For the last 7 years, Rick, Johnny and I have hiked a National Park every summer. This past summer we the glaciers of Banff National Park in Canada and the terrain and elevation gain proved to be the most difficult of all. However, my new hiking boots were amazing!

I think I've owned almost every single hiking shoe and boot on the market. I require a shoe with excellent arch support, superior tread and because I do a lot of mountain and unstable terrain trials, I wear an ankle boot for the support. I also prefer that my boot be waterproof because wet feet = blisters. But waterproof boots tend to not breath and sweaty feet = swollen feet. Sore feet will ruin your hike and kill your desire to hike quicker than any other factor you encounter in the Great Outdoors. Ask me how I know.

I don't actually like the restrictive feel of an ankle boot but I broke my foot 7 miles in hiking the Napali Coast in Kaua'i and since the only way to access that trail is on foot, I had to hike back out on a broken foot. I was wearing this Keen. Since that terrible experience, I will never again compromise myself by wearing cheap shoes on rugged trails. In fairness to Keen, I actually like them for gardening, yard work, light trails and easy hikes, but their ankle boots are very, very uncomforable.

I've tried many ankle boots: Merrel, Keen, Vasque and Solomon. My hiking boot? Lowa Renegades. I love this boot! I can put these boots on at 6am and at 6pm, not even know that I've hiked all day.

Socks? Same story, between Rick and I, we have worn all of the top brands. The brand that we all wear? Smart Wool. Don't be put off or fooled by the word "wool", these socks are amazing. Rick and Johnny prefer the thinner sock, but I like a thick sock.

If you take long hikes (6+ hours) I suggest that you get your hiking boots 1/2 size bigger, because feet do swell. Choose the thickness of sock by how long you plan to hike, and the terrain. Thinner socks are nice for short treks on hot days, but thicker socks will go the distance and provide nice cushioning. Lastly, always, always carry an extra pair of socks in your daypack.

Next up: What to pack in your Day Pack & Sunglasses

One of my favorite things is breakfast in bed on Sunday morning and rather than waiting for the Breakfast In Bed Fairy to show up, I self-serve. I don't do this every Sunday, but I do treat myself at least once a month. Sometimes I watch my DVR'ed shows, but most times I read the paper and books/magazines I have stockpiled. I detach from anything work related. I am a big believer that luxury does not equate to being expensive. In fact, the gift of time might be one of the most luxurious things you can offer, or receive. Breakfast in bed? Go ahead, treat yo self! It's amazing how guilt-free lolly gagging around in bed for an hour or two makes me feel like a queen and ready to face the week ahead.

Here's my favorite menu, prepped and set out on my kitchen island on Saturday night so that all I have to do on Sunday morning is boil water for my French press, open the refrigerator and assemble the tray and head back up to my bed.
My Favorite Granola, served up in a pretty crystal bowl.
Fresh fruit, sliced banana, grapes, seasonal berries and melon.
Greek yogurt, Noosa brand! It's the very best and a special treat due to the caloric and fat content.
A croissant if I'm feeling extra decadent, which is pretty much always. 
A pot of French press of coffee.

My Favorite Granola
I make this in double batches and keep snack-size ziplock bags of it in my car, my purse and my gym bag to curb my appetite when I am out and about. I also put this Granola in my teenage son's lunch, car and gym bag.

1/2 of a large box of Old Fashion Oats (not instant)
1 cup of nuts (I use slivered almonds and whole pecans)
1/2 cup dried unsweetened cherries (or blueberries)
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/8 cup ground flaxseed
2 Tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 Tbsp. vanilla

 Place all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Place all of the wet ingredients and the brown sugar in a saucepan and heat until just bubbling. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir well to coat. Place the mixture on cookie sheets (2) lined with wax paper. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 40 minutes, stir every 10 minutes. Let cool. Store in airtight containers.

XO, Lisa

In life, we can not control all of the things that happen to us, but we can control how we react to those things and this determines the script we write. What lines are you writing?

You are gorgeous and powerful and in control of your thoughts. You have an extraordinary story to tell. Tell yourself that your story is important and that no matter what happens, it's an interesting story that needs to be told. Confidence comes from knowing your lines and you know the lines, because you are writing the story.

Do not be afraid to reach out to your supporting cast. You do not need to be a hero alone. Let them help you conquer the bad guys. And then decide whom who are going to give the academy awards to for Best Supporting Actor. Treat them with gratitude.

Believe that your story will have a happy ending. Write an epic ending. Sure, life if full of tradedy but all conflict can be resolved so that when you leave the theater, you can be pleased with how it turned out. And make sure that when the credits roll the audience will say, "now THAT was a damn good movie".

You are a super star.

I practice Ashtanga Yoga and it always ends in corpse pose with a pep talk from our teacher. That story was today's lesson & I wanted to share it with you..

XO, Lisa

Fall is my favorite time of year for so many reason and being the foodie that I am, apples and cranberries are just a couple of those reasons. Here's a delicious and simple cake from The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. I own all of her cookbooks and they are my go-to books when I want a recipe that I know will never dissapoint me, or flop. This cake served with warm with vanilla ice cream is to die for.

