The Multi-Purpose Latte...

Caffeine is good in your latte for a kick start but also try it to help brighten and lighten your eyes!
As we age, fat under the eyes naturally redistributes and skin loses elasticity, causing under eye bags, puffiness and dark circles to become more prominent. Get adequate sleep to help under eye circles from forming while topical formulas that contain caffeine can help reduce discoloration and eliminate puffiness. Many under eye creams boast caffeine as an active ingredient. Caffeine temporarily removes moisture from the skin, giving it a tauter appearance.

Get out of your pond......

Recently I attended an Executive Business Program at the University of Washington in Seattle. I packed my suitcase, jumped on a plane and stayed in a hotel for a week. I spent 10 hours or more EACH DAY listening to lectures, engaged in group discussions and immersed in nightly homework......what was I thinking?!?!? I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose in my business, a group of new friends that I could call on as resources and a spark of creativity I lost somewhere buried in the pile of papers on my desk. Participating in continuing education "gets you out of your pond" to experience, grow and challenge yourself. When the opportunity arises......take it. Even for just a day, a week, a month. The end result is well worth the investment.

Where the heck have I been?

My little blog seems to have gone to the way side in 2009.

I am guessing I'm not the only one who has done this....started out with the best of intentions....only to get distracted. The great thing about this lesson: there is always room to turn around. So when you feel backed up against a wall, discouraged, disorganized or just plain overwhelmed do this: stop, back up and turn around. Start again. Rediscover. Reformulate. Reorganize. Re-evaluate. This is the gift of growth.

Good News: Tzatziki

At receptions I love to stand near the appetizer table and munch, nibble and test everything offered. I am a dipper for sure. Eating all those little snacks quickly racks up the calories so I am always seeking healthy alternatives. Last week I discovered Tzatziki! Have you tried this? Tzatziki is a Greek dip made from low fat yogurt. Hold up now......yogurt is a far better base than mayo or sour cream. Tzatziki is a condiment usually on pitas and gyros but try it as a dip on pretzels, crackers or veggies. Tzatziki comes in a variety of flavors; I like roasted red pepper best. Look for Tzatziki in the dairy aisle of the supermarket - near the dips and cream cheese. Anyway to save a few calories and eat healthier is always good news!

Interval Training: What's the Deal?

My sister proudly exclaimed: "I can burn up to 50 extra calories interval training on the treadmill!" Hmmmmm..........not sure what that's all about but count me in for extra calorie burn! Aerobic interval training is simply alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity. Example: During a walk, speed up the pace for a block or two and then drop back down to your normal pace. This shakes up your routine without adding any more time. Bottom line - you make the most out of your workout! Interval training does three important things: 1. You burn more calories. 2. You increase your aerobic capacity. 3. You keep boredom at bay.

Natural Immune Boosters

Cold and flu season is brutal this time of year. Business travel frequently has us on airplanes and in congested lines at airports.........eeeeks!

Give your immune system a bit of extra strength with 5 Natural Immune Boosters found in healthy food and drinks:

Vitamin C; Echinacea; Garlic; Parsley & Amino Acids

Good rule to follow: Don't wait until you feel slightly under the weather, make it a habit to boost your natural defenses on a daily basis. Try brewing herbal teas that contain these ingredients. Hydrate and fortify - that's multitasking at its best!

Sister Sky Ready for 2009!

2009 promises to be our big breakout year. We have our sights set on positioning Sister Sky as a leading natural person care brand in mainstream channels. Retail giants like Target, WalMart and Walgreens are stocking shelves with natural body care products. Consumers want natural products at affordable prices. The natural personal care market is growing five times faster than the conventional market because people are concerned about health and wellness. Sister Sky is the next Burt's Bees.........stay tuned as we are coming to a store shelf near you soon!