Balancing Act: Mind, Body & Soul

I had the pleasure, nay, the privilege, of attending Elena O'Connor's (co-owner of Jackson & Hines) break-out session at this year's Women for Women Conference.  She was, as  always, her stunning self and her presentation was spectacular. As seen in the title, her presentation was addressing the difficult "balancing act" performed by women today (everyday...always!).  It is more than just a balancing act; it is juggling while balancing. It is essential to step back and re-evaluate your life. Are you neglecting one (or more) aspect(s) of yourself? Even Rosie the Riveter would struggle to find and maintain that center, the balance of all external and internal forces. However, her motto still rings true: "We can do it!" I wanted to share a few of my thoughts from her presentation, but please note that I am far from my ideal balance. These are points that I took away to apply in my life.

Mind: As a mom, this is an area that I make a concerted effort to maintain. Granted, my "Mommy-Brain" rears it's forgetful face every now and again. (Thanks to my husband's relative for pointing out that it is a result of the brain cells you lose from having babies--yeah, thanks!) Still I try to read and learn as much as I can given time constraints.  A challenge that I face is finding time to even ORGANIZE my thoughts, let alone evaluate or analyze.

Elena mentioned journalling as a way to be able to examine our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a concrete way. I find myself getting too caught up on the appearance of a journal; I want it to be the "perfect" (a dangerous trend in my thoughts) cover for my informal autobiography.  What good are my thoughts and daily record of my life, if the vessel is--well, just a notebook?!  This is something that I am going to work on this year--a new New Year's Resolution in May.  I think that this is a great way to organize my thoughts and have an uncensored look at my mind (scary, I know).

She also discussed something that connects mind and body: the confidence you have when you feel you are looking your best. We need to get past the idea that we have to be "perfect" (that word again!), to be the "complete package." Elena shared the story of a very beautiful and brilliant executive who found a humidity-caused-bad-hair day to be a seemingly impenetrable obstacle in a business meeting. At the end of the day, she is still a brilliant businesswoman, just with slightly volumized hair. :) Maybe this is a rant coming from watching "Mad Men, " but wouldn't it be nice if men could feel the same pressure?

Body: This brings us to body and a very helpful tip from Elena's presentation: don't eat Cheetos for breakfast! It is crucial to be careful of what you put in (and on) your body. Aside from finding baby shampoos that loaded with chemicals and carcinogens, we are beginning to pay attention to our eating habits and ingredients. Documentaries like "Food, Inc." and "Forks Over Knives" provide great investigative journalism into the world of factory farming and the obesity epidemic. I enjoy finding more blogs dedicated to finding healthy alternatives to what is widely available in processed foods. 

There is so much cross-over from these three categories. We all know that exercise is as beneficial to our brains as our waistlines. I also know that I have far more patience and a more positive outlook on the day after a Zumba class or Yoga class or mowing the lawn with a non-self-propelled mower. You feel good and you look good--there is no down-side here. :)

Jackson & Hines is dedicated to women's overall health. The latest test results and studies concerning harmful ingredients in beauty products are staggering. An article from the wonderful blog, "Chic and Green," discussed the growing list of lipsticks with traces of LEAD found in them. You know the stuff that goes on your lips--yeah, it has lead in it. Not to mention the harmful chemicals in the creams and products you apply to the more porous region of your body--your skin. Everything you use on your skin is absorbed into your body, which is why we promote organic and all-natural skin care products.


Soul: At the beginning of her presentation,
Elena passed out mini Gratitude Journals. She encouraged everyone to find beauty in everyday life, specifically in the fickle Rochester weather.  Sure, we Rochesterians could complain about snow in the beginning of May, or we can realize that most of the country is in drought right now--we're not. Even little things can boost our "Debbie Downer" days. My gratitude journal filled up very quickly, and is a helpful reminder to focus my energy and attention to something worthwhile.

Which leads perfectly into another point from the presentation. Elena discussed what her music and singing means to her. It is her moment of ecstasy, of transcendence. She urged the participants to find their "calling" in life. Finding your personal niche and pursuing your talents enriches your life, and in most cases, blesses others. She mentioned the ability to reach her audience through her music in a way that could not happen any other way. One of the fabulous women from the audience shared a story about a cast-iron skillet that had been in her family for a very long time. She loved cooking and entertaining, and when she used this skillet it was a connection to her past and the people that she loved. It was a beautiful story and truly inspired me to make sure that I am not the only one to benefit from my gifts and talents.

This was an incredible experience for all who were in attendance, including the rush of people anxious to talk to Elena and get her autograph at the end of her presentation. :) Great job, Elena!

Even Better with Éminence Organics!

We had the privilege of welcoming our fabulous Éminence Organics Representative, Darlene, to the store today. She came equipped with wonderful, NEW product samples--well, those approved by the border patrol. :) We were thrilled to have her and thoroughly enjoyed the training.

I learned so much!

