JULY

***The quote above I found on an Instagram page run by Ryan Adams.

While you binge on Netflix……

Pick up a kettle bell and throw it around! Watching TV is ok. But make it better by destroying the quilt with a short power workout. A 10-pound KB is simple to use. Try these moves:

1. Standing up straight with your feet about 2 feet apart, arms at your sides, raise the KB over your head fully extending your arm. Minimum 10 lifts each arm. Alternate arms.

2. Same position but with knees bent, arms at your side, raise both arms to chest level and pass the KB off to the other arm. Arms come down and you repeat the motion. Do this for as long as you can. Try starting with 15 minutes. Bending your knees adds the glute/leg muscles to the workout.

3. Place the KB between your feet. Stand up straight, keep your feet about a foot apart, bend down to pick up the KB and raise it over your head. Alternate arms each time you bend down.

You should be able to see and hear your favorite show while getting a complete upper body workout.

You can never have enough oils!

The latest….Marula.

Honestly, I only use this oil for one thing….my hair. The night before I shampoo I rub it into my hair, focusing on the ends. Then I tie my hair up in a tight bun and let it soak in while I sleep.

Very affordable. Amazon Prime 1 oz. for $6

Other uses I read about/tried: An excellent nighttime eye moisturizer, helps heal excema, apply to sunburns, use on those painful nail/fingertip splits, cradle cap, and lip gloss.

Sclerotherapy (Ouch!)

All my adult life I have battled leg veins. Last month I had a procedure done that reduces the veins down to about nothing. Although it was as unpleasant as can be I am so happy I did it. Sclerotherapy at The Vein Clinic in Murrieta was $450. The process took about 45 minutes. The pain ranged from a 2 to an 8. The small surface veins were easy. Sometimes the needle had to go a bit deeper.

The process involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel causing it to collapse. Eventually, it is absorbed by the body. The solution is a simple salt solution. Harmless.

Even though you can see lots of bruising there was no pain after the procedure was complete. I was given a pair of compression socks to be worn for a full week. I was charged $75 dollars extra for the socks. If you decide to do the procedure bring your own socks. You can find them on Amazon for around $25.

The compression hose are highly unattractive. But, they feel so good.

The aftermath. OUCH! Bruising caused by the needle. It took about 3 weeks for the bruising to heal.

Compression stockings (thigh high). Required for full recovery. They actually feel good. If I am ever employed at a job that requires a lot of standing I will wear these to work. #scubasuit

**I had my follow-up today (5 weeks on 7/14). I was impressed when the nurse showed me the before photos. During the follow-up I pointed out a blood clot in one area. This is a common side effect from the injections and not usually dangerous. She treated it with a few injections and it should be clear and trouble free.

***Two weeks after the follow-up the blood clot is much smaller but still present. I also found a second clot. Time for more injections 😦

Gifting

Who doesn’t love Scrabble? An easy to make gift for a birthday, housewarming, wedding, just because……..

You can find the frames in your house, craft store, thrift shop, or anywhere. Tiles and metallic sheet are from Amazon. Metallic paint from Home Depot.

I made this from a frame I bought at Home Goods. I removed the glass and put a sheet of metal based adhesive in the opening of the mat. The sheet is very flexible. It was the perfect surface for the tiles with magnets glued on back.

My first Scrabble frame. This one I repurposed from an old frame we had in the garage, sprayed metallic paint over the cardboard backing, and then glued the dictionary pages on. Magnets were glued to the tiles. This hangs in my bedroom. One of our cats loves to lunge at the frame to see how many tiles he can get.

***I was very meticulous with the dictionary pages. I made sure to chose pages that started with the first letters of everyone in my immediate family. In addition, I chose pages that had some meaningful words: peace, uttermost, ready, engagement, magnificent, cheerful, baby…..the list goes on.

Love this……

I love to support my friends. So I’ll try anything they offer. I’ve known Linda for almost 30 years (Deer Valley HS!). I love the Lemongrass Spa products.

Natural. Organic. Therapeutic. Hydrating. Affordable!

Healing Elements: It soothes/heals everything. My son’s excema, my cracked fingers, sunburns, lip gloss…you name it.