Cranberry & Apple Cake

12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over for stems
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 tablespoon grated orange zest (2 oranges)
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1¹/8 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Combine the cranberries, apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. With the mixer on medium, add 1 cup of the granulated sugar, the butter, vanilla, and sour cream and beat just until combined. On low speed, slowly add the flour and salt.

Pour the fruit mixture evenly into a 10-inch glass pie plate. Pour the batter over the fruit, covering it completely. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ¹/8 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the batter. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.

Enjoy!

Since my son has been old enough to walk and even before that I pulled him in a wagon, it's been our tradition to go apple picking in the Fall. Our favorite apples are Honey Crisps for eating and for baking, I like a blend that includes Granny Smiths. We also love the unfiltered cider purchased straight out of the orchard; so fresh, so delicious this time of year. Sharing a cup of adult apple cider spiked with a good bourbon is a wonderful way to celebrate the change of seasons. So head to your local orchard, farmers market, or Whole Foods and pick up some fresh cider and make this delicous spiked punch for your next gathering.

Spiced Spiked Apple Cider
Serves 6

12 oz. fresh apple cider
8 oz. bourbon
8 oz. seltzer
3 oz. lemon juice
3 oz. honey
8 dashes bitters
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Rosemary sprigs and apple slices to garnish

In a large punch bowl mix the lemon juice, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir until until blended. Add the bourbon, cider, and bitters and then top with seltzer. Garnish with apple slices, and serve with a sprig of rosemary and an apple slice if you're fancy like that.

Returning for their 3rd year, Pumpkin Chai Shea Butter Soap and Cranberry + Fig Soap. Available on my website & select retailers until sold out. When they're gone, the won't return until Fall 2016. Shop early!

I've put myself on the New Atkins Low Carb diet, which not NOT the same as the original Atkins diet, to shed a few pounds but more importanltly, to kick my carb addiction once and for all. This means I must stop living on some of most my favorite foods - the white foods - pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, flour and sugar. These carbs are making me feel like shit. They're a quick fix in the way of "Mmmmm that taste's SO good" but then an hour later I am in a carb slump. These less than healthy carbs are also preventing me from shedding the 15 pounds I have been talking about losing for about 2 years now. How do I know this? How am I so sure the carbs are the problem? There is a remarkable difference in how I feel when I get rid of those bad carbs. I have more energy, less headaches, less mid-day slumps and I have shed 4 pounds. In a nut shell, my blood sugar is stableized, and that's a BIG deal.

Quick blood chemistry lesson: When we eat, our pancreas secretes the horomone insulin into our bloodstream because our cells can not convert food into usable energy without insulin (Diabetics who are born this way take insulin shots. This is not all that common). Carbs are quick energy. Immediate energy. But not sustainable energy. Our bodies are in a constant state of seeking "homeostasis" which is a fancy word for balance; so when there are no carbs available in the bloodstream, our bodies look for proteins, followed by fats, to manufacture energy and drive the body bus. So what happens if you are living on carbs? It's a viscious cycle. You eat carbs, and your pancreas shoots out insulin. The carb is used up quicker than it takes for the insulin to exit, so in another couple hours your brain tell you that you are hungry, but you are not metabolically hungry, that's just the insulin talking. So, if you do what most people do, including myself, you reach for a snack which is most often another carb. Boom! Your body got what it craved, but guess what, you need more insulin to take that carb down. So your pancreas secretes more insulin. The problems comes in here: After a while (years) it takes more and more and more insulin to handle the same carb/metabolic function and voile! You have gained belly fat. You feel like shit a lot of the time. Your energy level is low. You can't lose weight. You are now "insulin resistant". What does insulin resistant mean? Your pancreas has given you the middle finger, it's sick of working this hard, and it shuts down. Insulin resistance is the medical term for Type 2 Diabetes. Welcome to the world of diabetes. Google that, it's one of the very scariest and most debilitating diseases. It will kill you; a slow death, complete with impotency and amputations if you don't NOW get your eating habits into check. Your body has spoken, pay me now? Or pay me later.

We have control over whether or not we become diabetic.

The suggestion that "Low Carb" as the way we should be eating is not at all accurate. It will not solve the problem of yo-yo dieting which is SO unhealthy. You're better off to hang on to a few extra pounds than to yo-yo diet, fad diet, fast, all those quick fix things that never address the real problem of why you can't keep the weight off. The more correct way to look at carbs are we should be eating the Right Carbs. This blog is already too long so I will not launch into that topic other than to say, we should be eating low glycemic index carbs: ie: whole grains, fruits and veggies.  

Atkins has me on a 20 net carb per day restriction for 2 weeks, and let me tell you, it's difficult to find healthy choices. I have limited saturated fats in my diet as well, so it's tricky to find foods to enjoy right now. But I found this kick-ass low carb recipe yesterday, and I want to share one with anyone else looking to get on the Right Carb train with me. 

