Beauty Bar — Moms of Faith

Mother/Daughter Frugal Spa Day…at Home!

February 4, 2010 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

A great way for a Mom to connect with her daughter is to have a beauty day. It’s fun, girly and filled with opportunity for memories! This is a great idea for ANY age!

Tips to Create a frugal spa day at home

Plan a date. If you have boys in the house, send them out for the day with Dad.
Place scented candles around your house to create a relaxing ambiance.
Homemade Facials. Here are a few recipes…

Mix together 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, and 5 drops liquid honey in a bowl. Apply to your face and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes. Finish off by rinsing with warm water followed by a moisturizer.

With the following ingredients (oatmeal, warm water, yogurt, honey, and one egg white), make a thin mud type mixture and apply it thinly to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, or until you feel a tightening, then rinse with warm water.

This decadent chocolate mask is actually an excellent moisturizer. I found this one at spaindex.com. Mix following ingredients until smooth; 1/3 cup cocoa, 3 tblsp. heavy cream, 2 tsp. cottage cheese, 1 cup of honey, 3 tsp. oatmeal powder. Relax for ten 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Watch a chick flick while waiting for your facials to absorb.

Give each other a manicure and pedicure. Put on some of your daughter’s favorite music while doing mani/pedis. Yes, HER favorites.
Ask her how her day was. Try and learn more about her.
Share some spiritual insights without seeming preachy.

The point is to spend quality time with your daughter and build a strong bond. Start young and you will stay connected even through the coming years of puberty. If you are getting a late start, no worries…it is NEVER too late to love your daughter and get to know who she is!

Enjoy your girls, Moms!

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Filed Under: Beauty Bar, Blog, Featured, Frugal Living, Mommy and Me Time, Teenagers, Toddlers, Tweens Tagged With: All Moms, Beauty Bar, Daughters, Frugal, Fun, Mommy and Me Time, Teenagers, Toddlers, Woman Stuff

Nourshing Your Temple In The Comfort Of Your Home

October 12, 2009 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

Mothers have a tendency of putting everything and everyone before them. Our plates are filled with careers, household and financial responsibilities, taking care of our children, running errands, being involved in church, the list is never ending. We remarkably fit it all in, unfortunately we often do it at the cost of neglecting our own needs. God blessed us with a temple that needs nourishing. When we neglect our temple it eventually begins to fall apart.

Moms were given the wonderful gift of being a nurturer and most of us wouldn’t trade that trait for anything. However, why not give yourself the same gift you give others and take the time to nurture yourselves. There are a number of ways to relax in your own home that can provide the rest and rejuvenation you so desperately need. Taking care of our temple requires us to feed ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Ways to nourish your temple in the comfort of your own home

Nurturing the Body

I have always enjoyed a retreat to the spa and believe the money spent is well worth it, however with everyone tightening their belts and trying to save money, spas just aren’t affordable for many moms. If you can’t go to the spa then bring the spa home to you!

Choose a day when you can spare a few hours and have some alone time. Create a spa like environment in your own bathroom. Start by making sure the bathroom is clean and clear of clutter like toys or wet towels. Light soothing candles, play music you find relaxing, grab some reading material, fill the tub, add some bath salts, and soak your troubles away. Afterward wrap yourself in a comfy robe take a nap, watch your favorite television program, or drink some tea and relish in your, “me time”.

Here are some suggestions for your spa day:

Facial masks are an inexpensive way to make you feel refreshed and have clean skin. Look for homemade recipes with ingredients from your kitchen. Try an avocado mask they are extremely hydrating.
Find a moisturizer that hydrates your skin especially since colder weather is on the rise. Oils are great for dry skin.
Give yourself a pedicure. Purchase an inexpensive foot spa, or soak your feet in a basin with Epson salt.
Exfoliate your skin with this homemade tip. Mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of oatmeal, and 1 cup of olive oil, then rub it in circular motions on your body. For soft skin cut a piece of lemon and rub your elbows and knees to soften your skin.

