Beauty Secrets of the French

I have had a love affair with French culture since I opted into my very first French class in the 8th grade while living in Kansas. But honestly, what's not to love? One look at the textbook images of the cities, the countryside, the food, the art, the fashion...it's enough to ignite a desire to see it all in person in just about anyone I'd imagine. And while the fashion is fabulous, it's really the people inside the clothes that seem to have a certain "je ne sais quoi" about them.

Are French people simply born with impeccable taste in stilettos and Chardonnay, or is it something that is passed down from generation to generation?

It actually seems to be a little bit of both: the nature vs. nurture argument continues! While there is much to be learned from the nurturing upbringing of a chic French woman about beauty, skincare, and the perfect LBD, I would also speculate that generations of being chic and fabulous might actually result in an inherent taste for the perfect fromage to pair with your Cabernet Sauvignon.

But, I am not here today to educate you on the appropriate pairing of wine and cheese; I am here to present you with some beauty advice... just in, from Paris!

1) The key to great hair and glowing skin is simply two hydrogen atoms connected to a single oxygen atom. Drink a hot glass with lemon first thing in the morning and then sip and repeat throughout the day.

2) Do at home facial masks more often than you exfoliate. The French believe that exfoliation is actually a bit harsh on the skin and prefer homemade honey or avocado masks.

3) Wash your face once daily at night before bed. More than that and you risk over-drying, which can actually exacerbate oil production.

4) In the mornings, French women love to use thermal spring water to gently rinse, soften, and hydrate their face instead of washing it with harsh municipal water from your faucet. Continue with your toner, serum, moisturizer, etc.

5) While you're applying all your new Kleen skincare products, gently massage the face. French women love daily facial massages to release tension, increase circulation, and tone and tighten the skin.

6) Speaking of circulation (the French are BIG on circulation), try cold showers, dry brushing, and walking vigorously to really get that blood flowing. Good circulation is the key to glowing skin!

7) Make like the French and go easy on the makeup! Rarely will you catch a French woman wearing foundation -- they much prefer powder with a dab of blush, a swipe of mascara, and a fab bold (probably red) lip! I don't think anything says confidence like minimal makeup with a statement lip!

8) Armed with your statement lipstick you're ready for the day, but don't forget to grab your fantastic new hat on the way out to protect your skin and hair from the sun! This is the preferred method for French women because it doesn't involve applying all sorts of mysterious chemical onto your skin, while still allowing you to catch a few rays and achieve that perfect sun-kissed look (and vitamin D to boot!). Remember to navigate the health benefits AND risks of the sun.

9) We're all jealous of the French's unkempt tresses, but what's the secret? Washing only twice a week, max! Just think of all the money you'll save on shampoo and conditioner while looking effortlessly chic?!

10) However, on the rare occasion that you do deem a hair wash necessary, utilize a pre-shampoo hair oil for extra moisture and shine. I have tried jojoba oil with great success, and I have been meaning to try coconut oil. From what I have read, most oils will probably work. Rinsing hair with Apple Cider Vinegar and cold water also locks in dat shine!

11) Make a natural, totally Kleen hair mask about once a month for best results. Recipes coming soon!

12) Maybe one of the French's best beauty weapons is a great haircut and color. Make friends with a great stylist and utilize their knowledge and expertise concerning face shape, skin pigmentation, hair type, maintenance level, etc. Your hair salon is not a place for trends, but for finding what works for you.

13) While the French do love their wine, cheese, baguettes, and cream sauces, they still love their clothes more. Practice this and your body will thank you.

14) Eat lots of soups and salads before meals for extra hydration and satiation, which results in less dense calories being consumed by you!

15) For the French, wine is medicine. However, they are experts in the art of moderation and they realize that red wine offers many more health benefits than its white counterpart. Reservatrol, an antioxidant in red wine has profound anti-aging benefits because of its ability to reduce oxidation in cells, hence the name. In a nutshell, it protects against heart disease, obesity, cancer, vascular dementia, and aging while increasing your insulin sensitivity. Women can imbibe up to two drinks, men up to four.

