Beauty&Soul

Fall 2011

Part 1

Greetings, Dear Readers!

I hope this newsletter finds you happy, healthy, and most of all, easing back into routine after a joyful summer! School begins, the air is crisper, leaves start to change. Swimsuits and sundresses are traded in for warmer wears...Just as we relax into the rhythm of autumn, it seems the holidays sneak up ever so quickly, creating franticness and the opposite of cozy relaxation.

While I don't particularly have tips for this, please share your thoughts if YOU do! :)

In the meantime, I have a mailbox full of questions and concerns about Autumn health and beauty, and I will do my best to help you ease into the season with beauty and radiant health!

Every year, like clockwork, the last two weeks of August find my mailbox filled with the same predicaments: "My hair is dry and dull from the sun. What can I do?" Or, "I love my summer tan, how can I keep it?" Well, I'm here to help you! I've faced all the same predicaments at one time or another, and for the questions I didn't have answers too, I've gone straight to my trusted "experts". So, as the warm summer weather gives way to the cooler fall months, trust that you will be beautiful, radiant, and feeling blissful, inside AND out!

Fall Beauty: Starting from the INSIDE:

I've tweaked my routine over the years (okay, let's face it: I'm older and maintaining is not as easy as it used to be), but I have found juice fasting to be a wonderful way to prepare the entire body and mind for seasonal changes. I don't recommend it generally in the winter, especially in very cold climates, as most people need more calories and substance during cold months. However, the end of summer is truly the perfect time to fine tune your health. (Which in turn leaves your "outer self" glowing as well.) 

I try to take 3-4 days and do a modified juice fast. (I find fruit combinations better early in the morning, veggies as the day progresses.) Some favorite combinations are apple/cucumber/celery and watermelon/beet/parsley. With a good juicer, you can really juice anything you like and know you are flooding your body with incredible nutrients that are used instantaneously! You can intersperse the juicing with herbal tea or lemon water throughout the day. You can also have light meals, if the idea of "just juice" seems too much. Do remember, however, that juice should ONLY be taken on an empty stomach, never after a meal. I like to juice through the day, then have a healthy "live" meal at night, perhaps a big green salad with veggies and walnuts. Experiment and see what works for you! I do promise that at the end of the week you will feel lighter, your skin will be brighter, you will feel more energetic and just overall "good".

Now on to the "OUTER" Self.

HAIR, SKIN, and NAILS: From dry and damaged to Fabulous for Fall!

My number one reader beauty woe? How to get damaged summer locks back in to glorious shape. (In CAN be done.) The salty sea, chlorinated swimming pools, and harsh rays can leave even the healthiest locks dry and lifeless. Summer is my favorite time of year, so I know exactly what you are talking about.

At the end of every August, I have a set routine. I see my hairdresser, the wonderful Jennifer. I always have her trim just the very ends of my hair, to remove the damage without shortening the length. If, like me, you color your hair, fall is the perfect time to add some low-lights. The summer can really wreak havoc on hair color, and soft low-lights give hair dimension and are the perfect complement to fall hues. This works well on blonds as well as brunettes. A good stylist will work with the texture and natural shade of your hair for perfect results. :)

Next, DEEP CONDITION. I do this twice weekly for a month, then continue weekly through the colder months. While you can pay to have this done in a salon, there really is no need. I find coconut oil works beautifully. Simply massage in to clean, damp hair, let sit for an hour, and rinse thoroughly. If you are short on time, there are many drug store brands that work in three minutes and are equally effective.

Skin also goes through changes as the weather does the same. You may notice you start to break out, or begin to get very dry. I recommend using Retinoid or Alpha Hydroxy Acid products during the cooler months, as these enhance cell turnover and keep skin looking radiant. (Note: If you are in a warm climate and still seeing plenty of sun, skip this for a few more months. Use of these products combined with sun exposure can cause increased sun damage.)

I up my exfoliation routine, too. Unless you have very sensitive skin, some raw sugar and a warm washcloth work wonderfully. Just massage into clean skin in circular motions, let sit a minute or two, and rinse with cool water. And don't forget the rest of your body! I like to use a "dry brush", which you can find at any health food stores, and use this (sweeping in upward motions) to get rid of dull skin and boost circulation.

You may also want to switch body moisturizers in the fall. I seem to get instantly drier come September, so tend to use products that contain almond or other nut oils. Be sure to moisturize right after showering to really lock in moisture. The same holds true for lips. Applying a balm regularly is crucial, as our lips do not produce any of their own natural oils.

By following these simple ideas for fall, you will be sure to have gorgeous skin and hair throughout the season. Stay tuned for Part 2....

XOX

Wendy

P.S.

Here are some highlights from the concert. : )

Lily seeing Richie Sambora come onto the stage!

Still smiling and gracious after a three hour show!

Beautiful Bridgett so proud of a fabulous performance!

Pure love all the way around! Beautiful!

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