Another way to nurture your temple is through eating and exercise. I mentioned in a previous article the benefits of creating your own home gym. Exercise gives you the energy you need to be the nurturer you are. Don’t forget to squeeze in exercise at least three times a week.

Food is our energy source. Whatever, we put in our body is what we will get out of it. Make your kitchen a place that is conducive to nurturing your temple. Instead of high sugary snacks stack your cabinets and fridge with fruits, almonds, and healthy snacks. Buy a cookbook with healthy recipes, gather the kids and make some nourishing meals together.

Staying Mentally Healthy

If you are always running around putting fires out it can become exhausting. Your mind needs a break from your hectic schedule. When we are mentally drained it manifests itself in a number of ways. Keeping your mind healthy is of the utmost importance for yourself and your family. Most of us wouldn’t mind hoping on a plan and taking a trip to the Bahamas, but again we are in a recession.

So find some peace right at home by trying these suggestions:

Take a few minutes to sit on your porch. Nothing clears your mind like fresh crisp air.
Have a space in your home that is created for you. I wrote about creating a prayer room in an earlier article. Having an extra room to go to when you need to get away from the bustle of the family is beneficial for everyone.
Naps aren’t only for your toddler. Take a 20 minute nap to clear your mind and keep exhaustion at bay.
Keep your mind alert is by doing crossword puzzles. Curl up in your favorite chair, pull out a crossword puzzle and put your brain to work. Take the time to read a good book that is inspiring and uplifting, watch your whole mood change.

Staying Spiritually Fit

Christians know that nurturing our spiritual life and strengthening our intimate relationship with the Lord is essential to our well being. Our family and home are our priorities, but always remember that our first priority is God. For the six days you aren’t in church don’t skimp on staying spiritually fit, keep the momentum going at home.

Try these tips:

Create your personal prayer space, and try to spend at least 15 minutes to half an hour praying and studying scripture daily.
Have a group of friends come over to your home once a week for bible study.
Keep a prayer journal.
Memorize a scripture for the day or week and take time to reflect upon it.

There are so many ways to nourish our temple in our own home. Stay fit physically, mentally and spiritually in the comfort of your own home. By taking care of yourself you are giving the best gift to your family, the gift of a healthy mother, wife, and woman that honors the temple that God gave her.

Filed Under: Articles and Such, Beauty Bar, Blog, Columns, Fitness, Health & Beauty, In the Word Tagged With: Beauty Bar, Columns, fitness, Health & Beauty, In the Word, Mom's Kitchen

I Love Kerasal!

September 20, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

For those of you who do not know, Kerasal is a foot ointment. It is used to help make your feet softer. You can buy it at most drug stores. I got mine at Walgreen’s. This stuff is like a miracle cream. I have been doing all kinds of experiments. Who would have thought??

I love the stuff! I originally purchased it for my elbows. Yes, my elbows. I was getting rough elbows from leaning on them a lot while working Online. Nothing worked. I tried everything, including; Vaseline, moisturizers, olive oil, vitamin e oil, you name it. Nothing would even touch the roughness.

Then, I though, hey, let me try some heel ointment. This is where Kerasal came in. It worked almost instantly. Seriously. I was shocked. After a few applications, my elbows were no longer rough. Yeah!

So, then I actually used it for it’s original purpose…LOL…my heels. Guess what? It worked there too!

Me being me decided not to stop there. I though man, if this stuff is that good and moisture filled, why not try it on some wrinkles. LOL. Yes, I went there. As soon as I put it on, I noticed the line fade a tad. I put it on the one I blame my husband on. LOL. You know the one between the eyebrows. It’s a line that drives me nuts.

It is slowly fading. I mean it is still there. However, the Kerasal has definitely diminished it enough that I feel better about it.

Kerasal is so much more than foot ointment. It is a beauty product that every Mom should have. It has so many uses and I am still experimenting with it. Buy some. Use it. LOL. Let me know how it worked for you!

