Spa Day

I just had a much needed day at the spa. I went to Burke Williams Day Spa for an 80 minute Deep Tissue massage and a 50 minute Spa Style Facial. I work full time at Burke Williams but still enjoy using the facility because of all the amenities truly making it a full spa day!


I came in first thing in the morning and saw my massage therapist, Ivan for my Deep Tissue session. I came in with specific concerns and tight muscles from running, but knew I was in good hands. I typically will book this style of massage because I like deeper work targeted on specific muscle groups. After my 80 minutes, I was feeling much better and ready for my facial. I quickly threw my robe back on and headed straight to my next service with water on the way to rehydrate my body.


 My facial was absolutely heavenly! I saw K-Lynn, a truly gifted esthetician for a deep cleanse and extra TLC. Although I take excellent care of my skin, it's not the same as going to the spa and getting pampered by someone else. She was really thorough and custom blended my whole service, giving my skin the attention needed. I'm so happy with the results and can't wait to rebook with her soon.


To finish off the day, I soaked in the spa hot tub and continued to drink water. I love that Burke Williams offers citrus in their water for extra hydration and detoxifying properties and it tastes amazing. While replenishing my hydration levels I was able to just sit back and relax in the spa.  Ahhh, I'm a happy girl! Treat yourself to a spa day. You totally deserve it. If you're in the California area, check out Burke Williams for some TLC and amazing amenities. There area always specials so follow them on facebook to see what deals are going on.

Relax

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.
-Sydney J. Harris

7 Simple Ways to Detox

Here are some detox tips from Organic Spa Magazine. :)
http://www.organicspamagazine.com/2011/09/7-simple-ways-to-detox/

Organic with Juice Beauty

Here is a great video on the making of Juice Beauty and what goes behind this fabulous line.

Going Back to Nature

I love how much we are going back to nature and using ingredients that are picked from the earth and not chemically altered. With both food and skin care, it's best to go the organic route and search for fruits and vegetables that are rich in color with a high antioxidant content. You truly are what you eat and it shows on your skin. The face color and texture has more color and livelyness when you're filling up your plate with nutrient rich food. Not only does the healthy food give your skin a boost for a radiant complexion, but you can prevent future skin care problems and damage. By eating food with antioxidants such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums, you are protecting your cells from free radicals by giving them something to grab onto rather than the healthy collagen in your skin. This is a great gaurd for premature aging, but it's also important to follow up with a topical skin care regiment that is full of antioxidants from nature. I enjoy using Ilike Organic and Eminence Organic Skin Care due to their products being made with fruit pulps that give my skin that extra protection. Juice Beauty also has products that are full of vitamins, juicing ingredients straight from nature to provide an organic treat for your skin. All three of these companies have options to give your skin that topical boost needed for glowing skin and a healthy protection for a youthful appearance. For more information on organic skin care and the importance of staying close to nature, check out this great article from Eminence. 

http://www.eminenceorganics.com/en-US/Skin-Care-101/organic-biodynamic-for-your-skin.aspx

Slow Beauty

I love this article from Organic Spa Magazine.
http://www.organicspamagazine.com/2012/01/slow-beauty/

Mother Teresa

3 Teas for a Glowing Complexion

Check out this article from Organic Spa Magazine!

http://www.organicspamagazine.com/2012/01/rejuvenate/

Sophia Loren

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.
-Sophia Loren

Being the Change

Mahatma Gandhi is truly my number one inspiration in life. He has so many amazing quotes, but this one is my absolute favorite - "Be the change you want to see in the world." I have it posted everywhere to always remember this and live my life to the fullest. I take "Be the change" in many ways, but it always inspires me to lead a healthy lifestyle and make awareness in the skincare, beauty and health industry. I know that one day it will be a regular practice for people to check ingredients, labels, research companies and know what is being purchased. This is what I call the practice of being mindful. 


Being the change for me, is making a difference for myself and setting an example that can impact my friends, family and clients. Awareness is my number one goal for the new year. I wish to constantly make changes and improvements that reflect the healthy and organic lifestyle I dream of. Since I could speak, I've always been against animal cruelty, and today I am just as passionate about it. With cruelty free products that are full of antioxidants and organic goodies instead of toxins, I feel like I'm making positive changes for the health of my body. I've thrown out all of my products and personal care items that can cause harm to me and the environment and will continue to research and find sustainable companies that I feel good about supporting. Exploring with DIY recipes has made this a fun process because I've been able to replace items with fresh ingredients from the kitchen. Next, I would enjoy working with more non profit companies that make the change as well. It's going to be a good year for me. :)

