Is There Mercury in Your Mascara?

So, what is in your mascara anyway? Mercury is not often listed as an ingredient (or it's disguised as something else) on the labels. When this article came across my desktop this morning I was very upset. I was even more upset when I visited the SkinDeep website to look at mascaras listed there.

Whether or not the 400 or so mascaras I found contain mercury, I really do not know. What I do know is that all but a very few fell into the moderate to high concern groups. Many of them rated 6-8 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest level of concern to the consumer.

Now you may have already guessed that I would have a product to share with you that falls in the safer "green" (0-2 concern level) section of the SkinDeep database. Pictured above is the miessence® mascara. This product was in the safest 3% of all mascaras listed. WOW!! I'm certainly thankful that is what is going on my eyelashes these days -- at least on the days I really do add a little enhancement to my middle-age face.

With so many topics I would love to tell you about, I come back to these products often. Please know that my heart is to inform you of the healthier options that are available. Whether you visit ONEGroup's miessence® line and perhaps even become a customer, or choose from another source, I pray that you will consider the safety of the products you use for yourself and your family. This organic company's prominent headline "What is Your Skin Eating?" calls from their homepage. So, WHAT IS your skin eating?

Puffy eyebags and dark circles . . . is this your plague? Yesterday while running around the blog world my interested was piqued by suggestions for puffy eye remedies. What "magic tricks" do you think I happened upon?

1. Coffee Grounds
2. Egg Yolk Paste
3. Bag of Marbles
4. None of the Above

Yes, pretty silly, to be sure. Please don't attempt any of those things at home. I'm not sure what the outcome might be. "None of the Above" is, of course, the correct answer.

What I have learned is that slices of organic cucumber over your eyes are very refreshing. Green tea bags (wet ones to be sure) may offer some real benefits in this area. You might enjoy watching a video demonstration of these on Fran's blog. Also, I read about doing Yoga shoulder stands, working up to being able to do this about 3 minutes per day as an excellent preventative for puffy eyes.

All that said, I'd like to bring another option to your attention. This one is not home made, but is definitely certified organic and a very healthy food choice for your skin. These products are on the shelf in my reflexology space. Clients are welcome to "play" with them. The reviews on the Firming Eye and Neck Serum pictured above have been excellent. Those who have tried it, have loved it. This link will take you right to the product, where you'll find beautiful pictures and descriptions of all the product and all the wonderful, healthy ingredients from which it is produced.

Sweet Honey in My Mouth

Others often see us in a much different light then we see ourselves. My usual thoughts when someone compliments me as an encourager is to think that while I give it my best, I feel very inadequate to make any difference. That's certainly not truth, and not very impressive "self talk" either. (You may look for more on that topic in an earlier post.) The TRUTH is without Jesus that is exactly what our lives are: INADEQUATE!!! That was pointedly addressed in my quiet time this morning. Another TRUTH is because of JESUS, when our trust is in Him, WE ARE ADEQUATE -- PERFECTLY ADEQUATE. No accident I'm certain, that this quote appeared on my computer screen via email just minutes later. Let its message bring sweet words of encouragement for you today.

The name of Jesus is in my mind as a joyful song, in my ear a
heavenly music, and in my mouth a sweet honey.

-- Richard Rolle

Reflexology Mats

Reflexology Mats

Here's an example of one of them. There BIG news in gift catalogs and online. Just this morning I found a website showing one city's implementing of the theory by building three reflexology paths in their local parks. The paths seem to be a great idea. Reported results have been impressive.

I'm wondering about these rugs. Having given many reflexology sessions, and received them myself, I'm know first hand the awesome benefits of this complementary modality. And having been taught to avoid extra items (caring touch is so important) I find it most difficult to believe the idea of walking in circles on even a 6-8 foot circle would give the extreme relaxation benefit of reflexology. I'm curious though. Has anyone out there experienced one of these mats? Comments expected and appreciated!!!

For more information on reflexology, please visit my website, www.FootstepsInEden.com Included there you will also find links to other fun and healthful endeavors I've discovered and promote.

Now a Member - Reflexology Association of America

This is exciting! This week I've officially joined the Reflexology Association of America. Membership in a professional organization like this seemed like someone else's dream. In fact, taking the bold step out of my comfort zone and onto the path of learning and education to become a Registered Certified Reflexologist (RCR) must have been someone else's dream, as well.

In fact, in all reality, I believe my personal dreams were to0 deeply buried for too many years to even know they existed. Growing up with little encouragement from the home front to consider anything else than secretary or teacher as a future, I pretty much just made good grades because that seemed like the right thing to do, and received my B.A. just because it seemed like the right thing to do. That was in Journalism. Well, I didn't wish to teach or be a secretary, and it seemed like the next most right thing to do. . . . whatever the right thing is or was.

