Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Thankful For Michael J. Fox

My inspiration for this post comes from my longtime blogging friend, Debbie@Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who posts Thankful Thursday each week.

So, thank you, dear friend! 💕

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I believe that Thanksgiving Day is something we should celebrate every day of the week and all year long. I've also read that gratitude produces endorphins, which are natural opioids that can help relieve pain and boost happiness. And I've got to say that from my own experience, I found that true. I believe that gratitude feeds optimism.

The more thankful I am, the better I feel overall.

So, before I get out of bed in the morning, I take a quick minute to remind myself of how wealthy I am - body, mind, and spirit. And as I move throughout my day, I have the intention of sharing that wealth with others.

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I've always had tremendous admiration for people who have had extreme adversity in their lives and want to know how they moved through it.

Those are the individuals from whom I seem to learn the most.

One of those people is Michael J. Fox...

Michael J. Fox -

Michael won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for his work on Family Ties. In 1988, he married his co-star, Tracy Pollan, and they welcomed their first child, Sam, a year later. During his 20s, while filming Doc Hollywood in 1991, Michael developed a tremor in his pinky finger. A consultation with a neurologist revealed a surprising and devastating diagnosis: he had young-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). He was only 29 years old.

Michael kept his illness under wraps for many years and worked steadily. In 1995, he and Tracy had twin daughters, Aquinnah and Schuyler. In 2002, Michael returned to series television in ABC’s Spin City. The role won him another Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. During the series’ third season, Michael realized that he could no longer hide his Parkinson’s, which prompted him to reveal his diagnosis to the press and general public. After one more season of Spin City, Michael retired from full-time acting to focus on advocacy and fundraising for Parkinson’s disease.

Last year I watched the documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, and was not only touched but also deeply inspired by how Michael took what happened and turned it into something that allowed him to move forward with determination and grace.

If you haven't seen the documentary, I highly recommend it. I've watched it twice. What's incredible about the film is that it's not the slightest bit depressing. It is uplifting, humorous, and honest. You come away feeling empowered.

It's a love story too.

What touched me the most was how his wife, Tracy, stood by his side from day one and has been with him ever since. Their relationship exemplifies true unconditional love.

Michael's family...

Michael and Tracy today...

Thank you, Michael. You an inspiration!

*Links:

-Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie

-The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research

-Michael J. Fox Instagram

-Tracy Pollan Instagram

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Skincare Recommendations & Tips

*This is not a sponsored post

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Today, I would like to share a few skincare recommendations and tips that I've discovered throughout my time in the beauty industry and found them very useful.

Hope you will too!

Washing Your Face -

Always use lukewarm water when washing your face. Extreme hot or cold water expands and contracts the capillaries, and over time, will break them, causing redness - particularly around the nose and cheek areas. People with rosacea or eczema should especially know this.

Wash your face twice a day - once in the morning before applying any skincare and makeup, and then again at night before your nighttime skincare routine. A lot of my clients ask, "Why do I need to wash my face in the morning when it's clean?" And I tell them, "Your bed pillow breeds bacteria as you sleep. So, it's important to give your face one quick wash, preparing it for your skincare products."

Some of my favorite face washes are here, here, here, and here.

Using Face Exfoliants -

Do not use physical exfoliants on your face. They are too abrasive and can cause damage. Use only AHA/BHA or enzymatic exfoliants. They are much more controlled and gentle. The two exfoliants I linked to are my absolute favorites. They are highly effective, yet very gentle.

Do not over-exfoliate. Once or twice a week is more than enough. Most clients exfoliant way too much. They assume more is better. And it's not. Over-exfoliation it can strip away your skin's natural barrier responsible for keeping the bad stuff out (pollution, irritants) and the good stuff in (water, oils).

Pain Means Gain -

I kid you not, many clients I assist tell me, "Whatever you recommend, I want it to BURN and HURT, because that way I know it's working!" And I tell them, "No, that does not mean it's working. It means it's too much." And yet, do you know what they always say? "I don't care. Give me the most severe product you have. I can take it. I'm tough!"

It continually blows me away how clients psychologically believe that something has to hurt to be effective.

