Brain food from the Mediteranean Coast

We know that a Mediterranean diet is excellent for our waistline but a new study published by Columbia University says this diet is also good for our brain.

The diet, which consists of fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil has been shown to reduce the onset of Alzheimer's in patients already showing signs and also helps prevent the disease from even occurring in some cases.

Not only does the diet ward of dementia, people who consume a moderate to high amount of these foods are at a much lower risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and Parkinson's disease.

The study also says that people who were not extremely stringent in the diet still saw tremendous health improvements and a reduction in brain cognitive impairment.

The study couldn't pinpoint an exact reason why this diet is so good for the brain. But maybe it is the high fish content (they're packed with Omega-3s) or the olive oil (great for a healthy heart) and you can never go wrong with fruits and veggies.

What do you do to keep your brain healthy? What do you think about this study? Let us know.....

Fried foods = acne, fact or fiction?

How many times did your mom say, "Eating greasy foods will make you get pimples?" Mine sure did! So I am happy to say that this golden beauty rule is indeed a myth.

While I don't encourage you to down a greasy meal every day, it is safe to say it will not effect your complexion. There is no scientific evidence that fried foods can cause or worsen acne. But still, eating excessive amounts of fried foods is not a healthy waistline option.

However, there is strong evidence that if you work in a greasy environment your acne will get worse. If your skin is exposed to airborne grease from frying foods, you will need a good cleanser and astringent to fight the effects.

What is a "beauty golden rule" you now know to be a myth? Let us know......

Cold season isn't over yet - don't let it ruin your Valentine's

As I (Charlie) sit working from home today with a horrible cold, I thought it would be fitting to share some natural ways to ward off that nasty little bug:

• Gargle once a day. Japanese researchers found that a daily gargling with water reduces your cold risk. People who gargled with water were 36 percent less likely to be struck down when compared with non-garglers.

• Drink your liquids. Hot tea, cold tea and simple water keep your body hydrated and able to better fight unwanted infections.

• Take a sauna. A recent study in Germany found that people who took a sauna twice a week were 50% less likely to get a cold.

• Wash your hands!!!!!

• Get plenty of sleep. It is important to get enough sleep to maintain your normal routine. That means you need even more to keep your immune system at its best

What do you do to keep that nasty bugger at bay? Let us know........ We all want to make it through to spring, cold free. Till next time AAACCCHHHHOOOO!

Valentine's night in

If you are planning to stay in with your loved one this Valentine's Day, you have got to try this lover inspired cocktail to coincide with a romantic dinner.


Brazilian Rose

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Leblon cachaça
• 3 oz guava juice
• Splash of triple sec
• Rose petals

Preparation:

• Pour all of the liquid ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker
• Shake well
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
• Garnish with one rose petal

Got your own favorite Valentine's drink recipe? Let us know.........

Red is the new green

Move over green tea, there is a new kid in town. Well, not too new.

Red tea has be around for centuries to soothe allergies, asthma and digestive problems.

Green tea has been hailed for years as one of the best ways to get your surge of antioxidants. But red tea is now making breakthroughs in the beauty industry. The antioxidant properties are 50 times higher in red than in green tea.

Red tea comes from South Africa and contains the highest levels of the most potent antioxidant, superoxide dismutase. These antioxidants are used in cosmetic products to reduce free radical damage to skin; more commonly to reduce fibrosis following radiation for breast cancer.

While many spas in the US are now serving up various red tea treatments, you can also consume the beverage daily, like green tea, to reap many of its topical benefits.


Got any red tea-rific treatments you have to rave about? Let us know....

Vitamin supplements, myth or fact?

There continues to be a debate between topical vitamin skin care treatments and vitamin supplements taken by mouth. Vitamin deficiencies can make skin look lifeless.

In a recent study, patients who took nutritional supplements while also using topical applications of beauty products containing vitamins saw healthier skin, reduced sun damage and in some result it can even repair DNA.

Do vitamin supplements really improve your skin?

Well, health care experts believe that for people who follow a strict, daily diet that provides an adequate dose of vitamins and supplements, it may be unnecessary. But for those of us a little less on the daily strict diet program, supplements are a vital part of a balanced skin care routine.

Here are some vitamins and their skin healthy benefits:

• Vitamin A is a necessity for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue
• Vitamins C and E reduce the damage free radicals cause to our skin
• Vitamin B Complex is essential for the maintenance of skin, hair and nails
• Colostrum contains natural growth factors to nourish skin
• Omega 3 promotes a healthy cellular process

What other vitamins are good for your skin? If you know, let us in on it too!

Greening your Zzz's

Millions of people have trouble getting a good night's rest. These problems can be traced back to all sorts of sleep-related disorders, but what if your bedroom just needed a little "greening" to capture those Zzz's.

All mattresses sold in the US are required to meet fire safety tests. You need to be careful what fire retardants your mattress contains. While they serve the very important purpose of reducing the risks of fire, some have actually been identified as carcinogens (boric acid and antimony).

We all know that the majority of "green" furniture can get pretty pricey, but a mattress made out of natural latex, wool, or melamine can reduce exposure to toxins. If you can't invest right now, grab a hypoallergenic cover to create a barrier between you and your bed. We all know a girl has gotta have her beauty sleep.


Got any great bedroom greening ideas? Let us know.......

An apple a day keeps the dermatologist away

Pumpkin pie, pecan pie and don't forget the apple pie are all staples of the holiday season dinner table. But did you know you can use apples to tighten your skin? So don't throw those leftover apples away!!

Apples are natural skin tighteners. They are also a good conditioner and toner because they have vitamin C, which has been shown to protect and repair skin cells, without the drying effect of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit.

For a tightening and blemish reducing treatment, try an apple facial:

Ingredients:

• Pulp from 1 ripened apple
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey

Directions:

• Mash the pulp into a fine paste
• Add honey and mix
• Apply evenly to face, avoid your eye area
• Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water

Got any apple beauty treatments to share? Let us know.......

Sensitivity, It's in your air

More than half of Americans say they have some type of skin sensitivity but a recent study says only 2 percent are actually born with it.

Skin sensitivity can result from certain products or ingredients coming in contact with your skin and causing excessive dryness, burning, redness and tightness. Sensitivity can be genetic and inherent but the majority of people that have negative reactions from products are affected so because of environmental or lifestyle factors.

Environmental factors and exposure to irritating ingredients and chemicals are known to bring on skin sensitivity. But, if the irritations are eliminated within a reasonable amount of time, your skin may return to its original state.

When caring for sensitive skin, use calming ingredients. Seaweed, olive oil, olive leaf extracts, green and white tea are natural antioxidants that help with free radical damage, and should be ingredients in your skin care and cosmetics.

Tips for sensitive skin:

1. Your cosmetics should be rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants in order to protect, hydrate and defend against any environmental factors attributed to skin sensitivity
2. Throw away any beauty products that may be contaminated with bacteria
3. Avoid highly fragranced products, essential oils (like The Scandle Essential Lotion Candles) are okay because they are all-natural
4. Do not over-exfoliate; avoid scrubbing or scratching
5. Always try to use products made especially for sensitive skin types

Do you have any great beauty products perfect for sensitive skin? Let us know!!

Indonesia, just a bathtub away

Indonesia is full of ancient beauty secrets just now making their way over to us. One ancient hour-long ritual, boreh, is quite easy to achieve in your own home.

Not only is the boreh an amazing, moisturizing skin treatment, it is relatively inexpensive. Although, you might have to go to a specialty grocery store to find some of the ingredients, it is well worth the trip.

For your own Indonesian beauty ritual, try out the following boreh:

What you need:

• Soft music (try some traditional Indonesian to set the mood)
• Incense
• Flower Petals
• Borah spice past (recipe bellow)
• Ginger or coconut massage oil
• Fresh grated ginger root, steeped in hot water

Boreh

• 4 tsp. sandalwood powder
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. coriander
• 1-2 tsp. rice powder
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. ginger spice oil
• 1 tsp. galangal water (place shredded galangal root and water and let soak over night, then strain the water)
• Grind together the first 7 using a motor and pestle. Add the ginger spice and water to make a thick paste. Add more rice powder if the paste is to hot on your skin.

For your beauty ritual:

1. Draw a warm bath with the flower petals.
2. Apply the boreh paste with your hands, using a thin layer across your body.
   
3. Wrap up in a towel and relax for 20 minutes.
4. Slip into the warm bath and stay as long you like and sip on your ginger root tea. (make sure the water stays warm)
5. After the bath, massage oil into your body starting at the feet and moving up.
   

Pamper your post-summer paws

Summer affords us the opportunity to bare it all, well at least our feet. Now, as the temperatures dip back down, it is time to fix the damage summer has caused on our feet. Walking around barefoot at the beach, poolside or just inside your house can cause dryness, scaling and calluses on our feet.

To pamper your paws, use products that contain peppermint or menthol, they cool and refresh.

For an at-home pedicure, use an exfoliate first that contains sugar or salt and scrub lightly, making sure to focus on rough spots. Try Scandle's Dead Sea Salt Soak & Scrub.

Next, remove the scrub with a towel soaked in warm water.

Massage in your favorite moisture packed lotion or oil.

Cover with thick socks.

Be sure to check out Scandle's hands or feet treatment packs with new sinimay packaging and give your soles some much need love.

Pumpkin Perfect

Pumpkins are high in vitamin C for all-around tissue building and healing.

This month Scandle is highlighting the many beautifying treatments utilizing this fall friend.


Pumpkin Pie Scrub

• 1/2 c cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1/4 t cinnamon

Combine ingredients in a plastic bowl. Apply to body and scrub gently using circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Don't forget to stock up on your limited-edition 10oz. Scandle Pumpkin Pie Spice, now 35% off online.

Tell us your favorite pumpkin recipe......

In a walnutty world........

Walnuts are one of ten "super foods." Super foods provide multiple disease-fighting nutrients and fill you up so you can enjoy plenty of food without excess calories. Walnuts are great because you can enjoy them in everyday meals.

Not only are walnuts a good addition to any healthy eating plan, the omega-3 essential fatty acids make them a good method for fighting inflammatory skin issues, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Eating walnuts also helps improve skin smoothness because the oil contains lincolic acid, which maintains skin structure. Walnut shells can be ground up for a natural exfoliate ingredient. The leaf extract can also be used in skin care products for its astringent and conditioning properties.

Got any fave recipes or beauty products using this nutty classic?

Beauty in your fridge

Today's cures come from your pantry:

• Honey

Considered to be one of the best natural acne fighters, honey is known for its antibacterial properties. It can actually kill the bacteria associated with the cause of acne. To reap the benefits of this great household product, massage a small amount of lightly heated honey onto your skin; or dab it on individual blemishes to speed up the repair time.

• Olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed out of the several grades, and the best option for skin care treatments. You can apply EVOO to your face as part of a daily skin care routine. With continued use, it can reduce hyperpigmentation.

Beauty in your fridge

In today's fluctuating market, people are cutting back on some of the things we use to feel were a mandatory accessory in life. Throughout the week, Scandle will be letting you in on some kitchen cures for your skin that are easy on the wallet and easy on time. So before you clean out the refrigerator, take a second look at these great skin cures:

• Strawberries

Strawberries can be used to condition and tone any skin type. One way to help lighten pigmentation problems and keep you skin smooth is to mash up some strawberries and use them as an astringent or cleansing mask.

• Carrots

If you have oily or acne prone skin, this vitamin A packed vege is you new best friend. Carrots have proven to be as effective at dealing with acne as retinoids.

