners include Dr. Bronner’s Hair Conditioning Rinse, Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick with Tea Tree Leaf Oil, KMS Haircare Liquid Assets and Nurture My Body Conditioner. As for styling, GoodGuide likes any of the varieties of Dr. Bronner’s Hair Conditioner and Style Cream as well as L’Oreal’s Elnett Extra Strong Hold.

Another source for credible hair care products recommendations is the Guide to Less Toxic Products, a free online resource produced by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia. The guide lists 25 shampoos, 22 conditioners and 18 hair styling products that meet its stringent ingredient standards. Also check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetics database, which provides detailed ingredient information and safety assessments for 70,000 personal care products, including hundreds of shampoos, conditioners and hair styling formulations.

CONTACTS: Aveda, www.aveda.com; Good Guide, www.goodguide.com; Guide to Less Toxic Products, www.lesstoxicguide.ca; Skin Deep, www.ewg.org/skindeep.

Images courtesy of EarthTalk and betsyweber {Flickr}.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

In a Lather is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of delazon (sxc.hu)

In this video, Sergei Boutenko takes you shopping to understand the variety of greens available in a super market. These common greens can and should be used for making green smoothies. Sergei intends to give you some new green smoothie ideas to help add variety to your greens selection.

“How To Choose Greens for a Green Smoothie” republished with permission from the Green Smoothie Blog.

Victoria

Victoria Boutenko is the award-winning author of Green For Life, Green Smoothie Revolution, Raw Family: A True Story of Awakening, 12 Steps to Raw Foods, and Raw Family Signature Dishes. A raw gourmet chef, teacher, inventor, researcher, artist, and a mother of three, she teaches classes on healthy living all over the world. As a result of her teachings, millions of people are drinking green smoothies and eating raw food. Boutenko continues to travel worldwide sharing her green raw cuisine and her inspiring story of determination. She lives in Ashland, Oregon.

How To Choose Greens for a Green Smoothie is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of pinzino (sxc.hu)

I say skip a meal!

We live in a busy, tight-schedule always-in-a-rush society at least 5 days out of 7. Meetings, deadlines, family responsibilities, errands, and social life stretch the capacities of our calendars and our physical and mental ones, as well.

Often when the day gets super busy, we end up eating without taking a break from all the “important” tasks on hand. Whether we can’t get away from the computer while mindlessly picking at a salad, or quickly shove in a deli sandwich in between the meetings: eating in a rush sucks! There is no way to are eat mindfully while multitasking.

By eating in a rush we get calories, but not the real nourishment that our body and soul need. The lack of nourishment can show up as cravings for sweet foods, lack of enthusiasm and motivation, and a general feeling of dissatisfaction. On a physical level, eating on the go has some detrimental health effects as well. It adversely effects digestion, since you might not have enough time to chew food.

Image courtesy of bizior (sxc.hu)

Having been swallowed without proper chewing, the food falls to the stomach as a heavy rock, making us feel bloated and tired in the afternoon. The alternative to not eating in a rush is a little scary - skip a meal. At first, it might seem outrageous. Some might fear that skipping meals is unhealthy, others that they will get bellyaches, dizziness, and fatigue, or worse that they will drop dead from missing one meal!

In reality, staying without food for more than 5 hours is not that scary, especially if you are busy. I am not trying to talk you into fasting when you are hungry though. Quite the opposite. If you are hungry and it is a true physical hunger, eat! On the other hand, when we are under a lot of pressure and stress, the hunger can be less than normal. It happens because our body is trying to keep all the energy for the to-do-list and has very little energy left to digest food. Eating at this time simply would be not efficient.

There are 2 ways to go about eating when you are stressed and not too hungry: (do a short meditation to check in with your body and see if you are hungry or not. If you have a strong physical hunger, eat!)

- If your must-get-accomplished tasks are very pressing but they won’t last more than a day, it is ok to skip a meal if not hungry. You might even notice that you have more clarity and energy if you don’t eat anything at all rather then giving your body an extra task of digesting food. It is very personal and might not happen if you are a very Vata-predominant individual.