I used to work with a woman who believed that pain means gain. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her, but she and I had a completely different approach to skincare. Therefore, I would refer all those "hurt to work" clients to her. When I was first trained in cosmetology school, I was taught skincare in the European way, that you treat your facial skin as if it's a delicate piece of tissue paper and be GENTLE. The woman I worked with believed that skincare had to feel as though you got hit by a Mack truck and dragged 10 blocks. Then, and only then, did she believe something worked.

I used to call her The Dominatrix.

Sunscreens: Physical Versus Chemical -

Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I've tried both chemical and physical sunscreens, and I much prefer physical.

The chemical sunscreens not only irritated my skin but also my eyes. I perspire a lot when I'm hot, so the chemical sunscreens would sweat their way into my eyes and burn like HELL.

Physical sunscreens have come a long way. They no longer feel heavy on your skin or cause a white cast. They are now much more sheer, but still very effective.

They're also better for people with sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, and acne-prone skin.

The bottom line is that physical sunscreens are better because they act as a wall between you and the sun.

Some of my favorite mineral sunscreens are here, here, here, and here.

Skin Bruises -

One thing I noticed as I reached my 60s was how easily my skin bruises. And I don't have to bruise my skin hard for it to create a mark like this (not a photo of my arm):

Why Does This Happen?

As we age, our skin gets thinner and we lose some of the layer of fat that cushions our blood vessels and protects us from injury. Also, our blood vessels become more fragile. Both things mean we may get more bruises, even from a minor bump.

So, in case anyone reading is experiencing this, I would like to share what works for me to speed up the healing process.

I use a homeopathic cream from the company Boiron that is quite effective. It's not only great for bruises but also cuts, scrapes, chafing, minor burns, sunburn, and dry skin.

This light cream soothes and moisturizes, while the active ingredient, made from fresh Calendula, heals.

I always keep a tube in my backpack so that if I'm out and about and bruise my skin, I can immediately apply it. I will often apply it to my cuticles and lips during the colder, winter months. It's one of those things that I always have handy, just in case I need it.

It has a light, natural scent I find calming.

How to use: I apply it 3-4 times a day and usually see a reduction in the bruise within a few days. Be consistent. You can't just use it once and expect the bruise to be gone.

I've seen nothing work as well as this cream. I highly recommend it. And be sure to get the cream, not the ointment or gel.

Extra tip: Before applying the cream, apply a cold compress on the bruise. This helps with any inflammation and swelling.

In Conclusion -

Don't Believe Everything You Read And See On TikTok and Instagram -

Be very careful when reading things on Instagram and TikTok, promoting skincare, makeup, and haircare. Understand that these people are receiving free products and/or getting paid to promote those products. That is why they're called influencers. Do your own research and don't believe everything that's plastered all over social media.

When looking for a product in-store, find a beauty advisor you fully trust before making a purchase. Get a sense of whether they are genuinely assisting you to find a product to match your need, or just selling you something to meet their daily goal.

FYI -

Here is an article and video from CBS News Boston about how kids all over TikTok and Instagram are sharing their skincare routines, and while many of these brightly packaged creams, lotions, and serums are harmless, dermatologists say most of these expensive products just aren't necessary. Influencers as young as 9 years old are promoting products.

Trust me, I see this every day that I work. And what surprises me is why the parents allow it.

Just remember, social media is both positive and negative. Use discernment before purchasing.

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Hope you found this helpful and informative!

*Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have about skincare in your comments. I will be more than happy to respond. Thank you! 💕

Tuesday, April 09, 2024

Being An Introvert

Being An Introvert -

I would say that the majority of people who meet me automatically assume I'm an extrovert.

And I think they assume that because I'm approachable and easy to talk to. Most times when I am in the presence of someone new, I am the one who will initially say hello, shake hands, and introduce myself.

Also, I can talk to anyone. Even total strangers.

Which, at times, can be trying because strangers here who walk our city streets, ride public transportation, or frequent places like coffee shops will often walk over to me and ask such things as, "Sir, can you give me money?" Or, "Bro, can you go into that liquor store and buy me some whiskey?" Or, "Hey, my wife recently dumped me and I lost my wallet. Can you give me the train fare to New York? Oh, and also buy me shoes and some dinner before I get on the train?"

Not only must I look like an extrovert to these strangers, but also an ATM machine.

But trust me, as approachable and easy as I am to talk to, ask anyone who has known me for a long time that I can be very direct when I have to. I don't have a problem telling these money moochers, "No, and get the hell away from me!"