Thai Burgers
1.5 lbs ground pork1.5 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp Sriricha (or more if you like a kick)
4 scallions
4  fresh mushroom, chopped fine
1 Tbsp soy sauce (can substitute fish sauce)
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped fine
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/3 cup real mayonaise, not Miracle Whip

Place all but the lime juice and mayo in a large bowl and combine. Shape into 6 patties. Grill 7 minutes. In the meantime, combine the mayo with the fresh squeezed lime juice. Serve the pattie with a dollup of the lime mayo. Serve burger style between 2 big iceburg lettuce leaves.  Good news --> each burger has 3 Net Carbs and Protein 24 grams

I do not sun myself, l always wear sunscreen in the garden, so although my arms and legs are not quite lily white, sections of them are close to it. Had the skirt been below the knee, I would have not concerned myself with this, but that adorable romper is sleevelss and above the knee. That equates to a lot of skin with varying shades of a farmer tan.

Panyhose? Hell. No. I mean seriously, does anyone wear panythose anymore?

I've used self tanning creams in the past, but no matter what brand and/or method I've used, I always, always streak and end up with that distinct fake-bake look. A friend of mine suggested that I try a professional spray tan. So that's what I did.

I went to Sun Tan City and here's what happened. I walked out minus $58 in my pocket but with legs that looked like I'd been on the French Riviera. I looked good, and I actually smelled better than I expected I would. I am not a fan of the scent of synethic tanning products. One big draw back of this session was that I was told not to shower for 24 hours afterwards and I had to be at this wedding in 4 hours, so I although I looked fabulous, I felt gross in a I-need-a-shower kind of way. I covered it all up with Calvin Klein's Intuition and a smokey eye / nude lip combo. But still. Yuk.

Here's how it went down: I signed their FDA required waiver and then I was required to purchase two creams [this sort of annoyed me] and listen to a lengthy sales pitch about why I needed them. One cream I was told is a "pre-tan enhancing cream" which is a clear gel and I think does nothing more than remove residual oils and products off of the skin to maximize the result of their spray-on product, the second cream is a "post-tan extender cream" which I believe is simply a self tanner cream. These were 6 oz. tubes of cream which I will never use again. I assume the profit margin on the creams is huge and that's why something more customer friendly and cost efficient like 1 oz. creams, which is all that was needed for the session, was not not offered to me.

I was then taken into the room with the spray tan booth, which was pretty Star Wars looking. I was shown a video on how the booth worked and then left alone to undress. I stepped inside the booth and was promtped by a recording inside the booth on where to place my feet and which button to push, when. It was over in about 5 minutes.
(Oh brother. What's up with these sideways photos today?)

Here's what my legs looked like this morning, post fake bake, up against the tan leather couch. I forgot to photo myself last night.

Conclusion: I needed to spray tan the day before the event so I'd be able to shower the day of the event. A professional fake bake is a good alternative to panyhose for sure, and I would do it again for a special event. But the tan is going to be gone in 3 - 5 days despite my extender cream, and the cost and hassle are not worth it to me to continue with the weekly fake bake sessions that are required to maintain this color.

Congratulations Lynne F. and Sharon E.!!!

Today marks the end of the 30 Blog Day Challenge that I issued to myself. Yay.

You my dear reader, helped me to discover that: 
* Writing was way more work than I had anticipated it would be.
* My expectations needed to shift and they did.
* I found my voice.
* My most creative time of day is first thing in the morning, fresh out of bed.
* 30 days really is enough time to get into a groove, to develop a new habit.
* I should do more 30 Day Challenges to keep myself in check.

Thank you so very much for reading along. There is still time to comment on the blogs and be entered to win one of the three prizes I have in store. I will select and announce the three winners on Monday; winners will be selected based upon the total number of comments you have posted over the 30 days. Those three winners are going to receive a Christmas In July Gift Box loaded with C9SC products valued at $75. Photo to follow.

XO, Lisa

Today I would like to introduce you to my newest local retail partner, Roost. If you live in Lake Country or one of the surrouding communities, Roost is an absolute must to visit. Jane and Kristine, the owners, have done a stellar job of curating the store. You will find an ever-changing selection of home decor & furnishings, collectibles, art, giftware, women's accessories, vintage chic, industrial chic, repurposed and upcycled. There is something for everyone at Roost. The store is bursting at the seams with one-of-a-kind items that are certain to be show stoppers and conversation starters. I dare you to make it out of the store empty handed.

Roost, located on the grounds of Old Lynndale Farms is open daily and conveniently located on the frontage road right off of Hwy 16, Hartland. Join their mailing list to be notified of their monthly special events, classes, and promotions.

Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs. I grow quite a lot of it each year because I use it in my kitchen, and in my soap shoppe. Tuscan Rosemary is my favorite variety; its delicious fresh, and it infuses like a dream. Today I am going to share with you my DIY recipe for a bright, herbaciuous room freshener.

Rosemary Room Mist

15 sprigs of fresh rosemary
8 oz. isopropyl alcohol
8 oz. distilled water
Mason jar
Cheesecloth
16 oz. spray bottle

Place the rosemary and alcohol in a large screw top mason jar and set the jar in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar vigorously each day. After 2 weeks, remove the lid and place a piece of cheesecloth over the jar and strain the rosemary tincture into a spray bottle. Add 8 oz. of distilled water to the tincture. Shake well before each use.

