I've always had a habit of biting off more than I could actually chew - literally and figuratively.  Now I've finally gotten myself into several commitments that require more than 24 hours of devotion a day yet not one of them would I want to see neglected or taken away. 

 

I haven't graduated just yet but that will happen in a number of days and shortly after I'll be going to NYC for a summer internship in Brooklyn.  I will be working with a program that educates inner city youths and brings them to the level of competitiveness academically as private, parochial, and military - type ivy league precollege academic schools.  This is a job that I'd love to keep for life and I was very fortunate to get in the door but I'll begin Law School in the Southeast in the fall so that decision is pretty much made - I think :)

 

Between too many parties that have been fantastic all over town and finishing up with finals my mind has been in a daze and one day has blended into the other.  I've been neglectful of this blog, my other blog, and another forum that I'm a co-hostess with and I apologize but realize that weekly updates may become impossible - they already have - as I'm barely hanging on now with what I have to do.  I love catching up on everyone's blog though late at night and really enjoy more than anything Erika's tutorials.  Every tip that I've ever used from her videos I still use and a lot of people have joined up though I haven't seen them posting, just to catch her new tips and videos.  Go Erika!

 

So I'm just dropping in and saying hello to all of my friends out there and Erika and Michelle I owe you both an enormous Thank You for your commitment and hard loyal work to our makeup and skincare forum.  Thank you both so much.

How about a Thai dish that is delicious.  It's spicy like Thai but not over the top spicy and it has a sweet flavor to it. 

 

Miss Nola made this a few times and set it all off with huge flames.

 

I've never seen it on a Thai menu but she sais that it's Thai, her mother is Thai, it tastes like Thai, so for all intents and purposes, it's Thai.  It is really delicious too.

 

I've never been bold enough to set the dish on fire but if it's a special occasion and you're brave at heart go for it. 

 

Remember to place the chicken vertically on the plate.  When you light the fire to the open cavity it looks like a volcano erupting - not really but this is her recipe and that's her story. 

 

Ingredients

1 chicken at least 2 pounds in weight. 

Marinade 

2 tablespoons of garlic, minced 
half a teaspoon Thai powdered pepper
1/4 cup of fish sauce
1/4 cup of whiskey 
1/4 cup of honey 
1/4 cup of cocnut milk
1 tablespoon of red curry paste 
2 tablespoons Thai chili in oil

For the Fire or Flambe: 1 cup of whiskey

Directions

Mix the marinade ingredients, then clean and prepare the chicken. Thoroughly coat the chicken with marinade, and leave to stand in a wok for 12 hours (refrigerate). 

Remove the chicken from the wok allowing to drain well.

Over medium heat reduce the marinade to a thick sauce. 

The chicken should be placed upright on an ovenproof plate.  In the States a  "chicken roaster" will do.  In Thailand there is a specific utensil for this.  Can't remember what she called it.  

Cook the chicken on medium in the oven until the skin just begins to change color. 

Remove the chicken and place it on a flame proof dish, a metal pan is good.  This is what the dish is served in. nd  Pour whiskey through the middle opening of the chicken and then ladle it over the outside so that the chicken is thoroughly coated.  Ignite and allow the whiskey to burn out on it's own.

Carve the chicken, and serve with Thai jasmine rice and stir fried vegetables.  I usually season these with a store bought pre made Thai seasoning.  Also serve with Thai chili sauce and another dish of the reduced sauce.

Bok Choy is the vegetable that my friend usually serves with this and it goes great with the dish.

Important notes:

Do be careful, this is fire.

Heat liquor until warm. Do not overheat or alcohol will evaporate

Never pour liquor directly from a bottle into a hot pan or an already flaming dish as the flames may travel to the bottle.

Grape-based brandies are good too with this dish.

To make the flames of a dessert last longer soak a sugar cube with cognac and place it on the food before igniting.

I hope you enjoy!

Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am's music video inspired by Barack Obama's message of hope.

Yes We Can!
¡Sí, Se Puede!

If you live in a February 5th voting state, go here:
http://www.barackobama.com/feb5statepages/

And click your state. We need you on Feb 5th.

Lyrics:
It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.

Yes we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.

Yes we can.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality.

Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.

Yes we can heal this nation.

Yes we can repair this world.

Yes we can.

