Portia's Beauty Therapy & Medi-Spa

Viennese Coffee Recipe Take your coffee game up a notch with elegant Viennese-style coffee. It's easy to make. Get out the cinnamon and we'll take you through it step by step.

Chocolate-Almond Coffee Recipe Is it the perfect coffee for hot chocolate lovers—or the perfect hot chocolate for coffee lovers? Top with whipped topping and ponder that.

Roasted Vegetable Soup : Ina Garten : Food Network Get this all-star, easy-to-follow Roasted Vegetable Soup recipe from Ina Garten

Crisp Chickpea Slaw You need only a little dressing for the slaw because the cabbage releases moisture as it sits.

Refreshing Plum Drink - NDTV Food Refreshing Plum Drink Recipe - Pureed plums and condensed milk will cool you down instantly.

Strawberry Ice Cream Soda - NDTV Food Strawberry Ice Cream Soda Recipe - Layers of jelly, ice cream and fresh strawberries make this the perfect summer cooler.

Amazing Health Benefits of Aloe Vera The gel from aloe vera plants has many health benefits, including successfully treating cuts, rashes, minor burns, sunburns and skin irritations

Camphor Oil: Nature’s Secret Remedy for Inflammation and Congestion The cooling sensation of camphor oil can relieve pain and discomfort caused by coughs, colds and muscle pain

Mud Slide - NDTV Food Mud Slide Recipe - A delicious and creamy Kahlua-based cocktail which is actually a dessert in disguise.

20 Super-Healthy Smoothie Recipes Blend up some refreshment with these 20 healthy smoothie recipes packed with protein.

Easy Paella Recipe Now is the time to make something new, like this deliciously easy paella!

Easy Guacamole Recipe It really doesn't get any easier than this super quick guacamole.

5 Ways To Protect Your Skin From Weather

1) Consider trying oils, both inside and out.

Fish oil and others high in omega-3 essential fatty acids have been shown to help dry itchy skin if taken regularly. Talk with your health care provider. Common doses of supplementation range from 1000-2000mg daily. You can also eat fresh-caught cold-water fish, like salmon, on a regular basis.

2) Consider daily probiotic use.

The microorganisms are typically found in certain dairy foods, and in fermented foods such as kombucha, sauerkraut and kimchi. Or they can be taken in oral supplement form. Probiotics have been shown in research on mice and humans to have beneficial effects on skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, which can occur during the dry weather days of winter and fall.

3) Consider eliminating or reducing dairy products.

Research has shown that dairy products can increase inflammation, especially in the skin, increasing the chances of acne breakouts.

4) Consider using sunscreen regularly.

Wear sunscreen daily, even on days when the sun is not shining, or there is a great deal of cloud cover. Those sneaky rays can still make their way through and create damage to the skin.

5) Consider drinking plenty of fluids.

It is also important to hydrate this time of year. Cold weather may not remind us to drink water like hot summer days do, however our skin still has a serious need for fluids.

What Are the Health Benefits of Ginger, Lemon, & Honey Tea?

Heart-Health Benefits
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a few preliminary studies suggest that ginger may help prevent blood clotting and reduce cholesterol. This can help fight heart disease, in which blood vessels become clogged and lead to stroke or heart attack. However, more studies are needed to confirm whether ginger is effective for heart disease or not.

Nausea and Vomiting Relief
Nausea refers to the sensation of having an urge to vomit, while vomiting refers to the spitting up of the contents of the stomach. They are not diseases, but rather symptoms of different conditions. Ginger may help prevent or treat vomiting and nausea from cancer chemotherapy, pregnancy and motion sickness, notes UMMC. It is also used to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and alleviate an upset stomach.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Properties
Honey exhibits skin healing and antiseptic properties. Antimicrobial agents found in honey help prevent infections by eliminating bacteria in and around wounds. Many types of bacteria cannot live in honey so wounds heal, swelling calms down and tissue can grow back. Due to its ability to attract water, honey helps rehydrate dry skin. It can also help relieve sunburn pain and accelerate the healing process.

Antioxidant Benefits
When added to tea, lemon juice can provide many health benefits. Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin which helps heal wounds and repair and maintain bones and teeth. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps fight rogue molecules called free radicals that damage DNA and may contribute to the development of health problems, including cancer, arthritis and heart disease. According to the UMMC, studies suggest that vitamin C may help boost immune system function. Lemons contain bioflavonoids that help maintain adequate levels of vitamin C in every cell of your body.

Strawberry Mask

Strawberries don’t get a whole lot of attention when it comes to skincare, but they should. Grind up strawberries, then mix with lemon, honey and Greek yogurt. Results will leave you with bright, smooth skin. The strawberry mask is a great way to treat acne naturally. Salicylic acid in strawberries helps remove skin oils that can cause acne

Personal e Doctor | Healthier You – Fitness Steps Your fitness isn’t only a reflection of the number of hours you’ve spent in the gym and the healthy food you’ve been eating. A large number of tiny, external factors affect your fitness like lack of sleep, stress, sedentary lifestyle, etc. A perfect fitness plan takes all these factors into consider…

25 Simple Tips To Maintain A Slim Body - The Ultimate Guide Did you know that excess fat in the body could raise the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure and many other complications? In fact, a study published in the 2008 issue of Lancet also linked excess body weight to 20 different types of cancer, including gall bladder cancer. Winning the battle…

How to Make Baking Soda Shampoo

What You Will Need

You will need clean water, baking soda and either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. For a more relaxing and therapeutic formulation you may also add scented oils of your choice. We recommend lavender or peppermint!