But I also think people assume I'm an extrovert after they find out that I used to be a stage actor. They believe that because I could stand in front of an audience of 400 people, I must be an extrovert. Yet, what they don't realize is that MOST actors (stage or screen) are introverts. Actors are usually very quiet and private in their offstage/screen lives. Back when I was performing in a stage play after the curtain came down each night, I would immediately go home, take a shower, eat something light while watching a movie, sip a glass of wine, and then go to bed. Like Greta Garbo once said, "I want to be alone."

Currently, I work with the public all day (which I thoroughly enjoy) and am constantly talking and interacting with many different clients, who ask me a lot of questions. So, when I come home at night, talking is the last thing I want to do.

I want peace, quiet, and alone time.

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A few weeks ago while online, I came across these two introvert lists that described me perfectly.

Things Introverts DON'T Like 😒

- Loud and crowded spaces

- Unexpected visitors

- People invading their personal and private space

- Inauthentic conversations & meaningless small talk

- People who don't understand their sensitivities and needs

- Personal drama

- Overbearing relationships/friendships

- Too much stimulation in their external environment

- Being told what to do by other people

Things Introverts LOVE 💚

- Deep meaningful conversations

- Working without interruptions

- Time to recharge their energy

- Being in nature

- Calming and uncluttered spaces

- Intimate soulful gatherings

- Substance-filled friendships

- People who aren't loud or aggressive

- Being in the comfort of their own home

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I also found this online:

The Difference Between Introverts And Extroverts -

🔋 Introverts recharge through alone time.

🪫 Extroverts are drained by being alone.

🧠 Introverts need time to process their thoughts.

🗣 Extroverts process by speaking.

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So, are you more of an introvert or extrovert?

Have a fantabulous week, everyone! ☮

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

The Word "Anti-Aging" Needs To Be Eradicated

Once a year, I feel the need to share my very opinionated opinion about how women are harshly judged when it comes to aging.

Men can age and get grey hair, and form lines and wrinkles yet, they're praised. The world says, "Oh, doesn't he look sexy? I think he's gotten better-looking with age!"

And I ask myself, "Why does that only pertain to men? Why don't we see women as getting better-looking with age? And sexy?"

Personally, even when I was young, I preferred the look of maturity. I couldn't wait to have grey hair and lines on my face. A smooth, young face always looked boring to me because it hadn't yet developed a history. I love a face that looks as though it's been lived in. My perception is that both men and women get better-looking with age.

Being in the beauty industry -

Even though I've been in an industry that projects a message to the world that aging is something you desperately need to avoid and must do everything in your power to stop it, I disagree. It's a way for the industry to make a tremendous amount of money selling hope in a jar.

I know that my whole purpose of being in this industry for over 35 years, has always been to be a strong advocate of embracing the process of aging, while at the same time taking care of your skin by keeping it clean, exfoliated, moisturized, and protected from the sun. And I openly share that with the clients I assist. I don't give anyone falsities about how a certain product will make them look 20 years old. I'm very honest about what products will and will not do. That's why I have a longstanding loyal clientele.

There is nothing unhealthy about using skincare and makeup to look your best. However, what is unhealthy is using these things as a means to live up to a "youthful standard" by desperately trying to recapture what was.

Anti-Aging -

This brings me to the point of this post and how I believe the word "anti-aging" needs to be eradicated (and removed) from advertising as if aging is something we must push against. Because everything you see on the market sends out that message - "We must fight and reverse aging!"

Even though I support women, I have encountered many women who disagree with me and say that they will do everything and anything to reverse the signs of aging, no matter what it takes and how much it costs.

And I've come to a place where I say, "Oh well, so be it. If that's how some women feel, then that's how they feel."

However, it's not going to stop me from supporting the women who desire a realistic approach by taking care of themselves but also embracing the natural flow of aging.

I guess you could call me an advocate of PRO-aging.

Andie MacDowell -

Sometime last week, I came across a video clip of Andie MacDowell expressing her thoughts and feelings on aging.

If you're not familiar with Andie MacDowell, here are some photographs from the 80s when she was a model for L'Oréal Paris. From modeling, she went on to become a great film actress.

There is something about her that I have always liked. She's down-to-earth and real. She looks gorgeous with or without makeup. She is also not afraid to speak her truth, which I greatly admire.

