Confession:  I recently turned 28 and I am getting my first wrinkle.  It's a barely-noticeable line that goes across my forehead.  No, I'm not panicking. However, I am upping my use of moisturizer.

I found a wonderful new line of products made by a fellow Southerner that I'm just in love with!  Garden of Eve Skin Care includes facial cleansers, masques, creams, and toners for a variety of skin types, including aging, dry, pregnant, and so on. 

The owner, Eve Stahl, is from Virginia and started developing her own skin care products after she got really sick. She started using herbal remedies and found they made a difference for her. 

As I've been using her products, what I notice most is that my skin doesn't feel filmy (like there's too much oil in her products) or ashy (like there's too much alcohol).  Instead, it feels fresh and renewed.  I've never been a moisturizer type because I find they break out my skin (hence, the confession about the wrinkle).  However, I've been using Eve's Nature Renewal Face Cream and haven't had any breakouts to speak of. 

My favorite part is that Eve offers her products in trial size versions, so you can experiment with a few without a hefty investment.

Check her out and let me know what you think.

My friends used to tell me that I was an old lady, because I'd always try to get to sleep around 10 p.m.  I thought that was a respectable time to be in bed, and necessary, considering the fact that I get up at 6 a.m. during the weekdays to get ready for work.

If I'm really tired, I can fall asleep in just a few minutes. However, when I'm restless, it can be quite a battle finding that internal snooze button. However, one thing that always works to help me fall asleep is wrapping up in my polar fleece blanket.

I first became attached to having a polar fleece blanket when going to sleep a few years ago, when I was on a long flight and an attendant handed me a thin fleece throw to wrap up in.  It was so soft and cuddly, that it did the trick.  When I got home, I bought a dark gray polar fleece blanket, and soon wore that one out. Now, I have a light blue one that keeps me wrapped up at night. I have to have it to get a good night's rest.

Getting the right amount of sleep is so important in staying healthy--physically and mentally. According to a Washington Post article:

"The amount of necessary sleep varies from person to person, with some breezing through their days on just a few hours' slumber and others barely functioning without a full 10 hours, experts say. But most people apparently need between about seven and nine hours, with studies indicating that an increased risk for disease starts to kick in when people get less than six or seven, experts say."

On the other hand, according to Harvard University research, getting the right amount of sleep can help your:

• Memory
• Metabolism
• Cognitive functions
• Body repair tissue

So, it seems that my polar fleece blanket is, in a way helping me to stay well by helping me get to sleep. 

We want to hear from you: "What kind of nighttime rituals do you have to prepare for a good night's sleep?"     

Your above submission to SouthernLiving.com, including contact information, gives us the right to modify, use, distribute, reproduce, publish and display the submission indefinitely in all media, means, and forms without any payment to you.  You hereby represent that you haven't copied the content from a book, magazine, newspaper, or other commercial source.

Confession: It's been raining nearly every day here in Alabama, so, in order to keep my hair somewhat tame, I've been using more heat (i.e., flat ironing, blowing out) than usual.  Please, please do not tell my stylist.

We've all been told to eat fruits and veggies to gain their nutritional value. Many of the nutrients found in the earth's harvests can heal, protect, and enhance beauty from the inside out. However, can fruits and vegetables be just as beneficial when used topically on your skin in beauty products such as washes, soaps, masques, and scrubs? 

Here, I've provided a breakdown of some of the season's most iconic fruits and veggies, and the power-packed nutrients they hold.  I'm also offering suggestions for products that contain these Fall favs.

Pumpkin--According to Care2.com, pumpkin contains vitamins A and C, zinc, and alpha-hydroxy acids.    
(PTR Pumpkin Enzyme Peel)

Apple-- Juice Beauty touts green apple's  antioxidant resveratrol  and vitamins A, B, and C. (Juice Beauty Green Apple Eye Cream)

Pomegranate--According to BeyondJane.com, pomegranate is said to regenerate and repair skin. Thedermblog.com says that it contains ellagic acid, which may prevent skin cancer. Plus, this superfruit contains more antioxidants than green tea. (Eminence Organic Cranberry Pomegranate Masque)

Grapefruit--Globalgourmet.com says that grapefruit's citric acid acts as an astringent. (Mario Badescu Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion)   

Pear--Contains hydroxy acids (antioxidants). (Eminence Organic Pear and Poppyseed Microderm Polisher )

As for enjoying these delicious foods on your Fall table, check out this Health.com slideshow for recipes and more nutritional inspiration.

