True Beauty

True beauty comes from within. So search for it with your heart...instead of your eyes!

Danie the Freelancer

How to Take Care of Acne

Acne is an inflammatory condition often brought about by sensitivity to androgen hormones in the body. The result is blackheads and blemishes which are mild cases. However, in severe cases there may be inflamed pustules and cysts.

There is a definite link between acne and stress. The reason is that with acne there may be a bacterial content present on the skin. When stressed this bacteria react to the sebum levels in the skin.

Taking care of the problem

The first reaction to acne may be to start cleaning the skin. Over cleansing the skin is a common mistake and actually leads to over stimulating the production of oil and skin dryness.

Always choose natural plant-based products for optimal healing. A gentle milky cleanser or gel is recommended and remember, never use abrasive scrubs on the skin.

Allow you skin to breathe. Fresh air and a bit of sunlight have immune-stimulating properties.

Tea tree, lavender, myrrh, chamomile and calendula are healing oils and mixed with jojoba and rosehip carrier oils it will encourage healing and also have an antibacterial effect on the skin.

Remember, even an oily skin needs oil. Most people neglect this when they have an oily skin. Plant and essential oils are strongly anti-bacterial and also promote new cell growth. Do not worry, it will not interfere with the natural oil flow of the body, as they won’t congest or block pores.

Skin grows from the inside out - therefore, make sure you have a sufficient intake of nutrients to assist with the strengthening and healing. Always eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and remember the eight glasses of water per day! Try to avoid processed foods and excess sugars.

Lastly, deal with your stress. Physical and mental stress go hand in hand.

Recipes 101

Danie de Villiers

Taking Care of Dry, Flaking, Cracked Skin

Dry flaking, cracked skin can be painful and irritating, particularly if of the heels of the feet.

During summertime when women wear open shoes, this is particular common. Fortunately, there is an easy, homemade remedy for this:

Every morning and evening after your shower or bath, place 1 drop of Sandalwood into a couple of Rosehip oil or Calendula oil and massage thoroughly. 

This is an excellent remedy for dry skin anywhere on the feet, especially if you play sport or are very active, when skin more readily dries and hardens.

Recipes 101

Danie de Villiers

Tips for a Healthy Skin

The human skin grows from the inside out. We spend lots of time and money to nourish and care from the outside skin. But, all this will be in vain if we do not care, protect and nourish the skin from the inside.

Here is how:

Drink enough water

Water is most vital for a clear and healthy skin. Water hydrates and cleanses it from the inside. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, preferably purified water. Remember, hydrated skin looks plump, healthy and glowing.

Eat fresh vegetables and fruit

Vegetables and fruit are very good for your skin, providing essential phytonutrients.

Make sure you get sufficient essential fatty acids

The body needs fat. Without it the skin will look dull and lifeless. Good-quality fats like the omega fats are the building blocks for healthy cells. Therefore, make sure you include these good fats in your diet. Good sources are fish, nuts, seeds and cold-pressed oils.

Limit refined carbohydrates

Excess sugar and refined foods, such as cakes, biscuits, and confectionery are not good for your skin and can even slow the whole body’s healing system. Limit your intake and make sure you include good sources of protein to help balance blood-sugar levels that can lead to sweet cravings.

Get enough exercise

A good workout, even if it is just a brisk walk, will make you sweat to eliminate toxins from the skin. The increased blood flow will also bring nourishment out into the skin and encourages your skin to breathe. This will give your skin a healthy glow.

Take an antioxidant

The modern world we live in exposes our bodies to pollution, excessive radiation exposure, like computers, inadequate diets, overworking, etc. Therefore, it is imperative to supply your body with optimal nutrition by taking a good quality antioxidant that supplies natural vitamins and minerals at optimal levels.

Manage your stress levels

Stress is part of life - you cannot get away from it. However, when stress turns to anxiety and worry, it starts to affect your health and skin. When you are under excess stress this affects your hormonal system, which often triggers skin problems and sensitivities, as well as lowering your immune system. Strain and worry is also worn on your face, so, the best is to relax. Take time out, relax and nurture yourself.

Get enough sleep

Sleep in very important for good health. Sleep is nature’s way to repair damaged tissues and during the sleep cycle there is a surge of your growth hormone, which stimulates cell renewal. Therefore, make sure you get enough sleep; at least 7 to 8 hours per night.

Recipes 101

Freelance Writer

Household Greener Cleaners

Simple everyday ingredients can be used to make safe and environmental friendly household cleaners.

For Washing Dishes

Place small slivers of hand soap in a heated glass jar. Cover with boiling water and let it dissolve. Add a tablespoon of vinegar and the juice of one lemon. It is suitable for the hardest dirt and grime!

For Washing Clothes

Use equal quantities of soap flakes and washing soda. Alternatively, a few tablespoons of washing soda added to biodegradable washing powders work a lot better.

For Use As a Bleach

Borax can serve as a good and effective bleach and disinfectant. Unfortunately, it is not as strong as commercial chlorine bleaches but can still do the job. Borax should be kept out of reach of children.

For Use As a Fabric Softener

Combine one part bicarbonate of soda, one part white vinegar and two parts water in a bottle. Use the same way a commercial softener would be used.

For Freshening the Air

Good and thorough ventilation of a room is still the best air freshener! However, a nice smelling bar of hand soap unwrapped and place where a draft is will do wonders.

Final Thoughts

Soap and water is still the most useful multi-purpose cleaner and can replace many commercial special-purpose cleaners.

Recipes 101

Danie de Villiers – Freelance writer

Tips for Cleaning the Interior of a Car

Protecting the Carpets

Fitting loose rubber mats can be a great help. They will prevent the worst dirt from soiling the carpets and they can simply be lifted out and brushed or washed of when cleaning the car.

Using Cleaning Material

A large range of interior cleaning products is available, including various types of upholstery cleaner, dashboard cleaner and carpet cleaner. Shop around to buy the products that will suit your needs and car. You do not need a cupboard full of products but the right products will be more than adequate - and remember something to keep your car smelling fresh.

Get a Vacuum Cleaner

A good vacuum cleaner will be a big help. Regular vacuuming will make interior cleaning a lot easier. And do not forget to vacuum under the seats and the boot. Car vacuum cleaners are inexpensive and usually come with a range of attachments to reach awkward nooks and crannies.

Looking after the Seats

Check the seats for dirt marks and use a fabric cleaner to deal with it. Allow any damped seats to dry before using the car. A wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner can speed up the drying process.

Caring for the Windows

Windows are best cleaned using chamois leather and stubborn stains can be removed with a household glass cleaner, buffing finally with a soft cloth.

Recipes 101

Danie de Villiers – Freelance writer

Tips to Take Care of Your Body

Our bodies are fragile master pieces that need constant care and pampering.

Skin Care

Give your skin time to absorb a sunblock's ingredients before you go outdoors - apply at least a half hour before and reapply after a swim. Take a long lunch break from outdoor exposure. Normally, the sun is highest and most intense between 10 am and 2 pm.

Mouth Care

The best time to use dental floss is before you brush. That way you can brush away plaque and food fragments with your toothbrush and rinse. If you floss after brushing the loosened particles may remain in your mouth.

Breath Care

Carry mint tea bags for an after-dinner mouth freshener when you are not able to brush your teeth. Mint tea is a sweet-smelling alternative to coffee.

Nail Care

Insert your fingertips in a lemon cut in half and twist your fingers back and forth to clean your cuticles and nails before a manicure.

Foot Care

Give your feet a rest while you are relaxing around the house. If they are swollen, elevate them as much as possible. In warm weather, wear flat sandals; in cold weather, wear a heavy knit sock with leather sewn on the foot for a sole.

Recipes 101

Danie de Villiers – Freelance writer

Five Ways to Improve Your Health

Eating For Good Health

Food is the cornerstone of good health. Apart from from the fact that it keeps us alive, the type of food we eat can mean the difference between vibrant health or on-going illness.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke tobacco, stop it. If you don't, do not start. There are many programs to enroll to or to follow to assist you in stop smoking.

Body Weight

Maintain a healthy body weight. Excessive weight may be linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, back-pain and many more health problems. Follow a diet if necessary.

Exercise

Follow one or the other exercise program. There is strong evidence that regular exercise can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and sudden death from heart attack.

Stress

Manage the level of stress. Stress is a normal part of life and usually comes from everyday occurrences. Eliminate as many sources of stress as possible.

Recipes 101

Danie de Villiers – freelance writer

Skin Care 101

You skin has to function at its best as it is the most important tell-tale of your health and vitality.

Therefore, you have to support your skin in any which way you can. There is no need to go overboard. Just follow this easy skin care routine:

In the morning

1. Compress your face by adding three drops of an essential oil (lavender, bergamot, pine, eucalyptus, or sandalwood) into a basin of warm water and stir. Place a clean facecloth in the water, lift it out and squeeze lightly. Place the cloth over your face and press. This soaks the surface of your skin, allowing the essential oil to penetrate and the cleansing action of the cloth to gently exfoliate. Repeat four times.

