Sizzlin' Hot Summer Shades

Summer is not quite over yet!
These hot summer shades will make you the coolest on the block!
Bright, sparkling vivid hues of yellow, orange and pink
are all the rage for Summer 2009!

Scent of the Month

We are proud to announce our scent of the month this month-

California Coast!

Don't say goodbye to summer just yet.

This scent will instantly transport you to the California Coastline.

It's a refreshing clean blend of citrus,

jasmine and lavender, with musky undertones.

Happy New Year!

For the month of January, we are pleased to announce our scent of the month, Baby Grace! We chose this scent for all the new year babies!


Baby Grace by Philosophy Type. It is a clean sweet scent of innocence. This duplicated scent is soft and feminine. Notes of poppy, green accord, pink mimosa, pepper, creamy white woods and musk. Pure heaven!

Stay Hydrated This Winter

It's easy to assume that you dont need as much water during the cold months, as many will find themselves not as thirsty. Drinking water is so important, especially during the winter months. Dehydration can lead to a variety of health problems including blood pressure, blood clots, kidney function, consipation, dry skin, urinary tract infections, headaches and more. Did you know that about 60 percent of your body is water? Water helps remove toxins that your body intakes due to the air that you breathe, the food that you eat and the products that you use on your skin and hair. Water carries oxygen and nutrients to your skin and cells and helps maintain a regular body temperature.

A great way to tell if you have had enough water, ask yourself, am I thirsty? If you are thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated.

Here are some easy ways to stay hydrated this winter:

Carry bottled water with you.

Eat water based foods such as cucumber, lettuce and watermelon.

Cut back on caffeine. Too much caffeine can dehydrate you.

Use a juicer. Fresh fruits and vegetables juiced are a great source of water and valuable vitamins and minerals.

Decrease your sodium intake.

Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.

Hydrated before, after and during exercise.

Subsitute sparkling water for alcoholic beverages at social gatherings.

7 Super Foods

Popeye was right: Spinach should be part of your diet. It's low in calories and high in nutrients. Research has shown that spinach aids in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber and vitamin E. Walnuts are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega-3s, and are known for their high antioxidant activity.

Honey isn't just for tea. You've probably relied on honey in the past to soothe an aching throat, but did you know it has been used to treat wounds and gastrointestinal problems? Honey acts as an antioxidant, a substance that can prevent the effects of free radicals, which we're exposed to from environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke or radiation and which can contribute to disease. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, which increase the number of good bacteria in the colon. The color of honey is relevant: the darker the honey the more antioxidants it contains.

Salmon is a tasty fish that's chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial fats that can improve heart health. Salmon is also protein-rich. Choose wild over farmed salmon, which has been shown to contain elevated levels of contaminants and is artificially colored.

Ten years ago, the FDA approved a label publicizing the association between a diet high in oat fiber and the reduction of cholesterol. Further research has proven this claim to be true: The fiber in oats lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, or the bad type of cholesterol. With every 1 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol, heart-disease risk is lowered 1 to 3 percent. Oats also contain plant chemicals that have antioxidant properties.

The good news: Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant and can help reduce blood pressure. The potentially bad news: You should still keep your daily chocolate intake low, due to the fat and calories in the sugars added to most chocolates. Remember that darker is better because processing strips chocolate of some of its health benefits. See Chocolate Is Actually Good For You! Blog Post.

Sweet blueberries don't just make your smoothies and cereal taste better; they contain high levels of antioxidants. Some research has shown blueberries can slow degenerative diseases associated with aging and improve motor skills. Still other studies have shown the fruit to improve urinary tract health.

Best Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body maintain healthy tissues and a strong immune system, and it aids in the absorption of iron.

Here are the top 10 food sources of vitamin C, according to the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

1. Guava
2. Red Sweet Pepper
3. Kiwi
4. Orange
5. Green Sweet Pepper
6. Grapefruit Juice
7. Vegetable Juice Coctail
8. Strawberries
9. Brussel Sprouts
10. Cantaloupe

Chocolate Is Actually Good For You!

Did you know that chocolate is actually good for you?