Image courtesy of alifarid (sxc.hu)

- If you are in a perpetual high-stress mode, try easy-to-digest liquid-based meals. Your goal should be to nourish your body without overtaxing it. It means having your light foods full of easily available nutrients during high-stress times. Liquid-based foods provide an easier to access source of nutrition. Try warm almond milk with dates or a room temperature smoothie. Cold smoothies might be hard on the stomach and give a bloated feeling. Add maca, hemp, chia, sunflower seeds, goji berries, buckwheat, or coconut for a long-sustaining energy boost. If you like juicing, add some aloe vera for better absorption. Keep it light and nourishing. Your biggest meal should be when you are less tired and not as busy.

Help your body to deal with stress by reducing energy-draining heavy foods. Your body will thank you!

Do you feel hungry when you are stressed out and have an urgent deadline? Have you tried skipping meals or do you prefer sticking to a normal eating schedule?

Always listen to your body!

“Eat in a Rush or Skip a Meal?” republished with permission from Real Yoga NYC.

Nadya

Nadya Andreeva is a yoga instructor and ayurveda enthusiast who grew up in Russia in a family of doctors. Nadya grew up practising yoga and learning about different healing approaches in Russia, India, and later all over the US. Trained in yoga therapy and ayurveda, Nadya works to create a wholesome path to wellness through yoga classes, personal wellness coaching, and nutrition workshops. Her articles on yoga and nutrition are featured on MindBodyGreen, Modern Hippie Mag, Crazy Sexy Life and YogaCity NYC. She holds an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University and hopes to eventually bring her holistic approach to wellness into the corporate world. Follow Nadya’s blog Real Yoga NYC and twitter @realyoganyc to receive fun wellness tips.

Eat in a Rush or Skip a Meal? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of Sybil Liberty (Flickr)

Image courtesy of Erica Casella (Flickr)

Helen Suh MacIntosh, a professor in environmental health at Harvard University and a columnist for Treehugger, reports that as a result of a 2007 lawsuit brought by the American Environmental Safety Institute (AESI), two of the leading tattoo ink manufacturers must now place warning labels on their product containers, catalogs and websites explaining that “inks contain many heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and others” and that the ingredients have been linked to cancer and birth defects.

Of course, exposure to mercury and other heavy metals is hardly the only risk involved with getting a tattoo. The term tattoo itself means to puncture the skin. Tattoo ink is placed via needles into the dermis layer of the skin, where it remains permanently (although some colors will fade over time). Some people have reported sensitivity springing up even years after they first got their tattoo; also, medical MRIs can cause tattoos to burn or sting as the heavy metals in the ink are affected by the test’s magnetism.

Image via thiskeyword (Tumblr)

Beyond the long term risks of walking around with heavy metals injected into your body’s largest organ (the skin), getting a tattoo in and of itself can be risky business. If the tattoo parlor’s needles and equipment aren’t properly sterilized in an autoclave between customers, you could be exposing yourself to hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis, mycobacterium, syphilis, malaria, HIV or even leprosy.

“The potential risk of infectious spread from tattooing (particularly due to Hepatitis B) is high enough that it is a practice that should be avoided by pregnant women to safeguard the health of the baby [and that of the pregnant woman herself] whose immune system is down regulated and is much more vulnerable to these types of infection,” reports dermatologist Audrey Kunin, who runs the popular Dermadoctor website. Dr. Kunin advises to be careful about choosing a tattoo parlor: “Make sure the place is reputable, perhaps check with the health department to see if there have been past claims against the parlor in question if you still have doubts.” She adds that since tattoos are essentially open wounds, they must be cared for properly, especially in the first few weeks, to stave off infection.

Those who want go ahead with getting a tattoo anyway despite the risks should consider steering clear of colors derived from heavy metals. Dr. Kunin reports that black might be the safest permanent tattoo ink; it is often derived from a substance called carbon black and rarely causes any kind of sensitivity issues. If your heart is set on red in your tattoo, ask around to see if any tattoo parlors in your area are willing to work with non-metallic organic pigments that lend a red color such as carmine, scarlet lake, sandalwood or brazilwood. There are non-metallic alternatives available for many other popular tattoo ink shades, too.

