Current Obsession: Tata Harper Skincare

Back in June, you may recall that I wrote a post detailing my love for Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask and all of its wonderful glowing effects.  Because of my amazing results, I decided to finally splurge and try out some of the other products in her line. And I am so grateful that I did!

Let me just start out saying that I have tried just about every product out under the sun to try and clear my not-so-wonderful skin. You name it, I've used it. And it's not always been pretty. I always start out with high hopes that my skin will somehow miraculously transform itself with each new product, but every time I'm left fairly disappointed. Not to mention frustrated that I just spent lots of money on yet something else that didn't work.

Enter Tata Harper. 

At first I was a little nervous trying out this line for three reasons: (1) It's expensive; (2) it's not specifically formulated for acne; and (3) I was already using a skincare regime prescribed by my dermatologist. But seeing as my skin always responds so well to the facials I get using her products, and the fact that I really like the idea of using skincare with all natural, non-toxic ingredients, I figured I would give it a shot. 

It's been a little over a month now and my skin has never looked so good. Seriously, I have never had such a positive reaction to a skincare line so quickly, but this seemed to genuinely calm and soothe my cranky, irritated skin almost overnight. 

"TATA HARPER Skincare was founded by Tata Harper on the essential idea that women no longer have to sacrifice their health to look and feel beautiful." 

A little background...

Tata Harper does all the scientific research and development on her own and consults with biologists and chemists as to the kind of ingredients to include. Her skincare line contains a large number of plant extracts and essential oils, with no added synthetic chemicals, dyes, preservatives or fragrances. All of her products are 100% natural and manufactured in small batches on her 1,200 acre farm in Vermont.
 
What I use: 

In the morning, I use the Regenerating Cleanser, Hydrating Floral Essence, Rejuvenating Serum, Rebuilding Moisturizer and Replenishing Nutrient Complex. 

Before bed in the evening, I follow all the same steps but sometimes use the Repairative Moisturizer instead. 

(I am currently using another eye cream so when it runs out, I will purchase the Tata Harper eye cream and test that out as well). 


Regenerating Cleanser: This cleanser is non-foaming and exfoliating, reducing pore size without drying out the skin. The texture is a bit like a lotion with fine granules in it and the smell is wonderfully floral but not overpowering. It contains 11 active natural ingredients and feels very luxurious on the skin.  

To use: I use this cleanser both morning and night, and apply a pea-sized amount to damp skin. I gently rub it in for about 30 seconds and then rinse with warm water. If you are in need of a little extra cleansing, you can combine this with a Clarisonic Brush to get the ultimate glow, but this does a pretty good job of exfoliating on its own. All the other cleansers that I had used in the past would make my face feel tight and dry afterward, but with this one, my skin feels so smooth. Absolutely in love...

Hydrating Floral Essence: This is a light moisturizing toner spray with a heavenly floral scent that I am unequivocally addicted to. It contains natural Hyaluronic Acid to preserve the skin's natural hydration factor as well as high levels of Vitamin C to fight free radicals. The Hydrating Floral Essence improves you skin tone, stimulates circulation, reduces pore size and redness, and improves overall skin radiance. It's addicting, and my only complaint is that I go through it far too fast.

To use: This can be used right after washing your face before applying your other skincare products, throughout the day to refresh your complexion, or even as a makeup setting spray to seal in moisture.  

Rejuvenating Serum: Containing 29 natural active ingredients, this award-winning anti-aging treatment visibly minimizes the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines wrinkles, while increasing firmness, elasticity and cell durability. This serum boasts several wrinkle-fighting antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins that stimulate collagen production and protect cells from oxidative stress. Although a little on the expensive side (most good serums are...), this really feels amazing on your skin and all you need is a little bit for your entire face so a bottle should last you a long time. It has a pleasant scent which isn't as floral as the cleanser and toner. 

To use: Apply one pump of the serum onto your entire face and neck in the a.m. and p.m. preferably on damp skin. I use this after spraying my face a few times with the Hydrating Floral Essence.   

Rebuilding Moisturizer:  A matte-finish moisturizer that hydrates while restoring balance and minimizing pore size. This is a good moisturizer to use if you have oily/combination skin as it will not leave an oily residue.  This is also great for the hot and humid summer months.  

To use: Apply one pump over face and neck in the morning and evening before bed.   