Be Mindful In All You Do

Here's a great article on how to be mindful from The Times of India. I hope you enjoy! 
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spirituality/faith-and-ritual/Be-mindful-in-all-you-do/articleshow/11178284.cms

Marilyn Monroe

Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.
-Marilyn Monroe

Beautiful and Bald Barbie

As an esthetician, I come across several men and women going though cancer at different stages. In 2010, I did special training and got certified with American Cancer Society's program, Look Good...Feel Better®. This program is led by licensed estheticians and cosmetologists who volunteer their time and help patients with the healthy skin care, makeup and hair care. Through this program, I've met the most beautiful people who have inspired me and taught me a lot about life. These people are so strong and radiant. I am really passionate about programs like this and any cancer awareness that makes patients feel their best.


I recently saw a post on facebook that immediately caught my attention. There is a current petition that has been made to create a "Beautiful and Bald Barbie". Mattel is formally being asked in the petition to create and sell the barbie to help young girls who are suffering through cancer. This will show them they are still gorgeous without hair. Mattel has already created personalized barbies for 2 young girls who were both battling cancer. One of the girls said this made her still feel like she was still a princess, even without her hair. I think this is a wonderful idea and signed the petition myself this week. You can follow this movement on facebook to stay up to date on what's happening. As of today, the facebook page has 132,407 followers and the petition has been signed by 6,014 people. Spread the word and help get Mattel's attention. 

100% Pure Oil Blotting Paper

Lately, I've been extremely busy and am always finding myself on the go. In times like this, I only have a few seconds to fix myself up before heading out to dinner or a night out on the town. My secret weapon is 100% Pure Oil Blotting Paper. They help to reduce shine on my face and give me a fresh faced look without having to put a powder on my face. I do not like the feeling of face makeup so this is the perfect remedy for me, allowing my skin to look polished but still breathe. All you need to do is use one sheet and gently pat your face all over or in the oilier areas to pick up any surface impurities, bacteria and excessive oil. This is a quick way to pick up what is sitting on your face that could possibly lead to future breakouts or irritations. The paper is made of wood pulp and hemp oil and has antibacterial properties. There are 50 sheets per pack and the cost is $8. I keep a set in my purse and in my running bag for a clean feel after a workout. The blotting sheets are the perfect pick-me-up for any mindful man or woman and makes the perfect gift.

Beauty Sleep

Let's face it, most of us don't get the recommended 8 hours of sleep. Sometimes it's nearly impossible with work, school and every day activities. To maintain a healthy body, nutrition and exercise are key, but sleep is also crucial too. I like to think of it as a mini vacation for my body. While you are resting, your body is going through a repair  and self healing process. This is where the importance of a healthy moisturizer comes in. Putting on a moisturizer before you sleep, will allow your skin to be recharged with vitamins and nutrients and act as a barrier for moisture loss. It is also important not to forget the eye area. If you wear makeup, be sure to remove ALL OF IT before this step. You don't want any makeup on your eyes or face while your body is in the repair stage. Allow your skin to breathe and not soak in any left over bacteria and dirt from your day's makeup. By doing a double cleanse with a milky cleanser and following with a toner, you can remove any left over residue.

The next step for a well rested look is the eyes. You do not want to skip this step. I typically will do this before I put on my face moisturizer for the evening.  For some of us this a bigger deal. I know if I skip this step, I look much more tired in the morning. An eye creme helps to thicken the area and prevent puffiness. I tend to have dark circles and extra puffiness around allergy season. When this happens, I either use cold cucumber slices or frozen eye compresses to calm the area down before I go to bed! Then I follow with my eye cream and go to bed, giving my eyes the extra boost they need. I am currently using St. John's Wort Eye Contour Creme from Ilike Organic Skin Care. What I love about it is the vitamin content of the product and how nourishing it is for eyes. Since this is my problem area, I like to take extra care with the best ingredients possible. This product is made of St. John's Wort,  jasmine oil, vitamin C, E and P, bioflavonoids and carotenoids. The price of this product runs at $68 for 1 oz. Another good option that costs much less is from 100% Pure. It is their Organic Cucumber Eye Creme Gel. This product is vegan and loaded with antioxidants that replenish thirsty skin cells. 1 oz of products costs $18.

What if you can't fall asleep? It is recommended that you exercise at least 20 minutes a day to prevent stress hormones from interrupting your sleep. Also be sure to turn off the television or electronic advices, using your bed just for sleep!  If I have time, I enjoy brewing a cup of herbal tea a few hours before bed.This helps to relax me and prepare my body for shutdown mode. I also am sure to drink extra water right after my tea. I'll have 2 glasses of water for every cup of tea I have to balance things out. By drinking water throughout the day, I go to bed being hydrated, putting my body in the best state possible. Here's to being well rested and properly hydrated!

