Well lets start with three basic changes you can incorporate into your morning routine. 

1. Tongue Scraper

The ancient Ayurvedic healing philosophy of India has recommended tongue scraping for centuries as an aid to digestion and for the health of the teeth and the sinuses. When the salivary glands are cleaned, it activates them and enhances digestion (yes, digestion beings in the mouth as saliva mixes with food and begins to break it down). While you sleep at night your body is busy clearing out toxins. Some of those toxins are deposited on your tongue as a coating. By gently scaling this coating off first thing in the morning you avoid reabsorbing these toxins.

Where to buy: Local pharmacy

$: Under $5

2. Dry Skin Body Brush

The practice of dry skin brushing may be old news to those who practice the daily routine, but with all the skin care products and hypes out there, it’s important to remember this low maintenance and economic technique that offers a great way to maintain not only healthy skin but a healthy body. The ability of the skin to excrete toxins is of paramount importance to you. Some benefits of this old practice are:

• Dry skin brushing helps to shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.

• Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas.

• Dry skin brushing also helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood. Increasing the circulation to the skin can also help lessen the appearance of cellulite.

• Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified. After several days of dry brushing, you may notice the gelatinous mucoid material in your stools.

• Dry skin brushing helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.

• Dry skin brushing also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

• Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health

Where to buy: Wellness stores, markets like Whole Foods

$: Under $10

3. Glass of water with lemon

A glass of water with lemon right at least 15 minutes before you start your first meal is such an easy way to start your day right. The first thing I do every morning is pour a large glass of water and squeeze in half a lemon.  It balances PH and  kick starts your digestive system. Lemon is also a natural energizer, it hydrates and oxygenates the body so it feels revitalized and refreshed!

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So what’s the verdict? Well, like most fatty food substitutes it doesn’t taste exactly like the donuts you grew up on. In fact, if you are craving a donut…I can’t say that this hits that specific “donut spot.” But! Don’t misread the text. It is DELICIOUS. But maybe it’s best to approach this new food group, the same way I approached coconut water (which tastes nothing like water) for the first time, and just…see it, or rather taste it, for what it is! And what is that exactly? A delicious sugary doughy treat that comes in the following flavors: glazed, banana chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, peach, lemon, strawberry buttermilk, rosemary olive oil, peanut butter & jelly, maple bacon, hawaiian, chorizo cheddar, salted caramel, and cinnamon sugar.

I suggest ordering the mini versions for the first time! And a major plus! they serve Lamille coffee for all of you west hollywood kids afraid or too lazy to venture to silver lake.

8104 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
(323) 592-3075
www.fonuts.com

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DRESS RIGHT!
Brazilians, bring in the New Year with the color they want to represent the year ahead of them. Usually in new clothing. Don’t think this means that you have to dress like a rainbow. A good tip is to add a couple subtle touches to your accessories!

Branco/White = peace, truth, wisdom, good memory and balance

Amarelo/Yellow = money, wealth and wisdom (to spend it!)

Rosa/Pink = luck in love, beauty and to drive away bad energy

Vermelho/Red = passion, strength and energy

Azul/Blue = harmony, health, and an overall calm year

Verde/Green = hope, balance and new beginnings
Laranja/Orange = financial success, happiness, professional and personal success

Violeta/Purple = inspiration, sensibility, imagination, stability; raises your self esteem and helps to keep you focused.

EAT RIGHT!
South Americans, Italians, and many others are a big fan of lentils, black eyed peas, and grapes!

- Lentilhas, or lentils, are eaten in various forms (soup, sala, with rice & meat) in order for your next year to be financially successful!!

- Carne de Porco – It’s uncommon for anyone to eat any poultry on new year’s eve here because chickens & turkeys kick back their legs to walk and pigs walk forward. This is symbolic of the way the year will be – walking forward or moving backwards!

- Uvas & Romã – Eating grapes or pomegranate right after midnight and keeping 12 seeds and putting them in your wallet. This also attracts more $$!

WHAT TO DO
– Make Noise! This is supposed to scare away the evil spirits!
– A tradition that stems from Candomblé and Umbanda, African inspired religions, if you’re at the beach, many will jump over 7 waves and make a wish on each hop for the year to come. This is supposed to bring good vibrations your way all year long!
– Poem o pé direito no chão – Another superstitions actually quite literal. At midnight, if you lift your left foot, you start the year off on the right foot . This is usually done with a glass of champagne in hand and hopping 3 times. Hopping up a step on just your right foot also gives you a leg up!! (ok, I’ll stop with the cheesiness now)
– Clean your home, your sheets, and give away anything you don’t need for good energy!
– The Midnight Kiss: The reason you are supposedly supposed to kiss someone at midnight, is because otherwise it is believed that the rest of the year means you will face a year of coldness and lack of affection. Even if it’s your mom, dad, kid, or sibling! Share a little peck on the cheek!
– And for those who meet the drinking age, champagne!

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So how does a hot spot get hotter? Add a juice bar and takeout shop for those that don’t have the patience for the expected 40 minute wait. And how does a hot spot become the hottest, recruit the hottest! Any organic foodie in New York will tell you that the best fresh pressed juices are made by Melvin at Lifethyme market on 6th avenue and 8th street. Not only is Melvin the best of the best but he’ll put a smile on your face no matter what type of mood the NYC chill puts you in. And he knows just how to conjure up a juice filled with secrete ingredients to leave your energy levels boosted, and any lingering cold vanished. Naturally, this is exactly who Miss Lily’s is bringing in. Fresh fruits guru Melvin Major Jr. will finally get the attention he deserves! As he will head up the juicing portion under the name Melvin’s Juice Box.

Melvin will offer his signature green and protein-enhanced juices, as well as tropical concoctions made with Caribbean fruit juices such as soursop, june plum, Irish moss, and sorrel — which don’t appear on any other juice-bar menus around town. Look for an opening before the end of the year.

Man I could really go for some of their chicken and a ting right about now!

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This version gives a distinct nod to the future with its Eco OrthoLite® sockliner and laces made from recycled materials. And of course it comes in Puma’s “clever little bag” – in case you aren’t familiar, all Pumas are now sold in 100% recycled shoe boxes.

The Suede Classic Eco has shed a few centimeters or so around its midsection and is proud to announce that it can fit back into those hot pants from 1968 (hot damn).

When the Eco Pack first came out it strictly came in an all-suede upper in five monochrome colors dipped from heel to toe and held together with some phat laces. Now you can find various color ways such as these white and reds I’m flying in. And whats the verdict? As comfortable as I remember when I used to rock these babies in 4th grade ha. The color is vibrant, the fit is as good as ever, in other words, you aren’t compromising style for sustainability. B-Boys rejoice — you’re doing mother Earth some good and looking fresh at the same time. Cop one or cop all at Black Rainbow Shop.

Retail Price $~59.99; Cop em at Eastbay, Amazon, Endless.com, Pickyourshoes.com, etc etc

The post JAMIE’S SNEAKER REVIEW: THE PUMA SUEDE CLASSIC ECO PACK appeared first on Green Jar.

The Modo ECO (Earth Conscious Optics) line is an eyewear collection marked by “firsts.” It’s the first optical and sunglass collection to be made entirely of recycled materials.  It’s also the first-ever consumer brand and eyewear collection to receive an Environmental Claims Validation (ECV) from UL Environment (ULE), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in product evaluation.

Everything about the new Modo ECO line is about sustainability, right down to the packaging. In addition to using recycled and repurposed materials to create the frames, the collection is packaged in recycled materials and each new pair is accompanied by an easy to use mail-in recycling kit that allows you to donate your unwanted frames to charities that help supply eyeglasses to developing countries.

To top it all off, for each pair of ECO frames purchased, Modo donates one new tree to “Trees for the Future,” a non-profit organization that has been helping communities around the world plant trees since 1989.  The trees that Trees for the Future plant are helping reverse decades of deforestation in some of the most sensitive and biologically diverse ecosystems in the world.

Made up of both acetate (plastic) and metal frames, ECO offers a wide range of design, style, color and material options.  Check out some of their new styles below that eco-model Summer Rayne Oakes just helped design, and CLICK HERE to visit the site.

The post NEW ECO EYEWEAR BY MODO: AN ECO CATEYE? COUNT ME IN! appeared first on Green Jar.

So how do we differentiate all these new spin classes? What makes one stand out from the rest? The instructors, the music, the staff, and now with the opening of Cycle House LA, the mission. At Cycle House, a new West Hollywood spin studio, charity begins at the gym. For every class you take, the studio donates two meals to feed the needy through a partnership with nonprofit Feeding America.

Cycle House is a new type of workout experience focused not just on improving you, but the world around you as well. Every class taken at Cycle House translates to two meals for someone in need and anywhere from 500 to 1,000 calories burned off of your body.