Repairative Moisturizer: This is an ultra-hydrating moisturizer ideal for dehydrated or drier skin types. This is a little more oily than the Rebuilding Moisturizer so I would prefer to use it in the colder winter months when my skin is in need of extra hydration. I have used this on my acne-prone skin however, and found that it has not broken me out or clogged my pores.  

To use: Apply one pump over face and neck in the morning and evening before bed.   


Replenishing Nutrient Complex: An easily and quickly absorbed roll-on concentrate that acts as a multivitamin for your skin, providing antioxidants, nutrients, fatty acids, vitamins, lipids, amino acids and omegas to aid in slowing down the aging process and brightening and softening the skin. This provides a final layer of environmental protection for your skin and helps you maintain a youthful appearance. 

To use: As your last layer, roll on a thin layer all over face and neck in the a.m. and p.m.  Spread it lightly with you fingers by using light circular motions. 

Visit Tata Harper Skincare for more information, and also receive 15% off your products when clicking here.  This is one skincare line that I think you will truly love and that is good for virtually any skin type. But with anything, especially all-natural products, it's always good to start out slow and test out on your skin to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions to any ingredients.

Dr. Perricone Discusses Why A Good Night's Sleep Is Important

In a previous post, I discussed why "beauty sleep" isn't just an expression, and how not getting enough sleep will not only impact your health, but your level of attractiveness as well.

I'm certainly feeling the effect of no sleep this week... 

*Sigh*  

On his website today, Dr. Perricone goes into some depth about why a good night's sleep is important, describing how your hormones come into play when you snooze. Getting adequate amounts of sleep help you to counter the negative effects of stress-induced hormones like cortisol, and in conjunction, induce positive effects from the release of melatonin, which is good for your immune system and health. Read Dr. Perricone's full article here to find out how more sleep will not only keep you looking radiant and youthful, but will help manage your weight as well. 

5 Steps to Achieving Healthier Skin

Many factors contribute to the appearance of our skin, and while we can't control all of them, there are a few simple steps we can take to keep our complexion looking youthful and radiant. After all, our skin is one of the first things people notice, and we always want to put our best face forward, so to speak. 

1. Protect your skin. Here it comes...
   Wear sunscreen. Yup, we've heard it a gazillion times and we're sick of everyone nagging us about it, but wearing sunscreen is the number one preventative action we can take to avoid premature aging. Trust me, I love the warm sun rays more than anyone, and used to bake for hours without much protection (no one is thinking of wrinkles when there is a glowing tan to be had), but now I won't step outside without at least applying an SPF of 30 or higher. Your skin will thank you later! The sun is not the only thing that causes damage. Environmental toxins can reek havoc on your complexion as well, so remember to drink lots of water and eat fruits and veggies. Now I'm really sounding like a mom... But, water is great for helping to flush out toxins, and the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables help protect your skin against those pesky free radicals that would like nothing more than to see your skin turn into a leather handbag. Don't let them win!
    
2. Incorporate a topical antioxidant into your daily routine. As stated above, antioxidants protect your skin from free radical damage and help slow down the aging process, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. While it's important to obtain many of your antioxidants through diet, using them topically can also make a big difference. I like to use a Vitamin C antioxidant every morning before applying my other skincare products and I've seen a noticeable difference in the way my skin looks and feels.
   
   
3. Get your beauty sleep. Why? Because it's good for you. And also because your skin's repairing mechanisms are in full blast when you are snoozing. Nobody ever looked their best with huge dark circles under their eyes. Just saying. 
    
4. Exfoliate regularly. As we get older, our skin cells tend to renew less frequently than when we were younger. When this happens, dead skin cells accumulate on our face, preventing skin products from properly absorbing and thereby creating a dull complexion. Regular exfoliation helps keep our skin looking bright, allowing our skincare products to do their job better. Note that the best way to exfoliate will depend on your skin type and sensitivity. People with acne should be careful to avoid harsh scrubs, as these might spread bacteria. I would suggest consulting with your dermatologist to find out which method of exfoliation is right for you. 
    
5. Use a retinoid. For advanced wrinkle protection, ask your dermatologist to prescribe you a retinoid (examples: Retin A, Tazorac, Differin). Several people are regularly prescribed these medications for acne, but retinoids are also proven to effectively prevent your skin from aging as quickly. They can help boost your collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth skin and speed up cell turnover. You may want to slowly incorporate these into your beauty routine and allow some time for your skin to adjust, as retinoids can cause dryness and sensitivity. Again, each skin type is different, so talk to your dermatologist about what would work best for you. 