If you want to look and feel as great as the French, then start implementing a few of these a week into your life and watch the magic happen!

Au revoir!
--Keely

Kleen Fuel for Your Workouts

This has always been a topic of debate and confusion for me, but in my opinion, the fabulous Dr. Mercola has finally cleared it up. So let's jump right in, shall we?

If you're performing a cardio or aerobic workout (fat-burning day), then you need protein with some non-starchy vegetables about 45-60 minutes after you finish your workout. Think spinach salad with grilled chicken (free range, if possible!)

If it's a strength day and you'll be hitting the weights (muscle-sculpting/building day), then you need food that is easily absorbed and quickly assimilated about 15-30 minutes after your workout is completed. Try a banana, a sweet potato, a Lara Bar, some quinoa, or a high-quality whey protein smoothie with a starchy fruit (like a banana) added for easily accessible carbs and a solid source of potassium to help those muscles repair and rebuild.

Now for the pre-workout meal (if you choose to take one), the best option according to Dr. Mercola is a high quality whey protein about 30 minutes before your workout. This seems to be especially effective before a strength workout, as it can prove helpful in boosting your metabolism for 24 hours after the workout!

However, a decent body of research is now supporting the notion of Intermittent Fasting, or simply exercising on an empty stomach, to amp up the fat-burning effect. However, this will be more suited to people who are already on a healthy living path and want to simply take it up a notch. In other words, beginners beware! You should always listen to your body and if you feel faint, light-headed, or weak during a workout, then you might want that whey protein shake before your workout. :)

And one more thing to note when it comes to eating before and after a workout is that fat, in the hour or two leading up to and following a workout is never the type of fuel you want. The rest of the time, please, eat all of the healthy fats in the world, but eating it before or after diminishes your body's production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), you know, the drug that may or may not have been found in a certain notorious cyclist's blood... I'd theorize that if they'll go to those lengths to obtain it, we should all probably try to amp up our own natural production.

I hope you find this to be as helpful as I have!
--Keely

30 Ways to be Happy, Healthy, Beautiful and Wealthy

1) Get your daily dose of Vitamin D, either via supplement or sunlight. Always opt for sunlight when possible.

2) Incorporate more walking into your day. 10,000 steps!!

3) Less chemicals on your body = less toxins in your body.

4) Drink more water and less of everything else.

5) Sleep right: in a cool, dark room for 7-9 hours.

6) Practice Earthing/Grounding by coming into contact with the Earth whenever possible -- rock, dirt, water, or sand all count but you must be barefoot! (More on this later)

7) Limit sugar in all forms, especially refined. Fruit, like everything, is best in moderation.

8) Learn to love strength training, especially if you're a middle-aged woman!

9) Sprint once a week to slow the aging process. (More on this later!)

10) Learn to love your healthy fats and watch your skin start to glow! EVOO, coconut oil, avocados, eggs, seeds and nuts are all great sources.

11) Mitigate stress with meditation, deep breathing, yoga, kissing, cuddling and any form of exercise.

12) Consume dark chocolate, red wine, and green tea in moderate amounts for their polyphenols and antioxidant content. And because they just taste fabulous!

13) Sit less; do more.

14) Cultivate your relationships often.

15) Practice positive thinking towards yourself and others.

16) Don't drive where you could easily walk or ride a bike.

17) Buy in bulk and bring your own glass or cloth containers. Your wallet and our planet will thank you.

18) Floss and oil pull more. Dentures are just creepy.

19) Wash your hair less, 2-3 times a week max!

20) Protect your skin from the sun wisely. Know when to bust out the sunscreen and what type has the least chemicals. (Look out for a future post on this!)

21) Don't fall prey to trends. Know what works for your body and stick to that. Your wallet will thank you too!

22) Indulge yourself once a week, but nurture yourself daily. See #12.

23) Buy mostly whole, real foods and less of the crap that comes in plastic or paper packaging. This is a win-win for your health, your wallet, and our planet!

24) Practice moderation.

25) Act natural, be real. (Much like your skincare and food regimens!)

26) Read more.

