Snap Back!!!

With the summer just right around the corner, it's the perfect time to SNAP back in shape with healthy & colorful snacks. After finding a wonderful Facebook page with the recipe listed below; Purely Healthy Living, I immediately decided to make this wonderful snack for myself and the kids. Only difference, I added basil instead of parsley. The first picture shows just three ingredients for a flavorful snack. Two ingredients, I actually forgot to include (Oregano & Olive Oil) and is loaded with a burst of flavor. Here's the recipe: 2 large tomatoes, cut 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. dried oregano Basil Leaves Salt and Pepper to taste a little bit of olive oil for drizzling over the top (optional) Directions: Preheat over to 400 F degrees In a small bowl combine oregano salt and pepper. Top each tomato slice evenly with the Parmesan cheese mixture. Add basil onto of tomatoe followed by the parmesan cheese mixture. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, this is optional. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until you notice the cheese starts to turn gold. Easy, Delicious and Healthy. Follow Purely Healthy Living on Facebook for more delicious recipes. The second picture is just a collage that I put together showing you the fun and easy process. My kids thoroughly enjoyed their snack and it was healthy. It is also important to incorporate nuts in between meals which contain unsaturated fatty acids and are a great snack and easy to pack when you're on the go. Seen above is an energy blend that I purchased from Costco with Edamame, Cranberries, Almonds, & Pumpkin Kernels. I love them and helps with hunger pains….LOL! Today, my lunch (seen in the fourth picture) consisted of a Raw Kale Salad, and Mangos with Jalapeño Vinaigrette from Whole Foods Market along with my favorite drink of all time "Kevita." I love Kevita as it is a probiotic drink that contains four strains of live probiotics. It is also organic, and vegan and can be found at Whole Foods Market. Find out more about Kevita by clicking HERE! As you can see in the last picture, Wholefoods market is known for their fresh salads. It's my go to spot when I just want to get away and enjoy a scrumptious yet healthy meal. With life moving at such a fast pace, I find it to be true that convenience has a hefty price to pay, and that is your LIFE. Don't always reach for convenient foods such as FAST FOODS as it can definitely have a toll on your health. As always do things in moderation and make healthy choices for your body and in LIFE!!!

Sweet & Sassy Strawberries

For years, even decades strawberries has been known to have huge health benefits for the skin. Strawberries contain a salicyclic acid to get rid of dead skin cells therefore, helping to fight and eliminate free radicals that attack the skin. Because strawberries contains a good amount of antioxidants, strawberries should be incorporated your diet as much as possible. I LOVE strawberries and actually decided to start a business after attending the strawberry fest in Oxnard in 2007. I was so inspired by the other vendors and their crafts in soap, that I too wanted to do the same. This year, it's returning and if you live in or near Los Angeles County, I'd advise you to attend and bring the entire family! It's super FUN! Listed below are a few of my favorite Strawberry Recipes. Try them all!!!!

Strawberry Mask

Strawberies have astringent qualities which tighten and tone your skin.

Mash the strawberries in a small bowl. Apply to your face as directed in the basic mask instructions and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.

(Body Book By Anne Akers Johnson)





Strawberry Teeth Whitener

Are you wanting clean and white teeth? Try this:

3-6 strawberries
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water

To make:
In a blender puree the berries
Pour the fruit in a small custard size dish.

To use:
With your toothbrush or cosmetic brush, paint a paste of the berries onto your teeth. Let sit on your teeth for 5 minutes.
Add teaspoon of the baking soda and the cream of tartar to the cup of water.
Swish the soda water around in your mouth
Brush your teeth with 1 teaspoon plain baking soda
Rinse with cool, clear water.

(The Herbal Home Spa by Greta Breedlove)

What other ways do you use Strawberries? Please share.

Don't Eat Your Heart Out!!!!!!!