Confession: I went over my friends house and she was telling me how her hair had been really brittle lately. I know I'd read before that you can put raw egg in your hair as a conditioner to make your hair soft and shiny.  So after shampooing, we cracked two eggs, mixed them around with our fingers to break up the yolks, and let them sit in her hair for a while. Then we rinsed them out. The egg treatment didn't help though. Turns out, her water pressure was low and that's what was causing her brittle hair.

Sept. and Oct. are pomegranate, apple, and pumpkin season in the South. I love to smell these fresh aromas during the season because they remind me of the time of year when we get cooler temperatures and the upcoming holidays.

Aromatherapy works on the premise that scents can be linked to memories, and memories can trigger emotions.  For instance, the smell of candy apples might remind you of going trick-or-treating.  If trick-or-treating is a good memory for you (dressing up in costumes, getting sacks of candy, sharing with friends), then that scent eventually leads to you having happy and upbeat feelings. 

Well, according to Medicinenet.com, the way your house smells can affect your emotions. If your home smells nice, it can bring about a positive effect on your mood. To bring the scents of the season into your home, you could make a table scape of fresh apples, gourds,   and pomegranates.  You could also bake delicious and aromatic treats using apples, pumpkins, pomegranates and such.  I like to burn candles that have pleasant fragrances. The scent from candles is just enough to waft through my home and create a very welcoming and warming environment. If you're wary of burning candles because you have curious pets or children, then you can try  Gold Canyon's pod warmers. They create the same effect, but without the flame and come in seasonal scents including: apple orchard, autumn walk, and cobbler on the porch.  The warmer is about $30 and the pods are about $6 each. 

Here are a few scents and the benefit they are said to have (from Aura Cacia) :

Allspice Berry - The oil has a warm, spicy-sweet aroma. It is used in spicy or masculine scents. It combines well with orange, ginger, patchouli and all of the spice oils including cinnamon, cassia and clove. Aromatherapy benefits: warming, cheering, comforting, nurturing

Cedarwood, Red- Red cedarwood essential oil actually comes from a type of juniper known as Juniperus virginiana, whose common name is eastern red cedar. The balsamic-woody aroma of cedarwood oil evokes a feeling of inner strength and centeredness. It is quite useful in times of emotional stress and anxiety to overcome feelings of powerlessness.

Cinnamon Bark - Also known as Ceylon cinnamon, this is the true cinnamon of world commerce. Its aroma is similar to cassia, or Chinese cinnamon. The aroma of Ceylon cinnamon is preferred to cassia for perfume where it gives a warm, floral-enhancing effect. Cinnamon oil blends well with oriental-woody notes and is often combined with frankincense. It is a skin irritant and should be handled with care. Aromatherapy benefits: comforting, warming.

Nutmeg - Nutmeg oil is distilled from whole, dried nutmegs that have been cut into small particles and pressed to remove the fixed oil, also known as nutmeg butter. The oil has the characteristic aromatic, volatile, oily-spicy fragrance of whole nutmegs. Nutmeg oil is a component in men's fragrances and spicy perfumes. Aromatherapy benefits: rejuvenating, uplifting, energizing.

Peppermint - Peppermint has a powerful, sweet, menthol aroma which, when inhaled undiluted, can make the eyes water and the sinuses tingle. Aromatherapy benefits: vitalizing, refreshing, cooling

Confession: If my cuticles are dry and I don't have hand lotion available, I'll use a dab of my lip gloss to moisturize.  It does the trick.

What does the Southeastern Football Conference have to do with keeping your lips healthy?  There's a new lip balm out from a company called Twist and Pout that represents several of the Southern teams.  The lip balm inside each team-themed ball is SPF 20. So, you can enjoy being outdoors at the game without worrying about your lips getting chapped. (I know what you're thinking: "Who thinks about their lips while cheering their head off at a SEC football game?"  Well, as the months get colder, you'll be glad you're packing these spirited lip lubes.)

My favorite part of the balms is that they can be ordered with a handy clip, so you can hook it onto your jeans belt loop (no more lip-balm bulge in your pockets!).

I'm representing a few of the teams they have available below. Who's your favorite team in the SEC?  And, how do you keep your skin in check at outdoor events during fall and winter?