27) Stretch more.

28) Eat more green things!

29) Vary your workouts.

30) Wear less makeup; practice better skincare. :)

I hope these help you to feel better and look better while becoming a little richer, smarter, and eco-conscious! That's what we're all after anyways, right?!

Have a beautiful day!
--Keely

Another Multipurpose Elixir Found in Your Kitchen

No, I'm not doing another post on coconut oil. I do LOVE coconut oil and use it for most everything and anything, but some of life's difficulties require the miraculously beautifying and detoxifying powers of apple cider vinegar. Much like coconut oil, ACV has been used for centuries as a catch-all for your home, beauty, weight loss, and healing needs. Because of its diverse repertoire of benefits and properties, Hippocrates (ya know, the father of medicine) often utilized it to treat a wide variety of ailments.

So, how can you incorporate ACV into your daily routine in place of other toxic ingredients?

1) After a long day, make a foot bath with 1/2 cup ACV in warm water. Sit back. Relax. Repeat.

2) After an even longer day, pour 1-2 cups ACV into a warm bath and soak for about 45 minutes with a good book, a playlist, or just some solitary meditation time. This will also help to alkalize your body.

3) Combine 1 cup ACV and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray your entire body with the concoction before entering the shower for soft, supple skin. Wait a few minutes and rinse off in the shower.

4) Put 3 tablespoons ACV in a pot of boiling water and lean face over it. Cover your head with a towel for a few minutes to allow steam to open up your pores and loosen dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin's surface.

5) Employ ACV as a toner by combining 1 part ACV: 2 parts water and pat on your face with a cotton ball. Apply after washing your skin, before moisturizing. A dab left on over night can help reduce the appearance of blemishes. Some report that it is great for combating acne without over-drying.

6) For fabulously shiny hair, grab an old glass bottle and fill it with 1/2 tablespoon of ACV and 1 cup of cold water. Pour/spray this solution all throughout your hair after shampooing, before conditioning, several times a week for best results.

7) If dandruff ails you, apply equal parts ACV and water to your scalp and let sit for 1-2 hours before rinsing thoroughly. Do this once or twice a week for best results.

8) Ladies, if you're worried about what may be lurking in your man's aftershave, then make him an all-nat-u-ral alternative by filling a bottle with equal parts ACV and water. Shake before applying to your sweet man's lovely face (or simply let him do this step on his own).

9) Who doesn't love a glowing white smile? Most people do, but most people also love their coffee and red vino. Dab a little ACV directly onto your teeth, let sit for a few minutes, and rinse with water to effectively remove stains.

10) If you don't like the idea of soaking in ACV, then simply rub it all over your aching muscles for massage-like benefits and a bit of relief for tired, sore muscles.

11) Uh-oh! You forgot to set an alarm for your daily dose of vitamin D and now your skin is red, painful, and itchy! ACV to the rescue! Simply add a cup to bath water and soak for 15 minutes to alleviate a killer sunburn. Not a fan of soaking? Apply a 1:3 mixture of ACV to water all over your sensitive skin areas with a cotton ball, washcloth, etc. You can also sooth a bug bite by using a 1:1 ratio of ACV: water and applying it in the same manner.

12) To improve your weight loss efforts, add 2 tablespoons ACV to 16 ounces of water and sip this elixir throughout the day. After 12 weeks, one study found it to be effective in decreasing bodyweight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides.

13) ACV is known for its balancing effects of pH levels in the body. Lower pH levels results in a lack of energy and a higher incidence of infection.

14) In addition to balancing the pH level, ACV fosters an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it detoxes the liver via better cardiovascular circulation.

15) With spring time finally upon us, allergies will be lurking in every nook, cranny, and dark corner (ahem, dust anyone?). Combat your typical allergy symptoms by ingesting your daily ACV tonic to reduce mucous and sinus congestion.

16) Candida got you down? Down 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water before meals or twice daily on an empty stomach. The natural enzymes help rid the body of candida by killing excess yeast. If your symptoms initially worsen, that's actually a good sign. You're simply feeling sick from the excessive die-off going on in your body.

17) We now know that ACV has the ability to balance our pH levels, but this is also great news for heartburn sufferers. Because heartburn is a problem of low acid, ingesting ACV increases the body's ability to breakdown food. Consume 1 teaspoon dissolved in water.

18) Don't forget the pets! A 1:1 ratio will help them to repel fleas when sprayed and rubbed into their skin.

19) Kleen and detoxify your home with an assortment of DIY cleaning products that utilize ACV. Generally, 1/2 cup ACV + 1 cup of water is an effective solution for microwaves, surfaces, windows, glass, and mirrors. Too-da-loo, Windex!

I hope that you will enjoy trying some of these and please, do share any other uses that I may have omitted. Oh, and Bragg's is definitely the one you want to buy as it is certified organic and has "The Mother," which has all kinds of beneficial bacteria settled at the bottom of your bottle. Don't forget to shake first!

Too-da-loo!
--Keely

Kleen Almond Berry Quinoa Porridge

This morning I decided I wasn't in the mood for my typical eggs and bacon breakfast, so I decided to experiment with something I heard about a while ago -- quinoa porridge! It was super simple, fairly quick (quicker than boiling steel cut oats!), extremely nourishing, amazingly delicious, and of course, Kleen! And for those of you unfamiliar with quinoa, it's actually not a grain, as most people tend to think (even foodie mags), it's a seed derived from the goosewort plant, a relative to swiss chard and spinach, which makes it much more easily digestible. It also contains all nine amino acids, officially qualifying it as a complete protein. So fear not... if you typically enjoy a protein-rich breakfast, quinoa stacks up pretty nicely. One cup of cooked quinoa has fifty percent more protein than oatmeal at nine grams of protein while oatmeal provides

only six. And if you're a migraine sufferer, then quinoa is your new friend with an impressive load of magnesium and riboflavin, both of which help reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches. It also boasts a decent level of vitamin B-6 and iron, both of which leave you feeling energized while giving your metabolism a lovely boost!

So, here's the scrumptious recipe for my Kleen Almond Berry Quinoa Porridge!

• 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
• 3/4 cup of almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 cup of raw almonds (chopped, slivered, or whole, but I like whole!)
• 2 tablespoons of almond butter
• 1.5 cups of mixed berries (I used frozen blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• honey, maple syrup, or stevia to taste

Directions: Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of quinoa to a medium size saucepan and boil the water. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover for fifteen minutes or until all the water is absorbed by the quinoa. Add your milk, vanilla extract, almond butter, and cinnamon and stir well. Once desired consistency is reached, toss in the berries, almonds, and chia seeds and mix thoroughly. If you use frozen berries like I did, the color will probably turn purple. Finally, taste and add sweetener if desired. Serves 4.

I promise, this recipe will NOT let you down. It was seriously so delicious I almost couldn't stop eating it. And all the almonds that abound in this recipe will give you close to a day's worth of calcium and magnesium (and you know how much I love magnesium!), and an awesome source of healthy fats. And the berries are chock-full of antioxidants, which help destroy free radicals, which are the vicious little mutants that cause cancer. As for the chia seeds, they offer a great source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids as well as more magnesium, calcium, and iron! Oh, and the cinnamon... it's blood sugar balancing, so you shouldn't suffer from a mid-morning slump that leaves you reaching for a donut. I'd say all around, this might be the new breakfast of champions. But I'll let you decide that one for yourself.

Oh, and did I mention it's gluten-free AND vegan AND paleo/primal?! :)

Enjoy!

--Keely

Not just your Gramma's workout anymore

If your grandmother is anything like mine, she must be an avid walker. And Grammy is 87, so I'd say she's doing something right. What are her secrets to a long life well-lived? Flossing, moderation, the perfect lipstick, and walking. But Grammy's not the only one who recognizes the value of a nice, long brisk walk. If you travel to New York or Paris, you will see only the leanest people strutting around, cappuccinos in hand. Even a college campus sports mostly lean people. And that can't be totally attributed to youth because as we all know, college students don't lead the healthiest lifestyles. Hmm... what could the correlation possibly be? 