In her 40s, Andie was asked by a female journalist in Italy, “How does it feel to get older and lose your beauty?”

Andie’s response was, “I don’t feel like I’m losing my beauty. I just feel like my beauty changes. It’s a different kind of beauty. We evolve and we age, and this is part of the process."

And 20 years later, MacDowell is even more sure of the fact. “I think I’m a beautiful older woman,” she said. “There’s something in your eyes when you get older … it’s a soul.”

She also shared her insightful thoughts on aging in Hollywood. As she began to embrace becoming an "older woman," she noticed how her career shifted and she is now playing more interesting characters.

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These days, Andie is all greys, She stopped coloring her hair during the pandemic and never looked back, taking inspiration from George Clooney and other “gorgeous men” along the way. She explained, “I am 65 and I was ready at 60 to be an older woman. I just didn’t want to have to pretend to be something that I wasn’t.”

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Have a beautiful week everyone!💗

* In case you're interested, you will find the Andie MacDowell (a little over five minutes) interview I watched here.

*Andie MacDowell film and television credits.

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

Synchronicity Is A Wink From The Universe

For as long as I can remember, I've always believed in a power greater than myself that guides and directs me throughout my life.

Some people refer to that power as the Universe. Others refer to it as God.

Personally, I refer to it as a Universal God because I believe God is everywhere. And within everyone.

I don't believe there is only one path to God. There are many.

I also believe synchronicity works as a catalyst toward working out our destiny.

Synchronicities are incidents of significance that ask us to consider the possibility of the Divine.

There is a higher intelligence that has our best interest at heart, guiding us toward that which is most right and appropriate for us.

We might not always notice the synchronicities at first because our attention is focused on the issue. However, in retrospect, I can see how this intelligence did, in fact, guide me to my highest good.

Today, I would like to share an example of synchronicity.

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One evening last week, my friend Diana and I made a phone date to catch up with one another. Our talks can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. We can jump from one topic to the other and before we know it, hours have passed. Last week, we talked a lot about the changes that have happened in Diana's life since losing her husband a year ago. It's been extremely challenging for her, doing all the things that two people used to do, but now doing it all herself.

To say that she sometimes feels stressed and worn out would be an understatement.

She has had to make a lot of adjustments in her life in a very short time.

Last month she had an overload of emotions - fear, grief, worry, and anxiety.

Diana and I, like all of my close friendships, have a sixth sense about each other. We can sense when the other one is going through something without even talking to them.

Such as it was for me. I'd been thinking about Diana and her son for the past several weeks, sending them positive energy, prayers, and lots of love.

I strongly believe in the energy of prayer. There is tremendous power in prayer with a strong intention. And that intention can be felt by others, regardless of where they are.

During our talk last week, we both did a lot of expressing our feelings and emotions. We reflected, we cried, but we also laughed.

I think it's healthy to share similar experiences because it makes the other person feel less alone. I never tell anyone what to do with their life or how to do it. I simply share my experience and then allow them to take from it whatever they want.

What Diana is going through was very similar to what I went through when I first moved back to Philadelphia in 2001, so I strongly related to how she felt and told her so. Back then, my life fell apart. And it didn't just fall apart, it BLEW apart. I lost everything that meant security to me. And this went on for two years. Never in my entire life did I feel more scared, confused, and abandoned.

But I knew that if I held strong to my beliefs, things would turn around and move the other way.

And they did.

Looking back, I can see the many synchronicities that happened in my life that were so helpful and supportive. They each gave me a feeling of "You're not alone. We got you covered."

By the time our conversation ended that night, we, as close friends, felt even closer.

After we hung up, I thought about how blessed I was to have a friendship like Diana and me. We've known each other for over 28 years. And in thinking back to that time, I realized our friendship was part of the synchronicity in both our lives.

When I woke up the next morning, I felt the desire to text Diana to let her know how much I enjoyed our three-hour talk and how much I cherished our friendship.

Here is that text. I highlighted what each of us said so that you could see what transpired...

In her text, Diana shared her Thursday's daily word with me, which matched the topics that she and I talked about the night before, such as change, resilience, and staying attuned to the Universe...

💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫

Have a great rest of your week, folks!

💗

*Have you ever had synchronicity touch your life?