Product Review: Christopher Drummond Beauty Pele Radiance Booster

I'm always looking for versatile make-up that's actually good for my skin, that won't cause break-outs, and well, anything that promises to make me look like Jennifer Lopez. Who doesn't want to achieve that perfect glow?  

So, in my mission to find this magical product, I randomly stumbled upon Christopher Drummond's Saude Pele Radiance Booster, a 100% all natural, vegan powder that boasts numerous skin benefits in addition to providing a radiant complexion. Christopher Drummond is a professional make-up artist who has worked with a laundry list of celebrities (including Jennifer Lopez), and decided to create his own line of organic-based, all natural, cruelty-free, paraben-free make-up products. The line contains mineral foundations, concealers, lip colors and eye-shadows, but it was Saude Pele that caught my eye.

I was intrigued by its purported rejuvenating and anti-aging effects stemming from its all-natural ingredients: 

• Essential Oils: Anti-bacterial and hydrating, without clogging pores. 
• Zinc Oxide: Calming and healing. 
• Organic Corn Starch/Kaolin Clay: Helps balance skin and absorb excess oil. 
• Boswellia Serrata Extract: Anti-inflammatory herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.  
• Green Tea Extract: Potent antioxidant with anti-aging properties. 
• Soy Isoflavones: Helps rebuild collagen and has anti-aging effect on skin. 
• Acai: One of the most potent antioxidants containing several nutrients. 

How to use: 

Saude Pele Radiance Booster can be used all over face to add warmth or a "glow", as a highlighter on your cheeks, or mixed with your foundation. You can even add it to your moisturizer to give your skin a bronzy luminous finish.

The minute this arrived in the mail, I rushed to try it on. After dabbing a little on my hand first to get a feel for the product, I then dusted a small amount all over my foundation. Although the effect was subtle, my complexion did look more radiant in a very natural way. The nice thing is that the powder is not overly shimmery or glittery so it really adds that believable glow without making you look like you just got sprinkled with fairy dust. I've been using it almost everyday since!

Pros:

• Versatile 
• All natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free 
• Free of irritants 
• Contains antioxidants and many "good for your skin" ingredients 
• A little bit goes a long way 
• Non-irritating 
• Gives a nice, natural glow to the face 
• Won't break you out (I haven't had any problems with this whatsoever) 
• Flattering shade appropriate for any skin type or color 
• Not sparkly or glittery 
• Convenient travel container included along with applicator brush 

Cons: 

• Well, basically just one con: The price! The full 8 gram kit is $85 and then $70 for the refill. Note that this does come with a full size application brush, a travel jar, a sifter and a spatula though, and the product should last you long time. So, not bad considering what you get and the quality of the ingredients, but it could certainly stand to be more affordable or perhaps come in some additional sizes.  

Other than that, Saude Pele is a fantastic product with many uses and especially great for the summer months when you don't want to put too much on your face. I highly recommend!

 

The Healing Properties of Essential Oils

I'm sure many of you have heard the words "essential oils" being thrown around, but perhaps you were wary of trying them in the past or just didn't know about their many healing powers. I've mentioned before that I used to be dismissive of all oils off the bat, but with more research and experimentation, I have found that they can actually be your skin's best friend.  

So what exactly are essential oils? 

These are oils extracted from plants using various methods, often through a distillation or expression process. They can be found in almost any part of the plant and come in different concentrations.

How do they work?

When applied topically, the active chemicals in essential oils are absorbed into your skin, and when inhaled, their scent goes through the olfactory organs and then almost immediately to the limbic system of the brain responsible for our emotions and behavior. This is commonly referred to as the "emotional brain" or what I like to call, "our happy place".  :)

Inhaling these oils can be helpful in alleviating stress and anxiety and can also trigger a sense of calm in our minds because the scent reaches the regions of the brain that control blood pressure, heart rate, memory, breathing and stress levels. Our sense of smell is by far one of our most powerful senses and can immediately distinguish between thousands of different aromas which is why this is so effective. I must admit that I have quite the powerful nose, although it's not always a plus. (Imagine public transit during rush hour on a hot and humid day).

Since many essential oils have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, they can produce very effective physical results in addition to just emotional wellbeing. Oils such as tea trea, pine, lavendar, eucalyptus, thyme and sandalwood are great in supplying anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbrial effects.  

Remember when buying essential oils to make sure the label actually uses the word "essential", meaning that it is in its purest form. This will ensure that it isn't diluted with unwanted substances or made with any synthetic ingredients. You always want the purest, organic version of these oils if you can find them. 