The Skin Care Answer Book

Many of us use Google and rely on the internet for our information which is great, but when it comes to skin care, be careful. There is a lot of information out there that could cause more damage than good. Thanks to Mark Lees' book, The Skin Care Answer Book, you can have answers to  275 of the most asked questions. I love this book and recommend it for anyone who wants a simple read. It's set up in question and answer format and is made for the consumer, making it easy to understand. It also makes a great refresher for any esthetician or skin care professional and is great to have on hand in a skin care clinic. You can find this book at a Barnes & Noble  for $26.07 or Amazon for $25.46. Besides this book being useful, the author is absolutely amazing. Mark Lees is one of the biggest skin care educators in the United States, an award winning speaker and has developed his own skin care line. I had the opportunity to meet him and take his class this past summer and was amazed by his presentation and unlimited knowledge. If you're unsure if this is the book for you, send me and email or message, and I can send you example questions from the book. You'll love it!

Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips

Cool Mint Lip Balm

I recently purchased the Cool Mint Lip Balm from Ilike Organic Skin Care because I can never have enough lip balms. It is so refreshing and hydrating, making the perfect winter treatment for my dry, chapped skin. Not only does this wonderful product feel good, but it smells amazing, which makes me love putting it on. This balm is also beneficial for strengthening the keratin layer and slowing down the aging process. The blend is made up of shea butter, grapeseed oil, yarrow oil, peppermint, bioflavonoids, fruit acids and tannins making a very nourishing treatment for the lips. This products costs $22 for 0.12 oz and can also be found in Spicy Cinnamon and Lemon Citrus. Check out your local organic spa for more Ilike products or follow them on facebook to keep updated on their latest products and organic treats.

Pledge to Be Cruelty Free

Sign the PETA pledge to be a compassionate and cruelty free beauty. I did and hope you will too. It's simple, and you can find a list of the animal friendly companies on the website. Send a link to your friends so we can make it easier to become a caring consumer. Thank you!

Running

A month ago, I had never run more than a mile, and that was only because it was mandatory in high school. Although this is true, I had always dreamt about being one of those fitness gurus who wake up at 5 AM and start their morning off with a run. Why? They have the most amazing skin, always glowing and have stunning, healthy bodies. I decided this year would be different, and I'd be one of those people. I recently signed up for a marathon with a group of friends. I chose to sign up with Team in Training and for two very good reasons. One, they are known for creating healthy workout plans for beginners like myself and two, they are organized by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Not only do I want to improve my body and my health, I want to make a difference while doing so, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the perfect organization for me, as I lost a friend to Leukemia in 2007, and know survivors that made it, thanks to the research and patient services. I must say Team in Training/Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have been a wonderful part of my health journey. It definitely has not been easy training in the winter, but they have such a strong support system and are constantly checking up on all the team members, making sure everything is running smoothly for us. If you have never run a marathon, I definitely recommend signing up with Team in Training as the team aspect of it makes a huge difference. I am about to get in to the double digits this Saturday, and my body is feeling amazing. I'm more aware and completely inspired because I never thought I could run more than one mile, let alone ten! 


What does running do for the skin? Exercise causes an increase in blood flow, nourishing skin cells and carrying waste out through the pores. Since a healthy body has much to do with how my skin appears on the outside, I'm glowing all the time. Running is the best skin detox I've experienced in years and has the same effect of a peel, which I love! Not only that, but I am forced to replenish my hydration levels more frequently, drinking a greater amount of water than I would normally do.


 Right now, I am running 3 times a week and am working on getting up to 26.2 miles by April for my run. I've noticed a dramatic difference in my skin and plan to make this a regular part of my routine. Of course, running in the winter has some cons for my skin due to the wind, rain and even the sun. I've been making extra efforts to stay hydrated and have been doing so with treatment masks and more nourishing eye, facial and body creams. The Strawberry Rhubarb Masque from Eminence Organics has been a miracle worker for me. I like the fact that it's a replenishing treatment containing salicylic acid from strawberries to exfoliate and help with congested pores and hyaluronic acid from marshmallow plant extract which hydrates my skin. Plus, there are antioxidants blended in to protect from environmental factors and free radical damage. This treatment costs $52 for 2 oz which does seem pricey, but trust me, it's worth it. I am also using the Stone Crop Masque on a regular basis to have a healing effect on my skin. This treatment helps with balancing the skin and has a lightening effect which is great after sun exposure. I typically will do this mask after my long morning runs each weekend. I notice an instant glow as it gives my skin an extra boost. The Stone Crop Masque is $48 for 2 oz of product. Check out Eminence and follow them on facebook for more of their phenomenal products. They have a number to choose from and all are made with organic love and care!

