The Natural Look

Seems to me that the natural look in makeup is more difficult to achieve than looking like tart.  The most helpful step for me is a makeup primer.  After using a primer, I can use less makeup and still look good.  My favorite primer is Clinique's Pore Minimizer Perfector. I use the light shade.  It also comes in deep.  A little goes a long way with this product.  It gives a flawless, matte finish that is a great base for makeup.

Heart Warming Vegetable Soup

This is a great soup for chilly autumn evenings.

1 T olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 c veggie broth or water

2 T tomato paste (I use Amore.)

2 potatoes, cubed

2/3 c lentils

1 c frozen green peas

1 c frozen okra

1 c frozen corn

1 t dried basil

1 t dried parsley

1 t turmeric

1/2 t coriander

1/2 t garam masala

1/2 t cumin

salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic in olive oil until soft.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer until all veggies are soft, about 1 hour.  Serves 6-8.

For wine lovers, Dry Creek Fume Blanc goes well.

Toners

Toners should not contain alcohol to strip the skin.  They should be gentle and, unlike cleansers, contain antioxidants.  I love Paula's Choice Skin Recovery toner in the morning and Paula's Choice Moisture Boost Hydrating toner in the evening.  

Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

I had heard good things about Crest Whitestrips and wanted to try them, but have sensitive teeth.  My solution was to change the application protocol.  The package insert says to apply the upper and lower strips for 30 minutes twice a day.  I used an upper strip for 30 minutes once a day on day 1 and a lower strip for 30 minutes once a day on day 2.  This alternating once a day technique worked great.  The whitening effect was much better than other over the counter products I have tried, and I had no sensitivity problems.  Of course, I continued to use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.   

Easy Pasta

This pasta dish, appropriately named Easy Pasta, is a staple in our home.

1 medium onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 T olive oil

2-14 1/2 oz cans diced tomatoes

1 24-32 oz jar pasta sauce

1/2 c water

2 t dried basil

2 t dried oregano

1 t dried parsley

1/2 t thyme

1/2 t smoked paprika

1/2 t cinnamon

salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic in olive oil until soft.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30 minutes.  Serve over pasta. (We like whole wheat or brown rice penne.)  A green salad is a great side.  If you like wine, Menage a Trois Red goes well.

Variations:  Add whatever chopped veggies you have on hand.  Mushrooms, celery, carrots and zucchini are good additions.  If you like a little heat, you can add cayenne pepper to taste.  

Cleansers

A good cleanser should clean the skin and remove makeup without stripping the skin.  It is also important to use a cleanser that can be used around the eyes.  This is no place for antioxidants or exfoliants, since they are just washed away.  For morning cleansing I like Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Cleanser--very gentle, yet effective.  For evening, if I have worn eye makeup that day, I first use a makeup remover.  Currently I'm using Bobbi Brown, because I got a nice sample.  Afterwards, I cleanse with Paula's Choice One Step Cleanser for normal to dry skin.   

Makeup to go

My new favorite on the go makeup is Bobbi Brown's pot rouge.  The small container, only 2 inches in diameter, easily fits into a bag or pocket.  And the creamy rouge can be used on both cheeks and lips.  I bought this item in Powder Pink, described on Bobbi's web site as a nude pink.  Great for quick touch-ups.