Some ways to incorporate essential oils: 

• For stress relief, you can mix an essential oil such as lavender or rose with a carrier oil and create a massage oil, or place a few drops into your bath. Great examples of carrier oils include almond, avocado, jojoba, olive, grapeseed and evening primose oil.
• Can be used as a spot treatment for acne. Tea trea oil is probably the most popular oil used to heal pimples, but there are several others that are known for their purifying and anti-bacterial properties. Some other oils that can help with clearing acne include camphor, geranium, chamomile bergamont, rosewood, manuka and sandalwood. These oils possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease inflammation symptoms such as redness, pain or swelling.
• Help with scarring and wound healing. Lavender oil can assist with repairing, purifying and healing the skin, while also helping fight infections.  Neroli, sage and geranium are also beneficial for minimizing and repairing scars. Rosehip seed oil is a great carrier oil to include in the healing process.  
• Add to your moisturizer, facial masks or use in facial steaming (add a few drops of essential oil to the water). Use caution if you suffer from acne when doing facial steaming - it may best to avoid while your skin is still breaking out. 
• Many oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before applied directly to skin because they can be too harsh and irritating on their own. Always try out on a small area first and then gradually increase.  
• Rule of thumb: Less is more when it comes to these oils. Start out with one drop and gradually increase to a higher percentage depending on usage. These oils are very potent, so you want to be careful not to overdo it and irritate your skin.  

Have any of you had any success from using essential oils? Which are your favorite? 

Why You Should Eat Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are all the rage now in the health community, and it's not because they invoke the lovely Chia Pet commercial memories (chi chi chia pet!!!).  Although I must say I always wanted one of those darn things...

But no, this ancient Aztec and Mayan superfood has been becoming more and more popular because it is loaded with antioxidants, protein, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber which are all great for our health. Containing more iron that spinach, more potassium than bananas, and more calcium than milk, chia seeds' benefits are rather extensive.

1. Help stabilize blood sugar levels - Several studies show that the fiber contained in this seed slows down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes. This is great news for everyone, but especially for diabetics. 
2. Curb appetite - Chia seeds are an effective appetite suppressant because the seeds absorb 10 times their weight in water and form a gel when wet. This gel then ends up preventing absorption of the some of the food we eat which in turn means less calories consumed. Great for those of us trying to lose some weight! 
3. Aid in digestion - Containing both soluble and insoluble fiber, chia seeds are not only easy to digest, but are great for our digestive system. In short, they keep you regular. 
4. Bolsters endurance - Because of the slow conversion of carbohydrates to sugar, chia seeds are known to increase energy and stamina and have been used by athletes for endurance. 
5. Great beauty food - Loaded with essential fatty acids (over 60%), chia seeds help keep your skin looking its best, your hair moisturized, and your skin and nails strong. 

Chia seeds are an excellent replacement to flax, as the seeds remain stable for several years, contrary to flax seeds which can turn rancid. And don't worry if you don't like fish, since chia contains more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon!

What's more to love...

• Gluten free
• Raw
• Vegan
• Kosher
• Low glycemic index 
• Best plant source of omega-3s 
• Inexpensive 
• Low in calories 

Add chia to your favorite smoothie (I've started incorporating it to my morning banana almond smoothie and love how it creates a thicker texture and keeps me full for longer), sprinkle on cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, salads or soups. Or bake it into your bread, cookies or cakes. Chia seeds have a mild, bland taste on their own so they won't change the flavor of whatever food you put them in, but there are a great way to consume extra nutrients that you normally wouldn't have.

In her book, The Beauty Detox Solution, Kimberly Snyder offers a great recipe for a chia seed dessert:

Ingredients: 
1/4 cup raw, organic chia seeds
1 cup homemade almond or hazelnut milk, or store-bought, unsweetened
1/2 Tbs. raw cacao powder
1 tsp. stevia or xylitol to sweeten, or more to taste
 
Directions:
Place chia seeds in a bowl. Blend the almond milk, cacao powder and stevia or xylitol in the blender until well mixed and the desired level of sweetness is reached. Pour over chia seeds and mix well. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before mixing again and serving. Enjoy! 

How Coconut Oil Can Benefit Your Skin And Hair

I've always loved the smell of anything with coconut, including shampoos, suntan oil and of course Pina Coladas. But I've only very recently discovered the numerous benefits of using coconut oil and can't believe I didn't incorporate it into my beauty regime years ago.