2. Apply nourishment booster of your choice over entire neck and face. 

3. Apply nourishment and good protection - a good plant-based moisturizer is the best.

In the evening

1. Apply cleanser to remove all traces of make-up and the day’s grime.

2. Compress your skin again four times as already described above.

 3. Apply nourishment booster of your choice over entire neck and face.

Weekly

1. Use a gentle scrub on the skin.

2. Apply a nourishing mask.

Danie de Villiers - Freelance writer

On a Lighter Note

For all of you with teenagers or who had teenagers, you may want to know why they really have a lot in common with cats:

1. Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when you call them by name.

2. No matter what you do for them, it is not enough. Indeed, all humane efforts are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of waiting on them hand and foot.

3. You rarely see a cat walking outside of the house with an adult human being, and it can be safely said that no teenager in his or her right mind wants to be seen in public with his or her parents.

4. Cats and teenagers can lie on the living-room sofa for hours on end without moving, barely breathing.

5. Cats have nine lives. Teenagers carry on as if they did.

Danie de Villiers - Freelance Writer

Recipes 101 - Recipes to please your taste-buds!

Dealing with Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by a common virus, which produces a painful blister, which then turns into a sore, mostly on the lips or around the mouth. 

Cold sores are usually triggered by stress, sunburn or immune system not on par.

To avoid cold sores, or to heal one lies in taking care of yourself and strengthening your immune system.

What to do

It is imperative to increase your vitamin B levels as this will help your body to deal with daily stress. It is to your advantage to opt for a full vitamin B complex supplement.

Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables and whole-grain foods which are good sources of vitamin B. 

It is advisable to take a good antioxidant which will also help to keep the body more resistant to infection.

Essential oils of lavender, tea tree, manuka and myrrh promote antibacterial and antiviral relief. Dab one drop of any of these essential oils neat onto the cold sore.

In conclusion, cold sores are highly contagious, so extra care should be taken around people to avoid contact with the blister.

Danie de Villiers - Freelance Writer

Why Vegetables are Good for You

According to U.S. Dietary Guidelines, adults and children alike should have from 5 to 13 servings of fruits and veggies a day, each serving at least 1/2 cup. While this is beyond what most people currently consume, it's not an impossible task.

For veggies, simply include them with foods you and your family already like.

In general, you need to eat a wide variety of vegetables, including plenty of the bright- and deep-colored ones, to get all the vitamins, minerals and fiber that veggies have to offer. With the exception of soy foods, though, the protein in plant foods is incomplete. It lacks one or more of the protein building blocks that your body can't make.

You can mix and match different plant foods to make their protein complete. But even many vegetarians find that it's easier to simply include a complete protein source, such as eggs or milk foods, in their meals. Nutrient-dense eggs provide not only some of the highest quality protein available but, except for vitamin C, eggs also contain varying amounts of all the essential vitamins, including those that are not abundant in plant foods.

It's simple to combine eggs and veggies in satisfying entrees. For instance, you can turn a salad into a quick-fix main dish by starting with greens -; the darker green, the better nutrient content. Toss with other vegetables, perhaps whatever is coming up in your home garden or is most appealing at the store.

Then, top with wedged, sliced or chopped eggs to add the protein you need. Finish the unique salad off with a hurry-up, homemade hot dressing. This salad is especially easy to make if you keep a dozen hard-cooked eggs chilled in the fridge. You can store the eggs for a week after cooking and use them for handy snacks, too.

Warm Mimosa Salad

6 servings

Ingredients

• 6 cups loosely packed torn mixed greens (about 9 oz.)

• 6 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

• 2 small or 1 medium zucchini, cut into julienne strips (about 2 to 2 1/2 cups)

• 1 cup thinly sliced onion (about 1 medium)

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 2/3 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, crushed

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 large tomato, wedged (about 7 to 8 oz.)

Method

Tear greens into large bowl. Add eggs. Set aside. In 10-inch skillet or large saucepan over medium heat, cook zucchini and onion in hot oil, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. In small bowl, stir together vinegar, mustard, seasoning, sugar and garlic powder. Pour over vegetables in skillet. Stir in tomato and cook until heated through, about 1 minute more. Pour over reserved greens. Gently toss until evenly coated with dressing. 

Serve immediately.

Danie de Villiers - Freelance writer