Healthy and Beautiful Living

We're still in love...with Pure Chocolate

2010-02-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

Pure Inventions Pure Cocoa Antioxidant Extracts contain the highest amounts of chocolate antioxidants, including the flavonols (these are the cocoa's antioxidants) and polyphynols associated with lower blood pressure and optimal cardiovascular health.

These studies show that these flavonols seem to prevent both cell damage and inflammation! Recent studies show that cocoa may help promote healthy skin structure and density. Studies have also shown that cocoa may support, protect and increase blood flow to the skin - improving its appearance.

Sweetened naturally with Lo Han fruit (known as the Longevity Fruit and excellent for digestion), they are sugar-free, artificial sweetener-free, caffeine-free and calorie-free. It's amazing that something so delicious can be this good for you too!

A healthy, caffeine-free alternative to all the sugary beverages on the market today, Pure Inventions is suitable for men, women and children of all ages and is not only approved for diabetics, bus is also great for those who are lactose intolerant or have allergies to dairy products. Optimal health is a couple of delicious drops away - just add water! (One serving = 2 full droppers, 30 servings per bottle.)

It is believed that the ancient Mayans and Aztecs first enjoyed chocolate as a sacred drink, usually reserved for royalty. Two thousand years later, we've come full circle and can experience it once again in a pure beverage form. Pure Cocoa Antioxidant Extracts are available in 3 delicious flavors: Vanilla, Mint, and Cocoa and are for purchase at our spa.

Here are a few ways you can enjoy these yummy chocolate treats:

*In plain seltzer water with crushed ice - a quick stir and you have a fun, foaming chocolate soda
*Over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
*Vanilla Cocoa over fresh strawberries. Add some angel food cake and you'll be in heaven
*Replace sugary syrups with these cocoa extracts in milk
*For a ladies night out, try a few drops in your favorite vodka martini ;-)

Welcoming in the New Year

2009-12-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

Welcoming in the new year

The start of a new year often inspires me to review the past year and set new goals. It’s a great time to look back at all that I’ve done in last 12 months; goals that were met, goals that weren’t, ideas that come to fruition, and those that did not pan out as I had initially planned, unexpected turns and twists, and miracles that I could not have imagined. Even with all the excitement and enthusiasm of a new year just around the corner, there is a tinge of sadness,-- it’s the realization that time has passed and it can’t be brought back. Every year, I take that realization and begin to focus on all the things that I want in the new year. I’m reminded that my time in this life is short and precious and that I’m to do the very best I can with each moment I have been given. I get so excited in thinking about all the possibilities….they really are endless. To get jazzed up about what I want and goal setting, I go through past journals I’ve put together throughout my travels, which are a collaboration of sayings I read or hear. (Whenever I need motivation, inspiration, or just a quick kick in the pants, I’ll flip through those entries and are bound to find something that moves me.)

A few of my favorite quotes which encourage me to dream big are:

“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.”- Les Brown

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”- Les Brown

“If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You can get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.”- Zig Ziglar

“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”- James Allen

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”-Zig Ziglar

My mom frequently passes along magazine and newspaper articles she finds of individuals overcoming obstacles, which do nothing short of move me. Ever since I was young, she would share these articles with my siblings and I as encouragement and life lessons of just how powerful each person can be and what we can accomplish when we put our thoughts and energy towards it. I’m so thankful for being confronted with that knowledge at such an early age. If you still need inspiration and motivation, just watch reruns of any of the past Olympics. Time and time again, these athletes dream big, set their goals, focus their minds, strengthen their bodies, and NEVER GIVE UP! And time and time again, new medals are won and old records are broken. (FYI- I probably shed more tears watching the Olympics than watching any love story- tears of joy, of course.) I hope this will somehow encourage you to dream big everyday and know that you have the strength in you to reach your dreams.

With great anticipation...Christina

P.S. I would love to read any inspirational quotes that you would like to share, please post them in the comments area.

Benefits of Pumpkin

2009-11-12T10:29:00.001-08:00

Want to learn more about the amazing benefits of this humble gourd? Read on.

