Three Rules to Healthy Skin via A Healthy Life

Hello Everyone,

Here we are just about two weeks away from Christmas. How the heck did this happen? The year has flown by, hasn't it?

I've been in Ohio in preparation for moving back here at the first of the year. Yes, I am really leaving San Diego and moving to Ohio. Most people give me a cross-eyed look and their whole face contorts into a giant question mark. Why, would someone do this?

Well, lots of reasons for me, but mainly it rains here. Yep. Rain and earth worms. Not to mention my parents live here and I want to play with them. It is interesting spending time here to see where the consciousness is relevant to organics. Right now it is in the infant stages. Most folks are still eating canned and prepared, packaged foods. Choices in restaurants are definitely interesting. For example yesterday I was just about to order a quesidilla and asked what kind of cheese they used - cheddar. And to be honest it was not Real cheddar, it was some food product. Run, Forrest, run.

I know I'm supposed to be talking about skin care, and I am. So for today I'm going to revisit conscious eating and probably none to soon, considering we're heading into Christmas where all the goodies are laid out for our consumption.

Rule #1: Avoid the sugar and prepared, packaged foods. As much as humanly possible keep the tastes of the goods to just that, tastes. No need to insult your hostess by refusing to participate in her feast. However, let moderation be your uppermost thought. A sip, a taste, a tich. Meanwhile, go for the fresh stuff. The veggie plate, the real food. Have ONE cookie. Reach for the nuts and dried fruits.

Rule #2: Keep exercising and moving that body around. I have become convinced this year of the importance of using our bodies strenuously. If you live where it snows, make shoveling an adventure and exercise. Delight that your body can do this, actually gets to do this. Switch off sides so as not to strain only one side. Go for long walks on those starry, cold and silent nights. It is magic.

Rule #3: Appreciate every single little thing that is of the tiniest blessing to you. Did you notice that there was a parking space just opened up as you got to the store? Did you actually appreciate that? Did you notice that your neighbor shoveled your walk? Did you appreciate every bit of food that you got to eat today? Are you appreciating how good your body feels? When I say appreciate, I mean appreciate EVERYTHING and then, look for more things to love, adore and appreciate.

How does this affect your skin? When we are peaceful, content, happy, grateful, optimistic, and positive everything in the body responds, as well. This is exactly how beauty is achieved from the inside out.

Happy Holidays Everyone. Make it your new practice to appreciate, eat whole fresh foods, and look for the Good inherent in every single minute. You will be astounded at how much Good grows from simply following the Three Rules. Of course I hope that in this New Year you will expand your consciousness and give yourself the quality products you deserve, like Miessence.

Wishing for you, all that you wish for.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Giving and Receiving Quality

Hello Everyone,

It is Christmas and everyone is grappling with what to give to whom. I always think about Quality.

Quality is experienced not characterized by the price. Sometimes there is a correlation between Quality and price, but not always.

Quality feels Good. It is inherent in the product or service and the experience of that product or service. A Quality Experience is uplifting, life affirming and expansive. It can be delightful, joyful, and often times defies explanation with words. This is because this Quality I am referring to is Life, itself. It is Real, not real. Whatever the earthly manifestation - skincare products, services, a conversation, a card - it contains more Heart, more Love, more Good. It is manufactured with the highest intentions in mind, the highest quality raw materials, and the highest possible experience in mind for the recipient. This is Love.

When you are considering the perfect gift for anyone, including yourself, consider those things that are Good for all, feel the Heart in the product or service and the intentions of the provider.

A gift should convey love, Life and support the dreams and Life of the recipient. They need not cost a lot, but they do need to be Real and from your heart to theirs.

A gift sees who the recipient Really is and speaks to that. From the giver's perspective, it feels perfect. Giving is like a game of catch. It takes a pitcher and a catcher to complete the transaction. The pitcher throws the ball (the give of Love) and the catcher has to receive it (catch it). Make all your transactions gifts of love, Quality given, Quality received. This is giving Life, supporting Life, affirming Life. It is Who We Are.

Thanks for Reading!

Kath

Antiperspirants and Deodorants: Aluminum A Toxic Health Risk

Hello Everyone,

When I was a little girl, my Gran used to pat baking soda under my arms before I went to school. This was my first antiperspirant/deodorant. I used it for years until they started making the commercial types you could purchase at the drug store. I have to admit that I never liked using them. First they made my clothes white with a powder and it just didn't seem natural to me. Baking soda, though, was a very benign substance.

Today, however, in our society, somehow all of our bodily functions have come to be regarded disreputable and despised. To this end of covering up what is natural, we risk our health for societal acceptance. Let me just say right here that most commercially prepared antiperspirants and deodorants are toxic to your health with direct links to both cancer and Alzheimer's. I couldn't possibly surpass the quality of research done by the website controlyourimpact.com on this subject. They have written a three part article which I encourage you to read entirely. For Part 1 click this link; Part 2;For Part 3.

