MKFACE… The Cleansers

Cleanse to Purify, Exfoliate to Reveal Fresh Skin Surface, Moisturize and Protect for a Healthy Glow…

Gentle Gel Cleanser

Description:

The anti–inflammatory, anti–sting, and anti–irritant properties in this cleanser make this an excellent choice for sensitive
skin that has been chemically, mechanically, or environmentally stressed. Soothing and calming, this cleanser is suitable
for all skin types.

Functions and Benefits:

• Anti–inflammatory, anti–irritant, and anti–stinging properties help promote the healing process.
• Soothing and calming, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types.
• Amino acids increase the natural defenses of the skin.

Key Ingredients:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti–inflammatory and anti–microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives aloe vera its help with healing. This antioxidant is calming and soothing and helps bind moisture.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract – From the flowering plant found in the Swiss Alps, this ingredient has proven to be an anti–inflammatory and an anti–irritant. Used topically, this herbal compound is used to help soothe and heal wounds, sunburns, bruises, acne, eczema and chapped lips. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and bacterial infections.

Canadian Willow-Herb (Epilobium Augustifolium) Extract – This ingredient contains a bioactive molecule, Oenothein–B, patented for its wide-ranging anti–inflammatory, non–steroidal activity. It’s free radical scavenging abilities soothe inflamed or irritated skin while allowing healing to take place. The potent bioactivity makes it a therapeutic product recommended for irritated, red skin.

Collagen (Vegetable) – This penetrating and hydrating ingredient binds moisture while smoothing and softening. It also helps to regenerate collagen.

Algae Extract and Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) Extract– This complex, rich in amino acids, polypeptides and cell membrane carbohydrates, has anti–stinging, anti–inflammatory, and anti-irritating properties.

AlphaCleanser

Description:

With the balancing elements of calming and soothing ingredients, this cleanser is effective in providing cleansing, purification, exfoliation, and balancing properties to the skin. This unique blend makes it an excellent choice for removing makeup and debris from the skin, as well as deep cleaning the pores of sebum and build up. Because of the decongesting and exfoliating benefits, normal to oily skin types can use it once to twice daily, while drier skin types can
benefit from using it once to three times per week.

Key Ingredients:

Glycolic Acid – Glycolic Acid is derived from natural sugars. A form of alpha–hydroxy acid, it helps to exfoliate dull skin cells, rejuvenates, balances the skin and encourages collagen production, thus smoothing wrinkles and restoring health to sun damaged skin.

Aurantium (Orange) Extract, Citrus Limonum (Lemon) Extract and Citrus Nobilis
(mandarin orange) Extract and Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract, Fragaria Vesga (Strawberry)
Extract and Saccharium Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract – This complex of fruit acids helps with cellular renewal, closing the cuticle of the skin, providing a smoothing quality to the skin.
Lactic Acid – Lactic Acid is derived from vegetables or milk proteins. It exfoliates, refines and clears skin and promotes the growth of new cells and collagen.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) – This is from the karite fruit on the African mangifolia. This anti–aging, anti–inflammatory ingredient promotes healing, protects, moisturizes, and soothes.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti–inflammatory and anti–microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives aloe vera its help with healing. This antioxidant is calming and soothing and helps bind moisture.

Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract – This acute anti–inflammatory, anti–sting, anti–oxidant and anti–allergenic helps with natural healing process. It also inhibits neurosensory discomfort and has antioxidant properties.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract – From the flowering plant found in the Swiss Alps, this ingredient has proven to be an anti–inflammatory and an anti–irritant. Used topically, this herbal compound is used to help soothe and heal wounds, sunburns, bruises, acne, eczema and chapped lips. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and bacterial infections.

Rosmartinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil– This ingredient is used most commonly for oily, sluggish skin that needs the benefits of cleansing and rejuvenating. It’s known to tone, stimulate and decongest while relieving puffiness and swelling.

Mexican Brownies… Caliente!

