This is the time of year when the intense chill of winter starts to ease up and we sense the first signs of spring...a bit longer days, a little more sunlight! As our bodies adjust to the changing season, we can actually use the change in weather to beautify ourselves, from the inside out!

Be sure to spend at least 15 minutes a day in direct sunlight (wearing spf, of course) which helps to fight "winter blues" and can actually boost our bodies energy levels. As the weather warms a bit, our bodies naturally crave less "heavy" food, which make the upcoming months perfect for eating lots of fresh, healthy fruits and veggies. Read on for further ways to look and feel great these next couple of months!

WATER RETENTION: GET RID OF A PUFFY FACE!

There are times when no matter what we seem to do, our faces look puffy and our clothes don't fit. Oftentimes, water retention is a factor. Here are some easy and quick ideas to get you looking great in no time:

1. Sip a cup of dandelion tea. This tea is available at most drug and grocery stores, and is wonderful for eliminating excess water. Stay near a restroom, though.

2. Drink juice until noon. Watermelon juice is especially effective. Drinking fresh juices helps our bodies eliminate excess sodium and built up toxins, which contribute to bloating and water retention.

3. Chew on some parsley. Not only is parsley an effective diuretic, it's a great breath freshener.

By easing the effects of water retention, you'll feel better and avoid unwanted puffiness. Just one more example of how beauty often comes from the inside out!

AROMATHERAPY, THE ANCIENT ART

Recently, my friend and business partner Greg Brinkley introduced me to the ancient art of aromatherapy. I'd always thought that aromatherapy was a little bit hocus-pocus, something that was enjoyable but not hugely beneficial to one's health. Well, after two weeks of experimenting with the oils from "Young Living", I feel differently! In fact, I have had such profound experiences with them I am planning on adding the oils to the site. Stay tuned for further information! For now, here are some easy, at home ways to bring the healing powers of aromatherapy into your life:

1. Add a couple slices of orange to your bath. Orange is very uplifting and because it's fresh it's better than any product on the market!

2.Brew a cup of strong peppermint tea and inhale deeply, then massage some of the leftover leaves behind ears or on the wrists. These are key pressure points and peppermint is known for increasing energy and relieving headaches.

3. Add a bag of chamomile tea to your bath. Chamomile is a wonderful natural relaxant. Also calms irritated skin.

It's been known for ages that scents can affect the way we feel. Try using the above "recipes," to incorporate the amazing benefits of aromatherapy into your everyday life!

SKIN CARE MADE SIMPLE!!

Many women (and men too) struggle with maintaining great looking skin, and acne breakouts commonly occur even when the skin is over-dry and chapped. How to handle this? First of all, I highly recommend the "MOISTURE BALANCE CREAM" from Royal Botanica. This cream not only nourishes the skin to eliminate dryness, is also heals acne and prevents further breakouts from occurring! My favorite part is that it is all natural, and even contains a natural spf so you don't need to worry about damaging UVA/UVB rays. (For more information or to order, please go to The Complete Order Form.

Here are some of the wonderful ingredients in this nutrient packed moisturizer: Aloe Vera, Rice Bran, Evening Primrose Oil, Gotu Kola, Echinacia, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract (red marine algae), Vitamins A and E, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Grapefruit and a Non Clogging Sunscreen.

Also, be sure your diet is high in valuable nutrients such as C, E, and Zinc, as well as all of the B vitamins. Stay clear of vitality robbers such as alcohol and caffeine, which can make skin troubles worse.

NOURISH SKIN, WITH AT HOME MELON FACIAL

I've promised to include as many do-it-yourself facials as I can in the Beauty&Soul newsletters, and this is one of my favorites:

Mash one half cup of fresh melon (cantaloupe, honeydew,etc) in a bowl and apply to clean, dry skin. Let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water and finish with your favorite moisturizer. Melon is full of natural alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins, which leave skin glowing and radiant! For best results, use the "melon treatment" once weekly.

UNDEREYE CIRCLES: A PROBLEM FOR MANY!

Questions relating to undereye circles are the most common questions I receive. There are several reasons why they occur, and here's what you can do to stop them for good: