Evolve With Mary: April 2014

Hi Friends

It's detox week, and today we are focusing on Natural Skin detoxes. You might even have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already, I did.

Why detox

Regular detoxing remove toxins from your body
Prevent chronic diseases
Detoxing rids the body of toxins stored in fat cells, which can also increase your metabolism
Detoxing can slow down the aging process
Improve skin quality
Restores balance to your bodies system
Enhances mental and emotional clarity
Typically increases energy levels and promotes a feeling of well being

Glowing Skin Detox Juice

2 small sweet apples

1/2 large cucumber

1/2 small lime (without skin)

2 handfuls of kale

2 Orange of parsley

add it all to your juicer and enjoy

I don't have a juicer so I made this into a smoothie by adding 1/2 cup of water. It wasn't the tastiest juice I've ever had, but sometimes that's what the doctor orders

Blueberry Mask

1/2 avocado

1 banana

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup blueberries

Blend all ingredients and apply to a clean face

Let mask sit for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water

This mask really hydrates skin and makes you look more youthful. I didn't have 20 minutes to let this mask really penetrate my skin. I let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off, and my skin was noticeably softer and more supple.

The Miracle Mask

2 tbs honey

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

Mix all ingredients together, it will be a thick paste consistency

Apply mask to face and let sit for 30 minutes

Wash off with warm water, scrubbing softly in a circular motion for exfoliation

This mask is super thick, rich, and I had a hard not time licking it off my face.

Oatmeal Honey Mask

3 tbs steel cut oats

1 tsp honey

2 tsp water

Chop or smash oatmeal into a dust

Add honey and water

Stir until it looks like a paste

Slather on face and let sit for 15 minutes

Rinse off with warm water

This mask cleans your pores, soothe skins, tastes delicious, and only takes a few minutes to whip together. Its perfect for a quick, before "date night" mask. Your skin will glow when your done.

Orange Face Mask

Juice from 1 orange

3 tbs Greek yogurt

2 tbs honey

2 tsp dried orange peel

I couldn't find dried orange peel

so I cut up a little of the rind and it did the trick

Combine all ingredients

Stir well until fully mixed, it will be thick

Spread on freshly washed face

Leave for 15-30 minutes

Rinse mask with warm water

Store left over mask in fridge for up to 1 week

This mask moisturizes and gives your face a serious glow. It's a great mask to get rid harsh winter damage. Plus the freshly squeezed Orange Juice is full of zine and antioxidants

I had a ball making these masks and trying them all out. I hope you guys enjoy them as much as I did. More natural detox recipes tomorrow.

Blessing Friends

Mary

References

www.foodpluswords.com

www.stylishchatterbox.com

www.collegefashion.net

www.kriscarr.com

www.bubzbeauty.com

After my crazy whirlwind of a trip to Maryland and Chicago I deem this week:

Detox Week!!!
Stay tuned for some detox recipes and procedures
You will not be dissaponted

Natural Everyday Detox Ideas

These detox procedures should be integrated into your every day life style to give you the best/lasting results

1. Replace your morning coffee with green tea

Caffeine is ok in moderation
Green tea has important antioxidants that your body needs
Replace a cup of green tea for a cup of coffee will still give you a caffeine boost and provide you with some health benefits

2. Eat More fiber in its most natural form

Fiber contributes to weight loss
Fiber is also an essential way of cleansing the body when its in its most natural form
When you introduce a proper serving of natural fiber into your diet it aids in a healthy digestive track, this means toxins, excessive waste, and anything else that is built up in your digestive tract
Foods High in Natural Fiber

Raspberries
Pears
Apples
Bananas
Oranges
Strawberries
Dried figs
Raisins
Whole Wheat spaghetti
Cooked barley
Bran Flakes
Oat Bran Muffins
Oatmeal, cooked
Popcorn, air popped
Brown Rice
Almonds
Beans
Baked Potatoes

3. Avoid Obvious Environmental Toxins

Avoid environmental toxins like smog, diminished air quality, second hand smoke, and any type of chemical fumes
Stay away from any environmental fumes or substances that can work against your ability to naturally cleanse yourself

4. Use Probiotic's to get rid of Bad Bacteria and Welcome Good Bacteria

Probiotic's are a powerful substance that naturally help eliminate bad bacteria in the body
Probiotic's are naturally found in yogurt
The use of probiotic's helps digestive system and is a cleansing agent

5. Incorporate Super Foods with each Meal

Super foods contain important nutrients and antioxidants that our bodies need to fight off infections.
By consuming antioxidants and nutrients the body helps fight off harmful toxins and substances that can effect your immune system and improve your overall health
Some Super foods are

Salmon
Tuna
Avocado
Walnuts
Almonds
Olive oil
Flaxseeds
Blueberries
Raspberries
Spinach
Kale
Eggplant
Tomatoes
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
Apples
Oranges
Butternut squash

That's all today folks
Blessings

Mary

References

www.benby.com

Fitness Challenge

I challenge you to complete my
No Squat Lower Body Workout
5 times this week

Challenge Synopsis

Complete the fitness challenge featured below **at your own risk
Always focus on form rather than speed
Complete each exercise at a slow and stead pace. DO NOT RUSH
Rest when you need it, and always go before your ready

Why Why Why

After hurting my knees I've been looking for alternative lower body exercises that give me the same results of squats and lunges
Because I love having a nice toned legs and a cute shapely booty
Short shorts are in season, it's a perfect excuse to complete this workout

Materials

Endurance
Strength
A never give up attitude
Exercise Mat
No weights needed this week

Directions

Complete this exercise at your own risk
Make sure to stretch before and after this exercise routine
Complete a 5 or 10 minute warm up
This routine will take you 25-30 minutes

Kneeling Leg Raises

7 reps with 7 pulses - 7 reps with 7 pulses = 14 each side

Targets butt and thighs

Start on all 4s and lift your right leg straight up from the hip

Make sure to keep your heel in line with your knee and lift

Lower leg 7 times holding leg in the air and bend knee at a 90 degree angle

Pulse squeezing (butt) glues for 7 reps

Lower leg to original position and repeat on other side

Do not rest until you complete 14 reps on each side

2 Flutter Kicks & 2 Scissor Kicks

14 total

Flutter Kicks

Targets core strength and endurance

Start laying on back with legs together and extended straight out

Place arms out to your sides, contract abs during this exercise

Lift your legs off of the ground about 6 inches

Lifting your head and shoulders slightly off the ground will help target your upper abs

Raise one leg up a few inches, while leg is on the way down raise the other leg

Scissor Kicks

Just like flutter kicks only a side to side motion

High Side Kicks

14 reps each side

Targets inner thighs, glutes, quads, and outer hips

With feet hip width apart and hands in "boxing" position

Slowly extend right leg to the side at hip height

Be sure to keep inner thigh parallel to the floor

Hold for 1 count then take 3 counts to lower to floor

Complete reps and then switch sides

Glute Circles

7 reps in each direction, 14 reps on each side

Targets Glutes (butt)

Start on all 4s hands underneath shoulders, knees under your hips, back straight

Lift one leg up and back, drawing circles with it

Switch legs once reps are completed

Round the World Jacks

10 reps

Targets full body

Stand straight up

Slowly lift left leg and right arm at the same time, fully extending each

Slowly put arm and leg back down

Slowly lift right leg and left arm at the same time, fully extending each

Bridge Kicks

14 reps each side

Targets Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads

Lie on back with both knees bent, feet flat on the floor and arms at sides, palms facing down

Press left heel into floor, press hips up off the floor as you extend your right leg out beside you left knees pressing through your heel

Lower your hips and bend your right knee back in, only tapping the floor with your tailbone

