Cold Weather Activities-Puzzles & Games

Now that Autumn is upon us it is time to find the hot chocolate and get a few fun games and puzzles. We currently carry a nice selection of games and jigsaw puzzles. Many of them are still sealed in the original box while others are previously owned. We only sell puzzles that contain all the pieces to insure that you have an enjoyable time putting it together. We have games for children and families like Yahtzee Jr.Duel Masters and Green Eggs & Ham. We also have games for adults and groups like Survivor, B.S., Dragonmaster, and Men are From Mars Women are From Venus. If puzzles are more your speed we have anything from fine art to kids stuff. If you like Discovery Toys products as much as I do you can find some rare and discontinued items in our store, like this set of Tactominoes:Textured Dominoes. Check back often as we are always adding new toys, games and puzzles. We also offer shipping discounts when you purchase more than one item from us. Stock up on those cold weather activities now!

*Samples*Samples*Samples*

Everyone loves samples. We love them, too. Do you hate buying makeup because you never seem to choose the right color? Are you afraid to buy makeup online because you can't see it and touch it? That is why we offer samples of our Mineral Makeup! Now you can get a small sample of our colors to try before you buy.
Our samples are intended to help you choose the right foundation, blush and eye color. Once you know which color you need you can buy with confidence.
Check out our sample selection by going to our online store and searching the word "samples." We have samples available for all of our colors, but if you don't see what you need just drop us a note!

Fall 2005 Makeup Trends

The eyes have it this season! The latest trend in makeup is dramatic eyes. You can achieve the latest looks with our mineral makeup eyeshadows and eyeliners. The hottest colors are purples, blues, copper and gold. Metallic, bold, colorful. Now you can really have fun with your makeup!
For really bold, dramatic eyes you can apply our eyeshadow wet with a eyeshadow brush. If the eyeshadow has a lot of luster (shine) this will give you a foil or metallic look.
Our eyeliner comes in powder form. All you have to do is dip a wet eyeliner brush into the powder. Use the eyeliner lid to make a wet paste (by swirling the brush in it). Then glide the brush over your eye using your eyelashes as a guide. If you have never used liquid eyeliner it might take a couple tries to get the knack of it.
Don't be afraid to experiment with your makeup. Many women make the mistake of wearing their makeup the same way for several decades. You will look younger and fresher by changing your makeup to newer trends.

Facial Masks from Your Kitchen

I love using simple ingredients from the kitchen to make face masks. Most great masks only use 2 ingredients that are common and inexpensive. One of the best things about making your own masks is that you won't add any unwanted chemicals or preservatives. Here are a few masks that I love to use.

Oily Skin
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 egg white
1 tsp honey
1/2 cup strawberries

Blend ingredients together. Leave Mask on for 10 minutes and rinse. Strawberries are used for there astringent properties. They will cleanse the skin without irritation. They smell great, too!

Dry Skin
1/2 avacado
1/4 cup honey

Mash ingredients together. Apply and leave on your face for 5 minutes. Rinse off with a washcloth and tepid water. Both ingredients have wonderful moisturizing abilities and will help attract moisture to your skin.

Combination Skin
1 rose
1 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp plain, natural yogurt
1 tbsp honey

Wash rose petals in water. Soak for a few minutes and then crush them in a bowl. Add rosewater, yogurt and honey. Mix well and apply to the skin for 5 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. The rose is wonderful for balancing the skin. If you don't have the rose you can make a simple mask of yogurt and honey.

Sensitive Skin
1/2 cup plain, natural yogurt
1/4 cup oatmeal or oat flour

Blend the yogurt and oatmeal together. Mix well and apply to the face for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This mask is wonderfully soothing to sensitive skin. I also like this mask for dry skin.

Mature Skin
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp water

Melt the sugar in some warm water (if the granules are undissolved they could damage skin). Apply to face and leave on for 5 minutes. Very gently massage around the skin. Rinse well. The sugar will act as a gentle exfoliant that will brighten your skin without drying it out.

I've tried most of these masks and love them. I have dry skin and I especially love yogurt and oat flour. You can experiment around with these. If the recipe makes too much or too little you can adjust accordingly. Try to give yourself a mask treatment about once a week.

Citrus Power!

Okay, nobody I know enjoys cleaning the bathtub, but we have something that makes it a lot more exciting! Once I began using our Citrus Surface Scrub I became addicted to cleaning the tubs in our house. I don't know about you, but I hate used bathrooms. If I move into a home or apartment I want a sparkling clean bathroom free from the past tenants icky germs and grime. Well, now you don't have to start from scratch! Just dump some of our Citrus Surface Cleaner in the tub, moisten with a little water, and scrub it around. Watch the yucky grime wash away!
This is an all natural cleaner that smells just like fresh oranges because it is made with pure orange essential oil. It will make your bathroom smell wonderful. It is safe on all kinds of surfaces because it cleans without scratching. I use it in my kitchen and bathroom. It's great for sinks, counters, tubs and even ovens and stoves.

