You asked ....

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 |
I've received several emails asking about what I do and use to stay looking so young
(these are your words, not mine).
To begin, thank you for your sweet comments. You are all too kind. Unfortunately, I don't have any great secrets.
From a young age (I think 14) my mother stressed using a quality cleanser and moisturizer. Up until about a year and a half ago, I used Lancome products. I'm not sure if they changed their formulas (I've received conflicting information) but I felt their products weren't working as well. The textures weren't the same and the prices were going up. In my opinion, the prices didn't justify my satisfaction. Currently I am using Aveda Botanical Kinetics. I love the Purifying Gel Cleanser and Hydrating Moisturizer. At night I also use the Tourmaline Charged Eye Cream ~ I'll do anything keep those wrinkles away. I love the products and how light they feel on my face all day long. I've used Aveda hair products for the past 15 years so I was thrilled when they introduced their skin care line. The prices are half what I use to spent and go so much further!
I wear very little make up. After I stopped using Lancome, I tried Bare Essentials. I thought I liked this line until the spring/summer weather arrived and I quickly realized that my face looked and felt oily by 10am. It also felt very heavy. I couldn't wait to wash my face the minute I got home from school. For now, I'm using Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten and Berry blush pod. I like Aveda and MAC lipsticks - very creamy and stay on for hours. I just can't seem to find an under eye concealer that I really like or works very well - suggestions are always welcome.
I try to eat a healthy and balanced diet daily. We don't eat out very often nor do I serve my family prepackaged foods. I am very concerned about what my family consumes. I have teenagers so I like to know that they are getting at least one healthy meal a day ( I put my husband in this category as well, since there are days he is too busy to eat lunch). I really enjoy cooking, so this isn't an inconvenience. It's my way of relaxing and I am usually catching up with the children while preparing dinner and having a glass of wine - everything in moderation!
Along with a balanced diet, I drink several glasses of water daily. I always have a bottle with me where ever I go. I take a daily vitamins for women, unbounded energy (yes, it really does give me more energy) and extra vitamin C and folic acid. I have/had cervical cancer and have found this concoction to be beneficial.
*I am NOT a doctor or professional in the medical field. I worked closely with my oncologist when figuring out what worked best for me. I am not suggesting that you take any of the above. I was asked, so I am sharing amongst friends.
I try to work out at least 4 days a week. This is somewhat realistic working full time with children and volunteering on committees. We have a workout room in our home so I use the treadmill and weight machine in the evenings. However, now that it gets dark at 4:30pm here on the east coast I have to bribe myself - yes, I do talk to myself and sometimes even answer myself! I tried the morning routine before going to school but fell off the wagon quickly!
My greatest challenge is stress. I try not to create any unnecessary stress in my life (much easier said than done). I am Italian so when I'm upset, I vent, get it out, and move on rather than harbor it and let it affect my health ~ as I said, it's my greatest challenge.
See, I told you. No magic secrets. I honestly believe that diet, life style, exercise and state of mind are all encompassing ~ not to mention good genes.
Anybody still there? :)


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8 comments:

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Thanks for sharing your beauty secrets.....I might try the aveda skin care products....I love their lipsticks!

Not sure if you know this or not because I think you have only visited my blog one or two times, but I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer while pregnant with my son....it eventually led to ovarian cancer which is why we are now adopting from China.....looks like we have more in common than a love of cooking and decorating!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Wow..thanks for sharing. I was a big mission with the Bare Essentials but I went back to my MAC..I have worn it since highschool! I hope you will have more beautiful years..looking so good!
-sandy toes

Petunia said...

I've never tried Aveda...hmmm, might have to check it out.
I think you nailed it on the head with good genes!!!

Kristen said...

How fun - thank you for sharing! You know, I used to use Lancome as well, and while I still love their eyeshadows and lipsticks, I was never a fan of their skincare. It never felt like it was "doing the trick." An Aveda salon opened up just down the road, I might have to go check that out!

Ruby Red Slippers said...

I love your secrets!
(I live by 12 Oaks Mall-if anyone has heard of that!)

Coco said...

I am running, not walking to the nearest Aveda store.

Seriously, you look freaking 18 in your pictures.

Rae said...

Great post. I've got to say every time I walk by the Aveda store I think about stopping in and checking them out. I too have used their hair products for well over a decade and refuse to use anything else! I currently use Arbonne for all skin care, Origins make-up and MAC lipstick. Talk about a mish-mash!!

Jen said...

i (heart) aveda.

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