Natural Hair Spray

A simple DIY hairspray using natural ingredients .So easy to make and works great , its also less expensive and much healthier for hair .Switching to homemade hair spray is a much safer option, especially if you are working on getting toxins out of your home.

Conventional hairspray is full of chemicals that you shouldn’t breathe in and most certainly not spray on your head. Hair sprays can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs with inhaled.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup water 
• 1.5 tablespoons white sugar .
• 1 tablespoon high proof alcohol (I have used Vodka) 
• Glass bottle with atomizer 
• Optional essential oil ( few drops )

*Adjust the sugar up or down for more or less stiffness/hold (more sugar=stronger hold) but don’t add too much or hair will feel sticky. Brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, and other natural sugars will not work in this recipe. 

*If you don't want to use alcohol ,you can leave it out and just use a sugar .It just will not last as long . The hard proof alcohol and essential oils act as a natural preservative. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then add in the sugar. 
• Stir the sugar water until all the sugar is dissolved. 
• Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool.
• Once cooled, add in the alcohol and essential oils. 
• Transfer to a glass spray bottle for storage. 

 

I hope you've enjoyed this diy hairspray recipe .

Follow me on Instagram to get more DIY cosmetics or healthy sweets recipes.

Recipe - Energy balls with chick pea

Hi everyone 

Today I am going to share with you with an another recipe for healthy, easy and quick  to make snack .

Ingredients :

-1 can of chick pea

-2 spoons of peanut butter

-2 spoons of maple syrup

-2 spoons of cacao powder

-2 spoons of coconut flour

Method of preparation :

1. Grind chick pea in food processor .

2.Add the rest of the ingredients and blend on a smooth mass.

3.Form a ball ( roll a balls into a  coconut flour )

4.Keep in the fridge 

I hope you will enjoy as me do :-)

Recipe - delicious energy balls

Hi everyone after long break :-).

Today I will share with you with an easy and quick  recipe how to make another healthy energy balls. 

Ingredients :

-1/4 cup of almonds

-1/4 cup of walnuts

-1/4 cup of cashew

-2 spoons of pumpkin seeds

-2 spoons of raisins

-2 spoons of chia

-2 spoons of flaxseeds

-2 spoons of cocoa powder ( you can add more )

-10-15 dates 

-2 spoons of shredded coconut 

Method of preparation : 

1. All dry ingredients ( nuts , pumpkin seeds, chia seeds , flaxseeds, shredded coconut  ) grind to a fine powder in food processor .

2. Separately grind raisins, dates in food processor .

3. Mix all ingredients together , add cocoa powder .

4.From the finished mass  form small balls. 

5.Keep them in the fridge .

Hope you will like them as me do :-)

Drinking water with Himalayan salt

2 months ago I heart that drinking water with Himalayan salt it is very good for our health. I was under the impression that salt was something to be avoided as much as possible. I was more curious how and why use Himalayan salt  and started research internet about this subject and this is information what I found out :

Himalayan salt is mined from ancient sea beds, so it is pure from modern environmental toxins. It provides a whopping 84 trace minerals. Pink salt has numerous benefits from helping the body detoxify to boosting energy to improving digestion to promoting healthy hair, skin, and balanced hormones .Additionally, the consumption of Himalayan salt water also helps in regulating hydration and also improves our digestion process , helps in preventing muscle cramps and help in lowering blood pressure.The minerals contained in the Himalayan salt water helps in strengthening the body. Such minerals are necessary in maintaining strong connective tissues and bones. They are also vital for proper blood circulation and muscle regeneration.

After all information I have read about how healthy it is drinking water with a Himalayan salt  I decided to drink it too - how ? I  put a pinch of salt into my glass of water. At the beginning it was hard for me to used to salty taste of water but now it is much better and don't taste any salt . 

Are you going to give Himalayan pink salt a try?

Let me know your favorite healthy habits in the comments.

How and why to eat seed of avocado?

I have already written a post why we should eat avocado please,click at the following link to see a post- http://vikki2603.blogspot.com/2017/01/why-eat-avocados.html. Avocado seed is probably the last thing ,that  you would think that could be eaten. As it turns out, nature can surprise us once again.

What most people don’t know is that the avocado seed is edible  and even more nutritious than the flesh.

