Quick Tip

I could be hours away from having a baby! Yesterday was my "guess date", so really, any time now we will welcome our baby boy. Today I have time for a quick health tip.

You may have heard the term "probiotics" and not known just what they are. They are incredibly important to your health. Here is a definition: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as "friendly germs") that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also help keep potentially harmful organisms in the gut (harmful bacteria and yeasts) under control. Most probiotics come from food sources, especially cultured milk products. Probiotics can be consumed as capsules, tablets, beverages, powders, yogurts, and other foods. Click HERE for more scientific info.

You can find probiotics in food sources such as yogurt, Kiefer, kelp, and certain fermented preparations. Today's quick tip is one that I read recently in a health magazine. Did you know that your body needs prebiotics to properly use probiotics? If you are reaching for your favorite yogurt or other probiotic preparation, here is an easy way to insure you are getting the full benefits of that yummy cultured treat. Add a teaspoon of ground up flaxseed meal. Flax naturally contains prebiotics, so by pairing it with your favorite probiotic beverage or food, you can be sure the healthy bacteria will be at work in your belly.

Although many food sources contain probiotics, be sure to get enough of these helpful bacteria in your system on a daily basis. Even if you eat cultured foods, it is a good idea to pick up probiotic capsules at your local healthfood store and take them regularly.

Here's to a healthy gut, and here's to your health!

Quick Beauty Tip

The next time you slice open a yummy avocado to spread on a sandwich or add to your salad, don't throw the rind away just yet. Scrape out that last bit and moisturize! That's right. Avocado not only has essential nutrients for your insides, but amazing benefits for your skin as well.

Try this: Simply rub a bit of avocado into your hands, feet, or anywhere you need extra moisturizing. Then rinse excess with a little water, and pat dry. Your skin will be nourished, and will feel super soft and supple.

When it comes to skincare, nature always provides the absolute best! Here's to healthy skin, and here's to your health!

Quick Beauty Tip

I like my skin to have a nice, healthy glow, but I never want it to look oily or "shiny". Every lady knows that restrooms are not just a place of rest. Women congregate in the ladies' room to check out their hair, reapply their lipgloss...and essentially, to "powder their noses".

A while back, cosmetic companies came out with blotting tissues, little mini tissues to absorb excess oil on the skin. A lot of companies make them, but here is a little trick I discovered several years ago while at my chiropractor's office. Many of you may already know this, but here it is just in case you haven't heard this one.

The chiropractor was just finishing up with me. I sat up from my face-down position on the table and realized that the sanitary paper on the table had an oily imprint of my face in it. A few days later, while in a public restroom, I noted that the toilet seat covers were made of this same paper. Aha! You know where I am going with this...blotting paper. FREE blotting paper!

Next time you are in a restroom, give it a try. It works! Some may be too germaphobic for this one..but I thought I'd share it anyway. Of course, it is best to avoid the first few papers toward the front of the stack! So there you have it, a quick and frugal beauty tip for the week.

I still like to keep blotting tissues readily available in my purse. When choosing a brand, be sure to check the ingredients before you buy. Stay away from those with added chemicals or talc. The most absorbant ones I have tried are Clinique's pore minimizer oil-blotting sheets. I was pleasantly surprised recently when I tried them. There are no added chemicals, they are very absorbant, and they don't leave any powdery residue. Plus, they are a bit more convenient than running to the nearest powder room!

Interesting fact:

The term powder room dates back to the early 18th century, when it was used to refer to a closet-sized room where people went to have their wigs repowdered. The expression carried through to Victorian times, when any reference to personal bodily functions was considered indelicate. Ladies of the era were embarrassed to speak of such things and would excuse themselves from mixed company to go to “powder their noses.” In fact, many women still use refer to a public ladies’ room as a powder room. (found on http://www.wisegeek.com/)