BEAUTY IS A LIFESTYLE THING

What is micellar water?    You may see it touted in the pages of major beauty magazines and you may see it advertised on television or in print advertisements.   It may be endorsed by high-end beauty product makers and seen on the shelves of your favorite department or drug store, but it’s nothing new.   Micellar water has been around since the days of when plumbing was not great or very inaccessible for many or not available at all in the country of France. Having no accessible running water appears to have prompted the invention of the micellar water, and while the history on its actual inventor is vague, it continues to be prominent right now as the beauty industry reacts to the entire buzz surrounding it.  Some makers are touting it as a virtual miracle, but while those with sensitive skin types and otherwise dry skin have been told it may be the answer to their skin problems may just have to do trial and err just as one would with any product. The idea behind micellar water

As a tea editor and beauty and lifestyle editor, adding in healthy foods is like taking a miracle medication!  Being proactive with your health should be easy, so let's start today by adding in some Matcha Tea! Here's an easy recipe for a Matcha Tea Smoothie: Ingredients: 1cup Hot Water 1tsp. Matcha Approx. 1/2 Cup of Vanilla Creamer or Almond Milk Directions: Put the matcha into blender or bowl if whisking (This recipe can be whisked or blended in a blender to mix) Add to it the hot water, then blend. When combined then add to it the creamer. Drink and enjoy the benefits of the Matcha. The start of a new year includes good foods. Matcha tea can be purchased in the powder form, but do be careful, as in some places it can be rather expensive. Matcha tea can be also acquired by opening matcha tea bags and measuring into the smoothie. *Please see www.bellaonline.com/about/tea  for questions regarding tea by Tea Editor Mary Caliendo

Winter is here and snow is on the ground, bring in some floral design into your home to brighten up your day. Designing tablescapes or centerpieces in a "bowl" or "dish garden" are fun and easy to make with even things that are on-hand at home. Photo credit: Chikako C.

Thank you so much for the awesome Cutex and Revlon products!  Cutex has been providing nail care for the beauty industry since 1911. Cutex is the leader in this part of the beauty industry.  Thank you again to Cutex and to Revlon, as I participated in a June Influenster Goddess Box Box. Reviews for each of the full size products to follow.

The FDA just banned an active Ingredient in this toothpaste! This ingredient is named triclosan.  It is in antibacterial hand soaps and in Colgate Total toothpaste. It is known to cause disruptions in the hormone levels and thyroid function. The makers of this brand of toothpaste convinced the FDA that it had valid anti-dental disease agents and properties. The maker has said they have the appropriate testing and results to say that it actually works for these dental/gum diseases. So the FDA gave it a pass. Why take the chance?  Use something else or use one of the many natural products out there.