We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics...they will only grow louder and more dissonant ........... We've been asked to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.

Now the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea --

Yes. We. Can.

I finally have become among the privileged users of MMBB mineral makeup.  I've read many raving reviews of this brand of mineral cosmetics but until recently hadn't had the opportunity to use it myself.  That all changed the other day when I received a tester package from Lisa, the owner of MMBB.  I received 2 forms of foundation and one is titled as liquid.  Initially  I thought that an error had been made as the envelope only had powder forms of foundation.  Then I realized that the foundation is actually a like-liquid foundation.

My opinion of this foundation is definitely two thumbs up!  It applies very easily and requires no buffing whatsoever.  It lasted beautifully and I really like the level of coverage that the liquid like foundation gives.  Unfortunately I broke my laptop a couple of weeks ago when I tripped while holding it and running up the stairs on campus.  My monitor broke and as a result I'm for the meantime unable to post pictures until I either purchase a monitor or pay to have the one I cracked up repaired.  

I look forward to ordering full sized products from MMBB before the holidays in fact as I'm writing this I'm thinking how much my mother would love this foundation.  I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season and am off now to email Lisa to find out if an order placed today could arrive by Christmas.  My mother loves makeup like no other and I'm sure that she'd really love this company's products. 

So again I wish everyone a very blessed, satisfying and merry Holiday!

Herbs for Acne

Most often acne is caused by the sebaceous glands at the base of the hair follicles of the skin secreting too much sebum - an oily substance that is made by the body to keep the skin healthy and lubricated. When an excess of sebum is produced or it gets clogged it can form hard plugs that block the pores and produce pimples.

A localized bacterial infection can develop when these oil plugs rupture beneath the skin's surface.

What causes an overproduction of sebum?

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause.  This occurs often in adolescence especially in males. In females, menstrual periods or pregnancy can also create hormonal disturbances that can lead to breakouts as can contraceptives, medications, in particular steroids. Basically any drug that alters the normal hormonal balance in the body.

Some evidence shows that food allergies to certain foods can cause aggravation resulting in eruptions as well.

 

 

Specific Herbs for Acne

 

ALOE GEL has astringent & antibacterial properties and is applied topically.

It contains amino acids, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc; as well as vitamin A, C, and E.

The gel is applied topically. The juice is taken internally.

CAUTIONS: Not for internal use during pregnancy or in those suffering from diarrhea.

 

CALENDULA promotes healing of skin tissue. You can make a strong infusion of this herb and use as a facial was or steam. It is also available in creams.

This herb is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.. Applied topically it also relieves painful, irritated skin conditions such as sunburn, diaper rash, insect bites and chapped skin. Washing infected skin with an infusion made from this herb will help prevent staph infection.

 

LAVENDER compresses are used to relieve inflammation.

Lavender is a general tonic,sedative,antispasmodic, diuretic, and digestive aid. It is useful in treating acne, headache, psoriasis, anxiety, insomnia, and yeast infections. Due to it's antihistamine properties, inhaling the vapors is useful in treating.

CAUTIONS: This herb can stimulate secretion of bile and should be used with great caution by those with gallstones

 

 

ROSEWATER is applied topically for pain & inflammation.

 

 

TEA TREE OIL is a powerful antiseptic but must be diluted before applying to skin.

This herb has antibacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic properties that make it useful for treating fungi and bacteria.

Tea tree oil has powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal properties.

It is a useful first aid remedy and against skin ailments, infections, cuts & scrapes, burns, and insect bites.

Tea tree oil is also effective against nail fungus, ringworm, athlete's foot, dandruff, and acne.

CAUTIONS: Should not be used internally as it can cause nerve damage.

 

WALNUT LEAF is a useful astringent skin wash.

 

WITCH HAZEL has antibacterial & astringent properties.

 

ECHINACEA tincture taken internally promotes healing, reduces inflammation.

Traditionally this herb has been used to boost the immune system, promote healing and reduce inflammation. It has been useful in treating acne, cancer, chronic fatigue, colds, coughs, ear infections, influenza, parasitic infections and strep throatCAUTIONS: Use Echinacea with caution if you have an allergy to ragweed or plants in the sunflower family.

 

GOLDENSEAL is an antimicrobial which stops oozing.

Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis (Peony Family)

 

Berberine, a chemical contained in goldenseal, is said to have the ability to fight off infection caused by some bacteria, fungi, and yeast, and can act as a mild sedative. Some say that berberine stimulates the heart and is more effective than aspirin for reducing fevers. Another chemical in goldenseal, hydrastinine, is said to reduce blood pressure. This herb has also been used traditionally to stimulate the immune system .

CAUTIONS: May lower blood sugars, so should be used cautiously by those with diabetes. Not for use during pregnancy. This herb should not be taken internally for more than a week.

 

 

 

BURDOCK ROOT and DANDELION contain insulin which improves the skin by removing bacteria.

Helpful for skin and scalp conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis. It is also useful for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

 

 

 

Dandelion Taraxacum officinale (Composite Family)

The leaves of this plant are a powerful diuretic. The roots are a blood purifier which helps remove toxins from the liver and kidneys.

Because it is high in vitamins and iron, this herb is useful for treating anemia.

 

Because treating only topically is many times not very effective in combating acne many herbalists recommend treating the causes internally and topically in unison.

 

Internally, a good combination for cleansing the liver and blood would be a tincture of MILK THISTLE and DANDELION. The traditional dosage is 30 drops in a little water 3 times daily.

 

Topically, you can combine any number of herbs such as CALENDULA, LAVENDER, TEA TREE OIL, WITCH HAZEL and ROSEWATER, depending on the specific condition of your skin.

 

 

FaceFab is a hostess here on Natural Beauty, Health, and Skin Care http://naturalbeauty.groups.vox.com/ . 

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of her credentials but she is a highly experienced and successful makeup artist, hair coloring, cutting and stylist expert.  She also possesses expertise and talent in all areas of nail care.

 

FaceFab works as a makeup artist The Home Shopping Club and America's Network, an affiliate of The Home Shopping Club.  She also is a freelance MAC and Laura Mercier artist.

 

Needless to say we are more than fortunate to have her wealth of talent, knowledge, and experience here to learn and from which to benefit. 

 

FaceFab has agreed to lend her talents to all of us every Friday, a day which we will be known as

 

FACEFAB FRIDAY. 

 

So tune in to Fridays for Makeup Tutorials, Beauty Tips from a Pro, and once a month FaceFab will host a Question and Answer session.

 

FaceFab Blogs at  http://facefab.vox.com/library/posts/page/10/   

 

And can be found on her personal website at  http://www.facefab.com/ 

 

 

A dear friend of mine on Vox, Happy Hippy shared this short film with me and I loved it so much that I borrowed it from her.  She has an excellent blog site here on Vox so please take the time and visit it.  She is a beautifully fascinating person.  http://happyhippy.vox.com/

I hope that you will take a few moments and watch this short film that sends a valuable message to us all.

I love eating and I especially love eating out with family and friends.  Being bi- or multi- lingual can be invaluable when traveling in a foreign land or when dining out in an international restaurant - if there is no translation available on the menu and the staff doesn't speak English.  I've had this happen a few times. 

 

The other night while dining out I ran across something very interesting on the menu. 

 

What made it even more interesting was that a friend of mine actually asked for the recipe in the event of future necessity.

 

 

 

I'm seriously wondering if that's an Orb as in angel in the photograph above.  Well it could be.  Then again it may just be the lighting but I'll go with it's an angel.

 

 

Now back to something either holistic, natural or makeup related.

 

 Acupuncture- an Introduction

 

We all live very stressful lives in one way or another.  The body's immune system in time can begin to suffer from a lack of rest and or the build-up of stress found in our hectic and demanding lives.

Once the immune system is compromised colds and sicknesses can set in more easily. Many people turn to over the counter aids but these can and often do have unexpected and unnoticed side affects.  Prescription medications have many side effects that leave individuals feeling drowsy and slow. There is an alternative to taking pills that has minimal side effects (and mostly none at all) that can leave you feeling better than before and get the body’s electrical energy circuitry flowing.  This is acupuncture.   Acupuncture can not only help you feel better, have more energy, eliminate muscle aches and pains; it is also proven helpful with migraines and can either ease their discomfort or completely clear them away. 

