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Parsley, Egg, & Honey Face Mask {Guest Post}

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Most people see parsley as a simple garnish, but its nutrients and health benefits go beyond just decorating your food. Parsley, when applied to the skin, helps reduce fine lines, small scars, blemishes, and pore size. How can this simple plant be so helpful? 

Parsley supplies your skin with essential Vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A works hard to fight past skin damage, in addition to speeding the cell renewal process which creates a healthy glow. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is necessary to produce collage, which helps with skin elasticity. Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin as well as can help protect against premature skin aging.

Parsley can be found in your local grocery store, but if you are interested in growing your own parsley, it is a useful plant that can grow well both indoors and outdoors when given the right amount of sunlight, rich soil, and care.

The other ingredients in this recipe are great when applied to your skin as well. Egg yolks can reduce the appearance of pores, acne, and make skin glow and reveal its softness. Honey acts as a skin softener and has natural antioxidants and anti-microbial properties that help protect your skin from past sun damage.

Together these ingredients will help your face feel softer, more radiant, and smooth. Here are the ingredients measurements you will need and step by step instructions to successfully make this all-natural parsley face mask. Enjoy!

Note:  If pregnant, avoid consuming large amounts of parsley.

Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp of finely chopped parsley
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon (optional)
Note: Lemon is a natural astringent so use with caution if you have sensitive skin. You might want to check out this post which compares the pH levels of all citrus fruits.

Method

  • Finely chop the parsley with either a knife or use a food processor
  • Add one egg yolk to the mixture
  • Add 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of lemon, if desired
  • Mix ingredients well
  • Using a basting brush, apply mask over entire face, avoiding the eyes
  • Let sit for 20 minutes
  • Wash away with warm water and pat face dry 
About the Author : Roxanne Nichols is a staff writer for LawnCare, an online resource for lawn care and gardening tips, resources, and tools. She is very involved with her garden at home and loves to share her in-depth knowledge and tips she’s learned along the way. 

How to protect yourself in Monsoons? {Guest Post}

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Monsoon season in India is something that everyone should strive to prepare for. Being prepared can help to prevent injury and emergency situations. Knowing how to prepare is critical because it will mean that you will have everything in place when the monsoons hit. The monsoon season in India is generally from June until September.
Bacteria and Viruses 
Monsoons bring with them bacteria and viruses. Pollutants and allergens are already heavy in cities like Bangalore, making people even more susceptible to things like the common cold and influenza. This season also creates kapha, so a strict healthy diet and adequate rest are critical to balancing this. The five most common diseases seen in monsoon season in India include:
  • Malaria
  • Cholera
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A
  • Leptospirosis
The following lifestyle changes made during this season will help to keep people healthy:
  • Consume colored and green vegetables
  • Avoid any fish that is not fresh
  • Skip eating outside
  • Shower immediately after being wet
  • Stay hydrated
  • Bitter vegetables and seasonal fruits should be consumed
  • Exercise regularly
Flooding and High Winds 
Both of these are characteristic of monsoon weather. It is important to stay out of flooded areas and get to dry land. Drowning, illness and injury are all possible when being in flooded areas. High winds can cause damage, such as falling trees and even buildings. If you must venture into flooded areas, take extreme caution. Be sure to use a boat or raft and avoid any area where the water appears to be rushing. 
Have a Disaster Supply Kit Ready to Go 
These are not that hard to put together and they will ensure that people have what they need to ride out a particularly bad storm during this season. First, you need water. Ideally, three gallons of water should be put in this kit for each person and animal that will be using it. Food is also important. You want foods that will not require cooking. Things like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and other nutritious, non-cooked foods should be put in the kit. Fruit and vegetables can go bad, so be sure to keep an eye on these and have fresh ones in the kit at all times. 
A first aid kit is important just in case someone gets injured. Antiseptics, antibacterial cream, bandages, tape, scissors, compression bandages and something to reduce fevers and pain can all be placed into a small, portable kit. Other important necessities include any medications that the people in the house take, flashlights with batteries and a battery-operated radio so that you can keep up with the latest weather updates. 
Lightning Strikes and Shock 
Getting struck by lightning is a real threat during a monsoon. Stay away from trees, poles, high land, open fields, metal objects, pools and other bodies of water and other tall objects. Staying inside in a non-flooded area is the safest place to be. Lightning, while rare, can also strike through plumbing fixtures, so avoid showers, sinks and baths during a storm. To avoid being shocked, do not use a telephone unless it is an absolute emergency.
About the Author: Debbie Sweet researches Tripollartreatments. When she’s not doing that, she’s travelling the world.

How To Take Care Of Long Nails? {Guest Post}

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So you have ordered the best party supplies and are all set with your favorite dress and makeup but ever thought about your nails? Yeah, they are often neglected but long, healthy nails can go a long way in attracting him to you.

 
Everyone likes having nicely manicured nails and keeping them long is something of a style statement. However, maintaining long nails and keeping them strong is no ordinary feat and should never be judged as an easy task. Before you start reading about nail care, you must know about the things that form your nails. Nails are nothing but dead cells and compose of two parts – the nail plate and the cuticle. Both need to be taken care of and the following tips will help you maintain long and strong nails.
Yellowing Nails – To remove the yellow and pale color off your nails, get some baking powder and put it on the brush tip, then rub your nails with it. You can also brush your nails to whiten them by using strawberries and lemons as substitutes for toothpaste. But because these things will lead to dryness, moisturize properly after you are finished. Never cut your cuticles – The cuticle area is made up of two layers – the dead skin layer and the live skin layer. When you go to a professional, you can get your dead skin layer clipped down but trying it yourself can be really risky. It can also result in infections.

 

Oil Treatment – Many people are seen complaining about their nails being brittle and the skin cracking around the edges. You can simply massage your nails with Olive Oil every day. It will keep your skin moisturized and make your nails stronger. Jojoba Oil is great for cuticles and can be used to. In fact, you can use your choice of oil and dip your nails in it for some time regularly.

No Nail Paint – Remove your nail paint, at least twice a month because it helps your nails breathe. Also, for people who complain of having yellowing nails, this could be one of the problems. It also promotes fungal infections.

Filing Nails – Try to switch onto filing instead of clipping your nails if you have time. Also, filing should always be done in one direction. Doing it in both the directions give jagged edges and make the nails look ugly. It makes them brittle too.

Post Manicure – Usually after a manicure, hands are pat dried and them moisturizer is applied. You must never forget to moisturize your nails.

Diet – Nails are similar to your hair and they need you to give your body proper nutrition. Nails grow faster and become stronger if you increase your intake of proteins and vitamins. It is also good for your hair.

Milk – Keeping your nails dipped in milk can be very beneficial for your nails and will act as the perfect manicure. This is because it will moisturize them and help prevent chipping.

Don’t revert to artificial nails. You can always follow these simple tips for having great natural nails.
About the Author: Salina Gomes is a beauty expert and an aspiring hairstylist.