Rich in lauric acid and Vitamin E, coconut oil is derived from the dried fruit of the coconut palm tree, and used topically, it has been known to have several beauty benefits for skin and hair.  Because coconut oil acts as a skin emollient, it is excellent for use as a facial and body moisturizer and will keep your skin hydrated, nourished and protected. Acting as a potent antioxidant, coconut oil can help protect your skin from oxidation, free radicals and dryness, which makes it a great product for anti-aging. You can even use it to soften your lips as well! I've also read many articles and forums that suggest using coconut oil for acne prevention because of its antimicrobial properties and ability to fight infections and kill bacteria.

While I've been using it as a body moisturizer, I'm slowly starting to try it out as a facial moisturizer to see how my skin reacts. Some acne forums have said that it has worked wonders for clearing up their skin, but several have warned to expect an initial breakout when first starting out. This is supposedly just your skin detoxifying and then it should clear up. My suggestion would be to try it on your face at night, as it takes a while to absorb and you don't want your makeup sliding off your face during the day. I've been a little nervous of getting a sudden breakout, so I'm proceeding with caution.

Coconut oil can also be used as an eye makeup remover. Dab some on a cotton ball and gently wipe your eye area. Not only will this effectively clean your makeup, it will also moisturize your delicate eye area. Either way, who needs expensive skin potions with tons of chemicals when all natural coconut oil can help hydrate, protect and clear up your skin naturally? 

Not only have I incorporated coconut oil for my face and body, but I also started using it as a pre-shampoo treatment on my hair. I rub some coconut oil through my strands, leave on for approximately 15-30 minutes and then shampoo out. If you have a dry scalp, gently massage a light amount onto your scalp, leave in overnight and rinse well in the morning. Coconut oil is rich in protein and will not only help repair your hair but will leave you with soft and shiny locks. It is also known to promote hair growth and alleviate dandruff problems. Oh, and the lovely coconut smell is a nice touch as well (as long as you don't mind smelling like a macaroon)! A word of caution though: A little bit goes a long way! I went a wee bit overboard the other day and even after scrubbing my hair, it still looked a bit greasy after drying it. Not a good look, but I just blamed it on the mugginess outside... So, no need to glob it on - just a little bit (depending on your hair length) is all you need for optimal results. 

And you can eat it too!  

Aside from topical uses, coconut oil can be ingested for several benefits as well. Claims have been made that coconut oil can increase metabolism, boost your thyroid, balance blood sugar levels and promote heart health. Some studies have even suggested that it might have some anti-cancer properties. You can use it in baking, cooking or in your favorite smoothie.

But isn't coconut oil a saturated fat? And aren't we always told to stay away from these "evil" fats?    

Not all saturated fats are created equal! Saturated fats come in different forms and coconut oil is predominantly composed of medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) which are different from typical long-chain fatty acids that aren't healthy for you. The medium-chain  fatty acids in coconut oil are easily broken down and digested by your body and are actually good for you. Studies have shown that populations in the South Pacific who eat large amounts of coconut oil  have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and are predominantly healthy and fit. Just remember to stay away from hydrogenated coconut oil, as this is not the healthy saturated fat that you are looking for. 

When buying coconut oil: 

• Choose an organic, extra-virgin coconut oil that is unrefined and non-hydrogenated.
• You can find it in virtually any health food store or grocery store and online at sites like Amazon. A jar will cost you around $10 or so and lasts a very long time. Coconut oil has a shelf life of about 2 years.
• Coconut oil will be solid in cooler temperature, but has a low melting point. Any exposure to heat will quickly melt it, so you can easily scoop out a bit with a spoon and rub it between your palms before applying to your hair or skin.
• Remember: A little bit goes a long way!!   

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

Temperatures in Chicago have been in the 100s all week, and while that's great for the pool or beach, it's not the best weather for makeup application. Luckily, I recently came across Urban Decay's All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and have fallen in love! This being my first experience with setting sprays, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but decided to try it out for this year's ridiculously HOT 4th of July. Since I was attending a daytime barbeque and then seeing fireworks at night, I needed something to help my makeup stay put and not look like a greasy ball of sweat. All Nighter did just that!

Urban Decay partnered with SKINDINAVIA to create this product which claims to set your makeup for up to 16 hours. It is made with some sort of patent-pending technology to actually lower the temperature of your makeup so that it resists moisture and doesn't melt off. Sounds fancy! It is also oil and paraben free which makes it great for those of us with sensitive or acne-prone skin. And the best part? It works! Despite the fact that I was all sweaty from hanging outside all day on the 4th, my makeup hadn't slid off my face at all. After several hours of playing around in the heat, my foundation and eye shadow were still in tact, and even looked good in pictures. And the product didn't make my face oily or greasy in the least bit. Safe to say I was pretty impressed!

