Prep your body for spring

As the harshness of winter gives way to spring, daffodils appear along the sidewalk, cherry blossoms open, and the start of a new season reveals itself. While sunshine and warmer weather uplifts the spirit, these transitional periods can also be disruptive and can require us to devote additional care to our bodies. Incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet is the first step in facilitating healing and strengthening your body’s defenses from the inside out. Below are a few of our nutritional favorites for reducing inflammation this Spring:

• Flax seed oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids, which are incredible for reducing inflammation. This oil is six times richer in omega 3 fatty acids than most fish oils. Try drizzling some over your next salad, adding a spoonful to a smoothie, or sprinkling flax seeds in soup, oatmeal, or yogurt.
• Walnuts are chock-full of healthy fats—65 percent by weight, in fact—which makes them an energy-dense food that will satisfy you for longer periods than other snacks. A high source of polyunsaturated fats, walnuts are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega 3 ALA.
• Spinach is a great source of vitamins A, C, K, manganese, zinc, and selenium. It contains flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that protect against disease and fight free radical damage, making it one of the best foods for strengthening the immune system.
• Turmeric is the current darling and with good reason. It's a great source of the chemical curcumin, which has been shown to decrease swelling and inflammation. It's great for gut inflammation, joint issues, and skin redness. Use fresh root or powered turmeric in stirfries, add to a latte, or make golden milk: heat up coconut or almond milk on the stove and add grated turmeric and ginger, a cinnamon stick, ground black pepper, and a sweetener of choice. Simmer for 10 minutes and enjoy this healing beverage.

(photo: recipes.sparkpeople.com)

New product alert! ILIA Beauty in the studio

We are always looking to bring our clients the best in high-quality, effective skincare and makeup, and we seek out green and organic lines whenever possible. To that end, we are excited to carry ILIA Beauty products in the studio.

The new darling of women’s magazines and beauty bloggers, ILIA is dedicated to creating the purest products possible. The company’s ethical-sustainable approach is embodied in the entire line. Each product is filled with up to 85-percent bioactive organic ingredients that nourish and rejuvenate the skin. A combination of on-trend pigments and super nourishing elements has set ILIA apart from the conventions of organic beauty.

We currently stock these three key items:

• Moondance: ILIA Radiant Translucent Powder is an organic blend of powders including aloe vera with light essential oils of rosemary and thyme. Hibiscus flower extract acts as an antioxidant to the skin while non-nano zinc oxide provides SPF 20 protection. The fine pearl pigment offers light-reflecting properties that brings a luminosity to the skin. The brush has an “open” and “close” option, as well as a “buff” feature for more control. Great for the girl on the go, this refillable travel companion makes it easy to refresh your look throughout the day. 
• Nightfall: ILIA’s mascaras reference the film noir era, and Nightfall is no exception: sultry eyes meet strength and determination in this rich black shade. Naturally preserved, Phenoxyethanol free, all ILIA mascaras are made with 100-percent natural dye.
• Tinted Lip Conditioners: Finally, a lip product that treats the lip while providing gorgeous color. ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner combines organic ingredients to soothe and condition the lips, and 100-percent natural dye to tint the lip beautifully. Each shade carries a sheer swipe of color that increases in intensity when applied liberally. We have the following colors in stock: Nobody's Baby, Blossom Lady, Shell Shock, In Paradise, Crimson and Clover, Bang Bang, and Arabian Nights.

The packaging is gorgeous, if we do say so ourselves. All cream lip products are housed in a sleek recycled aluminum case. So stop into the studio and check out ILIA’s products, designed to make you more beautiful inside and out.

(photo: moochies.blog.com)