Confession: I have very oily skin. So, at night I've been sleeping on a cotton towel (I just drape it over my pillow) and it's been working beautifully to keep my skin from becoming excessively oily at night.

I went overboard with the carbs this month.  Between the fresh buttered biscuits I made in the mornings (sweetened with a light drizzle of syrup, of course), the cheese straws I snacked on at parties, and the crispy coating on my Southern fried chicken wingettes at lunch, I sort of lost track of how many carbohydrates I was consuming.Sometimes it's not so much that we don't know to eat well, it's that we eat more of something than we expected and not enough of another because we weren't paying attention.

I once went to Weight Watchers for a six-week study, not to lose weight, but partially to learn how to keep sight of the types of foods I was eating. Their "points" system allows you to see how many of each food group you're getting in during your daily intake. Was I getting in my 5-a-day of fruit and veggie servings?  Was I drinking more sweet tea than glasses of water? The system worked well, and helped me be accountable to myself for the choices I made, while also allowing me to visibly see those choices in front of me (so I'd eat consciously). 

When I recently heard about Count Me Healthy jewelry, I thought it would be the perfect solution for someone like me, who could use a little help monitoring their daily intake. The Memphis, TN company's owner, Chelsea Gossett (pictured left...isn't she beautiful?!), came up with a fashion accessory that keeps health in mind--literally.It's a silver bracelet that has slide-able beads, for counting. You can start with all the beads on one side, and move one over for each time you eat or do something you're trying to keep track of, so you keep a mental and visible tally. For instance, pop in a serving of cheese straws, slide a bead over. Scarf down that buttered biscuit with syrup, slide two beads over.  Whatever you limit is (say you only want to consume 4 beads worth of carbs a day), you'll be abe to track your progress right on your arm.

I'm a glamor girl at heart, so it's nice to see something that's healthy and fashionable at the same time.    I'm wearing the bracelet now (that's me, on right, wearing it at the office) to keep track of the carbs I'm consuming each day. So far, I've had a biscuit and a cup of sweetened coffee, so I'll slide over two beads. I'll be sure to report back in with you.

Confession: I used a new mousse/setting lotion last night and now I have fat helmet hair that won't move. While the big Southern hair thing is cool, I prefer hair I can actually sleep on.

Everyone's turning to eco-friendly bags. They're a responsible way to transfer items without using piles and piles of plastic and paper bags at stores.  There's nothing chicer nowadays than to go to the flea market or produce stand and leave with leafy carrot tops, colorful corn on the cob, or bright flowers sticking out of the sides of your reusable bag. You get bonus points if your bag is made from recycled materials. The NY Times  even touted a new eco-friendly golf bag made from recycled bottles that contains less carbon.

The trick is to actually remember to use your "green" bags when going shopping. If you forget to bring them along, you'll have defeated the purpose (kinda like clipping grocery coupons all week, and then leaving your coupon wallet at home by mistake).

That said, the new wave is toward bags that are quite stylish, so you can save the earth and save your sense of style simultaneously! They look so great that you won't forget to bring them along. In fact, just stash them in your trunk or under your seat, so you'll always have them nearby.

This MIami Herald article on "green" bags says it all. Enjoy!  Here are some green bags that I found that you might like. (L to R: Animal Planet bag 2, Envirosax, $8.50; Animal Planet bag 4, Envirosax, $8.50; Charlotte bag, Green Chic Bag Company, $15)

Confession:  I'm won't get my eyebrows arched because I'm afraid they will grow back weird or, worse, won't grow back at all.

    Getting a tan in the South during the summer is as inevitable as finding meat in your veggies at a meat and three restaurant. It's going to happen. And I don't mean getting a golden glow from spending hours laying at the beach, or sitting poolside with a magazine, but simply from being out and about.  For example, walking a strip mall for an hour; shopping an open-air farmer's market for an afternoon; or riding a bicycle along a trail all add up to ample sun exposure and skin that gets richer and richer in color (even while wearing the appropriate sunscreen).

    That leads me to my point of a what I feel is a strange, but common, southern skin phenomenon:  Two-toned skin, also known as uneven tanning. It used to be called a "farmer's tan." That's when the area from your upper shoulder or from your elbow down to your fingertips was at least six shades deeper in color than the area beneath your t-shirt, which didn't see much sunlight. 

    Right now, my arms are at least four shades darker than my legs. This makes buying pantyhose a fun adventure. Do I match my arms or do I match my legs. Should I do Beige Mist or Honey Brown?  This is the question.