To make a cooked carrot mask, boil three large carrots and mash or blend them. Add five tablespoons of honey. Apply lightly in an upward motion and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Got any Scandle-ous do-it-yourself beauty tips and products, tell us.

Beauty from the outside in

More and more studies are being published about the effects of what we ingest through food, beverages and air. Here are five simple steps to insure what your getting from the outside benefits your inside the most.

1. Always include a skin healthy diet in your routine. Be sure to included foods that contain fatty acids, antioxidants and proteins. Fatty acids improve the skin layer where moisture is absorbed to keep irritations out.
   
2. Always, always, always monitor your sun exposure. Do not underestimate the importance of sunscreen.
3. Hydrate. Remember you do not have to drink 8 glasses of water a day to get you minimum requirements. Yes it is important to drink water but ingesting raw fruits and veges that are loaded with nutrients and structured water cut down on the number of glasses needed.
4. Exercise. If you cannot make it to the gym, take a brisk walk around the block. A daily dose of any physical activity can oxygenate and rejuvenate the skin while providing good circulation and blood flow.
   
5. Meditate or fine some personal time. Stress is one of the major causes of weight gain and skin irritations. Always remember to take some time for you.

Green retailers get a D-minus from consumers

A recently published study found that when it comes to giving their consumers information about green purchases, retailers get a D-minus. Around 40 percent of consumers in all markets say the information provided to them on green products is insufficient.

Shoppers want to be assured that when they pay that extra cash for a "green" or "organic" product, they are spending their cash on a truly green purchase. The study findings suggest that most green claims are used too loosely, leaving consumers in the dark about the actual environmental advantages of choosing that "green" product over the other ones.

It is important to remember that if you are in the business of green products, make sure you have a detailed ingredient list on your product. Also, display detailed signage or literature on the benefits of a consumer choosing your product over a not-so-green alternative.

Let's raise that D-minus to an A-plus!!

Tap back into your water!

Many of us think that bottled water is a much safer option than who knows what coming out of our kitchen sinks. But, a recent report published last month says bottled water is actually less-regulated by the FDA than tap water.

The report finds that the FDA has very little authority over bottled water and several companies do not disclose their sources of purification.

If you cannot find your favorite bottled water company's source of purification or want to add a new step in your greening efforts at home, try switching to tap water and using an eco-friendly portable water bottle.

If you are still a little weary about tap water, you can purchase a water purification device that attaches directly to your sink. In the long run that devices saves money you would have spent on all those plastic bottles.

Smell your way happy

More and more research is beginning to confirm what all of us already knew, the effects of smell are real. Smell can positively effect your mood. One study suggests that scent exposure to a particular fragrance can even reawaken memories of an experience from the distant past.

Essential oils are generally characterized by notes (top, middle or base). A base note is always the deepest and heaviest scent. A top note is always light and airy and the middle falls in between the two.

Usually a lighter note is used to elevate a person's spirit and deal with emotions. A base note should be used to address deep tissue problems.

Don't forget your Scandle originals, infused with essential oils to help you with any kind of day.

What are your favorite essential oil smells? Do share your Scandle-ous faves.

Massage After Burning

In a recent study published earlier this year, subjects were put through variables of exercise workouts. Immediately following those workouts, their muscles were massaged.

The results........ massaging the sore muscles used in intense workouts helped them to recover faster and limited the negative effects of lactic acid buildup.

Your muscles produce lactic acid during these intense workouts. The more intense the workout, the more lactic acid is produced. The more acid your body accumulates, the more fatigued and pained the muscles become.

While lactic acid will eventually dissipate on its own, blood circulation helps to get rid of it quicker. Buildup of lactic acid can cause muscle craps and spasms. Some findings suggest massage may also promote the release of endorphins, which naturally alleviate pain.

Don't forget your Scandle in our original scents for a good post-workout massage.