Hello there! How is everyone coming along with their New Years resolutions? I never make any resolutions as I always fail. However, this year, I wanted to try something a little different. I told my family that eating junk food was out the door. Would this be considered making a New Year resolution? I think it's a lifestyle change. It just sounds better and makes it a bit more permanent. Well, whatever it is, may it be a mental play on words or not, I have been in the kitchen cooking. Of course, I'm always cooking and dishing up wonderful bath & body products for the skin www.scentsationalsoaps.com but this called for me to create wonderful, light and healthy meals for the body; internally. I absolutely LOVE cooking but found it so not convenient while running a business, along with a husband and two kids. This is NOT TRUE. As with anything, you have got to plan. AND, I'm responsible for what the family eats. With that said I've been browsing a couple of cookbooks and making smoothies for the kids. They love them. I tossed in a few blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, soy milk and agave nectar in the smoothie listed below and it was absolutely delicious!





Thanks to The Cookbook Called "Everyday Food" from the Kitchens of Martha Stewart, that same day I came across a wonderful looking recipe called "Asian Style Chicken Soup" that was low in calories and very flavorful.



It had ginger, cilanatro, basil leaves, tomatoes, chicken breast, jalapenos and vermicelli noodles in it. I'll be making this again, with only 301 calories per serving. It was a HIT for the family and also a healthy alternative to fast food. I continued to get excited throughout the week and continued on with my healthy cooking streek and made a tasty and comforting butternut squash soap. It was definitely something new that was introduced to the family but has always been a favorite of mine.



What I noticed as I cooked and ate each meal and / or snack, the food is not only better for our bodies but also has the same great flavor. Make healthy choices this year and watch some unwanted body fat begin to fall off. Furthermore, start introducing your kids to those healthy choices as this will make them strong and healthy as they grow.

Enhance Your Beauty......

With the New Year here upon us, many have vowed to do better, be better and look better. Some of us have promised to work out more consistantly, loose weight and even take better care of ourselves. I too, have said all of these things and I must say that I've been on track. Obviously, that's easy to say when we've only welcomed the New Year only five days ago...LOL! Yes, I know, it sounds funny but check back with me next month and see if I'm still on track. Consistency is key in anything in life, and maintenance is a must to enhance and repair dilapidated things such as our skin. My daily beauty routine consist of the following:

1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Long Last Shine Control Daily ScrubI love this stuff! It gets rid of all the dirt & oil build up
2. Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisture w/ SPF 20 This product is my best friend, it keeps my face moisturized & has SPF 20
3. Mary Kay Foundation Primer
This makes your foundation look very natural upon your face with a nice finish
4. Mary Kay Powdered Foundation
5. Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Instant Eye Reviver
This helps my eyes look younger than what they really are.
6. Maybeline Eye Studio
This comes in several different colors and they all match and compliment one
another. Great for everyday use.
7. Scentsational Soaps Passion Scented Massage Oil. Makes your body soft & supple with extra moisture
8. Scentsational Soaps Passion Scented Body Butter. Perfect for dry skin. Goes on smooth, leaaving your skin with a shine.
9. Scentsational Soaps Passion scented Body Mist. The scent will awaken your senses while refreshing your body.
10. Scentsational Soaps Lemon Foot Butter. The foot butter is infused with Tea Tree Oil to protect the feet from fungus and it smells heavenly.
11. Sally Hansen Tweezers. These are perfect for plucking unwanted hairs in your eyebrows.
12. Scentsational Soaps Lemongrass Patchouli Soap. One of my favorite soaps! It lathers extremely well and is handmade using essential oils. Lemongrass is known as an antiseptic as well as an anti-inflammatory while Patchouli essential oil is an estringent and aphrodisiac. Di I mention that the wrapper can be planted to grow wildflowers? Amazing!
13. Lastly, of course, you've gotta have a good make-up brush to apply the powdered foundation.

Check out Scentsational Soaps Products

These items have all been apart of my daily routine. What's your beauty routine?

Rejuvenate, Revive, Restore, Relax

Being an entrepreneur has both it's high & low points. There are times when you feel overwhelmed and then there are days that you are ecstatic about your business! This is not only true for entrpreneurs but for everyone for that matter. Life is a beautiful gift that has been given to us all but in order to master our LIFE, it's essential to revive our minds. Going to the beach to watch the sunset, enjoying time alone reading a good book, or just pure rest is the best way to clear the mind. A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of going to Paradise Cove in Malibu! I love this restaurant and it's picture perfect views.

