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Pennie Mills

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May 08, 2008

Cucumber Facial Treatment

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We all know that for those of us that want clean skin, beauty and bath care, that we must read the ingredient label, making sure that the company that we buy from has full disclosure for every single ingredient contained in their products. 

At Ladies Blend, we choose to use simple formulas that include high-grade natural and organic ingredients, but sometimes purchasing pure skin care can be a complicated experience. 

Following is a very effective facial treatment recipe that anyone can make, it contains fresh organic cucumber and two other easy to find ingredients. 

A bit about Cucumbers:

  • The high water content in cucumbers soften and hydrate skin.
  • Their flesh is high in Vitamin C.
  • They soothe minor skin irritations and help to rejuvenate and smooth wrinkles.
  • Cucumber skin contains silica, magnesium and potassium, so be sure to buy organic.
  • Some non-organic cucumbers have a thin wax coating, which may include carnuba wax.  This wax, when hand milled and naturally processed may seem like an appropriate choice however, I have read that the wax "traps" the pesticides used during the growing process, so always peel a non-organic cumber that has the wax coating, whether you eat it or use it on your skin.  The wax coating may also consist of other plant, animal, insect and petroleum materials and/or other compounds.

    Cucumber Facial Treatment

Ingredients:

  • A good size chunk of finely grated organic cucumber - skin on, washed and scrubbed.
  • Jojoba Oil - jojoba is a liquid wax which closely resembles the natural sebum within our skin, removes excess oils, balances the skin's natural oil and has natural anti-oxidant properties.
  • White Kaolin Clay - a mild clay that stimulates circulation, gently exfoliates and cleanses, it does not draw oils from the skin which makes it a good choice for all skin types.

Directions:

  • In a small dish add the grated cumber, next drizzle in a touch of jojoba, then sprinkle in a bit of the clay, enough to thicken up the mixture. 
  • Use your fingers working in a circular motion to gently apply to face and neck. 
  • At this point, you can either rinse with lukewarm water or leave on for a couple of minutes as a masque treatment, followed with a thorough warm water rinse. 
  • Gently pat skin dry, always use care on delicate facial skin, excess pulling and scrubbing should be avoided. 

Additional Notes:

  • Please don't be intimidated that this recipe does not have exact measurements, enjoy blending it to your desired consistency.  A spreadable thin paste-like application works well, not too thick though. 
  • Discard any left over treatment, or even better, use it another body part, like hands and/or feet. 
  • The one thing that would make this treatment extra special, is to follow with a refreshing, delicious spritz of organic cucumber hydrosol, a bit pricey, but definitely worth every bit.

May 03, 2008

Homemade Natural Insect Repellent

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We have once again added our recipe for natural insect repellent to the sidebar of this blog, which is where it will remain until fall.

Handcrafting for Mother's Day

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There is still one week left and that is plenty of time to make something special in celebration of Mother's Day.  This handy link is always in the sidebar of our blog and has some crafty ideas and recipes, some of which would make lovely gifts for this special occasion. 

You may also like to take a look at our Beauty Care & Recipes section and the nice selection of Homemade Beauty Recipes located on our website.

Enjoy!

April 26, 2008

Eating Seasonal & Local Fresh Food

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Local Harvest is a great resource to help keep you in the know of organic (and those that use ethical growing practices) farms and their offerings in your area. 

You have the option to sign up and be kept informed of specials and/or seasonal items that are available right in the area that you live in.  There is a lot more to this wonderful resource, but that is the main attraction for me.  I love having an announcement pop into my Inbox regarding the availability of fresh, natural foods grown locally.  The send no spam at all and only notify you when a grower/farm have the goods to offer.   

Edamame Hummus Recipe

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Photo and Recipe courtesy of P. Allen Smith Newsletter 

From P. Allen Smith"This is another great recipe from The Viking Cooking School. Soybeans, chili oil, garlic, miso and lemon juice create a tasty dip that is a delightful twist on hummus."

Ingredients:

1 quart water (mixed with 1 tablespoon salt)
1 cup shelled edamame*
3 tablespoons red miso
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1 tablespoon Asian chili oil, or to taste
Water, as needed to thin

The ingredients sound delicious, I plan to make it following my next visit to the grocery store. 

Click here for complete recipe and notes.

April 24, 2008

Soap-Free Facial Cleansers

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Many times, cleansing our face after working outside in the hot weather or after an intense workout at the gym requires a different product than our usual one that we apply after a long day at the office.   

I live in Florida where it is already quite warm and have been using our Ladies Blend Purify & Clarify Facial Cleanser & Masque after gardening, raking, scrubbing-you know, all the things we have to do to get our yards (and ourselves!) into shape.  The ingredients:  Organic Blue Corn Meal,  White Kaolin Clay, Ground Oats, Organic Orange Peel Powder, Organic Rosehips Powder gently cleanse and exfoliate.  I am quite pleased with the way my sensitive skin looks and feels afterwords. 

I mix a bit of the powder in the palm of my hand with a drizzle of water to make a paste and with my fingers, apply it to my face.  The only different thing that I do when my skin is rather dirty and/or sweaty is:  after I apply it in a gentle circular motion, I leave it on until it drys, about 5 minutes or so, then rinse.  My skin feels soft, supple and very clean, with no irritation what-so-ever.

If you've not used our soap-free facial cleansers and masques, now might be a good time to try one.  During our Mother's Day Special, you can save 20%, just by purchasing $25.00 or more.

Ladies Blend Giveaway at The Well-Heeled Society

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The Well Heeled Society is having a giveaway at their Blog and the prize is...a jar of Ladies Blend Pretty Soles Sparkling Spearmint Pedi Masque!   

Mother's Day Sale!

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20% off all orders of $25.00 or more at Ladies Blend, by entering MD8 in the discount code field of the order form during checkout. 

Special ends 05/09/08, not valid in conjunction with any other specials/discounts.

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