Norwex Sale EXTENDED!

For a limited time, I have decided to extend the Norwex 20% off discount. If you or someone you know is interested in a Norwex product, now is the time to purchase! Take a look through the products here. Hold a party in January and get even more FREE PRODUCT because its MOP MONTH!!!!!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday- Norwex

I absolutely love NORWEX! I can't get over how many people don't know about it or are skeptical of the products. When someone actually uses them, they see what a huge difference they make in your life and are immediately hooked! That being said, I am offering a little special for those that may have an interest, but just don't have the incentive to fully convert.

With the holidays right around the corner, you want to be able to spend as much time with family as possible. Let's be honest, no one has the time during this time of the year to clean their home thoroughly. NO excuses with Norwex! Cutting your cleaning time by 75%, you will have more time than ever to spend with your family and friends during the holiday season. 

Norwex- Cleaning Paste

Tyson and I were lucky enough to get new appliances for our kitchen. In the process of switching them out, we noticed some nasty, gluey, gunky, sticky something. Tyson scrubbed it but was unsuccessful. So, I busted out my cleaning paste. Why not give it a try. So, I applied it to my Norwex Enviro-cloth and started scrubbing. HOLY CRAP. It came off. I'm still in shock- it's so hard to believe it works on everything but it seriously does. I took pictures to prove it. So if anyone is ever interested in trying out Norwex, click here and take a look at some of the great cleaning supplies.

This is the before- so gross. Ty tried to scrub it off before but it wouldn't even budge. 

2 minutes and a little cleaning paste did the trick! I am in love with it!

Happy Cleaning!

Cruise countdown- 2.5 weeks

I can't believe how quickly time is going. I haven't been as focused as I should be because I've been trying to increase my clientele for the spa. I have continued going to the gym- attending my cross fit core class for the past two months. Other than that, I really haven't worked out a ton- I'm a slacker. I've changed my eating habits- I only eat fruits, vegetables, and meat. I've cut out grains and no white flour- it actually makes me sick. I spoke with a personal trainer yesterday and it turns out, I am actually starving myself because I don't eat enough, or as often as my body needs. I found that really interesting. Once your body realizes you are putting good, nutritious food into it, it starts to burn the fat and use the food for energy. So that's my first mistake. My other is not going to the gym enough- I know it's been a change for my body for me to go at least 2 times a week, but that really isn't enough. I should be doing interval training and weight lifting. I should also incorporate grains- whole grains, quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice. I definitely saw a huge change in my body ever since I started eating better. Working out made a difference, but not as much as having a healthy diet. I am 2.5 weeks away from the cruise- I better kick it in gear.

Tis the Season- Giving Back

I absolutely love the holidays. Something about Thanksgiving and Christmas gives me the chills. Every year, Tyson and I try to do something to give back during this time- either to a community, or a family. This year, I decided to incorporate the business as well. The holiday rush is beginning- stores are crowded, Christmas Trees grace the aisles. Two things always happen- One- we forget to take time for ourselves- two- we forget to give to those that don't have anything.

So this year, if you bring in a bag of canned food, you will receive 30% off your service. The canned food will be donated to a family or shelter that is in need. This is the perfect time to try the lash extensions you've always wanted, or to get a facial to relax from the holiday stress. I love the holiday season so please spread the word- no one deserves to go hungry during the holidays.

Thanks

Vacation prep week 5

1 month in and I am finally starting to see some results. I know I haven't posted a picture of my before yet, but that's because I am so embarrassed at what I looked like before. Besides going to my core cross fit class twice a week, I have added cardio after the class, and changed my eating habits dramatically. I am a sucker for sugar and carbs. So whenever I get hungry, I automatically navigate towards the bread, cake, or chocolate I have sitting around. I am proud to say, I bought halloween candy last week and I haven't even eaten a piece.

What have I been eating?

Meat. Veggies. Fruit. That's it. I usually have a protein shake in the morning and one after my class to help recover. I use the Melaleuca chocolate protein with natural peanut butter in it. I get the taste of chocolate without all the sugar and added calories I crave so often.

Am I beach ready?

Definitely not. I am trying my best to be acceptable in a bikini before our cruise in December. I am no where near any fitness model, or NBA cheerleader, but I am improving myself each day and that's all I care about. I have noticed a change in attitude lately along with a change in my body.

I am starting to view sugar as a drug. We all get addictions- some are drugs and alcohol- but mine is sugar. It affects my attitude, my body, and my overall perspective of myself. Obviously I haven't given up sugar entirely. But, I have changed a lot of my eating habits and noticed a lot of changes in my body because of my decision. My jeans are starting to fit so nice- I actually have a somewhat lifted butt again- and my love handles aren't spilling over like they usually do. It takes quite some time to see a big change in your body, but I am determined to increase my time at the gym, and healthy food I eat everyday.


Here are my befores- please don't judge- I'm definitely not perfect and my bathroom is most definitely a mess :) These were taken before I started working out more and eating differently 5 weeks ago.

I took a few different angles in two separate swimsuits because they fit differently. 

I will post some pictures weekly as I remember. :)

Vacation Prep- Week 3

Here it is, week 3. I have somewhat changed my eating habits, but I have completely changed my exercise habits. I attend the gym twice a week- and I am also active on the weekends. The first two weeks I focused on my Cross Fit Core class I decided to join. If you haven't done Cross Fit before, and are looking to ease into the transition, I highly suggest Cross Fit Core. It is a 30 minute class that focuses on your core and building your endurance. I've loved it so far.

This week, my sister and I decided to do body pump before Cross Fit. Wow. Talk about a workout. My friend Jodi Stonehocker teaches the class and literally kicked my bum. It was such a great workout! After, we went to Cross Fit which resulted in us being completely exhausted by the end of the night. I have started to see results in my arms, and in my abs. My pants fit a lot better, and my legs don't look as bulky. If you are interested in trying out the OAC, feel free to check out the schedule here. Below, I have listed a few workouts I have done in the past few weeks that I found to be beneficial.

The KettleBell swing-

I love this exercise! It strengthens your core, along with the fronts of your legs, and abs.

Begin with the KettleBell between legs. Legs should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Using your abs and hip flexors, swing KettleBell up to eye level and force back down. A lot of people don't force the KettleBell back down, but you will realize it adds an extra exercise. As the KettleBell comes down, it should go between your legs. I do as many as I can in 30 seconds, with a 10 second rest- for 4 minutes.

The Jackknife-

This is another challenging exercise that is great to do after running a lap around the track. 

As you approach your lap, immediately get on the floor and lay flat on your back. Bring your entire body up into a V shape, and back to starting position. Do as many as you can in a one minute time frame. This is great to increase your cardio and endurance. 

One last exercise I love- 

SlamBall- 

I have a love-hate relationship with this exercise. Start with a SlamBall around 20 pounds. This way you can work up to it. A SlamBall is similar to a medicine ball, but does not bounce, and is full of something similar to sand. 

Start in a deep squatting position- bring SlamBall up towards the ceiling, while allowing yourself to stand completely. Throw SlamBall down to floor, quickly going into a squatting position in order to catch it after it slightly bounces. Continue for 30 seconds with 10 second rest. This exercise is perfect for endurance, building your glutes, legs, and abs. 

Overall, this is a great workout in and of itself. I've enjoyed my routine thus far, and look forward to adding in some cardio and more classes soon! 

Norwex- easy, environmentally safe cleaning

Let's be honest. No one likes to clean. 3 years ago, my sister approached me with two cloths and promised me it would clean my mom's entire house. All 6400 square feet of it. Ha. Yeah right. So, I took the challenge. She and I went to town- including the outside windows that were filled with dirt from when the house was originally built. Needless to say, I was hooked. The cloths were Norwex cloths.

Norwex? Yes, a completely chemical free product that can clean your entire house, cutting your cleaning time in half and making it safe for your children. I, along with my entire family, sincerely love Norwex products. I have a ton of nieces and nephews and safe cleaning is always a concern. One of my nephews likes to lick the glass after I have cleaned it- just to make another mess. However, I feel completely safe with him doing so because he is not picking up any left-over chemicals from the cleaning supplies.

We live in a world where we need to do our part to become chemical free, and eco-friendly. Norwex is a company that is doing their part, eliminating the need for harmful cleaners and chemicals in order to disinfect and thoroughly clean your home. Personally, I have found more success using this product rather than any other cleaning product because it just does a great job.

So, let's talk about a few of the products. There are two products that you can clean 98% of your house with- the enviro-cloth and window-cloth. The enviro-cloth is made of a special microfiber that picks up dirt, clinging to it until it is rinsed under hot water where it is released into the sink and down the drain. It also has silver in it. Ever heard of the expression- Born with a silver spoon in your mouth? The reason being is silver is a natural disinfecting agent. Since the enviro-cloth has silver in it, you are able to take a raw chicken, rub it all over the counter, then wipe it away with the cloth and along with it goes the germs like e-coli and salmonella.

The enviro-cloth can also be partnered with the window cloth. For example, I can clean all windows in my home, mirrors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances with the two cloths. The window cloth acts like your paper-towel. It leaves no streaks on your windows, I can even smooth butter on the window and use the cloths, and it wipes it right up, no streaking.

Now, here's the secret ingredient- water. Amazing right? Want to learn more? Send me an email- I would love to help spread the word about this amazing product. Want to tell your friends? Host a party. I will come and clean your house, plus you will get hooked up with amazing hostess specials!

I want to get the word out of this amazing product. Of coarse they have several other products I love, but I just wanted to give you a taste.

Let's be environmentally friendly and leave our children a better place to live in!

XOXO

Week 1

OK, I really am going to start this week. The past few weeks have been crazy. So, I decided to sign up for a crossfit core class that engages your core, along with some cardio and muscle building. I figure this is the first step to success. The class is twice a week- 30 minutes. Doesn't sound hard right? WRONG. I, along with every other person in the class, can hardly breathe at the end of the class. I will be posting some before pictures soon- I just hope I can get a significant difference so the before and after pictures don't look the same :)

Corrective Skin Care

It's October! The leaves are changing, the smell of football season is in the crisp, cool air, and it is finally the right time to start correcting your skin! Through out the years, sun damage, free radicals, acne, and the environment/pollution have all taken a toll on our skin. We all want the beautiful, glowing skin we see on models and movie-stars. Why not take the time to achieve it? We are just leaving the summer months- months of being at the pool, wake-boarding at the lake, going on road trips, and even doing some yard work. Now is the perfect time for a deep exfoliation- a chemical peel.


Let's start with Free Radicals- what the heck are they? If you want a deep understanding, click here. Long story short, they are the molecules that don't have a buddy and can cause damage to your skin. How do you prevent free radicals from damaging your skin? Antioxidants! Antioxidants can be introduced to the skin in a number of ways- proper skin care, and chemical peels. Antioxidants are good for the body, so of coarse they are great for the skin. They give the skin the needed vitamins it needs in order to protect itself from free radicals in the atmosphere. Where do you get such antioxidants? A great skin care regimen and chemical peels.

Sun damage- this has been huge in the media as of late. It's a constant broken record of 'stay out of the sun', 'wear a good sunscreen', 'wear a hat'. But what happens when you didn't do any of those things and now you have freckles, brown spots, age spots all over your face? You guessed it- A chemical peel can help with that! Along with a great skin care regimen, a chemical peel can help lighten the brown spots you have on your face that can become cancerous. A chemical peel can also help with the cell turnover rate increasing your skins nutrition and increasing the anti-oxidants your skin receives.  Obviously I'm not here to treat cancer, so if you have a questionable spot, please, go see a dermatologist!

Acne- most of us had acne some point in our lives. Whether it be a smaller grade that consisted of black heads and minor pustules, or if it was deep, cystic acne that oozed puss upon movement of the skin. This is one of the primary reasons I wanted to get into skin care. I suffered from acne has a teenager, resulting in acne scars on my forehead. These weren't the regular white scars- they were red and purple- popping out like a sore thumb. After visiting a dermatologist, I was told to use 3 different prescriptions- none of which completely cleared up my skin without harsh side-effects- i.e. sensitivity to sun, upset stomach, bleaching clothing and sheets. It not only scarred my skin, but it also took a toll on my self confidence. I have a niece who at the time was 17 when I decided to get into esthetics. She had grade 2 acne- numerous pustules all over her face, blackheads, and scarring. She was very unhappy. I wanted so badly to help her. Little did I know, a series of chemical peels, along with a skin care regimen fit for her skin type, would help rid her skin of acne scars, and clear up her zits- resulting in a tremendous decrease of acne and smooth skin.

Now, obviously I have given three separate situations as to why you would want to receive a chemical peel. I wanted to add my own personal experience with chemical peels. As I went through the courses of basic and master esthetics, I received numerous chemical peels, microdermabrasion, non-surgical face lifts, facials- you name it, I had it. It was the last chemical peel of the class- we experience each and every chemical peel we perform in order to relate with the client- I had a 'mac daddy peel'. Of coarse this peel you have to prepare for- being on a solid skin care regimen, having had numerous chemical peels prior, I was prepped and ready for the TCA. After receiving the most painful peel of my life, my skin was tight. The next few days, I would feel like a monster. My skin began to crack- sheets of skin peeling off my face- but then something came to my attention. There were a few dark spots on my left jaw line I never noticed. Having been scared to death by my instructor of possible scarring if you pick at the skin, I left it alone. By the end of the week, my skin became 'baby' smooth, flawless. No freckles- scarring was eliminated. I noticed the dark spots on my jaw line were gone. It turns out, as I went through the esthetics course, I developed a few zits on my jaw line- they were under the skin- un-poppable. The dark spots were scars left from the zits that had been brought to the surface and peeled off. Bottom line, chemical peels can help enhance the look and condition of your skin. A similar chemical peel pulled sun damage from my husband cheek we never knew was there!

Does everyone peel from chemical peels? Absolutely not. Depending on which peel you have, and what you are aiming to achieve with your skin, chemical peels can drive hydration into dry, sun damaged, tired skin, increase vitamins in acneic skin, and even give you a bright glow.

Since it is the beginning of 'skin care season', I decided to have my monthly specials centered around corrective skin care. Below are the specials I am offering for the month. Don't be afraid to post a comment if you have any questions! Chances are, someone else has the same question. Anyway,
welcome to fall! I hope to see you in my spa soon!

Introduction to corrective skin care:      $60

This includes:
Client consultation
Mini-Facial
Chemical peel based on clients skin


Corrective skin care package:                $80

This includes:
introduction to corrective skin care package
One cleanser and One moisturizer recommended by esthetician


Glowing Skin Care Package:                 $100

This includes:

Corrective skin care package
One additional chemical peel based on clients skin


Elite Skin Care Package:                        $150

This includes:

Client consultation
Series of 3 chemical peels
3 products to take home based on recommendations from esthetician
20% off next service booked at time of appointment

Vacation prep time! 2.5 months and counting.

Last year, when Tyson was in the dog house, he booked us a cruise for this coming year! I was so excited, but as it draws closer, I take a look in the mirror and realize the high school cheerleaders body has changed dramatically and now I have more cottage cheese in my legs than in a lasagna. Besides that, I have a muffin top and a flabby bum. So, two and a half months before we go on our trip, I have decided to change my eating habits and drag myself to the gym. Now, I definitely won't be a bikini model at the end of this journey, but I will hopefully motivate myself enough to look OK in that bikini while cruisin in the southern caribbean. My husband is gone a lot considering his job- he schedules hunts for Wild Country Outfitters, and also takes care of their website, maintains a relationship with clients, takes care of state hunters and does anything and everything else to help the company stay above water. So, I am doing this with 50% of his help and figured if I blogged about it, maybe it would make me do it.

Today, I woke up, and decided to do a few things at home. My legs are my primary concern. So, I decided to stick with squats and threw in some side planks to mix it up.


Each exercise I performed 3 x 12 reps

Squats 

One legged squats

Side planks

Now if only I could give up the sugar! 

Master services added!

It's official! I have received my license in Master Esthetics and I am able to add new services to my menu! I am so excited as this will really expand my business and hopefully I will have at least one service that appeals to everyone!

Below are the services that have been added. Thank you all for your love and support as I build my business from the ground up.

M'lis body contour wrap   $50
      Different than those you may have previously heard of, Contour body wraps are designed to aide in weight loss due to slowing of the lymphatic drainage system. This may be used for inch loss, or is the final step of a detoxification program focused on health and wellness.  Lose up to 14 inches!

Chemical peel prices range from $45-$80 
     Chemical peels of all ranges have been added to the menu in order to appeal to every skin type possible. Whether you have dry, dull skin that is lacking its initial glow, or you may have a few breakouts and are looking to speed up the healing process, the new chemical peels are the answer! Combine with a great skin care regimen, they will completely transform your skin and allow you to have the beautiful, flawless skin you always desired. The type of chemical peel performed will be determined after a thorough client consultation and possible 2 week skin regimen preparation.


Back facial      $45
       Whether you are looking for some help with impurities on your back or just need an hour to relax, this is a great treatment. Cleansing, exfoliation, masking and a massage leave you feeling rejuvenated and like a new person.

Body Bronzing    $30

Promoting against sun damage, schedule a body bronze that will leave you with a 'straight from the beach' color!

Waxing    price varies by service

Brazilian:    $60+

Back:      $50+

Chest:     $50+

Extended bikini:     $55+

Codeword: Pumpkins and spice

These are just a few of the services I have added to the menu. Please feel free to contact me for any questions.

Hope to see you soon!

Spa Menu

    Below is the menu I currently have available at my spa. I will be adding new services next week, and     look forward to hearing from you! 

Kahakai Spa is focused on clients overall wellness and health. You will enjoy services such as basic facials, chemical peels, eyelash extensions, and waxing.

Description

Kahakai Spa currently has a variety of services and will be adding more soon. Please let us know what YOU would like to see added to our services.

Facials:

Lomi Lomi facial- Cleansing, skin analysis, exfoliation, extraction of the face, facial massage, masque and moisturize: $40

Kona facial- Cleansing, skin analysis, exfoliation, extraction of the face, pressure point massage, masque and moisturize: $50

Minuke Facial- Great for those who are in a hurry, but also like to be pampered. Cleansing and light exfoliation followed by products customized to your skin type applied to skin. Extractions not included. $30

Waxing:

Brow: $8
Lip: $8
Face/Chin: $8
Nose: $8
Ears: $8
Underarm: $15
Bikini line area: $25+
Half Leg: $30+
Full Leg: $50 +
Lower Arm: $25+
Full Arm: $40+

Eyelash Extensions:

Full set: $75
Fill: 2-3 weeks: $35
4 weeks: $45
After 4 weeks, full set will need to be purchased again.

Chemical Peels: a combination of exfoliation, and superficial chemicals will help bring your natural, glowing skin back to its original state. Chemical peels help slough off dead, hyperpigmented, sundamaged skin to reveal beautiful radiant skin. They will also reduce appearance of fine lines, age spots, and scars. 45 minute treatment $60+. 

Andrea Land
Esthetician
801.389.8334

Best Self-Tanner

I love summer! I love the feel of the sun, I love the activities, and I love the color I get! Up until this year, I was the typical girl- running out in a bikini at every chance I got, slathering on the oil, and laying out for hours on end. I craved the deep bronze color and longed for summer to stay forever. As the fall came, I noticed my tan fading, but didn't want to turn the normal pasty white I normally was every fall and winter. But then I learned about the harm the sun has on your skin and health overall. So when summer came, I didn't run out in my bikini. This year, I found a solution.

St Tropez.

If anyone has ever tried self-tanners, you notice the orange undertones, and the smell. It's always hard to apply considering they come in lotion form, and it takes hours for the tan to develop. You always end up streaky, missing areas, and find yourself in the shower, desperately trying to exfoliate that ugly color off before someone sees you as an Oompa Loompa. This one is different.

St Tropez has an OLIVE undertone. Ever seen the beautiful Italian or Brazilian models with the flawless tan? They have OLIVE skin. With the olive undertone, St Tropez leaves EVERYONE with a gorgeous, straight from the beach tan that doesn't leave you orange and streaky. How do you avoid streaks? The tanning mousse is suggested to be applied using a mitt that gives a visibly even application.

The smell is more attractive as well! A hint of fresh laundry helps to even out the smell of the self tanner.

How to apply:

For best results, apply after exfoliation!

Tan on clean, dry skin without moisturizer

Shake St Tropez well before use

Apply two squirts of mousse to mitt

Starting at the ankle, make your way up the leg in long, circular, buffing motion

Continue buffing mousse on remainder of body. Reapply mousse as needed

Wait 5 minutes between layers of application in order to achieve a deeper tan

You can use this product on your face- I suggest using a makeup sponge in order to get a great result without streaking. I would not use this on your face on a daily basis as it may clog pores and cause breakouts.

In order to avoid 'orange' hands or streaking on the hand and foot area, rub mitt over hands, not reapplying mousse before rubbing. Using the remnant mousse on the mitt will help to blend and give a tan, but won't make it look 'fake'.

When finished, you are left with a gorgeous, bronze- straight from the beach tan.

Remember to wait 5 minutes before getting dressed as the tanner can get on clothes.

*Tanner will be removed if you wax
*Tanner lasts as long as 10 days with one application
*One bottle lasts up to 15 applications
*Keep tan fresh by applying twice a week
*Remember to wash out your mitt with antibacterial soap and water, air dry
*If tanner gets on clothes, just throw them in the wash, the color comes out!
*You may notice the 'tan' coming off the first time you shower after a bronze- this is normal. The excess color comes off to remove a nice, even glow that leaves your skin beach sexy.

The best part? It doesn't break the bank, AND, it doesn't hurt your skin! It's a win-win!

Eyelash Extensions FAQ

I've recently had a lot of inquiries about lash extensions. Many seem to have the same concerns so I figured I would write a quick entry on the FAQs of Lash Extensions.

Will they tear out my real lashes? 

If your lash technician was properly trained and has obtained either an esthetics license or cosmetology license, the extension will not pull out your real lash. A lot of the time, when an extension is applied, it is applied to more than one real lash, resulting in a tug, pulling the real lash out. They can also be applied to the eyelid- this is a no-no. It will result in a pain in the eyelid that will not subside until the initial extension is removed. Also, FLARE lashes are not recommended as they are too heavy for the natural lash to hold. 

How long/thick should my extension be? 

Your lash technician should be able to determine how heavy of an extension your natural lash will be able to hold. If they put too heavy/thick of a lash on your natural lash, your natural lash may break, pull, or even droop. This may also be the case with too long of a lash. 

How do lash extensions work? 

Lash extensions are simply that- an extension for your natural lash. The lash technician will apply a thicker, longer artificial lash to your natural lash with a glue that usually holds from 2-4 weeks. After the application, you will be able to go without mascara. 

What is the maintenance? 

Lash Extensions work similarly to hair extensions. The hair grows, and is on a natural growth cycle. This results in lashes naturally falling out, as that is the last part of the process. Typically, women that have a faster growth cycle, between the ages of 15-40, will need a fill every 3 weeks. Older women will not need one as often as their growth cycle has slowed down. Your lash tech should explain to you what the at-home care is and what you need to be doing in order to keep your luscious lashes. 

You can shower, swim, snorkle, tan, and wear sunglasses with them! 

What do I do if I don't want them anymore? 

Your lash tech should have remover on hand for when you are ready to remove the lashes. The remover is applied and after a few minutes, the artificial lash naturally glides off, leaving your natural lash unharmed. Your lash tech can also remove using a technique with tweezers. Please do not try to remove the lashes on your own- baby oil does not work and will only result in twisted lashes that look terrible. 

If you have any questions, please let me know! I would love to add to this entry! Andrea.Land06@gmail.com

Eminence-Handmade Organic Skin Care of Hungary

Wow. Today I had the opportunity to attend a quick introduction course on Eminence- a handmade organic skincare line based out of Hungary. I know, I know. Another company that claims to be organic. But honest, this one really is! Many people are skeptical about using an organic skin care line because they don't think they will receive the benefits or see any results as they would their regular product now, and, let's be honest, the price of organic products is ridiculous. Eminence is a different story.

Quick background: Eminence has property where they grow their own product, and hand cut, squeeze and bottle the ingredients into the jars- without using machines! Seems a little third world, don't you think? NOPE! Hungary is the leader in esthetics education and products in the world! So, naturally this is where Eminence was born. They focus on using organic products that go straight from the vine, to your jar. Majority of the time, you can even see pieces of the fruit such as pulp, skin, even seeds that are in the jar because its that fresh! They don't use large machines or have a machine-line bottling your product. It's individually done but a pro! Not only are the products organic, but the company is too. They utilize energy sources such as windmills and solar power in order to run their business.

Back to my experience. The Eminence rep explained to us some of the main ingredients used in their most effective, and most purchased products. What goes into the products are ingredients we can actually pronounce. Acai Berry, Licorice Root, Stone Crop, Chamomile, Rosemary, Cucumber juice. So, how do they get their products from Hungary to say... Utah without the product going bad? They utilize natural preservatives in order to keep the shelf life- by natural, I mean natural- Lemon, Zinc, Honey. How much more organic can you get?

So why are organic products so beneficial to our skin? Eminence states it is because of the 'cold press'- meaning its similar to the raw food diet but for your face. LOVE IT! With each product series, let's say... with for anti-aging... your Eminence esthetician will suggest a cleanser, exfoliant, masque, and moisturizer for your specific end goal. An added bonus? Vitamins that will help clear your issue from the inside out. I can't think of another company that does that... and organically!

Now, the price? Sheesh. In order to obtain a result-driven product, you should expect to pay around $7-$10 a month. HA! Eminence is right in that range. Their cleansers typically last 3-4 months, so it's actually cheaper than that bar soap you are using in the shower.

I'm hoping to go to a training in May where I will expand my knowledge on the new company. But, if you are interested in any of their products, take a look at the Eminence Handmade Organic Skincare website.

Another addition? Celebrities swear by this skincare line!

Exfoliation

I was recently sitting in a salon, and had someone approach me about skin care- exfoliation in specific. Her main question was 'Why can't I use Apricot Scrub to exfoliate my face?'. As an esthetician, skin care is so important, and knowing the correct skin care, and why we can't use something like this is key to helping your skin.

So, let's start from the beginning.

Why is exfoliation so important?

Your skin has a specific cell turn over rate which means your skin develops new skin cells over a certain period of time. If you do not slough your skin of the dead skin cells, it will build up, often clogging your pores and causing skin damage. So, exfoliate!

How do I pick the right exfoliant?

You will want an exfoliant that is very mild on the face. If your exfoliant scrub has beads larger than a grain of sand, chuck it! Those will be too harsh for your face. For younger, less damaged skin, use a larger bead exfoliant. I like to use The Ultimate Scrub, which I carry in my spa. I exfoliate once a week. For older, more sensitive skin, you will want a very fine exfoliant. You will also want to exfoliate more often, 2 to 3 times a week. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can simply mix 1/4 tsp Baking soda with water. Apply to face, and massage for one minute, then rinse with water. 

So why not apricot scrub?

The ingredients in the apricot scrub are too large and too harsh for the face. It's a great exfoliant for the heals, elbows, and knees, but for the face you will want a more gentle scrub. Your face is the part of your body everyone sees. You don't wear a shirt over it. You don't wear socks on your face. It is so sensitive and you want to ensure you are using quality products on that area of your body. Using too harsh of products can actually have the reverse effect on your skin- thickening the skin, breaking down your stratum corneum *first layer of your epidermis*, causing permanent skin damage. 

What should I use for my body?

I have made a variety of Pinterest inspired recipes for body exfoliants. Here are a few of my favorites! 

Brown sugar scrub: 

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Mix all together and keep in shower. 

You can put in any flavor you want when it comes to the smell of the scrub. 

1 cup Epsom salt

1 tsp grapefruit essential oil 

3 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

This is more harsh, so make sure you only use this once every week. 

Want smoother skin after you shave? Exfoliate the day before you shave, this will ensure hairs are fully exposed to the shaver. 

Good luck! 

Today is the day!

I am so excited to get this blog going. For the past few months, I have been attending classes to finish up my Master Esthetics license. Along the way, I have noticed its not just my skin I need to be worried about when growing old, it's my body! That's why I decided to make Dancin Mangos. As I start my journey as an esthetician, I will be searching out healthy alternatives to products we use everyday.

I'm just like everyone else. You hear your friends say 'This year, I'm going to get healthy, go to the gym, drink lots of water, have a sexy body for the summer'. Well, today is the day. Let's do it together, and hopefully find a few great tips along the way. First things first. What's an essential building block for a healthy lifestyle, body, and skin?

WATER!

So how much water should you be drinking a day? The old saying of '8 glasses of 8 ounces per day' doesn't apply anymore! So how do you figure out how much you need to be drinking per day? Take your weight, and divide it in half. BOOM. That's how many ounces you should be drinking per day.

One thing I had a hard time with when starting to drink water is understanding why. Besides the fact that you start to pee every 30 minutes, water helps flush out your system, hydrating your entire body, ridding your body of toxins, and helps to nourish essential parts of your body like skin.

Need help keeping track of your ounces? I got some inspiration at my friend Mckinli Hatch's blog post. (Check it out, she is seriously amazing!).

Now, back to skin. If your like me, you have permanent dark circles under your eyes. I can't tell you how many magazine articles I have read stating I should be getting x amount of sleep, and using an eye cream. Well, I get around 10-12 hours of sleep a night, so that can't be it. My instructor informed me in the early weeks of class that its because my body is not getting enough, you guessed it, WATER that I have dark circles.

Trying to lose weight? Get that water going! Where do the toxins have to go when they don't have anything to flush them out? Into your body. Junk building up in your colon. Years of rotten food in your body because you aren't drinking enough water to flush it out. YUM.

As I mentioned above, for a healthy lifestyle, and healthy skin, body, and to feel great, start with water.

Take a look at the other benefits below to see how water can affect your life.