Tuesday, October 03, 2023

Turning 68 And Living My Life Flowing With The River

Monday was my 68th birthday.

I don't ever have to do anything special on my birthday to allow my birthday to feel special. Simply knowing it's my birthday makes me happy.

Just for fun while having my morning coffee on Monday, I Googled People Born on October 2nd.

Here are just a few names that came up. Ironically, several of them are people with whom I've always felt a kinship and admired:

*Photographer - Annie Leibovitz, Singer/Songwriter - Sting and Don McLean, Lawyer/Civil Rights Leader - Mahatma Gandhi, French Makeup Artist and Businesswoman - Laura Mercier, Fashion Designer - Donna Karan, and Movie Critic - Rex Reed.

Every year either on or around my birthday, I like to spend some time meditating and reflecting on my life and where it's taken me up to that point. I always feel such gratitude for my life and the different paths I've traveled down; each one bringing me to the next.

And I really mean this...

I wouldn't change a single thing about my life because, for me, I know that everything that has ever happened to me had a purpose. There are no accidents. I don't believe in regret and wish that I could go back and change what happened. As long as I sincerely feel that I have learned something from my past, that's all that matters.

What has it taught me?

The Way I Live My Life-

When I share things about my life and how I live it, I in no way mean that others should live their lives the same because we are all different and have our own ways of navigating and experiencing life.

I'm someone who lives without setting goals for myself because I believe my life is about following where life takes me. And in doing so, I have to stay very alert to the little "nudges" life gives me in the way of saying, "Okay Ron, now it's time for you to do this or that" and then I follow those nudges by making choices in those moments. But I have never been someone who sets long-term goals.

In other words, rather than directing my life to go a certain way, I allow myself to be directed.

I can honestly say that every change that has ever happened in my life came not from me but rather from life moving me in that direction.

One day last week, I came upon a reel on Instagram that highlighted a lovely lady who shared how she views life. And what she said struck a chord in my heart.

The person interviewing her asked if she had any angst about a certain age. And her response was so honest because she admitted to feeling angst at the age of 35-36. It was a time when so many things changed in her life (divorce, job change, relocation, losing her mother) and she wondered what she was going to do with her life and how she was going to do it.

It was then that she realized how her life was taking her exactly where she needed to go. As things changed for her and were removed, other things presented themselves. She no longer compares or measures her life to someone else's.

She brilliantly used "a river" to describe how she lives her life...

"We're in a river, and you have to let the river carry you. You cannot force the river. It's about flow. Water is the most powerful element, so allow it to let you flow."

And that is exactly how I see and live my own life.

Riding and flowing with the river...

Have a fantastic rest of your week, folks! 💖

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Visiting Chinatown, K-Beauty Outlet, and Purchasing Snail Mucin

*This is not a sponsored review

As you know, I've been in the beauty industry (makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance) for over 35 years, so I'm used to hearing dramatic false claims about what a product promises. To be honest, most of those claims are B.S. That's why when I first heard about a skincare product that was made from snail mucin, not only did I almost throw up, I immediately thought to myself, "Oh, here we go again with another bullshit product."

And now, with social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, there is so much bullshit out there paying people to post 5-star reviews about a product, which makes me doubt product claims so much more. And trust me, I have people (primarily kids) coming into my store all day long, sticking their cell phones in my face and asking, "DO YOU CARRY THIS PRODUCT? I SAW IT ON TIKTOK."

One time I assisted a young girl (14 years old) who wanted me to show her where a specific retinol product was located in the store because she wanted to start using RETINOL. I said to her, "Sorry, but I won't sell you retinol, you're much too young to start using that product." And do you know what she did? She took the product off the shelf and purchased it anyway because a TikTok "influencer" told her she needed it.

Don't get me wrong, there are many positive things about social media. However, today you need to be extremely discerning about everything you are fed. I do a TON of research before I purchase something online. Particularly personal care products because that's my business.

So, after hearing about snail mucin for the past year and a half, I decided to seek some professional feedback from a dermatologist I follow on YouTube to see what he had to say.

I was shocked....he LOVED it and had nothing but great things to say. And since I respect his opinion, I chose to purchase the product and see for myself.

