10 Super Foods... For Better Health & Hair 

1. Sweet Potatoes.
    A nutritional All-Star,,,one of the best vegetables you can eat. Loaded with Vitamin C, potassium and    
    fiber, they can be sweet,(cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) or savory (cumin, paprika, chili.)

2. Mangoes.
    One cup of mangoes supplies 100% of a day's vitamin C, one-third vitamin A, potassium and fiber.
     Mangoes are one of the least likely fruits to have pesticide residues.
3. Unsweetened Greek Yogurt.
    Even the fat-free versions are thick and creamy, the perfect foil for berries. Twice the protein of
    ordinary yogurt!
4. Broccoli.
     Lots of vitamin C, vitamin K and folic acid. Steam until its still firm and add a spritz of lemon juice.
5. Wild Salmon.
     The omega-3 fats in fatty fish like salmon help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Wild-caught
      salmon has lower levels of PCB contaminants than farmed salmon.
6. Crispbreads. 
      Whole-grain rye crackers, like Wasa and Kavli- are loaded with fiber and often fat -free. Drizzle with a
       little honey and sprinkle with cinnamon to satisfy your sweet tooth.
7. Garbanzo Beans.
     All beans are good beans. They're rich in protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Garbanzos
     are versatile; soups, salads, stews and rice!
8. Watermelon.
     Watermelon is a heavyweight in the nutrient department; vitamins, A, C and potassium.
9. Butternut Squash.
      Steam a sliced squash or buy peeled, diced squash that's ready to go into the oven, stir-fry
      or a soup. It's an easy way to get lots of vitamin C, A and fiber.
10. Leafy Greens.
      Don't miss out on power-house greens like kale, collards, spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens and
      swiss chard. These leafy greens are packed with vitamins A,C and K magnesium, calcium, iron and fiber.       Serve with a splash lemon juice and red wine vinegar.  

An education venture!

Mother of Pearl Collection

The designers just returned from a Davines Hair Show in Minneapolis. Here's what master designer Lindsay had to say about the show..."Our salon was lucky enough to attend and get inside the mind of Angelo Seminara* and his latest collection, Mother of Pearl. This collection is so appealing on an artistic level as well as commercially. We had a great time at The Radisson Blue hotel and love being a part of the Davines family.

*Simple, classic but truly stunning

Angelo Semiara  Davines Worldwide Artistic Director

Stop And Smell The Flowers: What Can Aromatherapy Do For You?

 


 

Ancient practice of aromatherapy began with the extraction of natural plant oils from a wide assortment of plants such as; fruits, bark, flowers, and roots to promote health and well-being. These oils are either cold- pressed or steam distilled to get the purest form of oil for use with aromatherapy.

 

Aromatherapy can be used to help ease an assortment of aliments including easing aches, pains, and injuries, while relieving the discomforts of many health problems. Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system, by assisting in relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, uplifting, sedating or stimulating, restoring both physical and emotional wellbeing.

 

Essential oils can be used in many ways:   at home, on the go, or at work. They can be used in a variety of ways. They can be added to carrier oils, bath water, or to water in a spray bottle for use as a room freshener, with electric diffusers, soap, and home cleaning. Essential oils should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle, in a cool, dry, dark place.  Heat, light, and oxygen can change the aroma and color of  your valuable essential oils

 

Below is a list of the most popular essential oils and some of their common uses and purposes.

 

1.  Lavender:  is a fresh floral-scented oil and is known to have relaxing properties.

 

2.  Tea Tree:  is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral and has antibacterial properties.

3.  Eucalyptus:  "is best known for its respiratory effects. It fights viruses and bacteria, while easing congestion. It also eases muscle and joint aches and pains Eucalyptus globulous stimulates circulation, increasing the flow of blood to affected areas. Eucalyptus can be mentally stimulating and may help increase concentration.”

4.  Sweet Orange “delightfully bright and cheery, strongly antidepressant.”

 

5.  Peppermint “easing migraines (especially those stemming from digestive problems); it helps clear congestion in the sinuses; it can ease indigestion (one drop on a sugar cube, or in a spoonful of honey.)” Mentally, it clears the brain, helps concentration, is a restorative in cases of mental fatigue, and a mental stimulant. Obviously not an oil to use in the evening when you are seeking sleep, but great in the car to help keep the driver alert. Peppermint is the ideal remedy for all digestive disorders, including nausea and vomiting. It is a great remedy for car or air sickness.



6.  Arnica “Extracted from the blossom of arnica Montana.” “Oil infused with Arnica blossoms has been used for easing pain, swelling and inflammation caused by bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, rheumatic pain, and inflammation from insect bites, and swelling due to fractures.  It is most frequently recommended for "soft tissue" pain - muscles and tendons.”


7.  Bergamot “Lovely green light citrus/floral note, fruity and warm, much used by perfumers as a top note. Encouraging, balancing to the spirit. Combats fatigue due to stress, tension and anxiety. Is reputed to strengthen the immune system.”

 

8.   Clary sage “is necessary oil for every woman. It helps ease menstrual cramps, balances PMS, eases the pangs of menopause, balances extreme emotions, reducing stress and restore inner tranquility.”

No Butts about it ! Why you need Therapeutic Gluteal work.

 

 


The gluteal muscles are located below your lower back. There are three muscles; Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Maximus, and Gluteus. Minus that make up the gluteals muscle. The main movement the glutes perform is hip flexion such as moving your leg in front of your body. When your glutes become tight they may refer pain to your lower back and legs. Through compensation many other muscles become tight too. Muscles such as the Pirisformis, which attaches from the hips to the tail bone. The muscle moves your leg into abduction when the hip is flexed such as hip is bent moving away from your other leg. Once your hips are tight, the tightness will move down into the hamstrings and the back of leg. The hamstrings move your leg into extension such as moving leg behind your body.