II.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place
but, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

III.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit.
My eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

IV.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

V.
I walk down another street.

The Ultraviolet rays weaken the immune system by allowing oncogenic (cancer) cells to proliferate. Thus these harmful UV rays contribute to immunosuppression. Sporadic, intense UVR exposure, often producing sunburn, is believed to be more closely associated with melanoma than is chronic sun exposure. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles the risk of melanoma later in life; five sunburns by any age doubles the risk as well.

Sunscreen is one vital and preventive tool that can protect the body against these UV assaults. Sun block provides a comprehensive photo-protection program which helps prevent destructive radiation from penetrating our bodies. Sunscreen is also used to prevent premature aging of the skin by blocking the radiation of the sun from reaching the skin cells. It is understandable that all women do not wear sunscreen every day and they think that wearing sunscreens in winter is unnecessary but not using a sunscreen at all can result in early sagging of skin.Your skin is vulnerable to the UV rays even when you are sittings next to a window, because glass cannot protect you against the sun’s harmful radiation. For this reason wearing a sunscreen with a particular Sun Protection Factor (SPF), every day is a must. Although not applying sunscreen is not life threatening, it greatly threatens the quality of life.

Protect your skin from the sun, especially during the peak hours (10am to 4pm) and wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UVR-blocking sunglasses. Wearing sunscreen daily is your best defense to avoid signs of early aging and skin cancer.

I have SUPER sensitive skin that seems to react to everything and I have tried a lot of different sunscreen products on my skin. My favorite sunscreen products are by Peter Thomas Roth.  They are non-greasy, absorb quickly and are not heavy and waxy like so many of the zinz oxide based sunscreens that feel chalky and heavy on my skin. Roth's suncreen product is also available in a push-up brush applicator powder stick that is super handy to keep in my pocket when I am gardening or doing something outdoors where I am sweating. Make sure you read labels my friends. Do not use sunscreens or any products that are not properly labeled. The FDA calls for it and it is your right to know exactly what you are putting on your face.

Some of my fondest childhood memories center around helping to plant, tend, harvest and preserve the enormous gardens that my parents and both sets of my grandparents maintained. Many of the soaps that I come up with are born of memories of those garden scents that I am trying to recreate. Fresh. Floral. Green. Herbal. Earthy. Woodsy.

Gardening comes natural to me; I don't recall a year of my adult life when I have not had a garden. There were years when a garden meant I only had patio tomatoes and herbs on my apartment balcony, or I had a very small (and forbidden) pickle patch butted up against the golf course I once lived on, but I have never not had a garden.

I don't keep a garden because I am "orgainc" or becasue I will only eat organic. If that were the case, I would simply buy organic produce at the farmers market. Planting and harvesting my own vegetables, herbs and flowers gives me a sense of pride and purpose. Much love and care goes into my garden each year. I plan my gardens in the winter months. I shop for seeds and plants in early Spring. I plant the minute the threat of a hard frost is over. My growing season goes well into the Fall. And then I "put up" my tomatoes, dill pickles and salsa. My friends like to tease me, and they find it amusing that I can and preserve food in this day and age of abundance and conveneice but for me canning and preserving is an art form. If you'll allow me to brag for a moment, I am acutually a little of famous around here for my pickles. They're an old family recipe.

When I am stressed, or overwhelmed, or sad, I head to my garden with my dogs, who also love the garden. Weeding and tending to my plants in the early morning sun or a cool summer evening is zen-like for me. My head clears, my thoughts all turn happy and I feel what can only be described as joy when I am among my plants.

I am so blessed to live where I live now. My house sits on an acre and feels like the countryside, there are farms all around me, but I am actually less than 3 miles from my decent size town. Post-divorce, when I was looking for a house where I wanted to raise my son, I had only two criteria that were absolutes: a fireplace and garden space. I have both. My garden is huge and it is fenced in. I feel like a Rockefeller. When my son was a little boy and up until about age 12, he planned, planted, and tended the garden with me every year. I am certain that those memories are going to sustain me in my old age. My hope is that someday John will plant a garden with his own children and teach them the value of be responsible for taking care of something.

My soap business takes up a great majority of my time, weekends included, so I plant only my very favorite vegetables and herbs now: Heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, pickles for preserving, green beans, lettuce, culinary herbs and lavender. I plant only what I can maintain. A garden requires daily tending. I have a veggie garden, an herb garden and a cutting-flower garden.

Take a look inside my garden ...

Do you have a garden? What do you grow?

If you love garlic and have never had garlic scapes, run to your nearest farmers market and buy up all you can get your hands on, because you are in for a treat. Garlic scapes are only available for a very short time in late spring/early summer. I buy them when they're in season and I I freeze them. I also make pesto with them (recipe to follow)

Garlic scapes are the "flower stalks" of hardneck garlic plants, although they do not produce flowers. These stalks start to appear a month or so after the first leaves. They are usually cut off of the plant, since leaving them on diverts the plants strength away from forming a plump bulb. If left on, they eventually form small bulbils that can be planted to grow more garlic, but it takes 2–3 years for them to form large bulbs. Garlic scapes are sweeter than garlic and my favorite thing to do with them is to make a pesto for pasta, fish and chicken, or spread on crusty bread.