Pumpkins are good for your skin:

Pumpkins are high in antioxidants, including vitamin A (revitalizing agent) and vitamin C (important for collagen production), which may reduce wrinkles. The enzymes in pumpkin, when applied to the skin, digest the “glue” that bonds dead skin cells together. This action allows the unattractive dead skin to be sloughed off, revealing fresh glowing skin and the pumpkin’s remaining vitamins and minerals to absorb deeper in the skin. The beta-carotene in pumpkins may also reverse skin damage caused by the sun. Have a double dose of pumpkin. For a limited time, a powerful Pumpkin Peel facial will be available at our spa. Call 408-293-9900 to schedule your Pumpkin Peel Facial today! www.christinachristner.com

Pumpkins are good for your health:

Pumpkin is great for blood flow, and is rich in potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Zinc keeps the male reproductive system healthy. Bursting with vitamins A, C, and E, this immunity boosting food also packs in a whopping 5 grams of fiber in every one-half cup serving. Fiber helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, protects the body against heart disease, control blood sugar levels, promotes healthy digestion, and plays a role in weight loss. With pumpkin being a tasty, filling food that is also low in fat and calories, it’s an excellent choice for health and weight management. Here’s a healthy recipe to satisfy the pumpkin pie craving:

Easy Spiced Pumpkin Bake

-cut peeled pumpkin into 1 inch cubes
-in a bowl, add a sprinkle of ginger, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg and lightly drizzle with walnut oil and agave nectar or pure maple syrup, then toss (pecans or walnuts can also be added if desired)
-pour into baking sheet and bake in oven at 450 degrees for 30-35 minutes, tossing and rotating sheet once. Pumpkin is done when tender throughout.
-serve and enjoy!

Let us know how you used pumpkin. We’d love to share your healthy pumpkin recipes. Leave your comments below.

For the holidays- Renewing Pumpkin Peel Facial

2009-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

Shed dead summer skin with our Pumpkin Peel Facial:

Tingly, aromatic pumpkin peel that gently dissolves dead skin cells, softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and gives skin a gorgeous glow while helping stimulate collagen and production of elastin.

An ultra hydrating pumpkin and orange mask revives sluggish and dry, water-deficient skin. Pumpkin contains more that 100 beneficial nutrients which may be used to help reverse the signs of aging. As an accelerator helping improve effectiveness of other ingredients, pumpkin helps the skin to quickly absorb vital nutrients and vitamins for intensified results. If you have sensitive skin, it’s even more important to use ingredients that can fortify and nourish with ease. Includes light extractions, if necessary.

This 45-minute facial is offered through the end of the year at the seasonally special price of $80. Call 408-293-9933 today to schedule your Pumpkin Peel Facial.

Feel Your Boobies

2009-10-21T10:56:00.001-07:00

We applaud all efforts to raise awareness and support for breast cancer. One of our favorite organizations is Feel Your Boobies (www.feelyourboobies.com). Although their catchy name is enough to make you look, their aim is to make you do something about it. October 9-16 was officially Feel Your Boobies Week, we hope that you actually did it and won’t stop there. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 192,370 women will be diagnosed with and 40,170 women will die of cancer of the breast in 2009. The statistics also states 1 in 8 women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Early detection is ever important. Do routine breast self-exams to check for lumps and other abnormalities. Women should know what their breasts feel and look like and report any new breast change to their doctors.

Signs and Symptoms of breast cancer include:

-Spontaneous clear or bloody discharge
-Retraction or indentation of the nipple
-Change in breast size or contour
-flattening or indentation of the breast skin
-redness or pitting of the breast skin

Finding changes in your breasts don't necessarily mean it's cancer, which is why it is important to have your screening by your doctor:

-Between ages 20-30, schedule routine screening every 3 years
-40, schedule yearly exams
Tip: schedule screening for after your menstrual cycle so beast may be less tender

Here is a link to Dr. Ann's 10-steps to prevent breast cancer.

Cancer research has come a long way over time and we know we still have a long way to go. Whether volunteering, donating your time or financial resources, or running a race, there are many ways that you can help aid in the battle to fight breast cancer:

http://www.breastcancersupport.org
http://ww5.komen.org
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Welcome to Healthy and Beautiful Living

2009-10-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! Our blog is up and running. Welcome to our blog. You’ve loved our tips when you’ve visited our spa. You’ve loved our tips when you’ve read our newsletter. Now that you’ve asked for it, I know you’ll love our tips when you read our blog!

We are looking forward to sharing ideas and tips on what we believe can help build a healthy and beautiful you. Whether it’s a great skin tip, a product we think you might not want to live without, a killer deal from one of our friends, or a cause we are just very passionate about, we’ll make sure to share them with you. We would like to hear from you, our readers, what you think of our posts and encourage you to post questions and comments on this blog.