See below the benefits of Avocado Seeds :

1.Antioxidant properties: which delay the aging process and not only the skin, but primarily the brain, heart, and all the cells and tissues which we have. The seeds of avocado contain some of the largest amounts of antioxidants, which can be found among the plants. 70% of the antioxidants are found in the seed.These antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals, which are linked to many diseases and obesity.

2.Packed with soluble fibers: the vast contents of soluble fiber are the benefits for our health and body- weight loss, regulates bowel movements and lowers cholesterol, and fiber. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the beautiful silhouette or get rid of the problems with digestion and reduce cholesterol and protect the body against damaging radicals (which after all may lead us to cancer) and to prevent cardiovascular disease, then eat not only avocado but his seed  as well.

3.Good for your heart: its high levels of dietary fiber lowers cholesterol. It actually binds cholesterol before it has the chance to be absorbed in our blood.

4.Reduce inflammation and ease joint pain:  avocado seeds and skins contain higher levels of antioxidants such as catechins (also found in green tea) that act as anti-inflammatories, reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function.

5.Strengthen immune system: the seed can help you through flu and cold season by strengthening your immune system.

6.Destroys cancer cells: the seeds contain flavonol a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent or reduce tumor growth.

How to eat seed of avocado?.

Simply take the seed from the avocado like normal and then knife it into quarters. After that, the bits of seed can be thrown into a food processor, grinder, or powerful blender to make a powder. If your blender isn’t strong enough to handle the seed use a cheese grater. The seeds are quite bitter, so it is best to add them to the cocktail, smoothie or self-squeezed juices.

Blend well and enjoy!

How to store Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a wealth of vitamins, elements and other essential nutrients for health - if properly store them. Nothing is more discouraging than wasting food when trying to eat healthy. You can use these simple tips to keep your veggies alive and well for much longer.

Most vegetables and fruits should be kept in the refrigerator. But not all. All exotic fruits such as avocados, bananas, mangoes and pineapples should not be store in the fridge .Reason? Kept in cold weather they lose their flavor and aroma. Best to store them in a dry and warm place.

Cold-sensitive fruits  and veggies ( tomato, cucumber) lose flavor and moisture at low temperatures. Store them on the counter, not in the fridge. Once they're fully ripe, you can refrigerate them to help them last, but for best flavor, return them to room temperature.

Never refrigerate potatoes, onions, squash or garlic. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry cabinet, and they can last up to a month or more. But separate them so their flavors and smells don't migrate.

Green vegetables (such as lettuce, broccoli, asparagus, cucumbers) do not store with products that emit ethylene(ethylene is in peppers, bananas, apples, pears, tomatoes). Ethylene can build up in the fridge, causing spoilage.

Other tips for storing fruits and vegetables:

• Fruits that are bruised or damaged ripen faster, so eat them first.
• Wait to wash your fruits and veggies until you’re ready to use them.
• Fruits that kept in plastic will ripen faster, usually too fast. Store them loose.
• Leafy greens and herbs - wash and pat dry, then wrap in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in an open-ended bag.
• Root vegetables, including carrots, beets, radishes, parsnips, and turnips-remove the greens first and wash and pat dry, then wrap in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in an open-ended bag.
• Citrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) move to the refrigerator if you want to slow ripening.
• Buy fruits and vegetables in small amounts, not to keep them too long. The fresher they are, the tastier and healthier are.

Please see below the benefits illustrated below: ( found on the internet ).

What are your tips for storing vegetable and fruits?.

Why drink Yerba Mate Tea ?

Yerba mate tea is a South American beverage made by steeping the ground leaves and stems of the yerba mate plant. Yerba mate is a central nervous system stimulant containing caffeine, but it also contains a number of other nutrients, including antioxidants, amino acids, minerals and vitamins .

I started to drink Yerba tea last year, I wanted to reduce my drinking of coffee and at the beginning I didn't like taste that tea , but I used to and now this tea it is one of my favourite.

Please see the below benefits of Yerba Mate Tea :

1.  Yerba mate provides a smooth increase in energy:

Yerba mate drinkers describe the caffeine boost they get as gentle, clean, calm, and generally not as addictive as coffee. It rarely interferes with sleep and doesn’t cause caffeine jitters.

2. It’s useful for people suffering from mental or physical fatigue, or from chronic fatigue syndrome:

At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea, therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it has the ability to increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired.