Just this past weekend, I watched the sunset with my husband. It was very nice, calming and relaxing, and guess what? It was FREE!!! Remember, when you feel a lil overwhelmed, take some time for you! Check out Paradise Cove at http://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/

Toushonta Hogan President, Founder
Scentsational Soaps

The plight of the Woman!

Whoever said it was easy to be a woman certainly was NOT a woman. Everything about US is complex and beautiful at the same time. From the sway of our hips, to the swag in our walk, to the way we multi-task with our careers, raising kids, taking care of extended family members, to loving and nurturing our significant others. In all of our complexities, we are truly Amazing. Let us not forget that.

Today, I attended a luncheon fundraiser for the Jenesse project; which is a 30-year old non-profit organization that provides shelter, educational programs and counseling services for women and children who have been victimized by domestic abuse. As I sat there enjoying the food, the drinks, Jamie Fox charming the pants off of many of us with his song, dance and comedy routine, I realized, as far as we've come as women, we still have soo much farther to go. As long as WE have other women and ourselves fighting for our right to live our fullest life; I believe we'll arrive during my life time.

We, women, still have to learn to love ourselves more, protect ourselves, honor ourselves and put ourselves first more times than not. We, as women, must chose with caution and specificity. After all, who's life is it anyway. I want for women to start to love themselves on an everyday basis. I want for my sistahs to start to appreciate and accept the thing about them that is truly remarkable and unique. I also wish for us to get involved in organizations such as the Jenesse or other organizations that helps to empower women.

I want to do my part by treating a lucky and blessed viewer of our blog with a complimentary wellness evaluation valued at $79.99.

Scentsational Soaps wants to do their part by blessing you with one of their signature body butters.

We want you to look and feel the part.

All you have to do is answer the following questions and be the first to join our blog with these questions answered. This contest is open to new blog followers.

Here are your questions.

. When is the last time you told yourself you loved you?
. When is the last time you stood in front of a mirror naked and liked what you saw?
. If there are 2 decisions you've made in your life that you could undo or change..what would that be and why?

Keep reading and following this blog as we continue to bless you with even more bath, beauty, health and fitness gifts this Spring and Summer

Fee King
Your Health and Fitness go-to-girl
www.uniquefeesiquesla.com

How bad do YOU want it? What r YOU willing to do for it?

This saturday, I had the great honor and privilege of speaking before a group of wonderfully courageous women who are apart of a non-profit organization called Shepherd's Door. Shepherd’s Door is a domestic Violence Resource Center, that provides a safe and secure refuge for women who are ready to put an end to the cycle of violence that has shaken and shattered their lives. Through direct rescue intervention, residential support in the transition, counseling, and resources linkage new beginnings are launched and lives are changed forever and women are made able to begin again via the outreach efforts of Shepherd's Door. The experience got me to thinkin about my own life; which further inspired me to pose some questions to you that I asked of myself:

. Are you genuinely and authentically happy with your life? With who you are?

. If you had it to do over, what would you change about your life?

. Would you marry or date you if you were You?

. Do you believe you have control of your whole life?

. If you don't...who have you relinquished control of your life to?

. Do you treat yourself kind and with respect?

. When you look in the mirror, do you like who and what looks back at you?

. Have you forgiven yourself?

. Have you forgiven those who have trespassed against you?

The take away from Saturday's event was to forgive yourself for the choices you may have made that didn't serve you. Forgive that person who you feel has wronged you. When you forgive others, it allows the Universe to not only lighten your heart, but also forgives you for wrongs you may have committed.

The second take away I derived from the luncheon was to walk in love. The more love you express, the more love you'll receive.

Lastly, move on.If we continue to live in the past, we'll continue to draw unto ourselves the same kind of people, situations and circumstances that we attracted in the past that didn't serve us.

We want to hear your answers. Feel free to share with us your story.

In closing, I'd like to thank Toushonta Hogan and Tanisia Offrey for the wonderful opportunity of speaking before the ladies of: Shepherd's Door.

Fee King
Your Health and Fitness go-to-girl
www.uniquefeesiquesla.com