CONTACTS: Treehugger, www.treehugger.com; Dermadoctor, www.dermadoctor.com.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Not the Heavy Metal You Wanted to Evoke? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Courtesy of John Caruso & Concentric Clothing

Life can get hectic – and judging from conversations I’ve had with friends recently, I’m not the only one the impending bustle of fall has snuck up on this year.

Miss Mia

Between closing the physical location of Butterfly Effect and converting it to an online business, keeping up with customers and orders, working a second job, practicing and playing gigs locally (I play guitar and sing in my free time), devoting time to my precious mini schnauzer Mia, and serving as the beauty editor for Modern Hippie Mag, things like doing my hair and giving myself a pedicure have become priority zero.

The thing is, while it seems obvious that life is not about having great hair or perfectly pedicured feet all the time (or whatever your beauty thing is)… when you consistently neglect those little things that make you feel good about the “you” you present to the world, it takes its toll. On your appearance, sure, but more importantly, on how you feel.

Why? Because while you’re twisting your wet hair into a bun yet again (who really cares or notices anyway?), and while you’re ignoring, for the zillionth time, how sad your uber-chipped purple sparkly toenail polish is looking, you’re also subconsciously saying “Sorry, self, I just don’t have any time for you right now. You are not my priority.” Try saying it out loud to yourself. Yes, right now. Kinda hurts, doesn’t it?

So, when you’ve got a zillion things going on and the reality is that both time and monetary resources are tapped, what’s the solution? While I love a gorgeous new nail polish or a fabulously scented body polish as much as the next girl, there’s a different kind of polish that’s far more attainable and really does make all the difference in the world. I like to call it “self-polish.”

Self-polish is exactly what it sounds like: taking just a few minutes to clean up your rough edges so that your true, natural beauty can shine through. It’s a polish we can all afford, and it makes all the difference in the world.

Here’s my 1 hour self-polish recipe. Feel free to substitute your own activities and beauty routines:

• 

  Courtesy of Concentric Clothing

  Quickie Yoga, 20 minutes: My ideal yoga routine is about 75 minutes. But when I’ve been neglecting it, 5 minutes of warm-up and deep breathing, followed by some sun salutations, warrior poses, balancing and shivasana makes me feel like I’ve just had a 3 hour nap! Extra Credit: do this one outside or at the beach at sunset.

• Meditation Shower, 10-15 minutes: Here’s the trick – do NOT spend this time going over everything else you have to do in your head. Relax, breathe deeply and visualize the water washing away all your worries and stresses, leaving you with a clean slate to take on the world. If you have a foot file or pumice stone, take a minute to buff each foot for 30 seconds. Polish Bonus: mix a handful of sea or table salt with just enough olive oil to make a paste and 4-5 drops of your favorite essential oils (I like lavender and peppermint) and gently scrub all over using a circular motion to leave your skin ridiculously smooth and soft. If you’d rather use a pre-made scrub, I seriously love Malie’s new body polishes – their natural fragrances, including plumeria flower and juicy mango, are unmatched.

• Better-than-a-bun Hair, 10 minutes: For me, this involves a comb-through and towel drying, followed by just a few minutes with the blow-dryer to get out the excess moisture. A final comb through and 5 minutes with a round-brush and blow dryer - just drying the front portion and a few of the shorter layers – and all of a sudden it looks surprisingly good (and feels even better).

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  Image courtesy of feetceleb.com

  The Un-Pedicure, 5-10 minutes: Take off your old polish!! Seriously, it only takes a minute. Trim your nails and any raggedy cuticles. Massage your feet and cuticles with a drop of olive oil or your favorite foot balm.

• Fresh Glowing Face, 5 minutes: After your moisturizer, just add a dab of concealer or your foundation of choice, a smudge of color on your cheeks, a bit of lip gloss and a coat of mascara… and a SMILE!

What’s your self-polish routine? I’d love to know the little beauty things that make you feel all better.

Shayna

After nearly three years managing a bath and beauty boutique, Shayna Teicher decided to open Butterfly Effect, a holistic, eco-conscious beauty boutique based in Sarasota, Florida. Our very own Beyond Beauty Editor, read Shayna’s other intriguing articles and product reviews here.

