Summer skin care adjustments

It’s been a while since I wrote a post on Summer Skincare.  Since then, we have added new products and I have discovered my favorites that I can’t imagine my life without anymore.   I think I owe you an updated post.

This summer I am still fighting the same problems: extra oil, sweat and outdoor dust/pollution (nothing new here).  As hot weather moves in many people experience more breakouts due to increased perspiration, increased sebum production and more play-time outdoors.   In plain language: our pores get jam-packed with outdoor dust, sweat and oil (a.k.a. gunk).  That is why we recommend that you bump up usage of deep cleansing masques and daily cleansers.   As always adhere to standard three step routine:  cleanse, tone, moisturize.
Oily Skin:  feel free to wash your face on regular basis with our gentle, oat-based Facial Wash, as often as you wish.  Proceed with Iced Tea or Apple Twist toner, which would work as a connecting link between cleansing and moisturizing (find more information on toners and how they work here).  During summer keep your toner in a refrigerator and use it chilled, all over your face and neck, to wipe out the dirt, to replenish and refresh your skin.  In addition to regular cleansing routine you should be doing clay masques on weekly basis, to deep cleanse your pores, to return elasticity and even tone to your skin.  For oily skin type Sea Kelp Detox is a perfect pair.  In summer we recommend you use masques every 3 – 4 days (depending on your personal needs).  And since you don’t really need that much of your favorite moisturizer in summer, you can try the following:
a) skipping it completely;  b) doubling our nourishing toners as your summer moisturizer (our toners are made with gentle floral waters, conditioning aloe juice and slightly astringent witch hazel.  They should provide enough nourishment on a hot day);  c) use Resurfacing Booster as a light-weight summer moisturizer.
Dry or Mature Skin: use our gentle, oat-based Facial Wash in the morning and before bed.  Proceed with Rose or Lavender toner, which would work as a connecting link between cleansing and moisturizing (find more information on toners and how they work here).  During summer keep your toner in a refrigerator and use it chilled, all over your face and neck, to wipe off the dirt and to replenish and refresh your skin.  In addition to regular cleansing routine you should be doing clay masques on weekly basis, to deep cleanse your pores, to return elasticity and even tone to your skin.   For Dry and Mature type use Strawberry Fig Masque.  Try not to skip deep cleansing masques in summer, as your pores are exposed to extra elements.   And last but not least is your moisturizer.  There are a few things that you can try based on your personal needs and preferences:  a) after using your toner, apply thin layer of Resurfacing Booster all over your face, than treat certain spots (dry areas or deep wrinkles) with Glow Rejuvenating Serum – this is my favorite approach;  b) use Resurfacing Booster on its own as your main moisturizer;  c) use Glow Rejuvenating Serum on its own as your main moisturizer;  d) in any case try adjusting frequency of usage (every day or ever other day) and amounts (apply thin or thick, spread less or more).
Normal and/or Combinational Skin: use our gentle, oat-based Facial Wash in the morning and before bed.  Proceed with Apple Twist or Lavender toner, which would work as a connecting link between cleansing and moisturizing (find more information on toners and how they work here).  During summer keep your toner in a refrigerator and use it chilled, all over your face and neck, to wipe off dirt and to replenish and refresh your skin.  In addition to regular cleansing routine you should be doing clay masques on weekly basis, to deep cleanse your pores, to return elasticity and even tone to your skin.  Normal and Combination skin type people can use either one of our masques except for Sea Kelp Detox, as it has more absorbent clays and is made specifically for oily skin type.  Try not to skip deep cleansing masques in summer, as your pores are exposed to extra elements.   And last but not least is your moisturizer.  There are a few things that you can try based on your personal needs and preferences:  a) after using your toner, apply thin layer of Resurfacing Booster all over your face, then treat certain spots (dry areas or deep wrinkles) with Glow Rejuvenating Serum – this is my favorite approach;  b) use Resurfacing Booster on its own as your main moisturizer;  c) use Glow Rejuvenating Serum on its own as your main moisturizer;  d) in any case try adjusting frequency of usage (every day or ever other day) and amounts (apply thin or thick, spread less or more).

In general, adjust your makeup regimen to the summer climate and your outdoor activities as well. Select powder blushes and eye shadows rather than cream products because they are less irritating and more likely to hold up in hot and humid weather. Use mineral foundations that will double you as SPF protection.  Learn how to apply natural-looking, barely there makeup for those outdoor occasions.
Don’t forget to drink lots of liquids!

Cheers!

Till next time,
Liana.

Best Chicken Kabob Marinade

Yesterday I had the best chicken kabob ever! It was tender, full of flavor and it was extremely easy to make (always a huge plus in my household). Although you do need a couple of special ingredients to replicate it, this recipe is a super easy, healthy dinner variation for kids and adults. It goes great with salads and almost any side dish. Did I mention that it doesn’t taste like any other grilled chicken you had this summer?
I have to say that I have borrowed this recipe from my friend’s mom when she made these kabobs for occasional summer gathering. I fell in love at the first bite!

To make 10 skewers of chicken kabobs you will need:

2 lbs of Amish boneless skinless chicken breast
4 medium size garlic cloves
1 bunch or so of chopped fresh cilantro (the more the better)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice*
1/2 cup olive oil (I used regular olive oil)
Kosher salt, seasoned salt and fresh grounded pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 to 2 tbs sumac powder (this is a spice that is used in Arabic cuisine. If you ever had Fattoush salad it is that dark purple/red powder that gives this salad a distinct flavor. It is a must have ingredient in this recipe and you can buy it in any Middle-Eastern market or just ask a friend to share - that’s what I did ;)

In a large Tupperware or a bowl combine cubed chicken breast, crushed garlic (you can mince it but I prefer to use a garlic press), chopped cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. Stir the mixture well and let it sit in a refrigerator for at least 4 to 5 hrs. (this pictures was taken before I added seasoning)
I usually start to marinate my meat in the morning to make sure it is ready to go on the grill around dinner time. DO NOT forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least one hour before they go on a hot grill.

Cooking time:
Preheat grill to high heat. Place kabobs on the grill and reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Or just ask your husband to cook them - that’s what I did ;)

*Hint: I have been making lots of fresh lemonade this summer and I have noticed that it is easier to store your lemons in a form of a lemon juice. Fresh bags of lemons never fit in my refrigerator and they usually have to hang around until one or even more lemons go bad. Now I juice two or three bags at once and store my lemons this way. With all this hot weather it runs out rather quickly: making lemonade for kids, lemon drop cocktails for parents, making marinades and even fingernail soaks.

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my whole family did!

Till next time,
Liana.

Spring/Summer Collection Reveal

Even though you may still be shivering from mid winter freeze, at Marmalade Hills it is already Spring if not Summer! My studio smells like juicy apples, apricots, emerald ferns and sweet florals. Many of your favorite products will be updated with new sophisticated fragrances and coordinating designs. I also have formulated a few brand new products that will join a family of "all-time favorite" products. Here is a quick peek at our new fragrances: Applecot Tini, Woodland Ferns, Thai Coconut and Sweet Pea. Our artisan soaps, body lotions, body washes, soy products, bath bombs and linen mists will be available in these yummy new scents. Inspired by new and exciting ingredients I have decided to expand our collection of facial masks, whipped body polishes and facial toners. In a few months we will be introducing Applecot Puree Body Polish formulated with real apple extract and apricot shells for extra scrubby ability; Applecot Firming Facial Mask with naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acids; Apple Twist Facial Fusion which is nothing more than pure Apple Fruit Water and plant extracts. This all is coming up in Spring of 2010, but for now I hope you are enjoying your winter wonderland!