Many people don't realize that cocoa and therefore chocolate products deliver many naturally occurring compounds similar to other foods in a healthy, plant-based diet. Some of these beneficial compounds are minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper. Much of the current research is focused on another group of compounds called flavanols.

Because of their molecular structure, many compounds in the flavanol family can act as antioxidants. Antioxidants can have a variety of beneficial effects in the body.

The cocoa bean contains natural flavanol antioxidants, similar to those found in green tea, red wine and blueberries.

Cocoa and dark chocolate are among the most concentrated sources of flavanol antioxidants. Dark chocolate containing at least 60% cocoa is the best source.

Short-term, preliminary studies have suggested that consumption of products containing cocoa and chocolate may provide cardiovascular benefits. So, while more research, including longer term studies, is needed, the preliminary evidence about the flavanols in chocolate is promising.

Chocolate has been proven to benefit your skin! Despite the myth that chocolate actually causes your skin to break out, chocolate actually increases circulation and blood flow to the skin and will make your skin look smoother and clearer.

The potentially bad news: You should still keep your daily chocolate intake low, due to the fat and calories in the sugars added to most chocolates.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women and 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Every month, women of all ages should be performing a self breast exam to check for any changes or lumps or anything that just does not feel right. It is recommended that women over 40 have an annual mammogram. There is more hope for breast cancer that is detected early.

Use the pads of your fingers, pressing firmly, and examine your collarbone and underarm area. Check for lumps or thickening, puckering, inflammation or nipple discharge. You can perform a self breast exam in the shower, while you are getting dressed or anytime.

According to feelyourboobies.com, research has shown that "feeling your boobies" is just as effective at identifying changes or lumps as doing a formal breast exam.

In our program, Touch of Kindess For Charity, we are offering a Hope Body Butter, which is a thick, yet creamy body butter which can be used with your monthly self breast exam. We make donations from each product sold to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Breast Cancer foundations are supporting women with free mammograms for early detection. They are providing support in many ways by providing information to patients on the latest treatments and offering financial aid. Your purchase may contribute to finding a cure for this horrible disease.

Perform your self breast exam today, right now, do not wait. Remind your family and friends. Don't be embarrassed, its for your health and theirs.

Luxury Skin Care Products Defy The Economy

$1,000 face cream? Lotion infused with gold and diamond powder? As one expert puts it: 'Beauty does well in hard times.'

By Monica Corcoran, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

October 19, 2008

ANOTHER evening clutch? No, thanks. The latest take on the tote? Pass. How about one of those classic crocodile satchels? Sniff. It seems rather silly to splurge on an expensive exotic skin when your own epidermis is crying out for attention. Besides, haven't you heard?

The face is the new "it" bag, darling.

In fact, it may be the very reason the upscale skin-care market has yet to feel the ravages of the recession. The overall skin-care category is up 2% for the first half of the year over the same period in 2007, according to research firm NPD Group. But get this: Sales of super-premium products -- priced at more than $150 -- have climbed 21%.

"When you are spending almost $100 to fill up your gas tank, you can justify spending $70 on your face cream," says Karen Grant, NPD's analyst for beauty.

Make that 10 tanks of gas and a quart of oil. This month, La Prairie introduced its Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, priced at $1,000. "The world has grown outrageously wealthy," trills the news release. "New wealth has spawned new dreams. . . ." Of course, until a few months ago, visions of vacation homes in Gstaad and mink-lined oven mitts weren't so snort-worthy for some. And yet, perhaps it would have behooved the company to temper its pitch when Wall Street first started begging for a bailout.

"Our customer has always been a woman who seeks the best in luxury skin care," says La Prairie President Lynne Florio. "Despite the economy, investing in their skin is a part of their lifestyle."

La Prairie is no pioneer when it comes to haughty pricing. Last month, Kanebo unveiled a $400 body cream. Chantecaille has its $420 Nano Gold Energizing Cream, and Sisley Paris recently introduced a $460 anti-aging cream. Even Clinique, the lower-priced brand in that signature clover green packaging I treasured during my lean college years, has a $225 entry in the super-premium face-cream market. Et tu, Clinique?