SpaRitual

I wanted to share my love for SpaRitual, a wonderful vegan nail care line. I discovered this company at a trade show 2 years ago and have been in love ever since. SpaRitual creates all of their products with awareness, using eco-friendly products and packaging. The products are vegan and not tested on animals which is a huge plus for me. SpaRitual has the most gorgeous colors that are made naturally and free of synthetic dyes, toluene, formaldehyde and DBP. I love that they also support the Go Green Initiative, an organization providing education and resources for schools, businesses and organizations, creating a "culture of conservation". There is nothing more important to me than a company who makes a difference and continues to give back.


With a variety of radiant colors, SpaRitual is the perfect collection for any woman. They have a mini collection which is a great way to try out different colors and find out what works best for you. The minis also make perfect little gifts for the ladies! My favorite shade is "Golden Rule" which is a glittery gold color (see image below), giving me a pop of color that still looks natural. I have it in the mini collection and carry it when I have an event coming up! It's easy to apply, dries quickly and is gorgeous. The prices of the products are also reasonable. The full size costs $10 and the minis are $5. 


I don't typically go out for a regular pedicure so I like simplicity when it comes to doing them myself. I try to give myself as many pampering nights as possible, and their spa sets make me feel like I'm at the spa without having to leave the house! I like to put on some relaxing music, exfoliate my feet, do an herbal soak, moisturize and finish with a fun color for the perfect pedicure. SpaRitual also has cuticle creams, primers and other products to go along with your at home mani/pedi!


Where can you find SpaRitual? By going to their website and typing in your zip code, you'll be provided with a list of the closest spas/salon or stores. There are also online stores that carry the line. My favorite online vendor is SkinBotanica because they have a variety of vegan and organic product lines. They carry sets so you can sample a few colors making it easier to find your favorite shade. When you shop with SkinBotanica, you're given list of ingredients found in all the products, with a background story on the company and reviews by customers. They also have  promotion codes that they will provide to you after you become a customer. It's definitely the place to stock up on all your organic skin care goodies! I myself am going to order a few more SpaRitual minis and keep them on hand for upcoming birthdays, creating an at home mani/pedi gift set for my friends.  I hope you too will be able to enjoy this vegan jewel and make some time to nurture yourself using ingredients that aren't harmful to you or the environment.  Here's to happy hands and feet!

 "Golden Rule"

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

This is one of many great ads from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Healthy Personal Care

When I first became an esthetician, I fell in love with learning about different lines, but when I started learning about ingredients and how amazing the skin is, I started to question things. If our skin is the largest organ and can absorb 60% of what we put on it, then why are companies putting harmful chemicals in the mix? When you work with a line professionally, the company gives you a manual, breaking down each product and what's in it. It's shocking and frustrating to me, but the past couple of years, I've had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest organic spa lines. Two of my favorites are Ilike Organic Skin Care and Eminence Organic Skin Care. 

Ilike was what I used at the first day spa I worked at, and I instantly fell in love with the fact that they are an honest company making products that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fruit acids and bioflavonoids - plus their products actually work and do what they promise. What's not to love about that? I can't tell you how many times I bought a product claiming to make my skin flawless, but in reality do nothing for me or the health of my skin. After working with Ilike, I wanted to find more companies out there with good intentions and yes, they do exist! At the very first trade show I attended, I had the opportunity to take a class hosted by Eminence Organic Skin Care. The educator was their founder, Boldijarre Koronczay, a true genius in the skin care world. He is full of brilliant techniques and with a line like Eminence, anything is possible. Eminence uses nutrient rich products that are so beyond extraordinary, and in my opinon have raised the bar for other lines out there! 

If you have a minute, I found a video that The Canadian organization, Environmental Defence has posted. It's a fabulous new ad campaign which I think is a good way to alert people of the cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting and allergy-inducing substances contained in products used in daily life. This issue is very frustrating for me, and I don't believe finding healthy personal care products should be so difficult for the average person. It's good to be aware of how unsafe our products are and inspire us to research healthy companies that are out there. My goal with Mindful Goddess is to make this an easier process. I plan to provide a list of safe companies and give an honest review on their products. Another organization to make note of is the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which launched in 2004 to help protect the health of consumers, bringing awareness to unsafe chemicals found in personal care products. They help break down questions most of us have on fragrances, what's safe and what's not and how to understand the labels. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics really keeps companies with harmful ingredients in check and makes everything easier for the consumer. If you are on facebook, follow their page and keep updated on their latest research. You can also follow them by email to receive updates. As a huge supporter, I will be posting their latest research, media and ad campaigns. Let's be mindful while we wash our face, put on our moisturizers and splash our favorite fragrance on. Together we can make a difference for healthier beauty and health. 