You can tell--we are SERIOUS about SKINCARE!! (Darlene and Vicki avidly listening to Suzanne)

For example, did you know that ONE jar of the incredible Pear & Poppyseed Microderm Polisher should last for 365 DAYS--that's right, a WHOLE YEAR! If you have not yet found this wonder exfoliant, you do not know what you are missing! This product works for most skin types by gently (GENTLY--remember, this is your face) exfoliating while exposing your skin to vitamins and antioxidants. This product can be a little messy, so for your convenience, we recommend using it in the shower. Follow-up with a tonique to restore your skin to a perfect PH level.

Also, we discussed the importance of PREVENTATIVE CARE in the form of a DAILY SPF product. This is the part of the conversation where I shamefully admitted to using the kids'

sunscreen on my face as we walk out the door. Eminence Organics carries SPF products for EVERYONE! You can choose the skin-evening Sun Defense Minerals or the luxurious Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream or the airy Persimmon and Cantaloupe Cream. We all know about skin cancer--it's treatable, curable, and, most importantly, easily prevented! So, let's discuss chemicals. Chemical reactions are caused by something as simple as adding oxygen: oxidation. What happens to the chemical mixture in your standard sunscreen when combined with oxygen and everyday pollutants? I don't know, but that is not a science experiment I want on my face! Adding a SAFE SPF product to my everyday skin care regimen adds mere seconds, and I am protected. With so many SPF options, you can really find something that will fit your lifestyle.

So, keep an eye on our WEBSITE for NEW Éminence Products or CALL NOW to schedule a RENEWING ÉMINENCE ORGANICS FACIAL!

I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

What are your plans for The Oscars? Do you host your own party, camp for days next to the red carpet in LA to get a glimpse of your favorite stars, or enjoy the glamour overload from the comfort of your own couch in your pajamas with a glass of wine (yes, please!)? Whatever your tradition, we have some great resources for the final push to the Academy Awards.

FABULOUS FOOD:

• I LOVE the Oh She Glows blog, especially for her recipes. She recently posted an entire list of vegan-licious goodies that even I (a culinary novice) can prepare! From her Strawberry Oat Squares to Chocolate Cake Batter Smoothies to an amazing hummus recipe, there are munchies for everyone. Treat your guests (or family) to some of these vegan delights!

http://ohsheglows.com/2012/02/22/22-ways-to-get-your-vegan-snack-attack-on/

• Delish.com also has an entire slideshow of award-worthy Oscar recipes. I am looking forward to trying the Parmesan Pita Chips WITH their Guiltless Guacamole. I don’t have to worry about a couture gown, so the sky is the limit for our spread!

http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/party-ideas/oscar-party-appetizers-desserts-recipes

• Susan Leigh Sherrill from NorthJersey.com provides movie-themed menu ideas for those with a flare for the theatrics! A little too much prep time for me, but see what you think.

http://www.northjersey.com/food_dining/139673423_Movie-themed_ideas_for_your_Academy_Awards_party.html

• You can find more ideas for food fit for the stars, your guests, or your kids on the Oscars.org in their official party kit.

http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/partykit/index.html

DRAMATIC DRINKS:

• The girls over at Fashionably Bombed have lots of ideas for cocktails, including color-coordinated and themed drinks! I love the simplicity and freshness of their Blackberry and Vanilla Champaigne Cocktail or Sparkling Mocktail. I feel this an appropriate drink to lift to Meryl Streep (we all know she’s going to win!).

http://www.fashionablybombed.com/2012/01/blackberry-vanilla-champagne.html

• You can’t go wrong with the Red Carpet Fizz from thatsthespirit.com. An enjoyable prelude to the festivities as you watch the interviews and hear the most common question of the night: who are you wearing?!

http://www.thatsthespirit.com/en/drinks/recipe.asp?recipe_id=2884

• You can also find more cocktail recipes and demonstrations for themed drinks from Oscars.org. Try something new and let us know what you find!

MORE:

• If you are looking for something new, try a J&H Oscars Night! Grab your best girlfriends and have your own glam night! Whether that means that you choose Golden Globes inspired outfits and put on your best Smashbox Evening Smoky Eye, OR relax with Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Masques (feels AMAZING on and you look even better after) while completing your mani/pedi polished look with FACE Stockholm Polish #95 (Shimmer Pavement).

• Visit the Official Oscars Party kit for printable ballots, Academy Award Bingo, and other activities to pass the time during commercials, acceptance speeches gone too long, and camera mishaps.

Good luck—remember that the stress is with the nominees and NOT with the host!

Let us know what you are planning!

Fall and Winter Skincare Guide

As the seasons change we take special care to winterize our homes and yards. The dropping temperatures and harsh elements can also wreak havoc on our bodies, thus the need to “winterize” our routines is just as important. One of the most common beauty-related ailments in the fall and winter is dry, lackluster skin. Fortunately, with a few simple changes we can maintain a healthy glow even in the dreariest of days. As you reevaluate your routine, make sure that you include these easy fixes.