 

 

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and its roots can be traced back to the Taoist tradition. Practitioners long ago would meditate on how man and the world's energy merged with each other. The flow of nature was within the human body and governed by a life force or energy called Qi (pronounced chee). Within the body, as in nature, there were lines that energy ran down. These lines are called meridians, and there are fourteen meridians within the human body. From these fourteen meridians, there are thousands of points that allow the blocked energy (from bodily injury, stress, or a poorly cared-for self) to be corrected.

Traditional Chinese explain the effectiveness of acupuncture as being based on the Taoist philosophy that states that good health depends on a free circulation of chi or life-force energy throughout all the organs of the body

The acupuncturist, after an initial physical and questioning interview with the patient about his or her past medical history, will locate the damaged or blocked area. Thin, solid needles are inserted into the skin. It is a painless procedure. The needles are then manipulated by the hand or electrical stimulation. The acupuncturist then leaves the patient to rest and relax before coming back in to remove the needles. 

 

 

Though acupuncture isn't a miracle cure and usually requires more than one visit to see a lasting and major impact on health or condition, it is an ancient proven and beneficial alternative healing treatment that definitely merits looking into when in need of among other things, assistance for fatigue, muscle or joint pain, or plain malaise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was asked by Dayna Hoozey to test her mineral foundations.  I think that everyone on Vox has tested them so I was happy when she asked me as this made me feel a part of the club.  Thank you for including me Dayna.J

 

 

 

I received my foundations last week and wasn’t able to test them until today due to intense studying and other obligations related to school and church.

 

 

 

Dayna sent what appears to be 3 foundations, 2 vellums, 1 bronzer, and 1 eye shadow.

 

 

 

Then foundations are very different from each other.  At first glance I thought that one looked like it may be a very good match. 

 

This was G2 and as it turned out it is the only one of the 3 that is compatible with my skin tone.  Actually it’s a pretty good match and I would wear it.   It perfectly matches my neck and blends well with my undertone but will soon be too dark for me in the winter, at least too dark for my face.

 

 

 

The other foundations G1 and B2 are far too dark for me even with a tan but I do think that they may work well with darker tanned South East Asian women.

 

 

 

 

The vellums are extremely yellow and I assumed that when applied they wouldn’t appear as such but on me they do.  This could be because I’m tanned now and these are designed for un tanned Asian skin but I can’t imagine either of these working well for my complexion.

 

 

 

The bronzer which is named Bronzed goddess may be a bronzer or an eye shadow, I’m not sure but it would work better for me as an eye shadow as it is very shimmery.

 

I love the eye shadow sample rustic and this is one that I will wear.  It is a warm light beige/tan with a bit of shimmer.

 

 

 

I did apply the G2 foundation, The Vellum, and then the Bronzer Goddess Bronzer but chose not to show the photograph because it was very unflattering and chalky.

 

 

 

I think Dayna that it is good that you are aggressively pursuing the Asian market but I woud like to suggest that an important consideration in the formulation of your bases may be to eliminate the white chalky after effect of the foundations and finishing powders. 

 

 

 

 

Here are swatches

 

 

 On the left is the Vellum powder applied lightly, very lightly.  In the middle is G2 which is a good match for my skin at this time.  On the far right is the bronzer powder applied lightly.  It has shimmer or small glitter but which is barely notiecable but the problem is that it is so beige/pink and powdery like.  Not at all bronzing or warming.

 

 

The title is soooo corny but....

 

I'm totally hooked on bronzer now.  It really pays to know how to use a product properly and I am thankful to FaceFab for teaching me through her tutorial series on Bronzers.

 

I attended a wedding, reception, and after reception breakfast that began on Saturday at 4:45pm and ended at 8:00am Sunday morning!  The event was one of the most beautiful and uniquely presented wedding and celebratory event that I've ever attended.

 

Today's, or rather what began as last night's look comes from that event. 

 

My look of the day consists of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meow Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Bronzer

(you have got to love the creativity of Meow's names)

  Applied on cheeks, forehead, temples, and lips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAC BlackTrack Fluidlines

  Applied on lower eyelids from outer 3/4 margin stopping before reaching inner corners

  (my eyes are close-set according to the make-up artist at the MAC counter)

 

DiorShow Mascara

 Applied in 2 layers

 

Wet n Wild

 Clear wand gloss applied on lips over bronzer

 

I'm exhausted, it's noon, good night ;)