 

This Brownie is the perfect update to the classic we all know and love.  This is a perfect weekend treat… so many ways to interpret!

Mexican Brownies

Preheat oven to 325 Degrees.  Prepare an 8 inch baking pan.

4 OUNCES UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE ( Chopped up)

1/2 CUP BUTTER

*

1 1/4 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1 TABLESPOON CINNAMON

1 DASH OF CAYENNE PEPPER ( A Healthy Dash )

1/4 TEASPOON SALT

3 LARGE EGGS

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

3/4 CUP FLOUR

1 CUP CHOCOLATE CHIPS ( I used Semi-sweet Organic Chocolate Chips )

*

Place the chopped chocolate chunks and butter in a sauce pan and slowly heat until mixture is smooth.

Blend together brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt.

Add eggs and vanilla along with the smooth chocolate mixture.

*

Lightly mix in flour, and finally fold semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Pour into 8 x 8 inch prepared pan (TIP: prepare brownie pan using powdered coco instead of flour) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.

Dust with powdered sugar and let cool before serving…

Some like it Hot!

Happy Weekend!

Ready for some football…

MKFACE | Instruction for Use

 

MKFACE gives you a choice of cleanser: GENTLE GEL CLEANSER  is suitable for all skin types and perfect for your AM cleanser. ALPHA CLEANSER provides purification properties and is suitable for all types of skin, perfect for your PM cleanser. Follow with the NOURISHING TONER both AM and PM.

If you are prone to dry irritated skin during the drier months, especially winter, start a hydration strategy. For best use of time use your PM routine to hydrate. Wash your face, pat dry, use a nourishing toner, and while your skin is slightly damp apply your choice of moisturizer — It will lock in the extra hydration.

At night skin cells are repairing themselves and can make the most of anti-aging serums, pep-tides or brightening serums. You don’t need to consider diluted results from competing layer of other products, such as make-up and sunblock. Your AM skin will reflect the effort.

AM – Use GENTLE GEL CLEANSER, follow with NOURISHING TONER and either MOISTURE DELIVERY or ANTI-AGING SERUM. The ANTI-AGING SERUM does double duty and works as an effective eye creme. RECONCILE + RENEW EYE CREME works best  to relieve the congestion under the eye. Follow with your Sunblock before going outside.

HYDRA RESTORATION SERUM is to be applied after the toner on the days and nights you skin need extra help with hydration. Also works to even skin tone.

RADIANCE BRIGHTENING SERUM is to be applied after the toner as a powerful tool in the fight against the cause of pigment discolorations.

VITAMIN C SERUM has Aloe Vera and Avocado and is to be applied after the toner or after your choice of moisturizer.

2012 in My View…

A 2012 annual report for Michele’s View blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 1,900 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 3 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

HEALTHY AGING and the ENVIRONMENT

The kinds of diseases we now see have drastically changed to inflammatory – and thus largely preventable – conditions.”

   ~Ted Schettler, MD,MPH

Belief that environmental factors – including everything from exposure to pollutants and toxins,  to diet,  exercise and social connections – are looking to be more important than genetics in determining risk of certain diseases.

“Disease patterns over the last century have expectedly evolved as people live longer.” ~Ted Schettler

Alzheimer’s Disease    Genes may increase risk,  but the actual processes leading to these conditions can be highly influenced by environmental factors.  A study done of the ApoE4 gene in Nigeria shows a picture of  a group of people born with the gene who would be thought to have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  The group lives on a low-calorie, plant-based diet – the findings – there was no significant association between Alzheimer’s and the ApoE4 gene.  A Swedish study concludes by showing ApoE4 alone to modestly increase risk, but when combined with our western diet, tobacco smoking and alcohol, the risk of Alzheimer’s increased.

The studies show how difficult it is to separate genetic and environmental influences.  We can look,  listen,  and continue to learn through studies being done.  The tools we have to employ are the ones within our control – Make informed dietary choices,  limit pollutant and toxin exposure and stay physically and mentally active.

Parkinson’s Disease    A 1990 study revealed those suffering from early onset Parkinson’s - before age 50 – were dealing with a hereditary condition.  Research began to suspect pesticides as catalysts for Parkinson’s.  Links between rural living and drinking well water – between agricultural work and the disease.

There are many cases that lie on the spectrum between the two groups, and are likely caused by a mix of both genetic and environmental factors.  “Inflammation and excessive oxidative stress play critical roles in the developement and progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s” -Dr. Schettler reports.  In the case of Parkinson’s, this oxidative stress cause abnormalities in the production of dopamine causing the onset of symptoms.  Reasearch associates risks with exposure to PCBs, heavy metals – manganese, iron and lead,  carbon monoxide,  and air pollution.  Parkinson’s risk may be linked with a dairy-rich diet and obesity.

Environmental factors are strong determinants to health.  Steps we can take to reduce risk…

• DIETARY MODIFICATIONS   Reduce risks of Diabetes, Obesity,  Hypertension, and Metabolic Syndrome.  Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, and pay special attention to the fatty acid composition of you foods:  Boosting omega-3s, and limiting omega-6s.
• LIMIT POLLUTANT AND TOXIN EXPOSURES    Insecticides and weed-killers used around the house and in the garden may be toxic.  Air pollution is a cause of oxidative stress.  Garden and eat Organically.
• STAY MENTALLY ACTIVE AND PHYSICALLY FIT    Exercise is key to staying healthy, and is an opportunity to stay engaged with the world around you.  Challenge your brain – keep up with change!

 ENVIRONMENT,  noun.   Refers to biological, physical and social elements.  An environment is the whole of surrounding things.   The physical and biological factors along with their chemical interactions that affect an organism. 

 

Five Questions… Five Answers… Blitz Weekly!

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Question 1.    What should be in every man’s routine for his skin care?

Skin, the largest organ of our body, is made up of several components, including water, protein, lipids and different minerals and chemicals. Skin is ever changing, for better or worse. Your skin will regenerate itself about every 27 days. Proper care and treatment is essential to maintaining the health of this crucial organ.

The demands of your skin occur daily. Each day make certain to provide your skin with

• Plenty of water.
• Thorough cleansing – performed twice daily. At night , make sure you remove all make-up, dirt and grime and cleanse properly before bed.
• Balance nutrition – develop nutrition strategies.
• Toning – after you cleanse with your choice of cleansers, make sure to use a nourishing toner to remove fine traces of oil, dirt and old skin cells you may have missed when cleansing.
• Moisturizer – this is a necessary step even for those who have oily skin.
• Sun-Block every morning.

Pay close attention to all parts of your skin. Familiarize yourself with it, so you’ll notice any changes that might occur and require further attention.

Question 2.    Best Style Blogs?

For every style blog I’ve listed… I’ve eliminated others. This list is compiled from first hand searching – with the ever sneaking feeling that I’m missing something fabulous.

MY TOP TEN

1. Refinery29
2. Fashionista
3. High Snobiety
4. Stylist
5. The Man Repeller
6. Jak & Jill
7. Advanced Style
8. From Me To You
9. Nerd Boyfriend
10. Atlantic – Pacific

Question 3.    The Tie that makes any suit look good?

So many men do the tie wrong. Today, both bow ties and neckties are becoming more popular. “There are few enough excuses for a man to wear colored silk around his neck without fear of ostracism. Take advantage of it.” ~Permanent Style

Michele’s Picks

1. Elmley Navy and Lilac Seersucker Stripe Handmade Tie   By Charles Tryhitt
2. Thomas Stripe Woven Tie   By Vineyard Vines
3. Coral and White Striped Skinny Tie   By Billy Reid
4. Woven Silk Tie and Cotton Tie  By Facconnable
5. Woven Silk Tie   By Theory
6. Silk Repp Stripe Tie  By Alexander Olch
7. The Paisley Tie Darker hues
8. Silk Regimental Navy & White  By E.G. Cappelli
9. Theory Woven Tie Greys
10. Ermenegildo Zegna Woven Silk Tie

The first presidential debate has come and gone. Republican candidate Mitt Romney came away with the win, this time.
I was, like all of us, noticing every detail. President Barack Obama wore a blue tie while candidate Mitt Romney wore a red tie. Both candidates displayed patriotism by wearing an American Flag lapel pin …Mitt Romney decided on the larger pin.

