Anna Alicia

thesachuation:

sammmmmie-p:

Hi everyone!
My best friends and I are running a marathon for this man right here:

This is my father. He was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia when I was 11 years old and was given 6 months to a year to live, which means he never would have seen his children even graduate elementary…

Omg… :’( 

please reblog! 

The Beauty in Tomatoes

When I decided to start a blog, the first topic that came to mind was tomatoes! I have been waiting to write something about my favorite ingredient nature has to offer for quite some time. Now is the time to share it with you!

Tomatoes are absolutely wonderful for a number of reasons and play a huge role in the skin care world!  They are loaded with an antioxidant called Lycopene which gives the fruit its rich red color. As humans, we don’t naturally produce Lycopene in the body, but the benefits are endless. Not only does this fabulous ingredient give the skin protection from environmental factors, but it also helps to reduce skin cell damage and redness from pollution and the sun. Tomatoes also help to retain moisture, keeping water levels stable.

For wonderful skin care products that use tomatoes as an ingredient, check out Eminence Organics. The Eminence Garlicand Tomato Masque is a great must-have for those experiencing summer breakouts. The tomato helps replenish the skin with vitamins, while the garlic controls oil levels in the skin. 

Not only is this fruit juicy and delicious, but it helps give us the beautiful spa glow most of us dream about. What’s not to love? I know what I’ll be snacking on tonight- a bowl of tomatoes!!!

Here’s a fun little article perfect for this summer since most of us run around Pocahontas style. Click the title of this post to read more.

Facial Cleanser and Mask

I have another love in my bathroom! It is a cleanser/mask, all in one, from 100 Percent Pure that helps to detoxify the skin, killing acne causing bacteria with purifying herbs and seaweed. There are many fun items from this brand, but this is my new favorite! I use it as cleanser with my night routine and leave it on as a mask once a week. I put it on before I go in the shower and rinse it off with cool water. When I get out, I seal it in with an organic moisturizer. I love the freshness I get from using this product and highly recommend it for someone who doesn’t want to make too big of a dent in their wallet but still get a deep cleanse. This products runs at $21, but a little bit goes a long way. You only need the smallest amount mixed with water to do the trick.

 I support and love this brand because of their NO ANIMAL TESTING, and because they are local. I enjoy skin care that is similar to my food- fresh, organic, vegetarian/vegan and HEALTHY. I also love the convenience of this line. You can make your purchase online on their website or visit one of their boutiques in Berkeley or San Jose, California. The staff at the stores are very helpful and knowledgeable about the whole product line and always give you samples to take home. Enjoy!  For more information, check out the company website.

 http://www.100percentpure.com/

Mask time :)

Lemon Foot Scrub

Here’s an easy recipe to keep your feet feeling like you just got a pedicure!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup ground oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon sea or table salt
• Water 
• 3 drops of lemon

Preparation:

• Mix the cornmeal, oatmeal and salt in a bowl, adding a cup of water to form a creamy paste
• Add more water if needed
• Stir in the lemon drops
• Apply to your feet while sitting down, gently massaging all rough areas
• Rinse, carefully removing all of the scrub

Now that your feet are exfoliated, put some moisturizer on to finish the process!!

Photo from beautifullyused.com

Lip Exfoliator From the Kitchen

Experiencing dry, chapped lips this winter season? Before you apply your lip balm, add exfoliation to your routine to help with the flaking! I have a fabulous recipe that is fun to make, but guess what? It only takes 2 ingredients to make this treat for your lips!! If you have granulated sugar and honey, you are ready to create some natural goodness for the lips!

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 drop of honey

Preparation:

1. Mix the sugar and honey in a small bowl
2. Gently apply the delicious blend onto your lips for 30 seconds using light, circular motions
3. Gently remove the mix from your lips with a damp cloth and seal in the moisture with a nourishing lip balm of your choice

Enjoy!!

Photo from becomegorgeous.com

It has been quite some time since I’ve written on Tumblr, but I have been very busy with my holistic studies. Lately, I have been learning about energy work and recently had a class on the chakras in the body, and must say I am completely fascinated! The word chakra means wheels, which are energy centers. It is believed that when the chakras awaken, they open up like flowers to help balance or restore our body’s energy. There are seven major chakras in the body which focus on developmental stages of life, colors and body functions.

For more information on chakras, click on the title of this post or the link below for a great article from Organic Spa Magazine. 

http://www.organicspamagazine.com/articles/category/mind-and-body/chakra-101/

Photo from connectionspuzzles.com

What do you do when your muscles are feeling sore? There are a variety of natural therapies available and a great selection of holistic products to help sooth away tension of the muscles.