At Cycle House, you can take a spin class and know that each time you do, your money will be donating not just 1 but 2 meals to someone in need. This is not just a spin class, but a movement. You’ll not only leave with that “spin high” I was describing before, but you’ll feel like you’ve not only taken care of your health and body within the past hour, but someone else’s as well.

For spin newbies and regulars check it out HERE & let us know what you think!

Phone Number: (310) 358-0888
624 North La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

The post CYCLE HOUSE LA: NOT YOUR ORDINARY SPIN CLASS appeared first on Green Jar.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide Mouth Wash: Switch out whatever harsh mouth wash you are using, and pick up this all natural mouth wash. Free of the man-made chemicals and artificial sweeteners found in most mouth rinses, Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash is a safe alternative to popular brands of antiseptic mouthwashes. It’ll be safe going down your mouth as well as your drain. Not as minty as some of the other ones out there, but it does the job. Hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash will kill bacteria and viruses in your mouth

(Heritage Products Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash $11)

2. Aloe Vera Gel: I throw this in the fridge and anytime I need a quick pick me up, I slather some of this cooling gel on my face. It reduces redness, puffiness, and gives you an amazing refreshed feeling.Aloe is so light and breathable, yet moisturizing at the same time.What’s better than that? Even the most sensitive of skin types will not react. This is one of the best natural moisturizers you can put on your face either worn alone or under your make up!

(Lily of Desert Aloe Vera Gel $4.29)

3. Jojoba oil: Jojoba  is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba tree. What’s interesting about it is that it isn’t actually an oil, but rather what they call a wax ester. Why do we care? Because out of all of the compounds in nature, this wax ester is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum). Applying jojoba to the skin can actually “trick” the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production. The bottom line for us is that jojoba oil is non-comedogenic so we can use it without fear. I massage this onto my scalp before I wash my hair or before going to bed. Not only does it smell nice, but it’s probably the best thing for your skin and hair.

(Desert Essence Jojoba Oil $8.46)

4. Coconut oil: Coconut oil acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczemaand other skin infections.  Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties. Switch out all those lotions that have fragrances and perfumes, and who else knows what you are putting on your body each day. Coconut oil is the way to go! Grab a jar at whole foods and smother it all over when you get out of the shower onto damp skin.

(CocoCare Coconut Oil $5.06)

5. Dry brush: The practice of massaging and exfoliating the skin using a soft bristled brush has been around for centuries. Use this in circular motions on your body before you get into the shower. Apart from the removal of the dead cells on your skin and facilitation of the excretion of toxic wastes, dry brushing is also extremely beneficial for your capillaries and lymph vessels. The strokes should be done towards your heart so that the blood circulation is invigorated. This improvement in blood circulation is why so many people feel extremely refreshed after an energetic session of dry brushing.

(Dry Brushes start at $7)

6: Vitamin E oil: If you are in your late teens or early 20s, anti-aging creams can be overwhelming. You know that you should be taking care of your skin, but to what extent? Vitamin E’s ability to deeply penetrate the skin has made it one of the most widely used natural oil today. Topical application of natural vitamin E can help prevent the damage from the environmental elements. Applying Vitamin E after sun or wind exposure can help ease sunburn and soothe skin. Topical use of natural Vitamin E helps decrease the appearance and roughness of wrinkles. This vitamin oil helps improve elasticity and helps promote healing of damaged skin. Dab vitamin E oil around your eyes each night before bed, and on your eyelashes, it’ll be exactly what your skin needs. No break outs and 100% natural.

(Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E Oil $8)

7. Rosewater: I personally can’t use perfume. Not even the most mild scent. It gives me migraines and my nose is just way to sensitive to scents. Lately I’ve been spraying this on before leaving the house or if I just a need a little refresher. It has that scent like you just left the spa or had a really relaxing facial. And the best part? 100% free of chemicals unlike your over the counter perfumes.

(Heritage Products Rose Water $19.68)

8. Witch Hazel: Swap out whatever toner you are using, especially if it is alcohol based and pick up some good ole fashioned witch hazel! Even though those alcohol based astringents feel like they are making your face clean, alcohol can hurt you in the long run. It’s one of the worst things you can put on your skin, and is a huge source of premature wrinkles. This toner will clean your skin without drying it out.

(Dickinson’s Witch Hazel $3.68)

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