Tight hips and legs can greatly affect your mobility, posture, and quality of sleep. People most often notice gluteal pain when arising from a seated position to a standing position and or coming to a seated position from a lying down position. Massage Therapy can greatly benefit this  by decreasing muscle tension while increasing range of motion, flexibility, posture, and circulation. Gluteal Massage can be performed directly on the skin, through the sheet, and or over the underwear. Gluteal work can be performed in a 30 minute session for $50.00 and or can be one of the focus areas in an one Hour Classic massage session for $70.00. Your gluteal tension will depend on the frequency to which you may need to be massaged, so talk with your therapist.

By: Connie Clemens, Licensed Massage Therapist

Get hydrated with H2O

The average adult requires a minimum of 2 quarts  (1.89 liters) of water each day for the mind and body to function properly. In arid climates, additional water might be required to maintain a proper balance. The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters ( about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.

Drinking water after a massage is often recommended by massage therapists and other health care practitioners, for a variety of reasons. In fact, drinking water in general is good idea, as  the body benefits from proper hydration, and consuming water with help the kidneys and other organs process the various substances which move through the human body on a regular basis. Drinking water before a massage is also highly recommended, as it will make it easier for the massage therapist to perform deep work by hydrating the muscles so that they are easier to manipulate. 

There are primary reasons for people to drink water after a massage. The first reason, water after a massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials in the muscles which were released during the massage. Especially in the case of deep tissue massage, massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from muscles, and circulation is designed to carry away waste materials generated by cells. By providing the body with plenty of water, massage clients can help sweep away these waste materials; otherwise, they might build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage. The second reason has to do with ensuring that the muscles of the body are properly hydrated.


By: Connie Clemens, Licensed Massage Therapist

 

Colette's Blog

Top 5 Superfoods for Healthy Hair

1. Salmon – This fish is a miracle food for your hair. It is full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B-12. This means salmon will add shine, prevent dry scalp, and improve hair growth! Of all the foods listed, salmon packs the most punch when it comes to your locks.

2. Low-fat Dairy – Calcium plays a major role in hair growth. Diary products like low-fat yogurt and 2% or skim milk contain casein and whey, both high in protein, which prevents dry scalp.

 3. Dark Green Veggies – Oh, great. Just want you need. Another reason you need to eat those dang veggies. {insert veggie things} If you aren’t going to eat veggies for your health, at least do it for your hair! Veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli are major sources of vitamins A and C. These vitamins help produce sebum, a scalp oil that acts as a natural hair conditioner.

4. Bright Colored Fruit - Mango, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and peaches are all rich with vitamin C, an essential for making collagen that gives structure to hair. There’s another excuse to order that smoothie

5. Nuts – Almonds, pecans, cashews, and walnuts all contain zinc, which minimizes hair shedding. Walnuts also going a high level of omega-3 fatty acid, which boots hair fullness and shine.

Other Things You Can Utilize in Your Everyday Routine to Keep Your Hair Luxurious

Take a supplement containing biotin & silica. Biotin makes hair grow faster & silica makes hair grow stronger. Believe me, these supplements make all the difference, especially after to have a baby and your hair goes wacko! Note-Fiji drinking water contains silica!

The Wet Brush is America's #1 selling brush, and once you use it, you'll see why. It glides through wet hair & tangles without snagging, tearing, or breaking off stands of hair. With other brushes, TONS of hair is ripped and is visibly left behind in the brush, not with the wet brush. Designed for those with fine/fragile  hair, but also great for kids.

Aveda's newest additions contain an invigorating blend of ayurvedic herbs that help power invati™

Invati™ exfoliating shampoo...

Removes build-up that can clog pores and renews the scalp.

Invati™ thickening conditioner...

Restores strength and improves hair elasticity, reducing breakage.

Invati™ scalp revitalizer...

Helps energize and rehabilitate the scalp.

Clients have experienced tremendous results with this 3 part system.

Colette's Blog



Great Fall Recipe for Tomatoes

Although it's still warm out, I'm so in the mood for fall boots, warm lattes, and cozy, comfort food. This recipe is so yummy & soulful. Though the oven is on, it's got a tangy, summery zing. Plus, if you have a bounty of garden tomatoes like me, this will use them up in a quickly.

Tomato Bake

1 pie crust (either homemade or Pillsbury premade crust)

6 Tomatoes*

Mozzarella Cheese

1 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise

White Pepper

Basil

Garlic

*If you use Roma tomatoes you will need 8-10 tomatoes. Omit placing them on paper towels and salting. Roma's do not have a high water content like beefeater's, heirloom, etc...)

1. Spread your pie crust and bake lightly for 8-11 minutes at 425 degrees.

2. Remove from oven and sprinkle enough mozzarella cheese to cover the base of the crust. Set aside. Drop oven temperature down to 350 degrees.

3. Slice tomatoes into medium slices. Place on paper towels and lightly salt. (This will extract a lot of juice keeping your pie crust crisp)

4. After juice is extracted from tomatoes, begin placing them in a circle around crust and on top of cheese. Stack them to the top of the pan.Se aside enough tomatoes for one more layer.

5. Lay out basil on top of tomatoes. Sprinkle with garlic. Top with another layer of tomatoes.

6. Mix 1 cup mayo, 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, & white pepper. Spread with a spatula on top of last layer of tomatoes. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella.

7. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes, slice, serve, and enjoy.