The over-the-top price tags aren't revolutionary. Luxury purse and shoe prices have been rising exponentially over the last few years. Plus, cosmetics and skin-care sales have always glowed in the face of a sour stock market because women still traditionally splurge on luxurious incidentals. It's called the "lipstick effect." Gals buy Chanel lip glosses instead of purses and pumps; men overhaul their closets with new neck ties.

"Historically, beauty does well in hard times, and it's considered recession-resistant," says Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure. "But now, some beauty products are as expensive as shoes or a dress, so it still remains to be seen."

The companies justify these prices by touting precious ingredients. Chantecaille's cream contains nano-particles of 24-karat gold. La Prairie's emollient boasts malachite and hematite, in addition to platinum. La Mer's Refining Facial has diamond powder.

Though it may seem gauche to bathe in liquid emeralds when layoffs abound, the craving for indulgence can be quelled with a swath of moisturizer -- in a most inconspicuous way. If you can't afford a Cartier Love bracelet, you can pamper your pores with platinum. Or gild your elbows with gold lotion. "Because I'm worth it," you might say -- to borrow L'Oreal's famous come-on.

"My last customer told me that she was buying face cream instead of shoes," the La Prairie saleswoman at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills answers when I ask the $1,000 question: "Is this stuff really selling?" She nods brightly and adds that the counter sold 37 jars last month.

It's easy to feel that your face is your best investment. Ten years from now, you may not be carrying that $4,500 Bottega Veneta lizard clutch. But your mug, much like a diamond, according to De Beers, is forever. And since we're not buying new clothes this season, why bother looking in a full-length mirror anyway?

Oatmeal, Milk & Honey In Skin Care Products

Oatmeal is not just for breakfast anymore! It is one of the best natural treatments for dry skin. Natural colliadial oatmeal will help relieve dryness, gently exfoliate and restore the balance of natural moisture of your skin.

It is said that Cleopatra soaked in salt and milk baths as part of her regular beauty regimen. It is no secret that she had beautiful, lily-white skin. Milk contains vitamins A & D, and lactic acid which is a natural beta hydroxy acid, which will exfoliate, soothe and add moisture to your skin.

Honey has natural antibacterial properties and acts as a humectant, it attracts and retains moisture to your skin resulting in extra hydration.

Our Oatmeal Honey Soap and Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Bath Tea are perfect for sensitive or dry skin.

Home Spa Recipes

OATMEAL BLUEBERRY MASK

This easy mask, used once or twice monthly, will both deep clean and exfoliate your face. It's particularly beneficial for oily skin.

1 cup Oatmeal
1 cup Blueberries
1 Tablespoon Honey
5-6 Almonds, Whole

Puree all ingredients in a blender until finely blended. Spread mixture over your face, and allow to set and dry (10-15 minutes). Rinse with warm water, and splash your skin with cool water or toner. This mask be may stored in your refrigerator for up to one week, covered tightly.

OATMEAL HONEY MASK

1/4 cup Plain Yogurt
1/2 cup Oatmeal
2 Tablespoons Honey

Finely grind or process the oatmeal in a blender or food processor. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir together honey and yogurt, and then add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste consistency has been reached. Smooth over your face and neck, leave on for fifteen minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Can be used daily.

Credit: http://www.spaindex.com/

Oppose The FDA Globalization Act of 2008

There is a new discussion draft on the table, The FDA Globalization Act of 2008. This act proposes closer regulation in regard to foods, drugs and cosmetics products in our country.

While we agree that stricter policies will play a huge part in the safety of foods and consumer products, the act would require even small companies to pay outrageous fees which could potentially put thousands out of business. At best, the act needs to be revised to adjust the fees on a sliding scale. It is not fair to small cosmetics companies that they pay the same fees as Bath and Body Works or Procter and Gamble.

Many of the Indie Beauty Network members and thousands of other small companies offer natural, chemical free products. The FDA provides no regulation in regard to the use of chemicals in products and many of the regular brands you have in your home contain these toxic, cancer causing chemicals.