3. Rich in Antioxidants:

Yerba mate tea is very high in antioxidants; it's got about 90% more antioxidants than green tea. Yerba mate has significant immune boosting properties. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

4. Yerba mate contains several known anti - cancer compounds.

5. Helps You control Your weight:

Yerba mate has stimulant qualities to help you feel full sooner after you begin eating, and it slows your digestion so that your stomach stays full longer.

6. Cardiac Health:

It can reduce your blood pressure and restore your cardiac health.  

7. Cures constipation :

Another important benefit is when you are constipated and don’t know what to do. Just have this tea to get relief.

8. Treats diabetes:

Yerba mate tea can help those suffering from diabetes as well.

Consider adding this drink to your diet and discover the difference it can make in your life.

Get Set for a Healthy Winter Season.

Season autumn-winter is the period when it is important to strengthen our body. Let us not be fooled by advertising, encouraging the use of tablets and other gadgets to strengthening your body.
Since I have changed my diet and my previous habits, to be honest I can not remember the last time I was ill. I will  share with you my tips how to avoid the cold during winter time.

1.Balance Diet :

A balanced diet is important because your organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance.

(below picture found on the internet)

2.Fruits and Vegetable :

Vegetables are important part of healthy eating and provide a source of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, folate (folic acid) and vitamins A, E and C. The nutrients in vegetables are vital for health and maintenance of your body.Eating a diet rich in vegetables may reduce risk for stroke, cancer, heart diseases and type-2 diabetes.Fruits and vegetable provide also fiber that help fill you up and keep your digestive system happy, are naturally low in calories are rich in  vitamin and minerals that help you to feel healthy and energized .

3. Doing exercise :

Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

4. Getting enough sleep :

Scientists have gone to great lengths to fully understand sleep's benefits. In studies of humans and other animals, they have discovered that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions.

Please see below the benefits illustrated below: ( found on the internet ).

5. Warm your body from inside:

Try to eat as many hot meals, add spices and herbs that warm you up.When cold weather strikes a chilling blow, it makes sense to consume healthy, warming, concentrated foods. Dark orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, winter squash, and carrots provide immune nourishing beta-carotene and the warmth of the orange ray.Other warming foods include arugula, mustard greens, and watercress. Nuts, seeds, and their butters make excellent warming and insulating snacks.Culinary herbs that help us feel warmer and improve circulation include: black pepper,cardamom ,cayenne ,cinnamon ,garlic, ginger, horseradish .

6.Dress right for winter:

Cold weather doesn't have to stop you from outdoor exercise, but it is important to dress for the conditions. Start with a base layer made from a material that wicks perspiration away from your skin. This will help keep you dry and warm. Polypropylene, silk, polyester, Thermax, are all good choices. Avoid cotton because it traps moisture, so it stays wet and draws heat away from you. Don't forget to wear hat, scarf and gloves.

(below picture  found on the internet .

What are your tips to be healthy during the winter time?

How to use Salt to clean Your home

Table salt is an essential in our kitchens, but also its good for cleaning our home. Salt works as  cleanser, disinfectant and antiseptic.

Cost effective healthy way to have a clean house without the use of chemicals. Salt is a great natural cleaner and has a multitude of uses.

1.Clean wooden cutting boards: To remove tough stains and odours from chopping board, use half a lemon, and add salt and rub the entire board. Leave standing for approximately 5 minutes then rinse and wipe dry. Creating a fresh cutting board and naturally cleaned.

2. Cleaning metal : Salt can also be mixed with citrus fruit juice to make a handy cleaner for metals. Use lemon juice or lime juice and salt to clean metals such as brass and pewter. Just sprinkle salt into the empty squeezed-out lemon half and use it to rub down the metal. Rinse and buff to a shine with a soft cloth.

3.Deodorize and clean the refrigerator. Apply salt and seltzer water to the door and inside for a few minutes before defrosting or cleaning it.

4.It will also remove tea and coffee stains from cups and teapots.

5.Help to stop the growth of weeds and grass: Control weeds in your yard by scattering salt in the pavement cracks or edges where they tend to grow.

6.Clean the burnt pots: Remove the mess that comes from burns or spills from pans, pots, oven, and burners. Apply a good amount of salt and remove it with paper towels.

