Artifact Girl

NATURAL SKIN TANNER SMOOTHIE

Now that the sun is slowly disappearing from us, our summer tan is slowly fading away. 

I'm sure you'd be glad to hear that there is a natural way to get a tanned glow! 

What you'll need:

1/2 of a cantaloupe (cubed)

1/2 of a papaya (seeded, cubed)

1 peach (cubed) *keep the skin on for more benefits

2 large carrots (peeled, chopped)

1 small knob of fresh ginger

1 cups of orange juice

1 cup of coconut water

4 cubes of frozen yoghurt *find out more about the froxen yoghurt cubes, here. 

*makes 4 servings

Studies have proven that a beta-carotene rich diet can give your complexion a glow that is healthier than a regular skin tan. This smoothie can help you get that healthy glow without risking your skin lying under the sun.

Remember, less sun means less damage to your skin! 

Have fun! 

Love,

Artifact Girl xo

RICE WATER TONER

Rice is rich in a complex of B vitamins called ‘inositol’ that helps promote cell growth, slows down the aging process and stimulates blood flow. It is the perfect recipe to tighten pores and bring a glow to the face. Besides this, rice water also has moisturising and antioxidant properties. 

Rice water has been used for centuries by women in Asia for beautiful skin and hair. It is an excellent skin toner and hair wash. Rice contains ‘ pitera’ along with many vitamins and minerals. Pitera is beneficial for revitalizing skin’s natural glow and gives you clear skin. 

 What you'll need:

 1/2 cup of rice

1 1/2 cups of water

1 medium bowl

*optional: 

1 glass jar with lid

cotton pads

Take a half cup of rice and fill it with water so the rice is covered. Let the rice soak for a few minutes until the water turns cloudy. If you think rice is not clean, you can keep the water after second wash. This is your rice toner and you can use it just like any other toner. Pour this water into a glass jar, store it in the refrigerator and it will last for 4-5 days.

Clean your face then soak a cotton pad in rice water and apply it on your face. This will help to tighten pores and bring glow. The same rice water is considered to be an excellent hair conditioner. After shampooing, rinse your hair with rice water and leave it on for a few minutes then rinse it out.

If you want extra goodness from the rice, boil the water and rice. You can use the excess water from it for your face. It will be more starchy, so I would recommend using a cotton pad for your application. After about 2 minutes, just rinse off with luke warm water, then finish by splashing your face with cold water. C'est fini! 

I hope this helped! 

Love,

Artifact Girl xo

SURPRISE!

He loves me. He loves me not...He loves me!

After seven years, he asked and I said yes. I'm engaged! 

This will explain my week absence, but not to worry, I will keep you posted! ;)

Love,

Artifact Girl xo

FLAT TUMMY SMOOTHIE

A couple of months ago, I posted about Super Smoothies. I just wanted to update you on what I've been trying out! My latest recipe: The Flat Tummy Smoothie. 

What you'll need: 

1/2 papaya

1 peach sliced

1 pear sliced

1 tsp fresh ginger

4 mint leaves

1 cup of coconut water

4 cubes of frozen plain yogurt

- This recipe makes enough for 3 servings - 

*tip #1: Keep the skin on both the peach + pear, a lot of the fibre is in the skin! 

*tip #2: If you like your smoothie to be more icy without it being too watery, slice + dice the fruits the night before, place them in ziplocks and store them in the freezer! 

*tip #3: You'll see above how I froze the yogurt in the ice cube trays. One of the best ideas ever! 

This smoothie was honestly too delicious to be good for you! All these ingredients are rich in digestion, this smoothie will help prevent bloating and digestive stress that can ruin your hard efforts!

I hope this helped! 

Love, 

Artifact Girl xo

PUT A LEMON IN YOUR WATER

The way you start each morning is very important. Routines are a big part in our daily lives, especially in the mornings when you always seem to be in a rush: check your emails, take the dog out, putting on your face, shave and for some its all about getting the kids out the front door. If you can only make time for one routine that will improve your health, let it be this. Drink a cold glass of lemon water - first thing in the morning. 

How lemon water benefits you: 

1. Boosts your immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances your pH level

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). 

3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. 

4. Helps with digestion

Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins - which will also help flush you out!

5. Cleanses your system

 Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because it increases the rate of urination in the body. Therefore toxins are released at a faster rate. The citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.

6. Clears your skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

I hope this was helpful!

Love, 

Artifact Girl xo