If you really want feet that rock, read my review on Ped Egg. Together, you will have feet to be envied!

Filed Under: Beauty Bar, Beauty Products Tagged With: Beauty Bar, Reviews, Skin

Anti Aging Tips for Hands

September 16, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

We use our hands for many things, and unfortunately, they are one way to tell our age pretty accurately…unless, we take good care of them! Yes, I believe our hands can help us look younger!

Simple Everyday Anti Aging Tips for Hands

Protect them from the affects of the sun. Use sunscreen. Not only will your hands have a youthful appearance, you will be less likely to get those ugly age spots on them. Simply apply a 15-30SPF sunscreen to your hands daily as you would moisturizing lotion.

Speaking of moisturizing…Moisturize your hands at least three times a day. Why, well, many of the everyday things we do…like washing dishes, actually dry them out, thus giving an aged appearance.

Give yourself regular manicures. Pretty nails go a long way to helping you have pretty, youthful looking hands. Simple things are all that you really need to do. Clean. File. Buff. Apply a colored or clear polish.

Protect Hands. Wear gloves when gardening. When gardening, gloves protect your hands from the sun and from injuries such as scratches and contact dermatitis from handling weeds.

Hand Massages. Rub one palm over the back of the opposite hand in a circular motion. The massage motion increases circulation, which helps warm up your hands.

Another Option is finger massage. Especially soothing for those with tired hands, carpal tunnel or even arthritis. A nice finger massage with a little warm coconut oil is very healthy and helpful for hands.

Exfoliate. Gently rub damp hands with salt or sugar, then rinse. The grainy texture of the salt helps scrape away old skin cells, and, once again, it improves circulation.

Eat right! Lack of B-complex vitamins can cause ridged nails. A lack of calcium can result in brittle, dry nails that chip and flake easily. Make sure to eat a balanced diet filled with vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits and veggies are important for healthy skin, nails and hands, as well as your overall heath!

These anti aging tips are sure to get you on the path of better health and a more youthful appearance for your hard working Mom hands!

Filed Under: Beauty Bar Tagged With: Anti Aging, Beauty Bar

Beauty Product Review – Ped Egg

August 21, 2009 By Faith_Mom 2 Comments

Product Name: Ped Egg
Rating: 10
Where to buy: amazon.com

Description: A nifty little beauty product to help fight calloused rough feet!

Review: Ever since we have lived in our current residence, I have had issues with calloused feet. We went from carpet to tile. It has been very hard on my feet over the years and I have tried everything you can imagine to fix the problem.

One product that helped with the roughness was Kerasal. Unfortunately, that alone did not fix my calloused foot problem. It only softened them. I had tried several foot scrubs and tools for removing the crud that makes calloused feet look so bad. Some did OK and others just…well…stunk for lack of a better word.

Then, I found Ped Egg. Personally, I balk at “As Seen On TV” products. My experience with them has been negative to say the least. I have gotten to a point where I avoid them at all costs. However, my husband convinced me to at least try Ped Egg, and the price was right, so I caved.

I am very happy with my decision to give Ped Egg a try. It is a wonderful little product. Very easy to use and even easier to clean!

I simply open the egg up, and scrub a dub dub my heels with the metal grater (not too hard though…no need). Once finished, I open the grater and inside is all the yucky gook that I just scraped off my feet! It is quite gross, but cool too, cause I just rinse it off, replace the top, and it is all clean for next time! Once the egg is back together, the bottom of it is a little smoothing stone. I use that to smooth the areas I just grated. Rinse the bottom, and put back on shower rack. Done. Simply fabulous.

Ped Egg is a very cool beauty product. It works better than any others like it that I have tried. Use it with the Kerasal and you will have heels envied by the masses! Better yet, NO expensive pedicures to get them! Whoo Hoo! Another plus for Mr. Ped Egg! I love it and highly recommend it to all my Moms of Faith readers!!!

