Get in shape this Summer with home-made Natural drinks

Get in shape this Summer with home-made Natural drinks

(10 recipes)

1. Cucumber and Ginger Drink

This refreshing drink will help burn fat while you sleep.  

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber

• small bunch of parsley or cilantro

• 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp aloe Vera juice

• ½ glass water

Directions:

Put the ingredients in your juicer, and drink before going to sleep. You can continue this drink every night for a month, then take a break for 7 days. If you need to, you can continue for another month.

2. Cucumber and Lime Drink

Super refreshing, this drink would be lovely on a hot summer night.

Ingredients:

 • 1 lime

• 2 cucumbers

• 1 large orange

• honey (adjust to taste)

• mint (adjust to taste)

• 1 liter sparkling water

Directions:

Put one cucumber in a blender, and slice the other one into circles. Squeeze out the juice of the orange and lime. Combine the cucumbers, citrus juice and honey into a large jug and mix together. Add the sparkling water and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if using.

3. Pear and Sage Drink

 This may seem like a strange combination, but pear and sage work very well together.

Ingredients:

 • 10 fresh sage leaves

• 1 lime

• 250 ml of pear juice

• 250 ml sparkling water

• 1 pear

• ice

Directions:

Slice the lime, and cut the pear into cubes. Put them in a pitcher, and add the sage after mashing it up with a fork or pestle and mortar to release the fragrance. Crush the ice using a food processor or mallet, and add it, along with the pear juice and sparkling water to the lime, sage and pears. Mix, serve and enjoy.

4. Grapefruit and Cinnamon Drink

Tart grapefruit and warming cinnamon are mixed with anise and mint for this evening drink. 

(This drink requires a little extra time to make a cinnamon syrup on the stove top, so it isn’t one for those days when you’re tired and just want to get to bed, although you could make the syrup in advance and add to the other ingredients at bedtime!)

Ingredients:

 • 500 ml grapefruit juice

• 500 ml sparkling water

• 1 glass water

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 anise seed

• mint leaves

• ice

• sugar to taste

Directions: 

Combine the sugar, water and cinnamon sticks in a pan, and heat gently to make a syrup. Simmer for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has melted and become syrupy. Let the syrup cool down, then mix together the juice, syrup and sparkling water in a pitcher. Add ice and garnish with mint and anise.

5. Lemon and Mint Drink

 This tasty citrus and mint drink is quick to make and will help cleanse your system while you sleep.

Ingredients:

 • 5 lemons

• 1 liter sparkling water

• mint

• ice

Directions: 

Squeeze the juice of 4 of the lemons, and slice the last one into rounds. Mix the lemon juice and sparkling water in a pitcher, and garnish with the lemon slices and mint leaves.

6. Spicy Indian Lime and Ginger Drink

This ginger, lime and sparkling water drink will give you a little taste of India before bed.

Ingredients:

 • 4 limes

• grated ginger to taste

• mint

• 1 liter sparkling water

• ½ glass tap water

• ice

• sugar to taste

Directions: 

Juice the limes. Mix the sugar and tap water in a pan and heat gently until the sugar melts. Add the grated ginger to the syrup, and simmer gently for a couple of minutes. Take off the stove and allow the syrup to cool before adding the lime juice, sparkling water and ice. Garnish with mint leaves and slices of lime.

7. Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider

 This quick and easy drink combines sweet apples with lemon juice and ice.

Ingredients:

 • 1 liter of apple juice

• mint leaves

• 100 ml lemon juice

• 1 lemon

• ice

Directions: 

Slice the lemon. Mix the lemon juice and apple juice in a pitcher, and add the lemon slices, mint and ice.

8. Cucumber, Lemon and Bell Pepper Drink

Bell pepper may sound like an odd addition to a drink, but it really works with the other ingredients for this fat-burning bedtime drink. 

(Ingredients need to sit for an hour before mixing, so you may wish to make this drink in advance)

Ingredients:

 • 1 liter sparkling water

• sugar according to taste

• 3 cucumbers

• 1 large bell pepper – any color

• 1 lime

• 3 lemons

• mint or estragon leaves

• ice

Directions 

Slice the bell pepper and two of the cucumbers. Sprinkle sugar on them and leave for an hour. Slice the remaining cucumber and one lemon. Zest the lime, and squeeze out the juice. Take the remaining lemons and juice them. Put the mint or estragon in a pitcher. Add the lime zest and slices of lemon, cucumbers and bell peppers. Pour in the lime and lemon juices and add the sparkling water. Crush the ice, put it in the pitcher, and serve.

9. Pineapple and Lemon Drink

This refreshing drink has chunks of pineapple in it for a bedtime snack. 

(This recipe requires a stove-top syrup to be made, so it’s best made in advance and kept refrigerated)

Ingredients:

 • 1 liter sparkling water

• 1 lemon

• 1 can of pineapple in juice

• mint

Directions: 

Bring the sparkling water to the boil in a pan, and add the sugar. Simmer until the sugar has melted.  Zest the lemon and squeeze the juice, and add the zest to the syrup in the pan. Remove from the heat. Pour the syrup into a pitcher through a sieve. Cut the pineapple chunks and add to the drink. Allow to cool to room temperature and refrigerate.