My point… The Tie! President Barack Obama wins this one. His tie was knotted perfectly allowing the tie to lay straight and balance the space provided by the shirt collar. Mitt Romney’s tie knot was askew, and too small for the  collar space. The example goes to President Barack Obama. Nicely worn!

Question 4.    As for the designers you can’t go wrong with?

I assure you it is possible to go wrong even with the best designer… However for an updated men’s suit choice I’m going with J.Hilburn. The suit is called Wall Street and is a timeless slim cut. Great suit guys!

Other picks:

• Ralph Lauren Black
• Katie Holmes
• Victoria Beckham

Question 5.    Three most important things regarding your image.

1. Set your intentions.
2. Radiate confidence, smile, polish yourself.
3. Be interested and interesting

Special thanks to Chris Patterson for including MKFACE in the Looking Good issue from Blitz Weekly!

http://issuu.com/BlitzWeekly/docs/blitzweekly9_26_12/11

“Begin at once to live…”

~Seneca

A September Celebration…

The American Vogue

By mid-August, after a summer of scantily clad people watching, I look forward to, with great appreciation, simply not having to look at the constant barrage of  T-shirts, shorts and of course the ever-present flip-flop.  The horror of the American diet all to evident wherever people gather.  Living in the southwest does lengthen the seasonal fashion assault with temperatures often still reaching 90 degrees, until who knows when… the remedy arrives on time, although never too soon, easily reassuring us that civilization does exist in a more desirable, easy on the eyes form.

I approach the seasons offerings carefully.  Like other over-indulged fellow Americans I recognize my craving  for refined clothing,  sensational shoes,  purses,  fragrances and the most expensive, Bling, to be as addictive as the ever-present giant burger and fries (off days must be for pizza and taco’s) consumed week in and week out. –  Starting with the top publications, Vogue being the top, I immediately turn to the letter from the editor.  Anna Wintour has worked tirelessly for me all year to “keep fashion in the worlds of dreams and impossibilities.” she continues “It felt perfect, precisely because the current trend is toward the pragmatic and accessible.  Vogue has a responsibility to fly a visionary flag, now more than ever. The vision has always inspired me… with such potential to approach life on deliberate terms, I look at every design element necessary to get it right.

I seek expert opinion for hair and make-up.  I ride my road bike 20 miles a day while picturing the last unfit poor soul trying to walk up a flight of stairs.  I eat healthy, seeing food as a potentially deadly drug addiction… at last I’m ready to simply, dress properly!  Ms. Wintour adds ” Fashion is so often presented in the culture as a thing of froth, which, of course, it partly is;  But the bubbles are blown with care and a sense of values.  Likewise Fashion’s Night Out.  Frivolity must have its foundations.”

September 10,fashion will be having somewhat of a block-party.  Stores will stay open late, editors, designers, models, and celebrities will mingle with “the people”… I saw mentioned,  BICYCLE give-aways and a knitting class at Barney’s – Wow!   “You get the picture–but here’s the point.  Fashions Night Out is Vogue’s response to the notion that in these challenging times, certain kinds of pleasure, such as shopping, are impermissible.  I believe that on the contra’ re, this is exactly the moment to insist on the harmless (and in fact economically beneficial) joys of being out and about and open to inspiration.  Stores are fun, even if your not going to buy anything.”  Anna Wintour, 2009 American Vogue

Fashion exists quite expertly in both, the pragmatic and the dream world.  Pragmatically we should pursue our dreams with respect to the framework of our budgets, and as the summer always displays  Americans need to take better care of their appearance, and treat health as a precious commodity.  The dream world displayed inspires me to go for the size 4 and feel the drape of beautiful fabrics ruffle against the Autumn breeze…  Froth is always on the top.