Garlic Scape Pesto
10 to 12 large garlic scapes, with the bulb removed, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup (lightly packed) clean and dry basil leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 to 1 cup (or more depending on how thick you want your pesto) of good quality olive oil
1 cup of grated Parmesan Cheese

The multimillion dollar cosmetics industry is very ingredient driven. There are cosmetic companies that want to define and control beauty because it's profitable to do so and they play into our insecurities and fears about skin tone, texture, and the holy grail of diminished beauty - aging. But my nursing degree and expereince have taught me that the less we interfere with the body's own ability to achieve balance, the better. Less is best.

If the acid mantle is temporarily removed by harsh soaps, products, or sun damage, the skin becomes susceptible to rashes, breakouts, and infection. The acidity of the mantle is measured by its pH, which is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Healthy skin usually has a pH between 4.2 and 5.6. Skin pH can vary in different parts of the body, and men generally have a slightly higher pH than women. Substances with a pH of below 7 are acids.

Prolonged skin issues, such as acne, may be caused by an alkaline skin pH or unstable acid mantle. When the skin’s pH is no longer acidic, bacteria can constantly cause pimples. People prone to acne tend to reach for strong soaps, which can make pH levels worse. Acne treatments that focus on restoring the skin’s pH to acidic levels can help alleviate breakouts.

I do The Routine on my treadmill [exactly as it's laid out in the diagram below] on the days I can't get to the gym or outdoors, but you could modify this routine to do it on a bike or a hilly walk outdoors. I am fully aware of the talk about how we "need" 30 minutes of cardio before our heartrate hits the "zone", but I call bullshit on that school of thought. I am of the belief that interval training is where it's at. Why? Becasue it works for me.

I put on headphones and call up my "workout" set on my iPod and just about the time I am thinking to myself, "Ugh, I wish I was done!", I am done. To keep myself motivated, that set on my iPod are some of my favorite songs and I only let myself listen to them when I am on excersicing. Hey, whatever works, right?

Here's The Routine:

Seth Godin is one of my favorite writers, I've read most of his books and I read his blog daily. The other day he sent out what for me was a reminder about the culture of the tribe and I want to share it with you, below. When I read More Pious I was reminded of Freidrich Nieszsche's complicated discussion on "herd instinct" and I was also reminded of the following simple suggestion by Dr Suess's, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out!".

We all have a basic need and a longing to belong. We all seek to find our people. Whether we think so or not, we all belong to tribes: the tribe we were assigned to by birth and the tribe(s) we choose to join or form as we grow up.

More Pious by Seth Godin

Cosmetics constitute one of the world’s biggest multimillion dollar industries, with most products dedicated to skin care and nourishment. When it comes to skin, all women are extremely self-conscious as to how they can achieve skin that radiates freshness and conveys youth.

Famous cosmetic brands launch new lines of masks and lotions of all kinds on a regular basis, with promises that their products will deliver new levels of skin amazingness. Their products, in some cases, are capable of making a difference but there’s only so much a product can do if we don’t take care of our bodies from the inside out. Remember, your skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside of you. One thing that you can do to ensure gorgeous, glowing skin is make sure that your meals include as many naturally skin-boosting ingredients as possible.

Broccoli and Lettuce (Greens): These are healthy foods that detoxify, are anti-inflammatory, contain Vitamins A, C and K and are also packed with sulforaphane.
Honey: It is a natural humectant, which means that it both attracts moisture and helps lock it in. It's exactly what parched skin craves, so if you're suffering from itchy, flaky skin, add some honey to your bath.
Avocado: The fruit that is rich in vitamin A, D and E. Avocado oil is used on sunburns and because it is soothing to skin.
Seeds: Seeds are bursting with the aforementioned vitamin E and selenium and will help achieve a radiant complexion.
Green Tea: Green Tea is full of antioxidants and studies have shown that this does minimize the UV damage to skin.
Yogurt: It is rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and protein. A daily serving of the plain, unflavoured variety will help to detoxify your skin.
Tofu: It is packed with vitamin E, calcium and proteins and is said to have the ability to slow down the loss of collagen and maintain skin elasticity.
Seafood (Salmon): The primary nutrients that make fish so good for your complexion are zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing omega-3 intake can reduce dryness and inflammation. Inflammation can cause skin to age faster, and research shows that getting too little omega-3 may contribute to inflammatory disorders like eczema and psoriasis
Berries: Berries (strawberry, raspberry and blueberry) contain mega antioxidants which attack free radicals produced by things like UV damage and pollution.
Almonds and other nuts: Nuts have Vitamin E, which combats skin-aging free radicals, especially protecting skin from sun damage due to UV-sunlight-generated free radicals. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts also provide a nice supply of those omega-3 fatty acids.
Eggs: Egg ‘yolk’ and egg ‘white’ are both equally important for the body. Egg yolks are an important source of vitamin A, which helps your skin repair itself and the white of an egg is composed of 40 different proteins and water which helps skin that is irritated from the sun.
Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C may also fight inflammation, and its antioxidant properties can neutralize free radicals that damage cells and can prematurely age the face.
Goat Milk: It contains lactic acid, a natural exfoliate, as well as vitamins A and E. It has an abundance of triglycerides which act to hydrate the skin and keep moisture in.
Whole Grains: Whole foods are unprocessed food like whole wheat bread instead of white bread. The B-vitamin biotin present in the whole grains may help to reduce acne.