I enjoy using cold and hot compresses when my muscles are in need of some extra love! Starting with a cold compress on the body, will slow the release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Then by using a hot compress, the muscles will be relaxed. This can easily be incorporated into a massage therapy session or done on yourself. Another great remedy for sore muscles is massage therapy. Massage is a beautiful way to help with a variety of issues, soreness being one of them. Massage therapists have a thorough background in both anatomy and kinesiology, giving them an amazing knowledge of the way the human body works. The massage therapist’s science background, mixed with intuition, is the perfect tool for your aching muscles and stress. This is why I see all of the massage therapists in my life as angels! They work miracles on the human body and are not given enough credit for their unbelievable talent! Another muscle relaxer on my list is a hot bath! If you have a bath tub, I recommend giving yourself the time to relax in one whenever you get the chance. I do not have a bath tub so I treat myself to a hot bath with lavender bath salts whenever I visit my parents. It always makes me feel pampered without having to pay a spa! I turn off all the lights, put a few candles around me, turn on some relaxing music, close my eyes and relax. It’s the perfect escape from stress and eases my body of tension. If available, put in some essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties and scents that you find relaxing. I really enjoy adding a few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender to my bath treatment. Be sure it’s organic and in its natural form. You can be sure it’s authentic if the essential oil has it’s Latin name on the bottle. Also, be sure to check for a batch number which can usually be found on the bottom of the jar or the back label. Enjoy and be sure to check out Organic Spa’s article on natural ways to help with muscle aches! It is an easy-read, loaded with simple tips, as well as recommended products!

http://www.organicspamagazine.com/qa/10-natural-ways-to-ease-sore-muscles/

Photo from megahowto.com/

I recently started a video blog on a health and wellness website!

I do not have any videos up, but stay tuned for holistic face and body tips coming your way soon! Click on the link to check out my channel and feel free to contact me about topics you wish to hear about. Thank you for the love and support!

http://www.icyou.com/channel/anna-alicias-channel

I recently decided it was time to give back to the community while using my passion! In June of this year, I became certified with Look Good…Feel Better® as a volunteer esthetician in my area. Look Good…Feel Better® is a beautiful program made possible by American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council Foundation and National Cosmetology Association. This program helps women going through different stages of cancer to learn about the appearance-related issues of cancer treatments. I have only done a few sessions so far, but I feel so privileged to be able to work with such strong, radiant women! I feel very fortunate and inspired by the high level of positivity and hope! If you or anyone you know is facing cancer, please share the link or email me for more information! You can click the title of this post to take you directly to the Look Good…Feel Better® page. I have also included a book I recommend for anyone going through cancer. The book covers skin care, makeup tips, scarf tying and more! http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Pearls-Chemo-Girls-Marybeth/dp/0806531185

If this program doesn’t interest you, but you have questions or are in need of skin care advice involving a cancer patient, please contact me!

http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

Photo from Look Good…Feel Better®

How to Prepare Your Skin for the Weather Change

It’s time to get our face and body ready for the cooler weather! Here are a few tips to keep the skin hydrated and glowing this year!

1) Drink Plenty of water and be sure to balance out your tea/caffeine intake!

2) Treat yourself to a hydrating facial at the spa and be sure to maintain a healthy home care regiment. If you need help with your home plan, email me, and we can make one that is simple and easy to follow.

3) Your skin will respond better to hydrating treatments if the dead cells are removed. Exfoliating your face and body on a regular basis will make your moisturizers more effective because they are better absorbed and prevent your skin from flaking. You can alternate between a scrub, peel or exfoliating mask for the face and use sugar or salt scrubs for the body to reveal radiant skin!

4) When bathing, you want to avoid drying out your skin! Modify the temperature of the water and the amount of time you are in the shower or bath. After you’re done bathing, it’s time to replenish and seal in the moisture! Gently pat your skin with a bath towel and apply moisturizer on your damp skin!

5) Always wear sunscreen! It doesn’t matter if you are going to the beach or not! There are still damaging rays that your skin is exposed to! Apply a generous amount to your face, neck, check, hands, and any other area that is exposed! Keep some sunscreen and a lip balm with an SPF in your purse or gym bag to make reapplying sunscreen more convenient.

6) Wear clothing that protects your skin from the harsh wind and stay dry! If your clothes are wet, remove them as soon as you can to prevent irritation on the skin.

Grab a fabulous pair of gloves for your hands, some moisturizer, and keep your skin sparkling! Follow these simple steps, and you will be looking vibrant for all of your holiday parties and Fall/Winter events!

Photo from fbeyondbeautybasics.com

I just came across this article today and wanted to share it! The world of massage therapy never fails to amaze me, and I hope to see more people adding it to their lives. If you’ve never received a massage, add it on your list of things to do. There are several beautiful benefits of massage therapy, and I’ve included a list of a few. Have a gorgeous weekend!

• Increase in circulation
• More energy
• Improves concentration
• Reduces fatigue
• Eases medication dependence
• Improves immunity
• Decreases depression
• Improves the condition of the skin 
• Increases joint flexibility
• Releases endorphins
• Enhances relaxation and well-being

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-massage-20100909,0,1714412.story

Photo from massagecare4u.com

Men’s skin care issues are often neglected, but it’s time to start talking about them! Here is a link from Dr. Oz for all of you men out there. I will post more in the near future, including an easy-to-follow skin care guide just for men so stay tuned!

http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/susan-evans-md/mens-skin-care-issues

Photo from helpmystyle.ie