RCR, like many other endeavors in my life, came out of a journey I wasn't even aware I was traveling until post 50th Birthday. The discoveries are new everyday. And exciting events like being welcomed to join the Reflexology Association of America, and also recently, the East Memphis Business and Professional Women have been a welcome surprise along that journey.

You're always a welcome visitor at my professional website! www.FootstepsInEden.com

I've had some difficulty the last few days linking the blog to some of the other places I'd love for you to visit. Here are the web addresses. You may copy and paste to visit them.
Reflexology Association of America: www.reflexology-usa.org
National Business and Professional Women: http://www.bpwusa.org

Reflexology Benefits for Pregnancy

Growing my reflexology business is causing me to plant my seeds in many locations. While completing my documented case studies for certification I was privileged to share the reflexology experience with two expectant moms. They were both intrigued with the benefits they experienced and how good they felt at the conclusion of the sessions. In the last few weeks I've researched the specific area of reflexology for pregnancy (mom, dad, and baby) even further. I'm looking forward in a week or so to receiving a text book specifically written on this topic, and the opportunity to further my reflexology education in this area.

This weekend I had the privilege of sharing what I do with a midwife in our area. I'm so grateful for her encouragement. What I would certainly like to share here is the benefits -- so, you'll be informed, too. Just for the expectant mommy the list goes something like this: reflexology may bring some welcome relief for morning sickness, Backache, Digestive problems i.e. constipation, Nausea & headaches, Stress & anxiety, Swollen/puffy ankles & legs, Pain & discomfort, Lack of sleep & fatigue, Cramps, Loss of bladder control, Heartburn, and to Bring on Late Labor.* Does that sound like a list of discomforts for which you would love some relief? This information and more benefits for daddy and baby, too, will soon be on my reflexology website. I invite you to visit there today, bookmark the page, come back soon, and those of you in the Memphis, TN area, please give me a call (the phone number is on the website). I would love to share this caring touch therapy with you during this special time.

Safety of Cosmetics

When introduced to ONEGroup's miessence certified organic cosmetics and skincare last spring, I believe I found a treasure chest of products. It's not really surprising, I suppose, to see all the companies out there with green claims, and perhaps healthy products. I visit to the SkinDeep website may shed some different light on many of the products you are trusting for your skin, and therefore, trusting for your body's health as well.

The lower the scores, the safer the product. It's wonderful to be able to report that all of the ONEGroup miessence products fall in the SAFE category. That is just not true for many of the products whose claims you are believing and whose products you are using.

This evening I read an article on the cosmetic lines incorporating nanoparticles technology being used in many lines of personal care products. It, too, is quite alarming. I encourage you to read about it at the link above.

My challenge to you: After reading about nanoparticles in cosmetics, and after checking out your particular favorites at SkinDeep, visit my ONEGroup miessence website. Look up those products, also, in the SkinDeep site.

Ready to give miessence a try? Please email me at LynnsOrganicChoices@yahoo.com.

Words You Say to Yourself

Our women's Sunday School class has recently begun studying the book, SELF TALK, SOUL TALK, by Jennifer Rothschild. A very key scripture of this study is the verse:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.

As you have considered this familiar verse have you ever thought about it including the words you say to yourself? What a total slap in the face of the God who created us when we call ourselves names like "Idiot," "Stupid," "Dumb," "Not Good Enough," etc. Anything less than speaking the truth of who we are in Him is language enough to bring us to our knees, breaking our hearts as we consider the wounds we have inflicted upon His.

It is amazing to me how often I awake with the voices from the past who have called me some of those names, speaking over and over again. The voices become my voice. I find myself crying out to God for forgiveness, and courage to seek and know and most of all believe THE TRUTH.

The verse above along with another treasured scripture have been my focus. Ephesians 2:10 tells us,

"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

He created us and he has work for us. We have a purpose, and we are not dumb, stupid, or not good enough. He's expecting big things. Will we speak these words of truth to our spirits, and believe that He is sufficient in us to bring life through us?!

You might find some wonderful food for thought on the subject of the words we speak to ourselves at Jennifer's Self Talk, Soul Talk blog.

Saving on Organic Foods

Have you discovered just how tasty (and healthy) organic foods can be? We just love that they have so much more flavor, and are better for our bodies too! The price can often be another matter.

Several months ago I joined a wholesale buying club for purchasing natural and organic goods and non-grocery items. It has been wonderful to be able to split cases and share the savings of shopping this way. With great foods on hand, I make fewer trips to the health food grocery where impulse buying often pushes my grocery budget out-of-hand.

These clubs exist all over the country. Look for one near you. . . or become the coordinator for a brand new one, introducing more folks to this great idea.

Look for a group near your home: United Buying Clubs

Learning How Reflexology May Help You

Earlier this week I found myself on an incredible internet journey. . . DESTINATION: Articles and Info about specific ways reflexology may help you, your family and your friends. I was serious about this. You must understand, in the USA not too much research has been done to document the results reflexologists see everyday. Other countries (Denmark, UK, and China mostly) have done extensive research. Their results have encouraged them to place reflexology into the mainstream of the medical community. Tennessee, the state where I live and practice reflexology, was the first state to actually set reflexolgoy apart from other modalities and professions, and its regulation does fall under health related boards. That is certainly a positive!!!

My journey did lead to some interesting locations I would love to share with you. I believe if you will check these out you will learn so much about the value of reflexology as not only one of the most incredibly relaxing experiences you may have, but also as one that may be of great benefit for health concerns you and/or your loved ones are facing.

The first site I found was that of Margie DeHays, another reflexoogist. She's in Ohio. If that's close to your home, I'm sure she would love the referral. Another website is that of The Pacific Institue of Reflexology, a school teaching reflexology in Canada: The wealth of articles and research on this site is a goldmine for learning more about refelxology and determining of this is an experience in which you choose to participate.

This were such wonderful collections of helpful information, I believe I will be adding links to them on my professional reflexology website soon!!!

Visit Footsteps In Eden

Dry Winter Skin? Try Almond Oil

Dry, flaky, scaly, itchy . . . winter takes its toll on skin. Even as a small child my skin has always been very dry. The winter made it worse . . . so much worse, in fact, that during Jr. High years I actually received a love letter to a mermaid describing that dry miserable skin in all its ugliness. What's worse, the teacher thought the whole thing hysterical, read it to the whole class, and then posted it on the bulletin board (with my name markered out, of course). Now that's some dry skin!!!

A few months ago it came to my attention that massaging Almond Oil into my skin before showering might just be the trick needed here. You know, (when I remember, of course), it really does make a huge difference. I'm using Hather Loraine Cosmetics 100% Pure Sweet Expeller Pressed Almond Oil. This is pure and natural chemical free skincare. The follow-up is also important: miessence Intensive Body Cream!!! This certified organic product from the miessence skincare line is a superb finishing touch! You'll find it at my ONEGroup website under Body/Oral Care. I've been amazed at how much more comfortable I am in my own skin this winter. That helps to keep the smile on my face!

Protesting Junk Food, Eating Organic

This little picture represents a big mouthful to the Mouth Revolution! Now this is quite an interesting twist on eating organic and saying no to the junk food world.

I've been checking out other health & wellness and green conscious blogs today. Sue's Healthy Blog had included this very funny, but serious minded video. Sue's blog is filled with helpful nutrition content. I've included it in my list of "Healthy & Nurturing Links for You and Your Family." Check it out. And for sure take a look at the Mouth Revolution video.

Cranberries -- Healthy Defense

The advice to drink pure cranberry juice for urinary infections has been around for a long, long time. Of course, the pure stuff (very tart) is best. The February 2008 issue of ALTERNATIVE HEALTH arrived this week. A small article in this publication touted this same berry for not only E. coli, and Streptococcus mutans, but also as a defense against H. pylori bacteria.

Translated that all means that this little red berry may be very useful on the defense against urinary tract infections, tooth decay, ulers, stomach cancer, stroke and heart disease. That's pretty impressive!

One suggestion offered by ALTERNATIVE HEALTH is to drink 6 oz. daily. They recommend you choose the pure 100% cranberry juice* and mix it with other 100% fruit juices* or sparkling water; or use a natural sweetener lige agave or honey.

*Personally, I believe the benefits only increase when choosing organic. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the Kroger Private Selection brand of organic cranberry juice I had been purchasing met all the requirements. It's quite tasty, too!

Peace on Earth

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:8-20

Savor the Moments

It's Friday afternoon just a few days before Christmas. My shopping is complete, the gifts wrapped, and the house is almost ready for our family's Christmas festivities. To have today and tomorrow to relax a little has been wonderful. My thoughts (as they have so often the last few weeks) continue to turn to exactly how it is we should be celebrating this season. JESUS IS THE VERY BEST GIFT EVER. My gifts can in no way compare -- and they aren't even handmade this year as they have been so often in the past. The momentary pleasures and joys -- they're memories worth keeping. Like the one yesterday when my 2 year old granddaughter and I visited the Enchanted Forest.