After Googling where I could purchase it here in Philadelphia, I found it in two different places. And since I hadn't been to Chinatown in years, I decided to take a walk over to the K-Beauty Outlet (which stands for Korean Beauty) and pick up a bottle of snail mucin. Which, by the way, was incredibly inexpensive ($25.00 for 3.38 ounces). I mean, even if I ended up hating it, the price was not anything I'd regret.

Most of you will be shocked to read this, but I've spent much more money on certain skincare products. There is one product I use that has a price tag of $180.00 for 1 ounce. However, I do get my employee discount, which is quite generous. I don't purchase a lot of skincare, but the things I do purchase are pricey because they are multitasking products. Besides, taking care of my skin (face and body) has always been important to me because I was at one time a licensed esthetician.

Okay, so let's talk about snail mucin.

Here is a photo I took of the bottle I purchased...

What is Snail Mucin? -

Quite literally, snail mucin is a snail’s secretion. You may also see it referred to as “snail secretion filtrate” (SSF) on the ingredient list of skin-care products.

Snail mucin is a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans.

And no, mucin doesn’t involve killing snails. Mucin is extracted from Giant African Land Snails which can grow up to 4cm long. They have been tested to make sure they are safe for humans. The snails are farmed rather than wild for quality purposes. Snail mucin is collected by keeping snails in a dark room and having them slide along a surface that can collect their slime, such as glass or mesh.

Yes, I know, that sounds gross. However, think about it, some people eat snails. Ewwwwwwww!

Skin Benefits of Snail Mucin -

Snail mucin contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating, and wound-healing properties. There's even some early evidence to suggest that it could fight certain types of skin cancer.

- Fades dark spots and scars

- Improves skin texture

- Soothes damaged skin

- Intense hydration

- Promotes collagen production

- Aids in skin regeneration.

- Excellent for eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea

Safety -

- Snail mucin does not react with other ingredients.

- Is safe to use during pregnancy

How To Use -

After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount on your entire face (AM and PM). Gently pat (don't rub) using fingertips to aid absorption, and then apply your moisturizer.

My Feedback -

True, it does have a slimy, gooey feel at first. But once you apply it to your skin, it gets absorbed quickly, leaving no stickiness. In fact, it feels invisible - weightless.

Results -

What I noticed immediately was how hydrated and plump my skin felt and looked. It also decreased the redness in my face. I have some broken capillaries, which faded after using this product only a few times. Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I acquired a lot of sun damage. After using this product for two weeks, I noticed a decrease in the hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. It also made my skin texture very smooth and gave me an overall glow.

So yes, I found the results of this product impressive. And for the price point and quantity, even more impressive.

Now that the seasons are changing to much cooler/colder temperatures, this product will be ideal for keeping my skin super hydrated throughout the fall and winter months.

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I would like to conclude this post by sharing a few photos of Chinatown and the K-Beauty Outlet. The people who work in the store were very helpful and friendly. I had a great time!

All the products were so well-organized and nicely displayed...

Oh, and I also purchased these foot masks, which were only $3.00 each (on sale). They're fabulous!

Hope you enjoyed this product review and found it interesting and helpful.

Have a great rest of your week, everyone! 💖

Links:

Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Website

All About Snail Secretion And Its Skincare Benefits

Places to purchase Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin:

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Our Seven Energy Chakras And How They Affect The Body, Mind, And Spirit

I became interested in the chakra system back in the mid-80s. I honestly can't remember how or why. But what I do know is that the minute I started reading about it, practicing it, and feeling the positive results, I knew it would be something I'd practice for the rest of my life. Which I do.

It's been such a valuable tool that has helped me not only through some pretty rough times in my life, but a practice that has given me a clearer understanding of just how much living my life involves energy, and how I use it.

Even as a small child, I was very sensitive to energy. So when I discovered the chakra system and how it worked, it instantly felt familiar to me.

I can always tell when one or more of my chakras are blocked because I feel it not only as a physical sensation but as a mental/emotional sensation as well. Something feels off. That's when I know I need to go within and do some chakra clearing.

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The Chakra System -

The word chakra (pronounced chaa-kruh) is Sanskrit meaning: "wheel" or "vortex" of energy.

Within the subtle energetic anatomy of the human body (pictured above), seven major chakras run from the crown of the head to the base of the spine. They each represent different aspects of our being.

Energy is the fuel of life. And it's all around us.