Do not lower all the way back down

That's one rep

Swing Bridges

14 reps

Start with your back on the floor, feet on the ground, hands at sides, knees point up

Lift your hips up like you are completing an bridge

With hips lifted, swing them to the left then to the right, creating a 1/2 ball motion

Keep hips lifted in bridge position and complete desired reps

Compete this routine 2xs

Resting for 60-90 seconds between sets

Nutrition Challenge

This week I challenge you to shop at your local Farmers Market

Challenge Synopsis

Find your local farmers market and purchase all of your produce for the next week there

Why Why Why

Farmers Market features "peak of season" produce
They also carry rare produce that you usually don't see in grocery stores
Get access to fresh, locally grown foods
Support local businesses
Foods at local Farmers Markets are transports a shorter distance and are usually grown using methods that minimizes the impact on the earth

Material

A little cash
Knowledge of where your local Farmers Markets are held
Some imagination

Directions

Find your local Farmers Market
Buy all produce and other fun foods that tickle your fancy
Go home, cook and enjoy

My Take

I am taking on this challenge with all of you this week. I always plan on going to the farmers market but I never actually make it there. This week I'm going to support my local growers.

Self Improvement Challenge

I challenge you to write letters or cards to your love ones and sneak them into their lunch pals, book bags, brief cases, cars, wallets, purses, etc

Challenge Synopsis

Write a letter or cute card to your family (your family can also be your friends) and tuck it somewhere they will surprisingly find it. It will put a smile on their face and remind them that they are truly loved

Why Why Why

It is easy to get caught up in life and forget how special or how much you love someone
It never hurts to remind your love ones how much they mean to you
Everyone loves a surprise especially surprising love notes
Enjoy making your love ones day

Materials

Paper
Your favorite writing utensils
Some lovely stationary or a nice card

Directions

Make a list of special people in your life: your wife, husband, boyfriends, girlfriend, son, daughter, mother, father, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, best friend, good friend, or co-worker
Purchase some nice stationary or a thoughtful card
Jot down a few lines about how much that person means to you
Hide it somewhere they will find it when you are not around

My take

I am currently in Chicago with my boyfriend. We both have some business to attend to out here, but his is a lot more time consuming then mine. I haven't been able to spend much time with him during this trip. Instead of demanding more attention, pouting, or getting mad and depressed, I decided to purchase a few cards and slip them into his brief case. He hasn't found them yet but I know he will. I have left cards like this for him before, and he's saved everything I've ever given him. I hope you enjoy this challenge as much as I do.

That's all today folks
Blessings
Mary

Happy Friday!!!

I'm not a parent, I don't have any kids, so I'm not around anyone under the age of 21 on a regular basis. I said all that to explain I'm a little out of the loop when it comes to the latest fads, toys, and trends.

I was in Maryland visiting my Father for Easter and my little cousin came over for a visit. She's such a little cutie, I always enjoy spending time with her, watching her grow up into a beautiful young lady. Surprisingly she wasn't consumed by an iphone, computer, or the TV, she asked me if I knew how to loom.

When I replied "No", I saw a little sparkle in those big beautiful brown eyes of hers.

"Do you want to learn??" she asked eagerly. Before I could answer she grabbed her Grandmothers car keys and headed for the door, returning with a sandwich bag full of small colorful rubber bands and a huge smile on her face.

That's where my love affair with looming was born. I've heard of looming, I actually looked into looming a scarf a few weeks ago. The day after she taught me I purchased over 500 of my own colorful rubber bands and I've created and given away a few of my creations.

Today I'm teaching you how to finger loom. All you need are colorful rubber bands and plastic jewelry closures. If you go to your local craft store you will probably see a looming section towards the front of the store.

I did a little research and learned that looming was voted 2014s "Toy of the Year." It's the latest craz on the playground and with kids ranging from age 8 to 13.

Enjoy the tutorial

How to Fishtail Finger Loom