I'm going to speculate that it might be walking. Remember the American Medical Association's oft forgotten advice of taking 10,000 steps a day? Many people still actively ensure that they reach their goals through the purchase of a pedometer. But, if you know that 10,000 steps is roughly 5 miles, you might be able to do the math yourself. Regardless of how you get those steps in, rest assured that your mind and body will thank you.

Once upon a time I was an avid runner, a slave to the "chronic cardio." In part, this was because my dad (and once upon a time, my mom) always had been a runner and I found that once I got over "the hill," running was a great way for us to bond and just chat about whatever. Plus, the endorphins are pretty nice too, maybe even a little too nice. Somewhere along the way I became addicted to those endorphins and only running could give me that next high. 

I'm telling you this because I learned that running was really not the best thing I could be doing for my body. I still argue that it was beneficial to my mind and stress levels, but I now know that walking is a much healthier, easier (no shower needed after!), and more calming way to get my daily dose of nature (vitamin D!) while burning fat and chatting with someone I love. Running can be extremely taxing on your adrenals and hormones, but walking can actually be great for people suffering from adrenal fatigue and/or hormonal imbalances. Plus, anyone can start a walking regimen, regardless of your fitness level.

Another reason that walking is superior to running and other forms of chronic cardio is that it simply is more natural for our bodies... people have been walking since people have existed. If you think our ancestors were running to get from place to place, think again. Their movement consisted of lots of low-level walking with the occasional sprints to kill and acquire food or escape danger. It simply makes evolutionary sense to walk and sprint rather than jog/run for exercise. It will ensure the optimal expression of our genes, which is really what we should all be after anyways, right?

And let's not forget all our Grammas out there walking it out everyday. In fact, if you ask an elderly person what their secret is to living pain-free with loads of vitality well into their 80s and 90s, you might be surprised to hear them say that they didn't exercise at all. At least, not in a conventional, let's-go-to-the-gym sense. They did lots of walking, gardening, perhaps biking, hiking or maybe even some yoga. But rarely will you hear them say they hit the gym five days a week. Food for thought.

DIY Beauty: Sea Salt Spray

Recently I have been getting really into DIY beauty because let's face it, it's just cheaper and it lets me know exactly what I am putting on (and into) my body. If you don't like to wash your hair very often or if your hair is on the finer side, this recipe is for you.

Disclaimer: Hair may not look at good as Nat's

Ingredients: 
1 cup hot water (not boiling)

• if you want to lighten your hair naturally, you can use chamomile tea
• if you want to darken your hair naturally, you can use black tea 

2 tablespoons epsom salts (or more for extra texture)
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt (optional, for stiffness)
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil or your favorite conditioner 
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a delicious warming scent (or whatever else you want to use!)
few drops of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vodka/alcohol

• this is only needed if you want to lighten your hair because lemon juice has lightening properties and alcohol preserves color

Directions: Find a spray bottle that holds up to 10 ounces (mine only held like 8 I think). Pour hot water/tea into the bottle and add epsom salts, sea salt, conditioner/jojoba oil, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and alcohol if using. Put cap on bottle and shake for 1-2 minutes or until epsom salts and sea salt are completely dissolved. Store in the fridge if using lemon juice or tea base, otherwise at room temperature. Lasts 3-4 months, possibly longer. 

I hope you enjoy using this as much as I have! You can apply it to either wet, damp, or dry hair. For me, it works best on damp hair when applied at night before bed and then left to dry naturally overnight. If you really want to amp up the waves, then braid your hair after spraying it all over your hair from root to tip and hit the sack.  In addition to being totally Kleen, some of these ingredients have other beneficial properties. For example, chamomile tea is extremely calming, epsom salts are a great way to get your much needed magnesium, Himalayan salt is chock full of minerals and can be quite detoxifying, and jojoba oil is one of the most moisturizing things you can put on your body. It's actually not an oil at all, but a wax, and it will give your hair the glossiest of sheens. Enjoy and let me know if you have any DIY beauty recipes that you use!



Source: Wellness Mama