According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, many commonly used products such as bubble baths and even baby shampoos, contain something called 1,4-Dioxane (PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, -eth-, sodium laureth sulfact, oxynol, ceteareth, or oleth), an ingredient which is commmonly used as a solvent in manufacturing. It is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant and is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics states that lead can be found in L'Oreal, Cover Girl and Christian Dior lipsticks. Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems. We feel that you should be informed that to the best of our knowledge, this act will not prevent the inclusion of these harmful chemicals in consumer products. If passed, natural products would not be as widely available to the consumer. This law would drive consumers back to the days when they could only choose between a few huge, nameless big box stores and brands for their cosmetics and personal care products. Fewer consumer choices always leads to higher prices.

We at Touch of Nature Bath and Body ask you to consider signing the petition to stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008. Chemicals found in products eventually lead to contamination of our environment. Your signature could make the difference in the closure of thousands of small companies, many whom would like to offer natural products for a greener lifestyle and for the future of our children.

We appreciate your time and consideration in this matter.

Escaping To A Relaxing Bath

Even I know how hard it is to find the time to take a relaxing bath. We won't discuss how many times I have used my roman bathtub this year...but its time for a change. We all need to find time for ourselves, scheduling "me" time, because after all, we are just as imporant as getting the errands or housecleaning done. So get those kiddos to bed, put those clean dishes away tomorrow and spend some time relaxing those tired muscles and rejuvinate your spirit and your skin in the process.

Start off by turning off your phones, grabbing a bottle of sparkling water and locking the bathroom door! Now, light some candles and your favorite book, pour some Roman Bath Soak or Malt Shoppe Bath Syrup by Touch of Nature Bath and Body into your hot bath. Let those beautiful skin softeners and enchanting fragrance oils take you away to another place. Make this a ritual that you enjoy at least once a week. You deserve it!

Benefits of Dead Sea Salts

Dead Sea Salts are not your everyday sea salts. They are comprised of a variety of natural minerals in high concentration. Richer than any other natural source in the world, the Dead Sea's mineral diversity includes huge amounts of potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and chloride. Used in soaks, they regulate the moisture level of the skin, promote healing, stimulate circulation and soothe and relax. The regular use of salts promote healthy skin by exfoliating and regenerating your skin.

Our Dead Sea Bath Salts can be fragranced with your choice of over 40 essential and fragrance oils. Touch of Nature Bath and Body offers many other products which that Dead Sea Salts, including our Scrubs & Polishes.

A Little About Shea Butter

Shea Butter is known to be one of the best products available for your skin. Shea butter comes from the Karite Nut Tree, also known as Mangifolia or "Tree of Life", that grow in the semi-arid savannah regions of West and Central Africa.

Shea Butter has superior moisturizing qualities, and contains remarkable healing properties for various skin ailments. It is rich in natural Vitamins A, E & F. Shea Butter and contains a natural anti-inflammatory agents and a minor sunscreen agent which are ideal for healthy skin.

Shea butter is so non-toxic and beneficial that it is used in foods and cooking as well as soaps and beauty products. Shea Butter has been used for thousands of years by African healers and has been proven to improve your skin.

Shea Butter will provide improvement in the following conditions:

Dry skin, skin rash, skin peeling after tanning, blemishes, wrinkles, itching skin, sunburn, small skin wounds, skin cracks, tough or rough skin on feet, cold weather, frostbites, stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, insect bites, healthy skin, muscle fatique, aches and tension; for before and after strenuous exercise, skin allergies such as Poison Ivy or Poison Oak, Eczema, Dermatitis, and skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation therapy).

The amount of time required for optimum results may vary with each condition. Shea Butter is an excellent shaving cream for a smooth silky shave.


Our Whipped Shea Body Butter is a thick, yet creamy textured body butter. We use 100% pure Shea Butter which has been naturally refined without the use of solvents or synthetic chemicals. The process uses clay that pulls out the impurities and excessive odor. It is then naturally sun bleached to whiten the product further. Shea butter has been used for thousands of years by people in Africa and the benefits of this amazing natural ingredient are simply incredible. The addition of coconut oil in this product balances the moisture in skin and conditions and revives your skins natural glow with the addition of natural vitamin E.