Infused Water: A Good Reason to Turn Up!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 75% of Americans are dehydrated. Countless research has proven that good hydration can increase concentration and productivity. Dehydration can be a major contributing factor to illnesses, causing headaches, digestive problems, obesity and joint pains. Drinking water can support in improving your complexion, help the kidneys to function properly, aid weight loss and maintain high energy levels. 

       So what's so special about infused water? Besides the fact that infused water is aesthetically pleasing and delicious, adding fruits and herbs to your water packs a subtle, yet powerful nutrtional punch. Infusing your water is very easy and economical. By changing the flavor of your water with a healthy option, it’s an easier way to achieve your recommended daily amounts. By adding fruits and herbs you are including essential vitamins. The most common flavors used are cucumber, mint and citrus fruits.

Although there are many flavored water varieties on supermarket shelves, producing your home made drink is cost effective and much more healthier. 

Most infused waters available at supermarkets include preservatives, artificial sweeteners and colorings, sodium, sacralise sucrose, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup and refined sugar.

Drinking infused has many benefits including appetite control, hydration, immune defense, heartburn prevention, blood sugar regulation and weight management. The possibilities are endless! Don't be afraid to try out different combinations including berries, pineapple, ginger, rosemary and basil. You can't mess it up!  Below you will find a chart that lists a few variety of infused beverages and its health benefits:

Lemon

• Skin texture and appearance
• Regulates pH levels 
• Kidney health 
• Vitamin C 
• Liver cleansing

Mint and Lime

• Fat burning
• Congestion
• Digestion
• Breath freshener

Strawberry and Kiwi

• Immune system protection
• Blood sugar regulation
• Digestion
• Cardiovascular health

Cucumber Lime and Lemon

• Bloating
• Appetite control
• Hydration
• Digestion
• Liver cleansing

Blackberry Raspberry and Mint 

• Highest levels of antioxidants in blackberries and raspberries
• Anti-aging properties 

DIRECTIONS

Infusing water with a little flavor is really simple. Fill your container (glass, pitcher or mason jar) with water, add thinly sliced fruits, herbs or spices, and chill in the refrigerator. DO NOT SQUEEZE THE FRUIT IN THE WATER!!!! You also can add sliced fresh fruit to a reusable water bottle. Some fruits work better than others. Berries tend to break down faster than hardier citrus fruits like lemons or limes. For stronger flavored water, prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight before drinking.

DIY Tinted Moisturizer

Has this ever happened to you? Picture it. It's Saturday night around 9:00. You've been running around all day and you realize you did not stop by the MAC counter to pick up some of your beloved foundation and the bottle sitting on the bathroom counter is bone dry because you have been scraping it all week. The mall is closed! Oh Lord! Say it ain't so! Maybe you are the sister that does not really wear makeup but you do like to put on a little something for a special occassion. You are afraid of doing too much. Either way....this DIY tinted moisturizer will help you look radiant and is easy on your wallet. You only need two ingredients and a good brush. Now....please understand. I believe in investing in a good foundation! There is NOTHING worse than wearing the wrong foundation which could result in you walking around looking like you should be in a casket. But there are times when things happen. This is an easy temporary fix.

First you will need Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel. This is a staple item in my house. I use it on my skin and it's great for shaving. I purchase mine from Walmart for $3.99. I happened to have some Black Opal True Even foundation on hand for times like these. I purchased it from CVS for about $9.00.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Squeeze a dime sized amount of aloe vera gel on the back of your hand.

2. Squeeze a pearl sized amount of foundation on the back of your hand.

3. Mix the gel and foundation together with your finger.

4. Use a foundation brush to evenly apply to the face. 

Here's the final result! I added eye liner, mascara, a touch of blush, and lip gloss to complete the look.