Head to the farmers market this weekend and load up!

I was never a big salmon eater, until a friend prepared the fish for me like I am going to describe below, and I have been hooked ever since. Salmon is a "strong" fish ie: fishy. But it's the skin, not the flesh that is the culprit. Salmon is loaded wth vital omega-3 fatty acids is one of the worlds healthist foods.

I will only eat fresh-caught salmon, the farm raised fish lacks flavor and/or is super fishy and has dye added to it to make it appear pink (its actually grey otherwise). My salmon of choice is Alaskan sourced and my absolute favorite is from the Copper River. Have you heard of Copper River Salmon?  The "run" (season) is very short, and you can catch the tail end of it right now. I mark my calander every year for the run because Copper River salmon is the gold standard. You will never find a better piece of salmon. Seriously. Get to your local market and try it today. It is so delicious that I do not mask the fish with any spices, relish or sauce.

Grilled Copper River Salmon
Salmon Filet, 4-6 oz is a nice size portion
Sea Salt
Lemon Juice
Fresh Rosemary

Preheat grill on high. Place fish, skin side down, on a square of heavy duty aluminum foil. Do not PAM that foil, you want the skin to stick to it. Sprinkle the fish with salt, rub with olive oil and top with a big sprig of fresh rosemary. Lightly close the foil to create a pouch. Place the foiled up fish directly on the grill grate, close the lid, grill 8 minutes. Open the foil and grill another 2-3 minutes. Tip the foil pouch onto the dinner plate and peel back the foil, leaving the skin behind, stuck to the foil. Turn the fish over so it's pretty side up, give it a drizzle of [good] olive oil, a squirt of lemon, and if you're trying to impress someone top it with another sprig of rosemary or grilled lemon slices to garnish. For a super treat, cedar plank the fish rather than using this foil method. Enjoy!

Truth: Women transform into elegant individuals when they have perfect fashion sense. The entire look of a woman changes when she is aware of the lip color that best suits her skin tone. The accurate complementary shade of lipstick can brighten one’s complexion, oomph one’s eyes and enhance one’s whole appearance.

Let's look at the most classic shade of lipstick: Red. Just as there is not one perfect hair color that suits all, there is not one "perfect shade of red". Blue based reds are completely different than yellow based reds. Wearing the incorrect shade of red for your complexion can be downright clownish. But roll on the correct shade of red and whoa! Red lips + white teeth = sexy.

Some of the most famous red lipsticks based on blue color, are:
L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge in Ravishing Red
MAC Red Lipstick in Red Russian or Ruby Woo
Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover or Coco in Rivoli
NARS Lipstick in Fire Down Below

Some of the most famous red lipsticks based on yellow color, are:
MAC Red Lipstick in Lady Danger
MAC Red Lipstick in Chili
Estee Lauder in Red Tango
Yves Saint Laurent in Red Muse
L'Oreal Color Riche in Pure Scarleto

Let’s review:
Skin tones are generally a result of skin pigmentation, which varies from region to region geographically. It is  important to be aware of three things:
1. Identify your skin tone: There are generally three types of skin tones; yellow, pink and dark.
2. Knowing what shades suit your skin tone: Warmer colors should be preferred for yellow undertones, and for pink and darker skin colors, blue and purple tones are preferred.
3. Pick shades based on your skin color: olive, fair, or dark.

Following are the skin tones mentioned along with the colors of the lipsticks that will suit them.

Fair and Light skin tones: The popular color right now includes Coral Matte lipstick; this color is a good choice for summer and gives a natural look. The color is not too bold and it will make your eyes stand out. Rich Red Lipstick gives a beautiful and confident look to fair skin women with pinkish or rosy hues. It is a very popular color and looks great on light skin.

Medium and Olive skin tones : Shades that complement medium undertone will leave you looking radiant and fresh. Orange Lipstick: This is an amazing playful, trendy color that can be worn every day. Orange lips with nude eyes give a nice summery look. This color is a little bold but it makes your lips look luscious if you use the lipstick with a lip gloss.

Deeper and Dark skin tones: The characteristics for choosing a good lip color depends on color shades, long lasting quality, moisture content, and maintenance. Before using a lipstick on dark skin it is advised that women apply a primer on their lips. Brown Lipstick: Dark is gorgeous when combined with complementing shades such as red or brown. The makeup should also be of the right contrast with your hair color, hair and eye color. Coral Lipsticks for dark skin: To balance out your skin tone you can apply a touch of gold lip gloss on top hence making your yellow undertones to sparkle bright.

What is your favorite shade and brand of lipstick?
[I love MAC and I use their lipsticks almost exclusively].