Toxic Nail Polish?

I wanted to post this article I read on the Huffington Post. It's definitely worth checking out! The article has a link on a DIY pedicure as well as other helpful websites. 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/organic-authoritycom/nail-polish-toxic_b_1181682.html

New Image

Mindful Goddess now has a new image and it is absolutely adorable! I want to thank the very talented Megan Mckown for creating such a masterpiece. You rock, Megan!

Confucius

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
-Confucius

DIY Papaya Mask

I have a mask recipe for all skin types, except those who are hypersensitive. This mask includes papaya and pineapple enzymes that will help with the digestion of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. With this natural exfoliation, your skin will appear brighter with a wonderful glow. You'll need the following ingredients:


1/4 cup freshly mashed raw papaya


1 teaspoon fresh raw pineapple juice (optional)


Mash the papaya and add the pineapple juice if desired until a smooth paste is created. Put the pulp on your face, neck and chest and leave on for 10-15 minutes. This can be runny, so make sure you have a towel near by or lay down and relax! You may feel tingling, but this is a natural reaction of the fruit acids working. Rinse the mask off with cool water, using a gentle face cloth if needed.


You can use this mask once a week after cleansing your face, just be sure to follow with a moisturizer and SPF! Do not store this treatment, mix as needed to keep it fresh.

Compassion

Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. 
-Albert Einstein

My Favorite Mascara

My favorite feature is my eyelashes. I think beautiful black lashes make any woman feel and look awake and gorgeous. I've experimented with several mascaras and have experienced eyelash loss and irritation from many products. Washing off my mascara shouldn't be a strenuous process, not to mention, the scrubbing to remove it pulls the delicate skin around the eye. In 2008, I discovered 100% Pure thanks to my mother being a huge QVC watcher, and she bought me a makeup and skin care kit. I immediately fell in love and looked up the company and found out they were local, which is a huge plus to me and that they are cruelty-free, providing better skin and makeup using fruit! How amazing is that? Ever since my first experience with 100% Pure, I've been a huge fan and have tried a majority of their products. I must say their Fruit Pigmented Mascara rocks my world and has been my favorite product the past four years. It provides the perfect pop of color, stays on all day, but it's simple to wash off when I need to remove it. My two favorites are the Blackberry and Black Tea, and I love the fact that I'm conditioning my eyelashes and doing something healthy for them while applying makeup. This mascara is even safe for sensitive eyes and contact users and is water and smudge resistant. With ProVitamin B, Vitamin E, oat and wheat protein, I know I've found the perfect mascara, and I'm sticking to it.

This mascara costs $18 and can be found online, at one of the 100% Pure Boutiques (Berkley, San Jose), Sephora, Ulta or at other beauty stores. Try it and let me know what you think!

Beauty

Good nature will always supply the absence of beauty; but beauty cannot supply the absence of good nature.
-Joseph Addison

My Current Obsession

I love experimenting with different organic lines and seeing what works best for my skin's needs.  I recently introduced Juice Beauty to my collection and must say, I'm in love! I decided to do some research and test out the products because I had heard great reviews. Once I found out they were a local company and learned about their beliefs, I knew I must try them out. I'm currently using their Green Apple Peel and SPF. My skin is totally loving the Green Apple Peel from Juice Beauty!!! MMM so organic, so wonderful! With only one use, my skin already has a brighter appearance from the natural hydroxy-acid juice blend of apple, lemon, grape, aloe leaf, sugar cane, willow bark and milk peptides. The cost for the peel is $45 for 2 oz of yummy apple. I am excited about adding this line to my every day routine and feel great supporting a company that provides the public with healthy skin care. I've attached a photo below to show how bright my skin is after the treatment. Thanks, Juice Beauty! Learn more about Juice Beauty and their awesome products.  

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog! My name is Anna, and I am here to provide you with the greatest skin care reviews, tips, recipes, latest information and more! It is extremely important to me that I support businesses that have sustainable practices so any skin care line I discuss on here will be green and cruelty-free. I've always been an animal lover, and when I became a licensed esthetician, it became my dream to combine the two. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am here to help! Thank you!