Amber Glow Spritz: I use this as an after shower spray on my legs. I have even used it as a leave in conditioner when I was out.

Sheer Minerals Hydrating Lip Gloss: The perfect color and it lasts through water sips and excessive talking 😉

Samples: Linda sent me more samples than I can try at once. So I tried some and saved some for my travel bag. I loved the Pomegranate Face Polish (exfoliate!) and the eye cream.

Find them here: loveLGSpa.com

Summer’s Skin

Around early June I have to change my skin care routine to accommodate the hot and sometimes sticky weather. Socal Life!

Morning: I keep a fresh aloe leaf on my bathroom counter (a fresh cut from a friend’s tree). After I exfoliate in the shower I cut a slice about 3/4 of an inch wide. Then I cut it in half and cut through the fleshy middle (see picture). Open the cut and squeeze it between your fingers to get the moisture out. Do the same with the second cut. Rub the lotion all over your face. It’s a great moisturizer and an effective protector. When the gel like lotion dries it forms a very thin barrier keeping the bad stuff out. It also works as a foundation to block sweat and that oily look. For those of you who wear makeup this form of moisturizing is a bonus for your skin.

If I know I will be outdoors for any length of time I will add a drop or two of sunblock. The aloe and Kiss My Face lotion mix together very well.

After I shower I spray sun spray oil on my neck, chest, and arms.

Nightime: I start by rinsing my face with warm/hot water. Then I take the bentonite clay and warm water to form a face soap. I rub the soap all over my face. Rinse with warm water. At night I only moisturize my eyes. I use a drop of marula oil (or any oil) and spread it all over the eye area. And sometimes I need some spot control so I use something with benzoyl peroxide where needed.

Products: Aloe Vera leaves can be found in the produce section and/or your local farmer’s market. Sun Spray Oil 30 and Face Factor 30 at kissmyface.com, Marula Oil and Bentonite Clay at Amazon.

The Ultimate GREEN Party Place

Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens is located in Fallbrook. About 15 minutes from us in Temecula……and usually 10 degrees cooler. The cafe serves ONLY local/organic foods. In May I hosted my daughter’s baby shower on the deck of the cafe. I was able to reserve the entire deck for just $50 (which went toward the food bill). It was the perfect place for an outdoor celebration. A waiter took our orders and served us while we mingled and reminisced. The meals are very healthy and affordable. Salads and sandwiches are only $8. Another $2 for a drink.

Other than the cafe, Myrtle Creek is a garden lovers paradise. They have a wide range of flowers and plants for sale. The gift shop is of course vintage and antique with jewelry, clothes, candles, jams, and a fair amount of garden accents.

Also on site: A wild bird sanctuary and a fairy garden workshop.

Cafe Bloom is a vintage lovers paradise. All the decor is antique and unique. From the deck you can see nearly the entire farm including a barn with goats and a large fish pond.

This rustic gazebo is a great place for photos or a private place to enjoy your lunch.

It’s difficult to see hanging in all that lovely greenery, but this is an antique chandelier for candles only.

Antique bicycle turned into a flower-pot.

Where did February go? It’s already 80 here in Temecula Valley! One of the many advantages of California life is the early onset of Spring. While most of the US is experiencing nasty weather, we here in Cali have been sensing the seasonal change for a few weeks. The warm weather usually brings a lighter spirit and new adventures toward health and happiness. It’s time to get ready for summer and it’s always time to feel good.

Selfless Gifting

Choosing the right gift does not have to be stressful. This I say AFTER Valentine’s Day 😉 For the next occasion try something different. Forget flowers and jewelry and pricey meals.

Adopt an animal. One that never even comes home with you. At The Gentle Barn they have nearly two-hundred animals. All of whom were rescued from severe abuse, neglect, abandonment or worse. From feed to medical bills this ranch runs on donations. I have had the privilege of visiting this ranch on two occasions. It’s lovely. It’s inspiring. It’s peaceful. Located in Santa Clarita (two hours from Temecula, three from San Diego) it was worth the drive. I left with a renewed respect for animals and for a few weeks I had a hard time eating meat.

One of the many things I learned during my visits was the connection animals have with humans. We crave each other. For example, I was told if I sat down in the dirt by the roosting chickens and turkeys they would approach me. Within no time I had a turkey in my lap. IN MY LAP!

You can choose an animal of your choice online and set up a monthly payment as low as $10. In return you will receive an adoption certificate, a photo of your animal, and updates. Also, the ranch is open to the public on Sundays for $10 donation each. Visit your new “pet”! While you are there you can meet the owner, Ellis Laks, and hear a short and personal chalk talk all about how she achieved a lifelong dream to help animals. She also has a book called My Gentle Barn.

Recently, Ellie and her husband were notified of a cow in Tennessee who had one of his feet cut off in an accident. This cow was to be put down. When they heard about this they got in their car, drove to Tennessee and took over care of this injured animal. With their help, Dudley now has a special prosthetic to replace his foot.

“Gentle Barn rescues, rehabilitates and gives sanctuary to abused animals. Then through the interaction with our animals children learn reverence for all life.” Gentle Barn Twitter.

Wearing It

Sunblock. Spring is when most of us get around to applying it daily. Even though it’s recommended year round. There seems to be so much talk and chatter about the good and bad of this essential element to our wellbeing. It’s confusing and time-consuming to choose whats right for you and yours. As with everything we ingest or apply label reading is important.

Here are some SPF products presumed safe to slather or brush on:

Alba Botanica, MyChelle, Colorescience Pro, John Masters, Episencial, and Block Island Organics.

Be a label reader! Avoid these ingredients: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate), Homosalate, Octocrylene, and Paraben preservatives.

***The FDA has researched the harmful effects brought on by AEROSOL SPRAY sunscreens. Some news outlets reported that the aerosol sprays can be flammable during application and/or when the contents is exposed to sun and heat. It has also been reported that the propellant used to expel sunscreen from an aerosol spray can cause injury by ‘frosting’ the skin (some aerosol deodorant sprays have the same effect). An aerosol burn is an injury to the skin caused by the pressurized gas within an aerosol spray cooling quickly, with the sudden drop in temperature sufficient up to a sixty degree drop.

Slather or brush on!

This particular Alba Botanica Sunscreen has a pump release which poses no harm. $8 at Sprouts

Other Uses

Bars of soap are so useful beyond the bathroom. They’re not just for washing your hands. The pleasant bouquet they give is why we really love them. Place them in small spaces for maximum fragrance.

For example — The top drawer of your desk, the center console of your car, a pocket in your handbag, the pocket of a coat that will sit in the closet until next season, your intimates drawer, or line a few in various places in your closet so all your clothes can pick up the sweet scent.

Tried It

While Bath and Body Works and The Body Shop are favorites I was happy to experience something different at L’occitane. Like any other store aimed at targeting women I was taken by the overwhelming scents and colors in the store. This is when ‘in store’ and ‘online’ are truly contradictory. Leaving empty handed was not an option.

Bonus…they are happy to give out samples.

L’occitane located at UTC Mall La Jolla. Verbena Bar Soap $8, Roll-on Lavender Oil $15,

Eye and hand cream samples FREE

Something New

The beautiful Verbena! Pot it, drink it, wear it.

*This lightly scented flower comes in many colors. Typically shades of blue. Also, pink, purple, or white. Verbena needs 8 to 10 hours of sun each day.

*For a delicious herbal tea try Verbena Mint Tea Pouches by Might Leaf Tea. Organic and caffeine free. Some benefits include reduced feelings of anxiety, drink with a meal to improve and speed digestion, and the anti-inflammatory abilities of the herb are known to aid with the aches and pain of osteoarthritis.

*If you prefer subtle and floral scents try “Verbena Blossom” by Annie Oakley.

Smart Mornings

A quick and healthy breakfast:

Egg whites, shiitake mushrooms, fresh salsa, cilantro, and ginger. Sautéed in olive oil.

Tag: Lisa Rennie

“If my heart is an ice cream cone, this is the beach it melts on.”

JULY

Feeling. Being. Knowing.