7.Remove bathtub and sink stains by making a mixture of turpentine and salt. Apply it to the surfaces and let sit for 15 minutes. As a result, that ugly yellow color will go away. Then, wipe it with a wet sponge to remove anything extra and so it comes out perfect.

By using the above practises, you will save money in the long run against purchasing products from stores, also do your bit for the environment.

I hope the above tips serve you well, happy cleaning :)

Why eat avocados ?

The Aztecs have called avocado "butter of God." Avocado is one of the most valuable gifts of nature.

This fruit originally comes from Mexico, it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals : A, B1, B2, C, PP, K, calcium, potassium and phosphorus, and pantothenic acid, lecithin.

Avocado contains large amounts of vitamin E, improves concentration and thinking processes ,also lowers cholesterol and strengthens the immune system and high in amino acid content is good for the digestive system.

I am using avocado as:

1.Face mask :  

(picture found on the internet ).

Such a mask is recommended for dry and tired skin. How to prepare it?

Just half of avocado  mix with egg yolk, spoon of yogurt and a small amount of lemon juice and apply to the face and neck. After 15-20 minutes, you have to wash off the mask with warm water. After such treatment, the skin  will be smooth, and intensely moisturized.

2.Treatments with avocado oil :

(picture found on the internet ).

Avocado oil  also has a beneficial effect on our skin and hair, known as a natural antioxidant. It belongs to the compounds which have the ability to combat various forms of free radicals, causing acceleration of aging process for skin. In addition, effectively eliminates problems with dry skin and soothes irritation.

3. Pasta with avocado: 

Avocado is rich in fiber and omega-3 and vitamin B6, which accelerate metabolism, due to the favorable consistency and the presence of unsaturated fatty acids is a very healthy replacement for butter.

I serve avocado pasta with vegetables such as: carrot, celery, parsley, cucumber, also makes a great filling for sandwiches.

Hope you enjoy a post :-)

Good start of the day -breakfast ;-)

Good morning All,

I have just finished my breakfast and now get to work :-).

Don't forget breakfast its the most important meal of the day ,its provides strength and energy for the whole day, please see my post why eating breakfast it is important : http://vikki2603.blogspot.com/2016/10/why-eating-breakfast-its-important.html

Wish you a good day :-)

Why eating breakfast its important.

Very often we ignore the first meal of the day, forgetting that it is the most important meal.

Breakfast is best eaten 30 minutes after waking up, its provides strength and energy for the whole day, stimulates our bodies and minds, further improves our mood. We must therefore focus our attention at what we should be eating. Meals need to be healthy, so that we have enough energy for the whole day. Those of us who count calories, don't  worry because the day is very long and what we eat in the morning we would have already been burnt off. Eating very little breakfast or not, has a negative result  in overeating at night. Habit that can lead to obesity, as well as continuous irritability, mood swings and feeling unwell.

Without eating breakfast we are more irritable and more prone to stress, easily nervous, we are also less productive. Although we wake up rested, quickly we start to feel tired and this state may persist even into the evening. As we can see not eating breakfast brings only negative effects.

Remember that your breakfast should be full blown meal containing carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Your breakfast should be wholesome and constitute 25-30% of your daily caloric requirement.

What to avoid:

- Sweetened cereals ( instead of eat whole grain oats or make your own healthy muesli) )
- Greasy sausages, hams and other products rich in fat
- White bread ( instead of eat brown )
- Cakes and pastries
- Juice from the store
- Sweetened drinks
- Hot chocolate
- Sugar

We should eat:

- Eggs in various forms, it can be an omelette, scrambled eggs, soft-boiled egg
- Brown bread
- Cottage cheese
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Skim milk
- Natural  or Greek yoghurt
- Freshly squeezed juice

Below are examples of a healthy breakfast ( found on the internet ).

Bon Appetite:-)

Healthy coffee alternative

Who doesn`t like coffee?

Coffee smells great and taste lovely. Known to stimulate, increase concentration and speed up metabolism. Coffee has an invigorating effect on us, but not good for us in large quantities.

I used to drink three coffees a day and decided to change. Nowadays I drink only 1 cup in the morning but during the day I still miss taste of coffee. I am not fan of Non caffeine coffee, therefore I was looking for a more healthier option to drink but taste similar to coffee. In UK I used to drink chicory coffee. I have been searching local healthy shops but no luck so far, but then I  found the below coffee two weeks ago in Walmart. Its 100% caffeine free. Pero instant natural beverage contains: Barley, Malted Barley, Chicory, Rye. Inexpensive at $6 for 200g.

I love this alternative coffee, it tastes good. It contains none of the stimulants associated with coffee and tea. It is also a rich source of antioxidants. In coffee cereal you find grain rye, barley and wheat .Cereals help in digestion and are a great source of many nutrients, including important trace elements as: magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamins (especially B group), carbohydrates and dietary fiber which speed up metabolism and reduces the feeling of hunger.
Grain coffee contains no caffeine and is not an addictive as "normal" coffee is. For the same reason, coffee can be drunk throughout the day, whenever you feel like it.

Another alternative to coffee is Yerba Mate or Green tea .

What kind of health coffee alternative do you drinking ?

Juicer, is it worth it?

Freshly squeezed juices are very popular nowadays. Especially for people who appreciate healthy lifestyle. The shelves of supermarkets are full of readymade juices, but despite assurances of manufacturers, they are not as healthy and tasty as prepared at home.

Health authorities recommend we should consume 6-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Producing Juice drinks is an effective way to virtually guarantee that we will achieve our daily target.

Unfortunately I decided to leave my Juice maker  in UK, due to the electrical wattage variance to USA .I missed my own home made juices and at the beginning I was purchasing  ready made "healthy juices"  from health shops, found them quite expensive. Last week  decided to purchase new juicer from Best Buy for $68 as the product  was on offer. I was so excited, same day I quickly grabbed the vegetables I had in the fridge  and made my own fresh, healthy juice . A fantastic feeling.

Advantages of drinking squeezed juices:

• No additives enhancers.
• We know what`s in the drinks.
• Countless varieties of flavour combinations, you can change the ingredients, adjust portion sizes.
• With additives such as: flaxseed ,chia juices can be made even healthier.
• Drinking freshly squeezed juices are rich in vitamin and minerals.

After using the juicer for a week, am content with the product .Its simple to set up and use. Extracts well, powerful and fast, also it  is light enough to move in and out of a cupboard. Rubber feet, suction cups are extremely strong, there is no chance of the equipment vibrating itself during the making of juices. Easy to wash ( I always wash immediately after use). Cleaning process is made easier by the fact that the removable parts are dishwasher safe and a cleaning brush supplied.

Making juice is low time consuming, just wash fruit or vegetables and insert them into the juicer. I enjoy experimenting with new flavours, I try to add  new components. My absolute favourite is the juice of apples, celery, pears and spinach. I am making juices for purifying, strengthening and to help sustain weight.

What about You? Do you like to make your own fresh juices? or prefer to buy ready made?

If you know some cool recipes for juices please feel free to share with me:-)

Why drink green tea?

Green tea has more healing properties than are other kind of tea. It has long been established in China for its medicinal properties. This group of tea is has many varieties that differ in appearance, taste, quality and flavour. It  contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, along with sources of vitamin B1, C, E, K, numerous minerals, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, fluorine, copper, iodine, amino acids and mineral salts. Thanks to a wealth of valuable elements contained in tea, it has many beneficial effects on various body functions.

Green tea also speeds up our metabolism and excretion of toxins from the body. Has antibacterial and antiviral medicinal properties. It is believed that green tea purifies the blood, reduces cholesterol and protects against heart attacks. Useful in fighting against diseases as such: flu, diarrhoea. Alleviates constipation, bloating and retention of food in the stomach and allegedly slows down the aging process.

Contains caffeine, successfully replacing the need for coffee, a much healthier option .

Please see below the benefits illustrated below: ( found on the internet ).

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Benefits of tea on beauty:

Green tea also has a beneficial effect on our skin and hair, known as a natural antioxidant. It belongs to the compounds which have the ability to combat various forms of free radicals, causing acceleration of aging process for skin. In addition, effectively eliminates problems with dry skin and soothes irritation. It prevents the formation of cellulite because it cleanses the body from harmful substances.

It is easy to see why green tea has been such a popular drink around the world for thousands of years. Not only does it taste good, but it also has amazing benefits. I drink  around two cups and I feel great , it wakes me up feeling refreshed. 

Consider adding this drink to your diet and discover the difference it can make in your life.