  The beauty of it all is that it's such a common sight to see two-toned skin in the South, that no one feels shy or bad about it.  You'll see bunches of folks sporting striped feet (from wearing sandals that have straps--beneath the straps doesn't get tanned, so you get tan lines on your feet), or ghost eyes (I call that the area behind your shades--the rest of your face gets tan, but you're left with these untanned circles around your eyes and maybe even a line by your temples). We are not aliens and this is not a skin condition that just hasn't been diagnosed. We are Southerners, two-toned through and through (and we love it).

  Do you get two-toned skin? Know any solutions for evening out tans? Tell me about it.  I'd love to hear.

  Here's a product to keep on hand before going out into the sun. Nivea Caring Sun Lotion is available is available in SPF 6 through SPF 50+. It has UVA and UVB protection and is even supposed to help with sun allergies. It yields instant protections against sunburn and has a bonus of anti-aging and moisturizing properties.

Confession: I am addicted to at-home tooth-whitening systems.  I started bleaching about three years ago.The first time I used a kit, I was wowed by the results, but felt that I could go one shade lighter.  So, I did another kit. I got compliment after compliment:  "You should be in a toothpaste commercial," folks would tell me. One charming older gentleman said, "You have the whitest teeth I've ever seen." After I told him I'd been bleaching, he wondered if the kit would work on his dentures. I was both elated and satisfied...or so I thought. As the morning coffee, diet cokes, spaghetti sauces, etc., started doing their work, over time, I stopped getting the daily comments about my whitey whites (I say whitey, because really, there was no pearl left...).  So, I figured my teeth needed another bleaching session to be in top shape (i.e., blindingly, almost florescent-ly white).  I think I'm on my sixth kit (I'm halfway through, in fact).  This can't be normal. But then again, neither am I.

This beauty buzz is for all those outdoor runners out there (literally, "out" there..LOL! Had to do it.). One of the blessings of the South is that our temps stay warm long enough to extend the outdoor running season. However, humidity + sweat can easily = breakouts.

I read an interesting article recently that could help with post-exercise breakouts for those of you who run or walk outdoors (and, I'm sure, those who exercise indoors as well, who also suffer post-calorie-burning breakouts). 

It seems the reason that they happen is not because your hormones or anything go crazy during exercise (although, your brain does release endorphins, or "happy hormones"), but because of simple sweating. Sidebar: One of my lovely co-workers here at Southern Living, a real Southern woman in every way, says that women don't sweat--they glisten.  Glistening is a beautiful way to describe what happens when you're at church and the air condition is broken, or what happens after a full-power shopping spree. But, after an hour-long run or exercise session, glistening has turned to dripping.

Anyway, I found the article that addresses post-exercise breakouts (something I get from time to time). Here are some highlights from the story that might help you (p.s., It's a really good article: credit where credit is due):

1. Before working out, remove all lotion and makeup (I know. This is a hard one glamor girls. But you really CAN go outside without your lipstick and mascara if you're exercising. Just pull your cap down really low--people might even think you're an incognito celebrity).

2. If you're exercising indoors, remove sunscreen (I don't think fluorescent lights cause sun spots, but...I could be wrong).

3. Wear fabrics that wick sweat away from your body. And, most importantly, take off that sweaty attire when you're finished.

Here are some top product picks from the article, as well as one I'm throwing in, that might help you with your mission of staying break-out free: Murad Acne Body Wash (murad.com); Murad Clarifying Body Spray (murad.com); and Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub (neutrogena.com)

Confession: I have been using the same contact lens case for about eight months (possibly more). I do clean it regularly and disinfect it with alcohol, but still live with the fear that I might get an eye infection and go blind. So, I resolve that today I will buy a couple new cases and will save my vision. 

We are definitely in high humidity mode here in Birmingham, and I'm suspecting around the rest of the south. I was in Florida this past holiday weekend and by the end of my trip, my smooth hair had turned into a tangled mass that I could no longer run my fingers through. Think Carrot Top meets Courtney Love, who seems to have notoriously frinkly hair (frinkly= frizzy+crinkly).  

Later on, while mulling over the disaster that had been my hair, I came across an article in a beauty and fashion magazine (oh, I guess I'll say it...Lucky) about a new Philip B. product that just might be the answers to my humidity horrors. It's called Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo and is available on the company's website. Now, here's where I should mention the fact that the shampoo is $140 for a 12 oz. jar.  However, it's apparently a miracle shampoo (And aren't they all, all miracle shampoos?). The miracle is that it supposedly does whatever your hair needs, whether it be curly, straight, or frinkly. It's said to fight the frizzies, rejuvenate, and add bounce to your mane. Besides, with a stately name like Russian Amber Imperial, there's no way they could sell it for just $9.99....

If it really does all of of these wonderful things for your hair, then $140 a jar would seem like a bargain and I'm sure Southern women everywhere would be more than willing to give up a few mani-pedis to get a hold of a jar.

Question for you: What's the most you've ever paid for a "miracle" hair product?  For me it was about $100 for a few Nexxus Shampoos and conditioners that, upon use, did not work for my hair type.

Confession:  I'd rather shop for lotions and potions than eat.

Listen up ladies!  I found this impossible sale on the Miami Herald site and had to share. E.L.F. (eyes lips face) is celebrating its birthday (or anniversary or the fact that it's Thursday...something to that effect) with a $1 sale on their makeup, lip gloss, brushes, and more.

Stock up now and you'll be set for the rest of the year! Read the article, then shop til you drop!

QUESTION FOR YOU:  WHAT ONE BEAUTY ITEM CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

For me, it's lip gloss.

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/fashion/story/1109766.html

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/home

Confession:  I used alcohol on my face this morning. I know, I know. That's like the cardinal beauty sin that will send you straight to a place where you'll be tormented with pimples that pop up on the tip of your nose so that all your friends and co-workers will call you "Rudolph" behind your back. However, I felt like my skin needed a really deep cleansing and I'd already exfoliated, exfoliated, exfoliated. So, I wanted to just strip it.  I am happy to report that so far my face has not fallen off. I will keep you posted.

You often hear me tout the merits of Shea butter as a skin healer, blemish eraser, and dry-patch softener.  I recently called out L'Occitane's pure shea butter and realize that I did not give equal attention to brother Cocoa. 

Before Shea ever got popularized in the modern beauty world, Cocoa butter was a staple of my household for skincare.  The familiar coconutty smell of lotion containing Cocoa butter, rubbed on arms and legs to a glowing shine, was as familiar and recognizable as that of fresh cut grass in summer, or honeysuckle in spring.

So, to that end, I'm calling out a tried and true friend:

Beauty Buzz: CocoCare 100 percent Cocoa Butter Stick. Comes in a push up tube, for easy application.

Why I love it:  Priced at a whopping $4 or less (I could stop right there...), it's a low-priced secret weapon every man, woman, boy, or girl should keep on hand. With loyal and dedicated use, you can fade out scars, stretch marks (my personal battle, and no I will not post a picture so you can compare), and mosquito bites. Find it at on line or neighborhood drugstores.

CAVEAT:  After applying Cocoa butter, it's best to try to rub it in as well as possible, as it is an oil and might be slippery to the touch.  Wouldn't want anyone sliding off of a chair or staining a leather seat. 

Confession: I use sponge rollers in my hair.  I know, I know. That doesn't make me glamorous, Hollywood fabulous, or chic. But, they're really easy to sleep on, and if it's between a good night's rest or the perfect coif, well, I choose sleep. 

I usually call out a product or two in my Buzzes, but this week, the New York Times did such a great job on this article about sunscreens, that I'm going to let them do the talking for me. Here's a quick excerpt for you:

"A sunscreen’s SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how much the product shields the sun’s shorter-wave ultraviolet B rays, known as UVB radiation, which can cause sunburn. It used to be that SPF topped out at 30. No more. These days, a race is on among sunscreen makers to create the highest SPF that R&D can buy.

If adequately applied, sunscreens with sky-high SPFs offer slightly better protection against lobster-red burns than an SPF 30. But they don’t necessarily offer stellar protection against the more deeply penetrating ultraviolet A radiation, or so-called aging rays."

Hope you learn something that you can use during these sunny months.There's another article on the NYT's  Well Blog that might be of interest to you, too. By the way, did you know that Chapstick has SPF 4?  I know, right?

Confession: I have a true fear of getting the West Nile virus from a mosquito bite.  Every time I feel that dreaded nip from one of my flying foes, I have this quick rush of dread that this bite, this particular one, is the one that will take me away.  You'd think that after all these years of living through Southern springs and summers, I'd know better.  I don't (smiles).