A morning cleanse is an essential way to begin the day. The warm water helps to awaken body and mind as it relaxes the skin and opens the pores, allowing a deeper cleaning. Using a gentle press-and-roll motion, you remove waste, not just on the surface of your face, but through your lymphatic system as well. Part of the Dr. Hauschka philosophy is that you should scrub your bathroom floor, not your face. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser like Dr. Hauschka’s Cleansing Cream or Cleansing Milk. We now also carry several gentle organic cleansers from Eminence Organics, so stop by our store or website to find your perfect match. Finish your cleansing session with a cool compress to reduce heat-induced inflammation and to close your pores. Continue with toner and moisturizer. You can find your skin-type appropriate moisturizers on our website or by visiting our store. As you go through your daily skincare routine, be conscientious about what you are putting on your face; although outside might be white with snow, we can always find ways to live “green.” All of the lines that are carried by Jackson & Hines are striving to maintain and enhance our inner beauty and environment.

Our lives are hectic, but we are never too busy to take care of ourselves. Your schedule for the day is daunting so before you rush out of the house grab a reusable water bottle. Awakening Beauty: the Dr. Hauschka Way explains,
"You use a moisturizer to keep water inside your body, but you’ve got to replenish
that water regularly in order to support your body’s most essential needs. Bodies need water to conduct every biological function. Many people experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, and fatigue because of a lack of clean pure water. Water is one of the secrets to beautiful skin, in part because it helps eliminate waste from the body and thus removes a burden from the skin."
Our busy days often result in poor choices and the illusion of convenience; we rely on our sugar-packed beverages and caffeine-induced consciousness, while neglecting what our bodies and minds really need. Try introducing a few more water breaks into your day. Start a water stash; if it is readily available, we have no excuses. Keep a pitcher of filtered water with a few slices of lemon on an eye-level shelf in the refrigerator, while you move the sugar concoctions to the back. When you are running out of the house, grab your water bottle before you get your purse. It seems so simple, but it is a necessary lifestyle change. Maintain your healthy glow by regularly flushing toxins out of your system and continually replenishing your body’s water supply.

Although water is an important part of preventing seasonally dry skin, you must have the proper tools to combat the result of harsh weather conditions on our bodies. There are a few essentials that should be kept within reach at all times. Lip moisturizer that works with your body rather than temporarily coating the surface is one such tool. When you go through the checkout at the grocery store, you see a variety of lip care products. They are conveniently placed because we need more—we are constantly searching for the one. Unfortunately, in most balms and sticks, the common ingredients include camphor and alcohol, which over time dries skin. While the skin on the body is thicker with many layers, our lips are very thin with very few layers of natural protection, thus resulting in the need for more protection. Regular balms and sticks work, for a while, by coating the lip, but by merely coating the skin on our lips, the protection is short-lived. We eat something, drink something, pull on a sweater, wrap a scarf, and in an instant our protection is wiped off. For long-term relief, we look for something that works with the body and not on the body, like the Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Balm and Lip Care Stick. These products help your body by naturally promoting skin renewal and protecting without dependency. They are not going to dry the skin and are absorbed to prevent the need for constant reapplication. You can also find gently lip exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells, like Smahsbox Emulsion Lip Exfoliant. If you exfoliate your lips, be sure to have the Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm to naturally assist the restoration of the skin.

Moisturizing for the new day is essential and should not be missed in your morning routine; however you should not use moisturizer at night. While we sleep our bodies are in a naturally healing and revitalizing state. If you are using a heavy moisturizer at night, you are preventing your body’s natural processes. Your nightly skincare routine should include cleansing and an occasional (weekly) mild mask. We have a wide variety of masks from Dr. Hauschka and Eminence Organics. When using a mask, apply after cleansing the face, leave on for the prescribed amount of time, and then gently rinse or wipe off. If you would like something to assist your nightly natural processes, you can safely use Dr. Hauschka’s Rhythmic Night Conditioners. The Rhythmic Night Conditioner helps your body’s natural healing and eliminating processes, and makes a difference after one use. By allowing your body to naturally manage oiliness, your skin will self-correct during these dry months. A heavy moisturizer is unnecessary and can shift your body’s natural balance.

Lastly, get plenty of restful sleep. The last little tip seems just as simple as drinking more water, but it is crucial for your health and healthy glow. It is not a surprise that your morning routine takes much longer when you have not received adequate sleep. You have to hide the signs of neglect; the dark circles and dull coloring are tell-tale signs that you did not allow your body enough time to recharge. During these winter months your health is of vital importance, especially with cold and flu seasons. It is not a coincidence that when you’re feeling under the weather, all you want to do is sleep. Sleep is nature’s remedy with no adverse side effects. So, it makes sense that we need adequate sleep to maintain our overall health and well-being. It should be easier to get a little more sleep with shortened days and colder temperatures; it is the perfect time of year to curl up in a warm blanket and rest.

For the perfect winter look, try healthy and vibrant skin. Incorporate a few of these changes at a time and begin to see a difference. For more information and products, check out our store (4 North Main Street in Pittsford) or our website.