Criticism: None! I mean even the price is right!

Filed Under: Beauty Bar, Beauty Products Tagged With: Beauty Bar, Reviews

Body Image and Self Esteem

June 29, 2009 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

When I was a senior in college, I had to complete a thesis as a requirement to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree in psychology. I decided to write my thesis on the correlation between body image and self esteem in women. I surveyed one hundred women ages 18-60 and needless to say there was a high correlation between those who had a poor self image and a low self esteem. It was an eye opener to read the results of the survey, which were quite disturbing. I was amazed at the large number of women who loathed their bodies and who didn’t think they had much self worth. Now that I have my own daughter and have gone through my own issues with weight, I am reminded of how important it is to teach our children to love, honor, and respect their bodies.

In today’s culture girls, especially are bombarded with images of how they should look. The images that the media have portrayed have given our children a very distorted idea of what is beautiful and what is not. From the clothes, the toys, and the television shows, parents are hard pressed to find wholesome healthy images. Last Halloween I was amazed and outraged at the provocative costumes that were available to young girls. I simply did not buy them, but it was disturbing how inappropriate they were. I am one of those parents who believe that you can’t put all the blame on the media and the fashion industry. I believe that you are responsible for what you allow in your home. If you feel that a tween television show such as Hannah Montana has adult themes that are inappropriate for your child, then do not allow them to watch it. If a skirt from the mall is too mini, don’t buy it. As parents we have to take responsibility for what we allow to filter into our homes.

Girls need to have role models that are admirable not because of their ability to wear a size 0, they should look up to a role model because of their values, morals, and character. It is important that we teach our daughters that what is on the inside is what counts. We need to remind them that they are created in the image of our father and therefore, they are beautiful not because of their clothing size or their appearance but because they are god’s creation. Their self esteem and self worth should be rooted in their relationship with the Lord. It is important that they treat their body as a temple, and that means nourishing it with healthy foods, exercise, cleanliness, and most importantly self respect.

I have said this before, and I will say it again, our children will replicate our actions. If they see us living a healthy physical, spiritual, and emotional lifestyle they are more likely to do the same. If they hear us constantly complaining about our weight, and saying, “I’m so fat, look at me, I look awful.” You better believe that they will start scrutinizing themselves. It is important that we are careful with our words. Telling your daughter, she can stand to loose a few pounds can lead to a lifetime of her constantly analyzing her weight. I am by no means saying to let your child become obese, however if you see your child gaining an unhealthy amount of weight, incorporate more physical activity together, for example, take tennis or dance lessons together, or just take more evening walks. Let your kids see you active, self confident, and caring about your body, be their role model and remove the responsibility from the media.

Self image and self esteem are vital to the well being of our girls and our boys. At a very young age children are aware of their bodies. They are a blank slate until all the outside influences come in and begin to cloud their vision. Bad self esteem can lead to all sorts of problems as well as a poor body image. Instill in your children that their bodies are a sacred gift from God and it is up to them to care for it and appreciate it. Compliment your daughter, and encourage her to live by her own set of rules, not the rules that her peers set. Give her the courage to be different and not follow the leader of the pack. Tell her she is beautiful not only for her face or body, but for all of her Christ like characteristics. Let them know that their worth is not linked to their appearances. Lastly, filter what enters your home, don’t feel pressured to be a cool parent, instead be a parent that has healthy boundaries for your children.

Filed Under: Beauty Bar, Blog, Columns, God Time, Healthy Kids, Life as a Woman, Teenagers, Toddlers, Tweens Tagged With: Beauty Bar, children, Healthy Kids, In the Word, Parenting, Self Esteem, Teenagers, Woman Stuff

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Pimples be Gone!

May 12, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Pimples be Gone!