In summary, most over the counter antiperspirants and deodorants use aluminum. It is absorbed into the skin and when it combines with the moisture in your body, swells and blocks the gland, thus the perspiration. Sounds pretty abnormal to me. At any rate, constant exposure to aluminum absorbed into the body is proven toxic.

There are many natural alternatives out there, but of course, I am partial to One Group's Deodorant. It works really well, and I've tried many other natural products out there.

And if you think the FDA is looking out for your interests, think again. However, the USDA has an opposing opinion to the FDA.

So, there you have it. Time to eliminate yet another toxin from your daily use. The good news is that there are alternatives out there that are actually good for you.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Antibacterial Handsoaps - NO NO NO

Hello Everyone,

In past blogs I have talked about your immune system at great length as the key to health. Today I want to talk to you about antibacterial hand soaps. There are two reasons why you should not use them.

#1. They contain toxins, chemicals like pesticides to kill bacteria and are dangerous to humans

#2. You body needs the "exercise" in coming in contact with bacteria, so as to build the immunity to fight them. All you really need to do is "remove" the bacteria from your skin by simple washing and rinsing.

The main ingredient in most liquid soaps on store shelves is triclosan, a pesticide that kills bacteria. Studies show that antibacterial soaps aren't more effective at preventing illness or removing germs than good old-fashioned soap and water.

In fact, antibacterial soaps do more harm than good. It's overkill to use them. Once again manufacturers prey on your "fears" and tell you that you have to have this to be safe. Nonsense. You don't need to be putting pesticides on your hands which touch your face and other people. Pesticides are just that = they kill pests, bugs, bacteria and people. They are poisons.

It is speculated that triclosan may contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It's also present in human bodies and breast milk, as well as in streams. The Environmental Working Group says triclosan has been linked to developmental defects, liver toxicity, and cancer in lab studies. It also may affect thyroid and other hormones that are crucial to normal development.

The best thing you can do is avoid soaps that claim to be "antibacterial." A quick read of the label will tell you if triclosan or triclocarban (a similar compound more commonly used in bar soaps) are active ingredients. Don't use them.

Of course, One Group's Liquid Hand Soap is triclosan-free.

• 
  
• Size250ml/8.5 fl.oz.

• Description

  A beautiful certified organic liquid soap for the bathroom. Concentrated and economical with a luxurious, rich, creamy lather. Enriched with extra virgin coconut oil to leave the skin soft and moisturised. Naturally free of synthetic chemicals and detergents. Contains purifying and cleansing organic lemon myrtle essential oil.

• To order go to http://honestskincare.mionegroup.com/en/product/13220
  

Organic Matters

Hello Everyone,

Since I'm an organic grower for the County of San Diego in herbs and garlic, I get a lot of neat stuff sent to me. The one I want to tell you about today is the Ecological Farming Association. Their website is http://eco-farm.org. They are in Watsonville, CA; and they are 29 years old. They've been around for awhile.

"The Ecological Farming Association is dedicated to the development of ecologically-based food systems, both domestically and throughout the world by educating farmers, the agriculture industry and other stewards of the land about practical and economically viable techniques of ecological agriculture informing consumers and policy makers about ecological food production and its connection to the health of people and communities, and promoting alliances between individuals and organizations who share our vision of a transformed global food system."

This is taken from the most recent newsletter directly.

In the course of my blogs, I have come to teach you that your healthy skin, your general health, and the health of everything around is all starts with our food supply. This is an issue of concern to everyone, finally, across political lines, race, socio-economic status and even religion.

This would be a great organization in which to throw in your lot. January 21-24, 2009 there will be a huge conference called Eco-Farm 2009. It will be held at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. Not only is Asilomar a wonderful place to visit, a great destination spot, but you'll get some REAL GOOD information and meet lots of great folks.

Focusing ourselves on what we want, not what is, is how we will get what we want.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

You Must Eat Cholesterol!

Hello Everyone,

The blessings and curses of television, media and free speech. We have to be discerning and feel the correctness of information.

This topic bears repeating - the topic of fat in your diet. Contrary to popular belief and common thought (USDA, televisions and possibly your doctor), eating cholesterol is imperative and here's why.

First you have to understand that we are supposed to be eating a balanced diet of non processed whole foods. Shall I repeat that? Yeah, I think I will. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EATING A BALANCED DIET OF NON PROCESSED WHOLE FOODS. There. I feel better. Oh, one more thing...WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MOVING OUR BODIES AROUND! IN ACTION!
Now, I feel even better. So did you get those two very critical points?