I've been told more than a whole lot of times that I make the VERY BEST hamburger sammy in the world.

Hamburgers-On-The-Grill are my most requested menu item by my son's friends and although I am not much of a red meat eater myself, I make these for the boys on a regular basis. Burgers on the grill are perfect for picnics after day-hikes and 4th of July parties. The secret to my burger is 3-Fold
1) the type of ground beef you buy,
2) how you form the patty,
3) and the grilling technique

1) This is my one exception to buying lean cuts of beef. When it comes to hamburger, look for a nothing leaner than a 80/20 mix. I am not sure what the "80" is, or the "20", and I'm positive I really don't want to know. But this blend ensures a juicy burger

2) When you form the meat into a patty, the trick is to handle and manipulate the meat as little as possible. Do not work it as though its Play Doh. I break off a chunk of ground beef from the brick and then simply press the corners in to round them and gently pat the top to flatten it a bit. I do not aggressively flatten the meat, or roll it into a ball and press it, or shape it. I think this is the key to a super tender burger. Salt + pepper generously.

3) Pre-heat the grill on high. Put the hamburger patties on when the temperature is over 400, close the lid and do not touch those burgers for 4 minute. Set a timer. Then turn the burgers, and at no point should you ever press the burgers into the grate with the back of the spatula like your dad does. Cook 4 more minutes on high heat, lid closed.  Turn off the heat and transfer the burgers to a plate. Cover the plate with foil and let the meat rest 5 minutes. While the burgers are resting, place buttered Kaiser rolls (not those cheap hamburger buns), butter-side down on the grill to toast them.

Serve bunned up burgers with a build-your-own buffet of toppings, Kettle style potato chips and ice cold beer. Dessert? Fat Boys! Best ice cream sammy on the planet.

Challenge Update: I am now officially over the half way mark of my 30 Day Blog Challenge. If you've been reading along, you know that there are prizes at the end and to be eligible to win, you need to comment on my blog posts. I originally thought that I would be giving away 10 prizes, but participation has not been what I had hoped for and I have decided to award 3 prizes and will make them GRAND prizes.

"Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogen (Lemongrass). The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such as citronellal, citronellol and geraniol. These chemicals find extensive use in soap, candles, incense, perfumery, cosmetic and flavoring industries throughout the world.

Citronella oil is also a plant-based insect repellent, and has been registered for this use in the United States since 1948. The United States Environmental Protection Agency considers oil of citronella as a bio-pesticide with a non-toxic mode of action. However, since citronella insect repellant effects were not proven within the EU, the use of citronella as an insecticide is prohibited under the Biocidal Product Directive 2006.

The US Environmental Protection Agency states that citronella oil has little or no toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent, with no reports of adverse effects of concern over a 60-year period. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. If used according to label instructions in the US, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations. The US Food & Drug Administration considers citronella oil as generally recognized as safe.

- Wikipedia

There are two types of Citronella Essential Oil: Java and Ceylon. I sell and use Java-type which is the preferred source in the high grade perfumery industry.

Coming Soon: Citronella Patio Candles. I have done extensive test pours and burns and come up with an awesome mosquito repelling candle. I use a house blend of both soy wax and beeswax. Why the blend? Beeswax is much harder than soy wax and the blend will ensure that the candle can stand up to the heat of the summer, outdoors. Beeswax is also 8x more expensive than soy wax. I do not use synthetic citronella oil which is actually produced from turpentine oil and the reason those cheap "citronella" candles smell so bad. I use 100% citronella essential oil and the first time you smell the difference you will never go back to the synthetic.

Which container would you prefer that I pour my premium patio candles?
On the right, you have my standard [gorgeous] apothecary jar, 8 oz., $16
and on the left, a plain old jelly jar, 6 oz., $12

If you'd like to try your hand at blending your own mosquito repelling products, purchase C9SC Citronella Essential Oil here.

For maximum protection, layer your products and use my Bug-Off Hiker Shampoo + Body Bar made with an essential oil blend that includes Citronella.

Happy Independence Day! Enjoy your Holiday weekend!

I've just finished reading a very thought provoking book by Marie Kondo called:

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

If you read only one non-fiction book this summer, make it this book. I promise, you will never look at cleaning your house the same way again. This is a small book, less than 200 pages, a quick read and a real page-turner. I could not put the book down. I know, that does sound impossible, a book whose title would lead you to believe that this is yet another book about how to "get organized". It is. But on a very unexpected, almost spiritual level.

I know that I feel so much more at ease in a room when I am not surrounded by clutter, yet it piles up again and again until it overwhelms me and then I declutter. But since reading this book, I now realize that much of my decluttering is really just shifting stuff around, reorganizing the clutter. After reading this book, I know I have not decluttered my life for years. Decades.

The obvious question is why worry about clutter? We're busy people, right? Isn't clutter just part of the minutia of life? Here's why: whether you realize it or not, clutter manifests itself as stress. Stress robs us of our beauty.

The author makes the argument for why and how clutter allows us to procrastinate, feel stressed, feel rushed, feel overwhelmed, feel unhappy and is over-all just not healthy for us. Clutter can and in my case is, an excuse for not doing the work. For not facing the ghosts and demons.