Beauty Buzz: This one's a quickie for all those who hate getting bug bites as much as I do. I get these dreadful marks on my arms, legs, etc. from the bites. The absolutely best remedy I've found for fading out the spots is putting pure Shea on them.  It literally works like a charm.  The best Shea?  I use Bath and Body Works' Too Shea, which is a jar of 100 percent pure Shea. However, they don't sell it anymore (or at least I couldn't' find it on line for you). So, here's an equally good pick from our friends at L'Occitane--Pure Organic Shea Butter.

Why I love it: I've found that Shea fades out scars and marks (both old and new). It's virtually scent-free, which means you can wear your normal daily fragrance without worrying about it clashing. 

BONUS: L'Occitane's Shea it also comes in a smaller-size travel tin, so you can pack it up and go. And it's fair trade from Burkina Faso (West Africa), so you're doing good for yourself and for others.

End Note: Shea butter cannot protect you from the West Nile virus. However, it can leave your skin soft, glowing, and scar-free, which is an acceptable alternative.

Confession:  I don't deep condition my hair nearly as often as I should. I love to wash my hair, work in a dollop of conditioner (preferably something by Pantene or Optimum, because they smell delish!), and then just walk around with it in my hair (wrapped up in a towel) for 20 minutes or so.  It's recommended that you sit under a hot dryer for 10 minutes at least once a month...but who has time for that?

As warm weather approaches and winter hats become a thing of the past, it's crossed my mind that I need to do a major mane overhaul. 

I recently had all my dead ends clipped off--you should have seen it.  it could have been the next inspiration for M. Night Shyamalan's new horror film "MAD MANE!!!" 

But anyway, I realize that with the tossing away of hat coverage, my hair will need more protection against the elements. 

So, this week I'm highlighting my favorite new product to use to combat UV rays and keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Beauty Buzz: Aveda's Brilliant Damage Control Spray

Why it's Healthy:  This pre-styling agent keeps hair from heat damage from hot curlers which is great.  But what's better--it also contains UV protection for all hair types (YAY!).

Why I love it: Bonus--Spraying this on before styling reduces damage from combing (Which means less strands down the sink. Score!)

ATTENTION: I'm throwing an extra one in this week because it's just so great.  If you're like me and your hair frizzes out in the humidity, try Aveda's plant-based, organic jojoba enriched tresses tamer: Light Elements Smoothing Fluid. Okay, now you have everything you need for warm-weather hair.

Confession No. 2: I have gone three weeks without getting my acrylic set filled in.  And, I may go four....I wonder if I'm creating bad blood between my manicurist and myself. 

Without fail, every time I touch-up my nails at home, I get the eye-watering, nose-burning sensation that comes from being overpowered by a slick mixture of formaldehyde, dyes, and whatever else is found in my polishes.  Such irritation always causes my eyes to end up as red as fire-engine nail polish!

And, when I go to have my nails done, as we glamourous southern women do on a schedule that's so consistent our manicurists could come for Easter family dinner, I always wonder the following:  If the person doing my nails wears a surgical mask so that he or she is not getting "high" off the noxious vapors, shouldn't I be doing the same?  Or, should I even be putting this stuff on my hands and toes?  Yet, I do it anyway, reassuring myself that my French tips are worth it......

Beauty Buzz: I recently stumbled upon a company that just might change the world of manicures and   pedicures as we know it. No Miss Nail Care Products (www.nomiss.com), out of Boca Raton, rethinks nail care by using alternative ingredients.

Why It's Healthy: Their polishes are Formaldehyde and camphor-free and contain UV inhibitors that protect your nails from the sun. The dyes for the polishes, which come in a variety of shades, are made from earth elements.Their vanilla-scented polish remover contains no acetone or ethyl acetate.

Why I love it:The No Miss Nails natural nail strengthener contains plant and fruit minerals and extracts, including some from coffee beans. Who would've guessed?

I'm starting a new series that will answer every question you've ever had about living beautifully--the Southern way.  There are so many components that make Southern beauty unique--our climate and seasons (or lack thereof); our style and culture; our access to fresh ingredients--all of which combine to create a glowing natural essence.

Each week, the Beauty Buzz will cover some aspect of what we define as beauty--be it body care, body therapy (aromatherapy, etc), or healthy home care that benefits your overall well-being and beauty. We'll even feature people we think have it right (If you know of any you'd like to see featured, let me know in the comments section below or email me at healthyliving@southernliving.com).

