Archive for March, 2010

Skin cancer considered an epidemic in US

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Whew……………….Got internet, the phones and fax, and everything else associated with electricity on. YEAY!

What a beautiful day to be stuck in a temporary warehouse. At least we have big windows to look out of now

With that said, I came across a very interesting and pretty scary study. This study, published in the current issue of Archives of Dermatology, confirms for the fist time in the U.S. that there is an epidemic of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Today in Texas we will hit over 80 degrees. And while I could not be more excited that spring is here, it is this time of year people start evaluating their sun protection.

It is important to remember that sun protection is required ALL YEAR LONG but the increase in temperature also means time for an increase in SPF.

It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. But the good news is that you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer, or to catch it early enough so that it can be treated effectively. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Tips to protect your skin:

  • Wear protective clothing. Did you know that if you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Be aware that covering up doesn’t block out all UV rays.
  • PUT ON SUNSCREEN!!!
  • Use a hat to protect your face.
  • Don’t forget about sunglasses. Our eyes are super sensitive to the suns rays.
  • Avoid tanning beds.

Got any tips for sun/skin protection? Let me know……………..

We’re moving……………

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Wow, it is not easy to move an entire warehouse it what seems like a day

Scandle is moving……………….so please update our address:

519 Bennett Ln STE 201

Lewisville TX 75057

While we are working up a sweet this Friday lifting boxes, maybe you could win some Scandle:

  • Sweeps4Bloggers
  • Luvn Life

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can’t relax - pop open an anti-energy drink

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Every couple of months there is a new, or at least new to me, energy drink on the market. Usually boasting about a new, somewhat natural way to increase your energy.

Well new there is a new drink category creeping up the beverage industry ladder; drinks aimed at lowering your energy.

These “anti-energy” drinks are aimed at the relatively new, popular trend of slowing down and living a less hectic lifestyle. Most of these drinks include a natural relaxant like kava, chamomile and valerian.

With that said, these new anti-energy drinks can probably make you feel about the same as a good cup of chamomile tea

Have you tried any of the “anti-energy” drinks? Let me know……………..

Add some more oil to mine please

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Switching from animal-fat based oils to veggie oils is much better than switching to a diet with no oil at all.

WHAT????? For years we have been told that almost all oil, even vegetable oil can have negative effects on our health.

I know if we are going to use these oils to cook with, veggie oil is the best alternative, at least that’s what my mom taught me

New research from Harvard has found that just switching from animal fat oils to oils like soy bean, corn and peanut is much better for your health than cutting out all oils.

The compilation of results from 8 studies found that eliminating about half of the bad fat you consumer and replacing it with good (polyunsaturated vegetable oil) significantly reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The results concluded that eliminating all fats from your diet did not reduce these risks.

Let me know you thoughts……………….

Another reason to go coastal

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

I know I have mentioned all the wonderful benefits of a Mediterranean diet over and over again but I LOVE IT!!!!

Maybe because it seems like every month there is a new study published with more praise for the coastal way of life.

Researches now think this diet choice will fight depression.

The foods common in the Mediterranean like olives, fresh seafood and veggies contain beneficial fats, B vitamins and antioxidants. These compounds help supply the brain with the nourishment it needs to stay in tip-top shape.

The olive oil, which is a staple in this cuisine, helps feel-good serotonin bind to brain receptors, thus lowering chances of depression.

Let me know your thoughts……………

Scandle-ous Friday Wrap up

Friday, March 19th, 2010

I wanna be outside on my patio, maybe indulging in a Sparkling Shamrock, it is so sunny out!!! But how would y’all know where you could score some free Scandle?

We have had a great response to the new Dead Sea Salt Soak & Scrub so thank you to all of our reviewers. Click below for your chance to win some travel tins and maybe even a full-size Scrub

Scandle, Scandle everywhere, good luck and………..

Happy FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Spring clean your beauty routine

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Okay, it is official, we have been over 60 degrees for a week now. It is spring in Texas!!!!!!

With that said, spring is the time of year when out with old, in with the new comes to mind. So while you are spring cleaning your bedroom, closet and kitchen cabinets, why not take the time to look at your beauty routine.

Here are just a couple of tips for a good, deep clean:

  • Throw out old beauty products. We all have spent a ton on that one perfect eyeshadow you only wear once in a while for a dramatic look. If its been over 2 years since you bought it, time to splurge again
  • STOP TANNING!!!!! I know I cannot wait to get my fake glow all over. But tempting as it may be to sit in a tanning bed, it is one of the quickest ways to age your skin. Always opt for a sunless tanner.
  • Exfoliate. Time to put on the shorts and flip flops, well almost. Make sure to get rid of your dry winter skin by gently exfoliating, remember a little goes a long way so be gentle. (For a gentle scrub, try Scandle’s new Dead Sea Salt Scrub. Made with Dead Sea Salt, avocado oil and your choice of over 18 fragrances, you can use it alone or with your Scandle for an all over body scrub.)

What are some great beauty tips you do? Let me know how you are spring cleaning your beauty routine……………………..

Are you wearing your green?

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!!!!!

I found this fun fact about St. Paddy’s day I thought I would share and this great drink recipe (its perfect for today but also a great spring/summer drink to enjoy on a patio).

Did you know that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City. That’s right, on March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military held the first ever St. Paddy’s Day parade.

And now the fun part!!!

Sparkling Shamrock

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 parts vodka
  • 1/2 part St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (St. Germain is an all-natural elderflower liqueur produced in France)
  • 2 parts juiced cucumber
  • 1/2 part lemon juice
  • 1/2 part simple syrup
  • Lemonade or club soda
  • Mint leaves, cucumber slices and lemon zest for garnish

Preparation:

  • Mix all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker
  • Strain mixture into a glass with ice and garnish with mint, cucumber and lemon zest.
  • Top with the lemonade/club soda

Too bad it isn’t Friday yet but I think one glass of the Sparkling Shamrock and a nice patio will do just fine this Wednesday afternoon.

What are you doing this St. Paddy’s Day?

France steps up to the “organic” plate

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

There is a battle raging in the cosmetic industry over “organic/natural” beauty products. In the U.S. it is getting harder and harder to truly buy natural products.

The FDA does not regulate organic or natural beauty products the way they do with food. In France, the advertising regulatory board has published new recommendations regarding natural and organic advertising claims.

While the board has no legal authority, in France this board is highly globally respected.

The new requirements urge suppliers to only use the term “natural” if the product is made from at least 95% natural ingredients or ingredients of natural origin.

Also, any advertising campaigns that promote a product as “organic” must be labeled so only if it is made up of 100% organic ingredients and has been certified organic by a certified organization.

This is a great push forward to regulate all of the claims we are bombarded with every time we head to the makeup section of the local grocery store. Not to mention the TV ads that claim this new product is organic or natural.

Let me know your thoughts on this………..

Get your Scandle on this Friday

Friday, March 12th, 2010

TGIF!!! We have been so busy this week but couldn’t be happier and now it is the weekend.

We have got so many great reviews/giveaways going on this month. I wanted to make sure y’all (that’s right I said y’all) get a chance to get some free Scandle.

  • The B keeps Us Honest
  • The Groschen Goblins

Good luck to everyone and have a very HAPPY weekend