To use: The bottle says to shake well before use, hold the bottle about 8"-10" away from your face, and mist around 2-4 times. I would suggest definitely spraying 4 times after applying all of your make-up, and don't worry, you won't feel it at all. It is very weightless and fast-absorbing, and seems to make my skin look a little smoother as well.  

This product comes in a full size bottle (4 oz) and a travel size bottle (0.34 oz).  Because the full size is a bit pricey ($29), you may want to try out the travel size first to see how it reacts with your skin and then buy the full size if you like it. Urban Decay offers two other formulas, including De-Slick Oil Control for controlling oilier skin and Dew-Me Moisturizing Makeup Setting Spray ideal for drier skin. The All-Nighter can be used for all skin types. I will now be using this anytime I have a long day where I need to keep my makeup looking fresh throughout. 

Acupuncture Detox Treatment

After being skeptical curious about the many benefits of acupuncture, I finally decided to try it out for the first time last night. I was having a stressful Monday, and was hoping to alleviate my constant stomach bloating (the darn Buddha belly) and pain with this treatment.

An ancient method used for centuries in China, acupuncture has been incorporated to treat various ailments including chronic pain, acne, fertility issues, digestion, headaches, depression, anxiety, arthritis, weight loss and a host of other concerns. Many people use this treatment as a supplement to traditional Western medicine and have had positive results.

But the Needles...

The first thing that comes to mind when hearing the word acupuncture is always "needles". The idea of laying down and being stabbed with several needles didn't sound particularly appealing or soothing, but I went in with an open mind. My treatment, called the Acu-Organ Detox, promised to target the digestive system by releasing toxins and enhancing organ function through a combination of acupuncture and a hot oil abdominal massage. 

My session began with answering several questions relating to my health, diet and exercise habits and informing my acupuncturist about the symptoms I was having, namely pain and bloating. Because Chinese medicine views disease as interrelated, it's important to get all this information up front in order to provide the optimal amount of healing. My acupuncturist did a great job explaining why she was asking these questions and provided great suggestions on what I could do on a daily basis to help cure some of my symptoms. 

After the Q & A, the 60-minute treatment started with me laying down while small needles were strategically placed on my feet, stomach, hands, arms, and between my eyebrows. While I honestly didn't feel most of them, the needles on my stomach hurt a bit. Thankfully, those were taken out shortly in preparation for my hot castor oil compress. While the compress was warming my belly, my acupuncturist placed vibrating tuning forks at various pressure points to stimulate and release energy. Ahh, time to relax... 

Then came the soothing castor oil tummy massage which was in my opinion the best part. I wonder if I can get my husband to massage my belly for me on a daily basis. Hmm... Following the hot oil massage, the needles were taken out (no pain whatsoever) and the treatment was over. I left feeling more relaxed, but didn't see any other results immediately. My stomach was still bloated throughout the night, however it feels better today, so that's a positive. I know that acupuncture has a cumulative effect, and a series of treatments done weekly or bi-weekly is recommended to really reap the benefits. I hope to go back soon. :)  

I'd love to hear any feedback from those who have tried acupuncture and seen positive results! 

Sunday Brunch

Ahh, Sunday brunch. I'm not really sure what people mean when they say that portion sizes have increased and that Americans are eating too much. This seems like a completely normal serving of food for one person...

Or maybe enough for 3 people!! 

What you see is what you eat. 

Big portions often influence how much we consume, since our eyes are typically bigger than our stomachs and we are driven to finish what's on our plates.  And these days, getting this amount of food with one order isn't really anything out of the ordinary. No wonder portion control is darn challenging, especially to those of us who love trying out new restaurants!

To avoid eating a full day's worth of calories in one sitting, it's best to split this sort of thing with another person. You are less likely to go overboard when you are sharing with someone else. Trust me, half of this meal is more than enough! Or divide your meal by asking your server to put in part of it in a carry out box for you. Now you have another meal for later. Not only will your stomach thank you, but your wallet will as well. If you are one of those people with the willpower to just say no to certain options or ask for a smaller size up front, well then, I definitely commend you. I can never seem to do that...

Yes, this restaurant really does offer pancakes AND potatoes with your ginormous omelette. And yes, they are delicious. :)