Another Reason to Love… OLIVE OIL

Today, I think we all know that a thoughtful diet is essential to good health and well-being… healthy eating doesn’t have to be a challenge.

We’ve known that cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil contains the highest amount of monounsaturated fat of any edible oil.  Premium oils are full of antioxidants and have shown to have cardio-protective and anti-cancer properties. There is another reason to choose this fruits delicious oil: the oil contains a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.

The compound, oleocanthal, is evidenced by the taste of olive oil. Gary Beauchamp, PhD, noticed a strong similarity between the peppery bite at the back of the throat when eating olive oils.  His lab confirmed a chemical similarity, showing that oleocanthal inhibits the activity of  COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes involved with inflammation and pain in the body.

Four tablespoons of the oil contains 10 percent of the pain-relieving power of an adult dose of ibuprofen.  Regular consumption of olive oil might provide long-term benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and possibly protecting against Alzheimer’s disease.

Note: Not all olive oils have oleocanthal.  If the oil stings in the throat or if a cough is triggered when you swallow, the oil contains this healthy compound.  Organic extra virgin olive oil is the best sources.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

~I Thessalonians

Enjoy your Olive Oils… 

2011 VIEW… It’s not about time!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for Michele’s View.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,600 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

FOOD… The American Revolution

This is the first generation of kids expected to live shorter lives than their parents.

Jamie Oliver, TED prize recipient, The Food Revolution

The first line in the forward of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking reads -  This is a book for the servant-less American Cook who can be unconcerned on occasion with budgets, waistlines, time schedules, children’s meals, the parent – chauffeur – den – mother syndrome, or anything else which might interfere with the enjoyment of producing something wonderful to eat.  Anything else which might interfere may now include, Genetically Engineered,  Hormone Injected, and Over-processed foods – all to be avoided!  Knowing is the first step to doing and Jamie Oliver is out front… or more accurately, in Huntington, W.Va.  I only wish, he would have picked my own community – as the temperatures warm and the fashions become more revealing  (sigh) the symptoms of our American diet become all too evident.  Anyone can cook, with the right instruction.

Most of the disease protection associated with healthy foods are in abundance, found in fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes.  Saturated fats (most damaging) should be limited to 10% of our total calories,  total fat to 20 to 30% of daily calories,  and cholesterol to 300 milligrams daily.  High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and premature death.  Exercising regularly, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables,  limiting sodium and alcohol can help or even prevent high blood pressure.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do to protect against cancer.  Fiber may reduce your risk of colon cancer.  Green and dark yellow vegetables, beans, and cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) may reduce your risk of colon and stomach cancer.  Avoiding alcohol may reduce your risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, and probably breast.

Among adults, and now children with diabetes, more than 90% have type 2 diabetes.  The greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes is obesity.  Eating plenty of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits can make it easier to limit calories.  The fiber in these foods may also help control blood sugar.  Having diabetes increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.  Calories from fat and cholesterol are key to controlling this disease.

Your age or family history is the only impact on your health you don’t control.  Informed choices can improve and may eliminate significant risks for severe chronic conditions.  Eating well, not smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight are strategies you can employ to improve the quality of your life.  Reduce your risk of disease through nutrition.

Finding Protection in Food

• antioxidants Helps block damage to cells from free radicals.
• calcium Helps build bones and teeth.  In adults, prevents osteoporosis.
• folic acid (folate) Helps during pregnancy to prevent spinal cord birth defects.  Too much folic acid can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease.
• omega-3 fatty acids Helps with a number of factors related to cardiovascular disease.
• dietary fiber Helps with cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.  Two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.

More information:

http://www.FoodNavigator.com

http://www.TakePart.com

http://www.robynobrien.com

 

Pass on the Love… Teach your kids to cook.

http://www.jamieoliver.com

“If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all.”  -Pearl S. Buck