This exhibit of elves and forest creatures having fun in the snow while busy preparing all the toys and fun Santa will soon deliver, features old, old motorized animals and elfs. The animals were all waving to the children as we wandered our way through the exhibit which now finds its home at The Pink Palace Museum in Memphis. It's had a few homes over the years, and has thrilled children for decades. Mikah was no exception. What a delight it was to watch her move from one scene to the next waving and shouting, "hello" to each character that was waving to her. The surprise that she registered that these characters were not talking back was such a treat.

I believe that the celebration of Jesus birth through worship and praise and sharing His love is the obvious first consideration in this season, which holds so much promise of JOY unending! Spending time with Mikah yesterday -- that was a gift from her to me -- and a gift of time and love shared. I was so thankful that my life was not so rushed, I was able to take the time to make a memory, and I believe Jesus smiled on us and our adventure.

Treat Your Feet!!!

What kind of bird can write? (Give up? The answer is at the end of this post.)

These little tuxedo clad guys give me the giggles. I also wonder while even though they are fairly small creatures, how they get around on those little webbed peds. They're like a roly-poly get around on a couple of playing cards.

This leads to a serious question. . . How are you getting around? This time of the year we all seem to be rushing everywhere, shopping, cooking, decorating, partying . . . and at the end of the day the "dogs" are feeling quite abused. You may help them out with a gift of reflexology, of course! (You are smiling here, right?!)

Another discovery I made over the summer was the Earth Shoe. If you're old (like me) you'll remember these from say 30 years or so ago. . . rather clunky in appearanhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifce, but if you wore them you may recall how happy your feet were to live in such comfort. So, the shoes have been around a very long time, but they have also become very stylish. The combination is definitely a winning one!

Simple amazement at how great my feet felt, and later realization that a rather persistent pain in my shoulder blades had disappeared as well when I began wearing them, has been incentive enough to recommend them to many of my reflexology clients. They are available with a perk -- Free Shipping @ TheWalkingCompany.com!


Just in case you've read this far without guessing -- IT'S A PEN - GUIN

Riddle and cute little bird from kaboose

Spot of Tea Gets the Nod

In the not too distant past you were made aware of my decision to check out tea as a morning "spot" of choice. Alternating between the fine teas from Generation Tea and my gourmet coffees, I have made the amazing (but perhaps not startling) decision, that my body loves me much more on the days I choose the tea. I've really enjoyed those I've purchased from generation tea. . . some are already in bags . . . some are used with an infuser. . . both fabulous. When I opened the infuser to clean it, I was amazed at how vibrantly green the leaves had almost come to life.

This online shop is worth the virtual trip. . . treat yourself . . . or an impressionable last minute gift.

Generation Tea

Unique Gifts for Little People

With one incredible 2 year old grandchild and two more on the way,
you will believe that this Grandma is always on the lookout for all
the perfectly unique gifts for these perfectly unique and special
little people. Surfin' about for exactly that, I came across this
wonderful website with even more wonderful offerings! You'll find
more links there for "Posh Home" and more. Have a look for yourself
at PoshTots. Find spectacular
treats for your perfectly incredible little someones!

Laughter the Best Medicine of All

Laughter is the best medicine. . . We've all heard that said so often. Just what is the medicine good for? Obviously, if you're laughing you are probably in a jovial mood and stress is being relieved a bit. I became curious today as to exactly what other great side effects there might be to this particular form of medicine. Google led me to a website full of facts on the effects of humor and links to humor as well. Here is there report in a nutshell.

A good hearty laugh can help:

* reduce stress
* lower blood pressure
* elevate mood
* boost immune system
* improve brain functioning
* protect the heart
* connect you to others
* foster instant relaxation
* make you feel good.
Lots more specifices are found at:

www.helpguide.org

miessence Organic Skincare a Great Value

When prospective clients look at the miessence organic line of skincare and cosmetics I represent, they often look first at the price. That's quite a shame, I believe, especially when they are comparing it to the products they are purchasing at the big chain drugstore on every corner. Just the ingredients label alone on those products truly are screaming, "Unless you wish to put totally toxic stuff on your body, don't even take me home."

Much appreciation goes to the miessence representative who took her precious time to compare our prices to the other organic brands on the market. Now we are comparing oranges to oranges here. The truth is that ounce for ounce miessence comes in pennies higher than two other brands, but in many cases dollars less than some of the most well-known. miessence quality is tremendous.

You will find the entire miessence certified organic product line by clicking here. Thank you for visiting. You'll find gift ideas that are truly a treat -- pampering and healthy as well -- and ordering information, too.