10. Strawberry and Herbs Drink

 This summery drink combines strawberries with mint, estragon and lemon.

Ingredients:

 • ½ lemon

• ½ lime

• mint and estragon

• some strawberries

• 1 liter sparkling water

• 100 ml water

• ice

Directions:

Juice the lemon and lime. Put the citrus peels and juice into a pitcher. Cut the strawberries into halves, and add them and the herbs to the pitcher. Heat the 100 ml water until it’s hot but not boiling. Add the hot water to the pitcher, and let the ingredients steep for a while to bring out the flavors. Remove the citrus peels after the drink has cooled. Add the sparkling water and ice. Serve.

/ https://www.cookist.com/10-bedtime-drinks-that-can-help-you-burn-belly-fat/

10 Hacks That Make You Feel More Awake in The Morning

10 Hacks That Make You Feel More Awake in The Morning

Sleeping is a time for rest and recovery from the long day before. But with sleeping, comes waking up which many can agree, is no enjoyable process. Are you the type of person who struggles to wake up the morning? Maybe you press snooze at least five times before dragging yourself out of bed. Perhaps you need a large cup of coffee in order to feel less tired and function before 10 AM. If this describes you, keep reading, because we are here to help.

Waking up is not an exciting task for most people, but finding ways to feel more lively in the mornings can be the first step in the right direction and could (finally) help you make it to work on time. There are a variety of simple ways to boost your energy levels in the morning that don't involve ordering that double shot of espresso. You might even find that being more energized in the mornings will make them a more enjoyable time of day. Discover our 10 favorite hacks to rejuvenate your mornings below!

1. Keep your alarm out of reach

 Put your alarm clock or phone far from your bed. This will force you to physically get out of bed to turn it off and stay awake. It will also make you less likely to hit the snooze button and fall back to sleep. With the Eight Sleep Pod, you can set the thermal alarm to start cooling your bed toward wake up time, waking you up energized and refreshed.

2. Make your bed

 If you want to feel more productive in the morning, the easiest thing to do is make your bed. It may seem like a small task, but starting your day by making your bed gives you a feeling of accomplishment. This will set you up for success for the rest of the day. And, as an added bonus, making your bed will make it that much cozier to lay down on after a long day at work.

3. Do the shower trick

 There's a 90-second trick that you do to boost your energy in the mornings. At the end of your shower, simply blast yourself with cold water for 30 seconds, followed by hot water for 30 seconds, and then finish with cold water for a final 30 seconds. The rapid change in temperature will increase blood flow and stimulate the body and mind.

4. Fatten up your coffee

 Instead of relying on that third cup of coffee, or that extra shot of espresso, consider adding healthy fats to your morning cup of coffee to give yourself a boost. If you depend on coffee to function, mix your coffee with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil or butter. Adding healthy fats to your coffee will make the caffeine metabolize slowly and work throughout the day to fight sleepiness. As a result, you'll stay alert for longer.

5. Exercise

 It may sound like a daunting task in the early hours of the day, but exercising in the morning is the best way to wake yourself up and snap out of your morning grogginess. Working out boosts endorphins, which gives you more energy and puts you in a better mood. You'll also jumpstart your metabolism and burn more calories. Not only will you feel more energized, but you'll be healthier too.

6. Drink a lemon elixir

 There are several health benefits to drinking warm lemon water in the morning. First, it flushes out toxins and aids the digestive system. Second, lemon is rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Most importantly, it hydrates and oxygenates the body.

7. Eat a banana

 Bananas are an excellent morning staple because the fruit's combination of complex carbs, natural sugar, amino acids, and brain-boosting vitamins will give you a quick energy boost. Perfect to eat by itself or add to your breakfast.

8. Jam out

 Play upbeat music as you're getting ready or commuting to work. Decide on a playlist or choose a list of songs that make you feel lively and excited. The energizing tunes will pump you up and make you feel ready for the day. 

9. Get some sunlight

 Light, especially bright light from the sun, signals the body that it's time to wake up. As soon as you get up, open your blinds and let in the natural light to start feeling less fatigue.

10. Smell essential oils

 Aromatherapy can significantly reduce your grogginess. Peppermint and eucalyptus scents can make you feel more alert, focused, and stimulated in the morning. The smell of rosemary can jumpstart your brain, giving you more mental and physical energy. Citrus can reduce stress and boost the body's production of serotonin. In fact, studies have shown that sniffing the skin of an orange can increase alertness and reduce anxiety.

If you dread waking up early each morning, remember that you have the opportunity to set yourself up for success by just adding a few extra steps to your morning routine. There are so many alternatives to turn to when you find yourself needing a push in those early hours of the day. And, believe it or not, these added steps might prove to be more helpful than that extra shot (or two) of espresso. So, what are you waiting for? Follow these 10 hacks to help you feel energized and rejuvenated every morning. Begin by conquering one morning, and pretty soon you will be able to conquer them all.

| Posted by Carlie Dobkin https://blog.eightsleep.com/hacks-that-will-make-you-feel-energized-in-the-morning/

Skin Care: The Official New Currency for Men

Skin Care: The Official New Currency for Men

Keep your lips hydrated by grooming them with our LIP CARE SPA TREATMENT 

“LIP INK® SMOOTHE SCRUB”  with macadamia nuts, oil, added banana flavor, and plant protein peptides to build collagen tissue for a healthy groomed appearance.

This IS the season for healthy soft lips with a repeat regiment that will get your lips in shape.

(Twice a month will do it)

AS WE MOVE INTO SUMMER THIS IS OUR NEW BEACH LOOK

AS WE MOVE INTO SUMMER THIS IS OUR NEW BEACH LOOK

Enjoying the beach life with our favorite clothes and toys, now that the beaches are open. Protected and safe at all ages. We'll keep you posted on as the beaches open and there's more to share! 

There's something about red lips that appeals to most cultures! Choose our smearproof lip color for your future events and special occasions. it last all day so no need to bring it for touch-ups, just use our lip moisturizer when needed!

That's right, no more checking the mirror constantly if your lipstick has stained your lips and no more worrying about stains on clothing or the guests. 

10 MEDICINAL PLANTS THAT YOU CAN FIND IN YOUR GARDEN

In your garden, in your patio, and even in your kitchen there are plants that yield unexpected benefits.

Health is closer than one might think. In fact, you may find it in your very, perhaps in that lush rosemary that grows on your backyard, or in the basil you keep in your kitchen. Here are 10 common plants that have healing properties you may not have known about:

Dandelion

It is an overly proven diuretic and your livers best friend; it helps detox your entire body. It also contains potassium, and some have used it to treat eczema, intestinal problems and arthritis. Its leaves also help to regulate blood sugar.

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Rosemary

This is one of the oldest plants in our diet. According to recent studies, rosemary can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s decease. Also, its oils naturally fight bacteria and fungi in your body and home. Ofelia’s famous words in Hamlet “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance,” refer to the plant’s ability to strengthen memory by improving blood circulation in the brain.

Lavender

Since classical antiquity, people have used lavender for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. But its very fragrance can help with anxiety, migraine, insomnia and depression.

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Aloe Vera

For years, people have used the secretions of this plant to treat burns, cuts or superficial infections. It’s great for digestion, also, if you take it with juice.

Thyme

The citric variation of this herb (Thymus citriodorus) is known for its positive effects on children’s digestion and its antibiotic and antifungal properties, particularly used for healing superficial wounds.

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Celery

Better known for its sweet zest, celery is also a great diuretic. The seed extract of this vegetable reduces blood pressure in animals and yields sedative and anti-convulsive effects for humans. However, excessive consumption may cause photodermatitis.

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Sunflowers

According to the Medical Horticultural Society of Massachusetts, “a tea made from the leaves of sunflowers is an astringent, a diuretic and an expectorant, and it also works to reduce fevers.” Consuming sunflowers helps alleviate cold symptoms, and its ability to remove toxic substances lead the Russian Government to use it for cleaning the floors at the Chernobyl Power Plant after the nuclear disaster.

Mint

Headaches, skin irritations, nausea, pain, diarrhea and bloating are some of the many symptoms that mint alleviates. It also helps with digestion and chest congestion. Some studies suggest that it has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Nepeta cataria

This plant, whose common name changes depending on where you are (cat mint, catnip, cat’s basil) is famous for inducing hallucinatory states of mind in cats. But people can chew its leaves to alleviate toothaches, fevers (because it causes sweating) and as a sedative. It is also known to repel mosquitoes much more effectively than store bought repellent.

Basil

This is another medicinal tradition inherited from the Mediterranean; basil was first used in the Greco-Roman world to repel insects and as an antidote to scorpion’s poison. People in India commonly use it to treat stress, diabetes, and asthma. New studies also suggest that basil has antiviral and antioxidant properties.

Contributor : https://www.faena.com/aleph/articles/ten-medicinal-plants-that-you-can-easily-find-in-your-garden/

How to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer

How It Works

The active ingredient in this hand sanitizer recipe is the alcohol, which needs to comprise at least 60% of the product in order to be an effective disinfectant. The recipe calls for 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol (grain alcohol, most commonly available at 90%-95%). Please don't use any other types of alcohol (e.g., methanol, butanol), as they are toxic. Also, if you use a product that contains a lower percentage of alcohol (e.g., 70% alcohol) then you need to increase the amount of alcohol in the recipe or it won't be as effective.

Essential Oils in Hand Sanitizer

In addition to adding fragrance to your hand sanitizer, the essential oil you choose may also help protect you against germs. For example, thyme and clove oil have antimicrobial properties. If you are using antimicrobial oils, only use a drop or two, since these oils tend to be very powerful and might irritate your skin. Other oils, such as lavender or chamomile, may help soothe your skin.

What You'll Need

Equipment/Tools

Bowl and spoon

Funnel

Bottle with pump dispenser

Materials to make hand sanitizer

2/3 cup 99 percent rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol

1/3 cup aloe vera gel

8 to 10 drops essential oil, optional