It's only fair that we're in this together, right?  Great.  So, I'm looking forward to this series helping both you and me build a "beautiful" relationship between ourselves and our bodies--blemishes, wrinkles, discolorations, and all.

I'll start each post with a confession.  If I'm showing my skin, I'm sure you won't be opposed to showing yours (smiles).

Confession No. 1: I'm a product junkie.  I'm always in search of the miracle serum to heal my skin and hair woes, which usually results in a colorful collection of dozens of half-empty bottles under my bath sink (and that's half-empty if I liked them...many products never reach that half-way mark...). This weekend, I counted 6 different types of shampoo, 5 skin discoloration creams or oils, 6 nail polishes, 5 lotions.... I am ready to clean out the beauty clutter and streamline to products that I truly work and those that I truly love.

And now, what you've been waiting for...

Beauty Buzz:  I'm always going gaga over new scents that I can wear--here are some scents my sheets can wear.  Refresh your senses with these linen sprays from Gold Canyon. They add a kiss of fragrance to your sheets, slipcovers, and upholstery.

Why It's healthy: The sprays are infused with essential oils which give you a healthy awakening sensation. They are beautifully packaged and add that extra touch of comfort to your linens.

Why I love it: Scent names, such as "Quiet Moments" and "Harmony," evoke a de-stressing sense of peace.

It snowed here yesterday, as it did across several spots in the South.  In honor of the late-winter weather, I've researched the number of calories you can burn in snow-related activities (all of these estimates are for an average-size person).

You'll find that making snowballs is a healthier alternative to eating snowballs (you know, those coconut-covered dessert cakes). Okay, I tried to make a joke there..

According to FitSugar.com:

CBSnews.com says:

"If you shovel for 30 minutes, you'll clear away 200 calories along with the snow."

myfitnesspal.com says:

An hour of sledding burns about 476 calories.

Southern Living's own Test Kitchen Professional Marian Cairns made a sausage and seafood gumbo on the CBS Early Show this morning.  Here's a clip of her cooking as well as a link to the recipe.  Marian's crash course on Mardi Gras food will get you ready for the festivities, as will some of our favorite recipes for the occasion.

I figured out how to turn Fat Tuesday, the annual celebration for Mardi Gras, into something quite healthy, while still preserving the fun and flavor. You can have a complete menu of New Orleans favorites and not feel guilty about the day's intake (not that there's ever guilt associated with Mardi Gras!) by sticking to low-fat, modified recipes. 

By the way, here are some fast facts about nutrition associated with common Mardi Gras ingredients:

Okra contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and folacin.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shrimp does not adversely affect production of cholesterol in the body.

Crawfish is a great source of protein (for crawfish recipes: http://www.crawfish.org/pages/nutrition.html).

Rice is a complex carbohydrate and contains insoluble fiber.

Couldn't find anything specifically nutritious about King Cake.  Feel free to comment on what you think is healthy about King Cake (besides that it makes you feel good).

HEALTHY MARDIS GRAS MENU

Don't' worry--low-fat doesn't equate to low-taste when it's done right!

Check out these recipes for your Mardi Gras celebration. They'll bring a little of New Orleans to your day so you'll be ready to "Let the Good Times Roll."

Low-Fat King Cake

Healthy Hearty Gumbo

Low-Cal Shrimp Etouffee

Don't forget to stop by Southern Living's online food pages for a complete Mardis Gras menu that is sure to please.

I've resolved to burning scented candles every night. I usually start the candles in the kitchen and let the perfume creep step by step upstairs or down into the other areas of my home. Something about the fragrance of moderately scented wax melting against the dissipating aroma of the evening's meal makes me feel quite comfortable. The aromatherapy eventually greets me in every room, surrounding me like a summer blanket--just enough to remind me that it's there. 

I've learned that having healthy surroundings helps to foster a healthy outlook on the future.  As Southerners, I think we've always been wise enough to appreciate our surroundings. We have the best of blooming plant life in spring and summer, and colorful trees and moderate temperatures in fall and winter.  We tend to take the best of our surroundings, draw these elements around us like a warm hug, and learn to be thankful.

Scented Candles From Our Editors

Missouri

http://www.southernliving.com/travel/ultimate-southern-living-gift-guide-00400000007933/page20.html

Kentucky

http://www.southernliving.com/healthy-living/mind-body/good-for-you-gifts-00400000034294/page5.html