What's so Great About Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is all the rage and for a very good reason. Mineral makeup is unlike any other makeup! Here is a list of just some of the benefits of our mineral makeup.
*Does not contain mineral oil or other cheap petroleum derived ingredients.
*No preservatives. Minerals do not need preservatives. Keep them dry and they last forever.
*Heals and calms inflamed and upset skin.
*Many rosacae and acne sufferers notice a decrease or elimination of redness and breakouts.
*It looks so natural. Works with light, rather than covering you with a mask.
*Does not settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
*Makes pores and wrinkles less noticeable.
*Contains natural sunscreen protection of SPF15 or greater.
*Very water resistant. Won't run down your face in heat or rain.
*Great price and quality.
*Can be used dry or mixed with moisturizer to make coverup.
*Only takes a couple applications to get the knack. Very quick and easy to apply.
*Very few people have allergic reactions to mineral makeup. In fact, most people are able to wear it when they can't wear traditional makeup.
*All our foundations are Vegan.
We offer a wide range of foundation shades, blush, eyeshadow and more at Divine Nature Cosmetics. The best way to try mineral makeup is to order samples and find out which color works best for you. Then you can order the full size with confidence. And with mineral makeup Less really is More.

Pamper Yourself-Hands

This is the first in a series of "Pamper Yourself" entries. We all need to take the time to pamper ourselves. It helps lower stress and raise self esteem. Okay, I haven't seen any hard stats on those claims, but I'm sure it's true! You are important and you should treat yourself like you are important.
Your hands are your hardest working (visible) body part. Often times, we neglect our hands and they get rough, dry and calloused. Pick a night every month (or more) to give yourself a spa treatment for your hands. You can do it in your own home for a lot less than it costs at a spa.
Step 1. Start with clean hands. Don't forget to use a fingernail brush! Now take a hand and body scrub, like our Dead Sea Salt Scrub, and exfoliate your hands. Pay special attention to rough spots and calouses.
Step 2. Now you can take a heavy hand cream, like our Whipped Shea Butter, and massage it into your hands. Take your time with this step! Relax and breath.
This whole process only takes 5-10 minutes, but feels like a real expensive spa treat.
Now if you have extra time you can add on any of these extras.
1.Trim and file your fingernails so they are neat and even.
2.Paint your nails with nail strengthener.
3.Paint your nails with clear polish or a fun, bright color.
Now make a date with your hands and Pamper Yourself!

Tupperware-The Queen of Plastic

I am a recovering Tupperware Addict. I have several drawers and cupboards full of Tupperware. But that is not all! I have an excess of Tupperware. Containers that won't even fit in my kitchen.
As part of my recovery program I am finding good homes for my excess Tupperware. If you are in need of some great Tupperware check out my offerings.
I also find homes for unwanted and orphaned Tupperware. Some of it looks like it has never been used while other pieces are vintage or discontinued. Remember, the more you buy the greater your savings! We always offer a combined shipping discount.

Chemicals to Avoid in Your Cosmetics

What is lurking in your beauty products?

In order to make cheaper products and increase profit margins, large companies put harmful chemicals into their products. In most cases these chemicals are super cheap and produce a product that can sit on a shelf for 3 years without molding. Another problem is that anyone can call anything "natural" and even some natural ingredients are unsafe. Up to 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. That is why the sudden popularity in medication patches for the skin. Take the time to educate yourself about ingredients that may cause you or your family harm.

Here is a list of some things to avoid when purchasing any beauty product.

1.DEA, MEA, TEA (diethanolamine, monoethanolamine,triethanolamine) These ingredients are almost always found in products that foam. They disrupt hormone function and a federal government study has shown DEA to greatly increase the risk of cancer. Can cause skin and hair dryness, allergic reactions, and may be toxic if absorbed by the skin over a long period of time.

2.Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben) Most products on the shelf have one or all of these chemicals to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Highly toxic, these ingredients cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.

3.Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea (I. Urea, D. Urea) These preservatives come in second to the parabens. They are not very effective, so they must be used with other preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has established these ingredients as a primary cause of contact dermatitis. One form releases formaldehyde. Highly toxic.

4.Propylene Glycol: This ingredient is usually derived from a synthetic petrochemical mixture. It is the active ingredient in antifreeze. It is used by industry to break down protein and cellular structure so they have to wear protective clothing, goggles and gloves. Yet, it is put into products that we slather all over our skin! Causes allergic and toxic reactions.

5.Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Mineral Oil: Obviously these are petroleum derived ingredients. All petroleum products (petrochemicals) are incredibly cheap, which is why they appear in so many products. It coats the skin with a layer that disrupts your skins ability to function properly. Promotes burning (sun damage), dry and chapped skin, and clogged pores.

6.Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: It is very difficult to find a shampoo or even body wash without this ingredient. It is a detergent used for its foam building abilities. It causes allergic reactions, skin rash, eye irritation and hair and scalp problems. Although you will find it in many "natural" products; there's nothing natural about it.

7.Stearalkonium Chloride: This chemical is used in creams and conditioners. It was developed as a fabric softener. Causes allergic reactions.

8.PVP/VA Copolymer: Another petrochemical. This one is found in hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. Considered toxic.

9.Synthetic Colors: Everybody loves color and in striving for a pretty product that people will buy most companies have turned to synthetics. You should avoid products that have FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number. You don't need them, avoid them. Many may be cancer-causing (carcinogenic).

10.Synthetic Fragrances: It is hard to know what you are getting when a label says "fragrance." Each fragrance can contain as many as 200 different ingredients. Some of those ingredients can be highly toxic and allergenic. Some problems caused by these ingredients can be headaches, dizziness, vomiting, severe coughing, and skin irritation. Use products scented with essential oils.