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Instructions

Baking soda and warm water: In a clean squeeze bottle, begin by adding one part of baking soda to three parts of water and mix well. Now pour this mixture onto the head and work it into your scalp. Do not rub aggressively, rather massage in gently and let it sit for a minute or two before washing it out with plain water. For best results use lukewarm water as hot water is detrimental to the roots, scalp and cuticle and can cause dandruff.

Apple cider vinegar and cool water: Now proceed by rinsing out your hair with a mixture that contains one part vinegar (of your liking) and 4 parts of clean water. Add to this a couple of drops of a fragrant essential oil to combat the pungent smell of the vinegar and shake well. While washing your hair with this be careful not to get any into your eyes as the vinegar can provoke a smarting sensation. You do not need to leave this mixture in your hair for long and you can wash it off after a few seconds if you wish. We recommend using cold water for this final part. This is because cold water seals the ends and openings of the cuticle helping to lock in shine and moisture that keeps your hair frizz free.

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Pay Attention to the pH Value

Human hair lies somewhere between 4.5 and 5 on this scale. Since baking soda can be highly alkaline in nature (pH of 9 in water), it is imperative that you carefully add only the recommended amount to your hair. Overusing this baking soda shampoo or putting too much baking soda in it can result in the hair becoming brittle and weak, eventually leading to hair fall. Also if this is not followed by the vinegar rinse, the hair shaft and cuticle will remain open to the elements which means you hair will become dry and frizzy.

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Recommended Frequency

Optimally, you should consider using this natural shampooing method about three times every week.

Reasons To Wash Your Face With Apple Cider Vinegar

How Is Apple Cider Vinegar Made?
Raw apple cider vinegar is made from organic apples and goes through a double fermentation process. During this process, enzymes and other nutrients are preserved and work together to bring out therapeutic properties.

Here are just a few amazing nutritional facts about this fermented drink:

Apple cider vinegar contains potassium that helps keep teeth strong, prevents hair loss and remedies a runny nose.
Apple cider vinegar contains pectin that keep blood pressure regular and can reduce “bad’ cholesterol.
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which makes it a good defense against viruses, bacteria and fungus.
Apple cider vinegar contains calcium which helps keep our teeth and bones strong and healthy.
Apple cider vinegar contains ash which normalizes your body’s pH and maintains a healthy alkaline state.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid what reduces the speed at which sugar enters the blood after a meal.
Apple cider vinegar contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E

Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Cocoa Butter
Ingredients

½ cup shea butter
½ cup cocoa butter
½ cup organic coconut oil
½ cup almond oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions

Combine all ingredients in pot, apart from the essential oils
Melt all of the ingredients together over medium heat – stir constantly.
Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Add the essential oil.
Place the mixture in the fridge for about one hour to allow it to harden just slightly.
Whip with a hand mixer for about ten minutes or until fluffy.
Return to the fridge for about fifteen minutes.
Store the butter in a glass jar with a lid in a cool location.
The creamy texture of this easy to make whipped butter makes your skin feel soft and healthy. This is a great product to battle the typical dry, itchy skin that accompanies this winter season.

How To Make Lotion Bars
Ingredients

4 ounces coconut oil
6 ounces cocoa butter
4 ounces beeswax
up to 1½ teaspoons essential oil
1⁄2 teaspoon Vitamin E (optional, I use this one both as a supplement and in my skincare products)

Fill a medium pot with about two inches of water and bring to a boil. Place a smaller pot or heat-proof stainless steel bowl inside the larger pot to create a double boiler. Add coconut oil, beeswax and cocoa butter to the bowl/pot. Stir occasionally until it is fully melted, then remove from heat. If you are adding essential oils or vitamin E, allow the mixture to cool a little before mixing them in and pouring the liquid in to your molds. If you are not adding essential oils or vitamin E, pour the liquid directly into your molds. Allow lotion bars to cool fully before unmolding them. If you want to speed things up, pop them into the fridge or freezer for ten to twenty minutes.

Two-Fruit Frosty This is a refreshing and colorful drink to serve for brunch. The cinnamon and nutmeg give it just the right amount of zing.

Rhubarb Slush This thirst-quenching slush is a fun way to use rhubarb. I love to serve it for special get-togethers like a ladies' brunch or holiday meal. The rosy color and tangy flavor of this favorite spring crop come through in every sip. -Theresa Pearson, Ogilvie, Minnesota

How to Get Rid of Crow’s Feet, Dark Circles and Bags | Daily Makeover We consulted a top dermatologist to find out how to get rid of crow's feet, dark circles, and bags and what you need in an eye cream.

The 5 Best Lightweight Conditioners for Fine Hair | Daily Makeover Have fine hair? These are the best lightweight conditioners for healthy hair that looks as good as it feels.