This beauty tip is for Moms and those raising teenagers. Pimples are no fun for anyone. Obviously washing your face is a sure fire way of preventing unwanted pimples. LOL! However, no matter how often you wash, and how great your skin is, if you are human, you will most likely suffer from a pimple at some point in your life!

Good News! I have discovered a few ways that get rid of them quickly….

Citrus. Cut a lemon or lime in half and sub it on affected area before bed. This dries it up pretty quick. You should notice improvement when you wake up.

Preparation H. Yep. Hard to believe, huh? A little dab will do ya. Just a little and the pimple will begin to disappear within a day.

Moisturize. This is more of a prevention. Wash your face and then moisturize it with a good quality moisturizer that fits your skin type. Believe it or not moisturizing helps keep the pimples away. My teenager does this and has minimal pimple outbreaks.

I hope these tips help you eliminate those unwanted pimples! If you have any other tips for keeping them away or getting rid of them quickly, post below!

Filed Under: Beauty Bar, Blog Tagged With: Beauty Bar, Skin, Teenagers, Tuesday's Mommy Tip

St. John’s Wort

April 22, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

St. John’s Wort is found growing in temperate climates throughout the world. It is a weed that spreads rapidly. It was believed to have bloomed on the birthday of St. John the Baptist, June 24; hence the name St. John’s Wort.

St. John’s Wort is known for its use as a mild antidepressant. St. John’s Wort is also being studied for its possible affects on other mood disorders such obsessive-compulsive disorder. People taking St. John’s Wort have shown an improvement in their moods, and the ability to carry out their day to day activities. Used topically, it may have antiviral and antibacterial effects as well.

St. John’s Wort may be able to relieve temporary depression, and also makes it useful in treating chronic fatigue syndrome and the mood swings associated with menopause and PMS. St. John’s Wort is also considered a mild sedative. St. John’s Wort does not actually increase sleeping time, but may increase the time spent in deep sleep by helping to produce melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone.

St. John’s Wort can be found in most health stores, drug stores, and pharmacies. The recommended dosage for St. John’s Wort extract, when taken for mild to moderate depression, is 500-1,000 mg per day. Results may be varied from individual to individual. You should consult with a health care professional to determine how long to use this supplement.

Pregnant women should avoid this product, and those who are photosensitive may experience an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight. Some people may experience stomach upset, restlessness, mild allergic reactions or fatigue when using this herb. St. John’s Wort should not be taken by those who have chronic or clinical depression, and should never be used with prescription anti-depressants or any medication that interacts with MAO inhibitors. A physician should be consulted before taking this herb in combination with any other medications.

Filed Under: Beauty Bar Tagged With: Beauty Bar

Healthy Skin Foods

April 21, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Everything you put into your body will be reflected in your skin. If you have a diet high in fat, processed foods and little fruit and vegetables, your skin will surely reflect that. In our teens, and 20s we’re able to get away with a lot but once we hit 30 and beyond our skin isn’t so forgiving anymore.

Here are a few must have foods for healthy skin:

Water…Water…WATER – This is the number ONE best thing for your skin! You should drink HALF your body weight in ounces of PURE water. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water a day (no sodas, soups or other drinks are included in this). It may seem like a lot. However, if you fill a jug and make sure you drink before each meal and throughout your day, before you know it…you drank your quota! For maximum benefits clear water is best. It helps purify your body and eliminates toxins. It is the closest thing to the fountain of youth!

Green tea – Not only is this drink loaded with health benefits, it will also help the look of your skin by reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals that cause skin damage.

Selenium – This powerhouse is found in foods like turkey, brazil nuts, tuna, and whole grain breads. Include at least one of these foods in your diet every day.

Fatty Acids – These are found in oils such as walnut and flaxseed. Oily fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are also rich in essential fatty acids.

Dairy – Low fat dairy products are high in Vitamin A which is beneficial to the skin. Low fat yogurt is also good for the digestive system which in turn helps skin health.

Raw Fruits and Vegetables – A variety of raw fruits and vegetables are excellent for overall healthy skin. There are some foods in particular that are very high in antioxidants which promote good skin health. Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are great for fighting against free radicals which can cause skin cell damage. Vegetables that are brightly colored such as red peppers, yellow peppers and sweet potatoes are also great skin foods.

Now that you know what to eat for healthy skin, let’s look at some foods that should be left out altogether if you want to look young longer.

Foods that are NOT healthy for your skin:

White Flour Foods – White bread, rice, pasta and sugar are less nutritious than the whole grain types and will cause inflammation in the skin which can lead to aging. Try cutting these items from your diet for two weeks and look in the mirror. Your skin should look less inflamed and fine lines will be less apparent.

Alcohol – dehydrates the skin and speeds the aging process, try to only have it in moderation. A little red wine may have some health benefits, however, beer does not.

Smoking – This will age you, cutback or better yet cut it out altogether. Your skin and lungs will thank you for it. You will also better your chances of not getting heart disease and cancer.

Processed Foods – These are loaded with sugar and additives. They are very hard on your skin. They are best left out of your diet altogether.

Sodas and Sugary Drinks - They are not only bad for your health but they can also rob your skin of essential nutrients. They’re also not good for your waistline and have been known to cause cellulite (even the diet variety). Plus, they keep you from drinking your fountain of youth…WATER!

Filed Under: Beauty Bar Tagged With: Beauty Bar, Nutrition, Skin

The Dangers of Using Non-Organic Cosmetics

April 21, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Cosmetics have been a part of women’s lives, in some shape or form, for many centuries. Whether it was an ancient Egyptian applying cat-like eyeliner like Cleopatra, a Victorian woman applying rouge for a pink glow against her pale skin, or a modern day woman applying a coat of lip gloss while stopped at a traffic light, cosmetics play a part in many of our daily lives.

Our skin absorbs much of what we come into contact with. Take for instance the patches that people place on their skin to stop smoking. When you use non-organic cosmetics, you are exposing your skin to many harmful chemicals, all of which can be absorbed into your body.

A few common cosmetic ingredients include:

Lanolin: This is a by-product of sheep’s wool, and can cause irritation due to the residue of any pesticides the sheep came into contact with

Artificial Colors and Fragrances: Many cosmetics contain both artificial colors and fragrances. These ingredients can also create skin irritation, as well as eczema and dermatitis.

Hydrogenated Oils: Hydrogenated oils are oils that have been processed and heated to an extreme point, which changes the chemical make up of the oil. You may have heard about hydrogenated oils and food safety, as hydrogenated oils can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. When these oils come into contact with the skin through cosmetics, they can clog up pores and create acne.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate: This foaming agent is found in many skin cleansers. It can strip your skin of it’s natural oils, causing skin to be red, dry, and irritated.

Petroleum: This substance is often added to cosmetics as cheap filler. Our bodies cannot absorb it, and it ends up leaving a layer of film on the skin. This prevents our bodies from eliminating toxins through the skin, and instead, the toxins are trapped inside.

For years, people have been using these products without thinking about any side effects. As more scientists and doctors begin studying the effect these products have on our health, more information is being released. It’s always a good idea to research any products you have concerns about.

There are other options out there; you do not have to settle for the mass produced cosmetics you find in department and discount stores. You can take action by seeking out natural and organic cosmetics that do not contain any harmful ingredients.

You may be surprised at how great your skin looks, and how good you feel when you stop using products containing harmful ingredients.

About the Author: To learn more about natural living and the organic alternatives visit the Earthy-Beauty Podcast at www.allnaturalwahm.com and for a free gift visit www.momspamperingtips.com

Filed Under: Beauty Bar, Green Moms Tagged With: Beauty Bar, Green Moms, Organic, Skin

Moms of Faith

Mother/Daughter Frugal Spa Day…at Home!

Tips to Create a frugal spa day at home

Nourshing Your Temple In The Comfort Of Your Home