What sets this book worlds apart from other books about getting organized? Marie lays out a very specific plan and is adamant about how to remove the clutter. She insists that we are not to clear clutter the conventional way we have been taught to do it, by location, one room at a time, we are to do it one category at a time, and in this exact order:
1) Clothes
2) Books
3) Papers
4) Komono (miscellany)
5) Things with sentimental value

In each category we must first discard before we begin to tidy up. She has an interesting way of teaching us how to discard and I am going to save that as a surprise for you.

I have plotted the categories and ritual of tidying up on my calendar and I plan to start her method next week. I feel a little bit anxious about it because of the volume and nature of clutter that I have tucked into all of the tucking places in my home. I expect this task to take me about 2 weeks to complete.

Have you read the book?  Or done the method? I'd love to hear what you think.

Sue Tracy wrote me and asked me to talk about: commitment, follow through, success, failure and the value of muscling though?

Commitment is central to success. When things get tough and they always do, commitment is the only thing that carries me somedays. I just have to do the work. Sounds simple, right? It's not. There is a fantastic book that I read, and re-read when I am in a slump: Do The Work by Steven Pressfield. Commitment requires courage, self confidence and a strong desire to make things work. My motivation to stay committed comes from remembering why I was ever passionate about the task or idea to begin with. It's easy to get lost in the minutia of a task and unless the task is looked upon as part of the greater good, the whole, it can feel overwhelming. Commitment keeps me on task.

Follow-through is generally the boring part of any task or project. I really dislike it quite a lot. I am impatient and I am a procrastinator, so follow-through is not easy for me. I'd prefer to do the task, check it off of my list, and then forget about it and move on to the next thing. Life might work that way, but the business world does not. I know that without follow-through, all of my hard work up front is in jeopardy or lost. Especially in this age cyber communication. There is always someone waiting in the wings ready to grab the ball if I drop it.

Success? What is success? That's such a personal thing, an opinion. For me? Success lies in finding purpose and balance. In all things. Success is doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons.

Failure? Failure is a state of mind. There is no such thing as failing unless I allow a  mistake to define me or stand in my way of moving forward. Failure means that I have let someone elses standards or values matter more than my own.  

The value of muscling through? That's the prize. That's the light at the end of the tunnel that turned out to not be a train.

XO, L.

What motivates you to exercise? In my case, my jeans are feeling snug these days and I do not like how sluggish I feel because of the extra 10 pounds (okay, 15) I am carrying around. It’s not just the number on the scale, but also the fact that when I look and feel more toned, I feel better about myself and I feel more attractive to my mate. Aside from the obvious health benefits of exercise, there is another reward when you regularly work up a sweat: healthy skin.

Glowing Skin
That post work-out glow? It comes from aerobic exercise which gets the heart pumping and delivering a blast of oxygenated blood to the skin.

Wrinkle Reduction
Regular workouts also helps maintain healthy levels of the stress-related hormone, cortisol. According to Noëlle S. Sherber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Baltimore, Maryland. “Elevated cortisol levels are linked to increased sebum production, which means more acne breakouts,” she says. Too much cortisol can also cause the collagen in the skin to break down, Sherber says, which can increase wrinkles and sagging. “Exercise actually supports the production of collagen,” says Amy Dixon, a Los Angeles–based exercise physiologist and celebrity trainer. “The boost in this protein helps to keep your skin firm, supple, and elastic.”

Less Acne
Regular exercise boosts circulation. “It nourishes your skin, bringing more blood flow and oxygen to it,” says Mauro C. Romita, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Ajune Center for Beauty Synergy in New York City. “This will help draw toxins out of the body.” Plus, all that sweating cleans out the pores of congested skin. “Working out corrects the hormonal imbalance that can cause adult acne,” Romita says.
To reap the beneficial skin effects of working out, a few extra steps are required, Sherber warns. “If you're acne prone, make sure to keep gentle, fragrance-free cleansing wipes in your gym bag.” Be sure to cleanse your face and other areas that tend to break out immediately after exercising, she says. “For eczema, wear fabrics that wick perspiration away from the skin, since the wet-dry-wet-dry cycle will dry out your skin and provoke flare-ups,” Sherber says. And above all, avoid exercising with makeup on your face.

What’s the best type of exercise for your skin? Any activity that improves circulation and reduces stress, it’s all good. Mixing up workouts to keep you interested and motivated is helpful. If you are new to exercise, a good place to start is a brisk 30 minute walk, 3 times per week. Or change up one of those walks for a bike ride or a hike someplace inspiring outdoors. Wisconsin has really wonderful State Parks, and I love to take my dogs out on a day hike. Start somewhere, start today. I have a 20 minute workout I have been doing for the last 5 years that I do when I can’t get to the gym, or the days when I just do not feel like exercising, and I swear by it. I will post it for you later this week.

Do you have an exercise tip or trick to share with us? What keeps you motivated?

Do you have a topic you would like me to discuss on my 30 Day Blog Challenge? Message me or leave a comment.