A Different Kind of Polish is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of Wild Tofu (Flickr)

Valya Boutenko demonstrates how you can avoid foamy, unpalatable green smoothies by knowing the difference between soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Adding fruits that are rich in soluble fiber will transform the texture of a green smoothie into something creamy and delicious.

“How to Make a Green Smoothie Tasty Every Time” republished with permission from The Green Smoothie Blog.

Victoria

Victoria Boutenko is the award-winning author of Green For Life, Green Smoothie Revolution, Raw Family: A True Story of Awakening, 12 Steps to Raw Foods, and Raw Family Signature Dishes. A raw gourmet chef, teacher, inventor, researcher, artist, and a mother of three, she teaches classes on healthy living all over the world. As a result of her teachings, millions of people are drinking green smoothies and eating raw food. Boutenko continues to travel worldwide sharing her green raw cuisine and her inspiring story of determination. She lives in Ashland, Oregon.

How to Make a Green Smoothie Tasty Every Time is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of cienpies (sxc.hu)

Do you ever feel like it is too late to get healthy and start a new exercise routine? That your body is not cooperating with you anymore, and you will never be able to lose weight? Or maybe you know someone who uses their age as an excuse to give up on their health?

We are all scared, at least to some degree, to get older. We are afraid to lose our young energy, our young body, and may think that life is not as bright around the corner. It is undeniable that time has an immense power over our body and mind, but it is also true that we have the power to significantly slow all the aging processes down. We can keep our bodies fit and healthy and enjoy life regardless of age. It is a matter of belief and willpower.

Very few of us have the willpower to adopt new health habits in the second half of our lives, and a very small percentage of those stick with it – but it is all a matter of intention. It is never too late to reverse the aging process and start taking care of our ingeniously built bodies. Now is just the right time, whatever your age is!

Follow these few tips to stay in shape:

• Surround yourself with young hearts. Young energy rubs off – as does old energy! Who do you surround yourself with?

• Don’t be afraid to be a student. Try to keep an open mind. Quite often people think that they are done studying and developing after the official school is over. In reality, there is never an end to studying. If you stay still while the whole world is moving forward, you fall behind. This is true for any field of life: from health research to philosophy.
  

  Image courtesy of jacopoL (sxc.hu)

  Some good ways to learn are by reading, going to workshops, and discussing new ideas with your friends. Two of my favorite recent books were The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Light on Life by B. K. S. Iyengar. Have you read any thought-provoking books recently?

• Move a little bit every day. Choose the activity that you like and stick with it. Yoga, weights, and cardio should be a part of your daily life. There is nothing more precious than health; you need to be healthy to enjoy life. Make no excuses to stay lazy. Being 45 is not an excuse to turn your back on your health and looks! It is not the time to look for excuses to let yourself go and feel miserable.As one teacher said: ‘You need to meditate daily for half an hour. If you don’t have time, you need to meditate twice a day!’ This saying is true for any self-improvement method, including yoga, running, push ups, or whatever you choose to do!

• Smile (or, better) laugh a lot. We all know that laughing prolongs life, produces happiness hormones, and turns any situation better. Did you know that laughing also burns calories, creates stronger and flatter abs, and provides a workout for all the facial muscles? Look for funny, happy things around you and you will laugh more often – which in turn will make you a much happier person. Focus on the positive!

Stay inspired and enjoy your life at any age!

“Four Ways to Beat Your Biological Clock“ republished with permission from Real Yoga NYC.

Nadya

Nadya Andreeva is a yoga instructor and ayurveda enthusiast who grew up in Russia in a family of doctors. Nadya grew up practising yoga and learning about different healing approaches in Russia, India, and later all over the US. Trained in yoga therapy and ayurveda Nadya works to create a wholesome path to wellness through yoga classes, personal wellness coaching, and nutrition workshops. Her articles on yoga and nutrition are featured on MindBodyGreen, Modern Hippie Mag, Crazy Sexy Life and YogaCity NYC. She holds an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University and hopes to eventually bring her holistic approach to wellness into the corporate world. Follow Nadya’s blog Real Yoga NYC and twitter @realyoganyc to receive fun wellness tips.

Four Ways to Beat Your Biological Clock is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag