Living On Lemons

  I am fortunate to come from a family where the women have lived well into their nineties and beyond. My Great Aunt Hattie left us last week at the age of 103. She was quite a force of nature, ahead of her time in many ways. As a mentor and confidante she nurtured and encouraged the younger women of her family to strive to be whatever they wanted long before that was the fashion. My Mother often speaks of how Aunt Hattie had encouraged her to forge a role for herself in life. Hattie always advised the brides in the family to “keep a little something aside” for themselves. By this she meant a private savings account, which she had and kept hidden from her husband of over fifty years. She was quite a lady and I will miss her.

  When Hattie was 85 she came to live with us. My Mother was her favorite niece and they were devoted to each other. I learned a lot having Hattie around while I was growing up. She began every day with a glass of lemon water. It was a routine she followed as long as she could remember. I thought it quite odd and always resisted any attempt to try it for myself. Then about a year ago I began to read about the benefits of the lemon water. Maybe Hattie was on to something for all those years. Hey, she lived a long and healthy life.
 
  Apparently the use of lemon water traces is origins to traditional Chinese medicine, which uses nature to prevent and treat health problems. Legend has it that the ancient Romans used lemon water as a cure for the poisons of the day. In the 21st this vitamin C rich citrus fruit that also contains potassium, magnesium and calcium, is touted as a way to detox your system and possibly aid in weight loss. Lemons have digestive properties that can ease heartburn, nausea and even hiccups. Since lemons clear toxins the first thing to benefit is your skin. Your skin will not look bright until your body is free of toxins. There are those that swear drinking lemon water will slow the aging process and even fight wrinkles. Other benefits may include the reduction of the symptoms of asthma and arthritis. Also a natural diuretic, lemon water is good for those with urinary tract infections.

  Biggest bonus of all…. lemon water is calorie free, easy and inexpensive to make. You can drink it warm, cold, or hot. Real devotees like Aunt Hattie (and the Chinese) would have a warm glass of lemon water every morning. Hattie would have a second glass with ice later in the day.

  When buying lemons look for a bright color and relatively thin skin. Keep your lemons at room temperature. Before cutting, roll the lemon on the counter a few times to release the juice. You should use the juice of one half lemon for each eight ounces of water. One final tip…. I wash the lemons before I use them with a mild soap.


 Give this 'old' but tried and true gift of a nature a try. I can’t promise Aunt Hattie’s years but I can promise, a refreshing and healthy drink.


Talk to you soon!


Bizzie Buzz

Favorite Tips For A Great 'Self Tan'

Okay, so you have done your research, bought your favorite self-tanner, and you're ready to go. Here are a few tips that I have learned from various articles and firsthand experience. While self-tanning has been around for sometime the products and results have improved greatly over the past few years, but to achieve that streak free sun kissed glow you have been craving, takes some time and a little planning.

Getting Ready- Plan to leave yourself one hour for the application and drying. Trying to rush this process will result in a not so great result. Wax, shave, or tweeze at least 24 hours in advance. If you think you might be sensitive to DHA (dihyroxyacetone), the main ingredient in most products you might want to test a small amount of your product on your inner arm the night before.

Exfoliate- Probably the most important part of tanning is assuring your skin is smooth and free of rough patches of old dry skin. My favorite method of exfoliation is dry brushing before you shower. A moderately firm bath brush is perfect. You can also use a mitt with an oil free wash. Just keep in mind any cleanser that or scrub that typically contains some oil can impede your results. That also means no lotion or deodorant after showering too.

Clothing Optional- I like to be completely bare when I tan, but I do have some friends that wear an old swimming suit.

Slow and Steady- Begin with your thighs, applying a large dollop. Smooth in tanner all the way down your legs to your ankles and to the tops of your feet. By the time you reach your feet the product should have thinned out. Next go to your middle, then to your shoulders and down your arms. Next do your face- remember to include your ears and the back of your neck! Your back can be a real challenage and you might want to invest in a long handled lotion applicator at your local drugstore.

Wash Your Hands- There is nothing worse than tanned cuticles or orange palms so wash your hands every five minutes. Once you lightly apply the tanner to the tops of your hands, wipe your palms and cuticles with a baby wipe or washcloth.

A Final Wipe- Go back with a soft dry cloth and buff the back of your heels, elbows, and knees to remove any excess from these areas. Little mistakes can be corrected by rubbing the area with a lemon half.

The Tan- It can take up to three hours for the color to totally develop so be patient. Wait 6 to 8 hours beofer showering.

Maintain- A self-tanner can last anywhere between 3 to 10 days. Avoid long showers and excessibe rubbing. Moisturize often. The dryer the skin the quicker the tan will flake and fade.

Useful Products- Check out Bathtub's Exfoliating Gloves at  http://bit.ly/kz4P3t. Our Lotion Applicator will help apply tanner to hard to reach places.. Check it out here.. http://bit.ly/l0qwYH

LAST BUT NOT LEAST- Most self-tanners DO NOT have sunscreen in them so do not forget to apply your sun screen as you would normally.

Good Luck!!

Buzzie Buzz