Example: Have you ever walked into a large group of people either at a party or restaurant and instantly felt the "vibe" of the place? Well, that's energy. It may be invisible to the eyes, yet it's very tangible to our energetic system.

Throughout the day, we are bombarded with various energy levels of people who interact with us. This explains why when around certain people we feel really good and others not so good. Have you ever had a feeling about something in your "gut"? That too is energy.

For the most part, we unconsciously absorb energy without ever being discerning. All that energy becomes a part of our own system; either energizing or draining us.

Chakras are the portals through which energy is assimilated. Simply put, chakras are like spinning wheels that absorb, process, and then distribute the energy so that it may be used for the betterment of our health.

The human body has 114 chakras, but only seven of these are considered fundamental chakras. These chakras start at the base of our spine and go all the way to the top of our head. For a balanced person, these seven chakras provide the right amount of energy to the body, mind, and spirit. However, through illness, extreme stress, emotional trauma, and life experiences, our chakras may become imbalanced and blocked.

I believe that the body is a reflection of the mind, and that the mind is a reflection of the body. And that the mind and body are a reflection of the spirit. All three are intertwined.

The Seven Chakras

(7th) Crown Chakra

Function: Located at the top of the head, the crown chakra governs spirituality and consciousness. It is associated with the brain and our entire nervous system. It guides our communication with higher consciousness and inner awareness.

Color: Violet
Organ: Pineal gland

(6th) Third Eye Chakra

Function: Located on the forehead, between the eyebrows. The function of this chakra is driven by openness and imagination. The third eye chakra is also associated with intuition, foresight, intellect, and clairvoyance.

Color: Indigo
Organ: Pituitary gland

(5th) Throat Chakra

Function: Located at the center of the neck, it is the passage of energy between the lower parts of the body and the head. The throat chakra is associated with the principle of self-expression, truth, and communication.

*Example: Whenever I don't express myself clearly, or resist speaking my truth, my throat will very often become tight, congested, and sore. I know that my chakra is trying to get my attention to speak up. And once I do, my throat relaxes. When I was still doing theater and performing onstage, I'd focus (and breathe) specifically into this chakra because it would relax my throat before I had to sing.

Color: Blue
Organs: Throat, thyroid gland

(4th) Heart Chakra

Function: Located behind the center of the chest, the heart chakra makes us feel connected to the universe. It is also associated with love, compassion, wisdom, trust, forgiveness, generosity, and openness to others

Color: Green
Organs: Heart, thymus gland, lungs

(3rd) Solar Plexus Chakra

Function: Located in the upper part of our belly, the solar plexus chakra brings motion to our thoughts to realize personal desires and intentions in the world. It is associated with self-esteem, self-confidence, action, personal power, strength, and control.

Example: Think of a time when you felt nervous and out of control. You'll recall that you felt it directly within the solar plexus. That is what's known as "butterflies in my stomach".

Color: Yellow
Organs: Stomach, liver, pancreas, solar plexus

(2nd) Sacral Chakra

Function: Located three inches below the navel, the sacral chakra is the center of our feelings and emotions. It is associated with desire, procreation, sexuality, emotions, pleasure, and creativity.

Color: Orange
Organs: Reproductive organs, kidneys, legs

(1st) Root Chakra

Function: Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is based on the earth element. It is associated with survival, financial independence, stability, and security.

Color: Red
Organs: Adrenal glands, bladder, genitals, spine, feet

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Each chakra is also correlated with various gemstones.

Take a look...

(right to left)

Crown: Amethyst

Third Eye: Sodalite

Throat: Amazonite

Heart: Green Fluorite

Solar Plexus: Tiger Eye

Sacral: Carnelian

Root: Garnet

I try to do a 15-minute chakra meditation 2-3 times a week to keep my chakras open and free-flowing. It truly makes a difference in how balanced I feel throughout the week.

Hope you found this post interesting and informative.

Wishing you a fabulous week, everyone!💖

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*Listed below are several websites where you can find out more about chakras and gemstones.

-A Beginner's Guide To The 7 Chakras + How To Unblock Them

-A Beginner’s Guide to the Chakras

-The Healing Power of Gemstones

Video: This video was created by actress, Shirley MacLaine, in which she explains the chakra system, and then takes you through a chakra meditation. This was the video (VHS tape) I used when starting out. It's excellent!

-Shirley MacLaine - Inner Workout Chakra Meditation

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