1. Eat a balanced diet of whole foods, preferably fresh, and NOT PROCESSED
2. Get out of your chair, off the couch, and move it!

Ok. Next to explain why you need to eat cholesterol and fat. (When the fashion industry and every girl magazine will have you eating air popped popcorn morning, noon, and night.)

The liver, your liver, is a triage station. After you've eaten and the nutrition from that meal enters the blood stream (via the portal vein), the liver takes a head count. It's job is to see that a steady stream of sugar is always going to the brain, and not too much. When sugar enters the portal vein, insulin is released. Insulin is a hormone. If you've just eaten all carbs, here's what happens. The liver interprets this as a "flood" of sugar and starts processing it into

Energy
Triglycerides
Cholesterol
Glycogen

If you don't need energy at that moment, your body checks to see if you need to store some glycogen. If your glycogen stores are full, then your body turns that excess sugar into cholesterol. Cholesterol is used by your body to build hormones, membranes and other structures like triglycerides, which are fatty acids used for energy or fat storage.

A normal body eating a healthy balanced diet produces the right amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides, essential for health. ESSENTIAL for health.

Now, if you're not consuming cholesterol and you're mostly consuming way too many carbohydrates or doing something else to stimulate insulin production artificially (alcohol, phony sugars, etc.), your body malfunctions.

Now your body sees the deprivation of cholesterol as a famine. When your body perceives this as a famine, insulin then activates an enzyme in your liver called HMG Co-A Reductase that will over-produce cholesterol from the carbohydrates you eat. This is the plaque that ends up in your arteries. When you starve the body of dietary cholesterol, forcing it to make its own cholesterol, it over produces.

The body always responds to the over stimulation of insulin levels by over producing cholesterol.
It doesn't matter how the insulin level gets over stimulated, this is what happens: plaque in your arteries. (The Schwartzbein Principle, Diana Schwartzbein, MD)

So you're much better off eating a breakfast that has an egg and buttered toast, than a bowl of cereal with skim milk.

Other benefits of fat in the diet? Luxuriant hair and nails. Supple and moist skin. Great bowel movements.

So, get that fat back into your diet. All kinds. Remember, we're supposed to be eating from the complete array of foods on this planet. I particularly like olive oil and avocados. And one more thing, if you eat some fat at every meal, you'll notice immediately that your meal has staying power in the energy department. You're not going to be looking for that Starbuck's coffee at 3 PM. Reach for a handful of almonds or a half an apple with a dollop of peanut butter on it.

Fat will not make you fat, but carbohydrates will.

Next blog entry will be more about fats, the good, the bad, and the Truth. All fats are not created equal.

Thanks for reading!

Kath

Nonstick Cookware: No Way Baby!

Hello All,

Today, just cruising through my e-mails I received my daily newsletter from Naturalnews.com. Now Mike Adams, the self anointed Health Ranger, can sometimes be something of a zealot, however, today he reports that what I suspected all along, is true. Using nonstick cookware is no good for you.

You know, when I was growing up these selections weren't available, or if they were, we didn't have them in our household. My father worked for Republic Steel, so my Gram and Mom always cooked in stainless steel cookware. So when we girls were setting up our homes, I am quite sure we all used stainless steel Revere Ware. There are many more companies on the market that sell quality stainless steel cookware, so go shopping right NOW.

When I was helping my two boys set up their homes, I insisted on stainless steel. They both laughed at me, but all I could tell them is it just doesn't feel right. That it was some type of chemical coating and that when heat was applied had to impart those chemicals into the food.

Turns out I'm right. But the cause for celebration is this: it was my Intuition, my KNOWING, that I followed. The point here is, everyone has the same Knowing, if you're paying attention.
You might experience it as strongly as revulsion, or just a 'na, I don't think so.' But whatever it is listen up!

For more research, if you're still not convinced:
www.naturalnews.com/024148.html
www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1817688
donkeyod.wordpress.com/2008/05/04/moving-up-the-food-chain-pfcs-present-in-nursing-mothers-breast-milk/

Oh, one more area where I had that same, "na, no thanks" response. When I was building my house here in the mountains, I had to dig a water well. The County required that we store water in above ground tanks for fire fighting. At that time there were plastic tanks (still are) available. The same feeling came to me about those. That in the hot sun, the plastic would impart the chemicals from the plastic into the water, just like it does with your plastic water bottles. Stop using plastic!!! Get yourself a nice stainless steel thermos (they have them at Starbucks for $24.95) and use that for your water supply.

The real point, folks, is to stop and think. Better living through chemistry is Not always the case. Use your Internal Guidance System, even if "they" say it's safe.

Thanks for reading!

Kath