Oooh Purée !

I messed up.........

the wonderful diet did not work for me being in Aix-en-Provence. I had a choice between starving on water or stuff myself with bread. Being in a fair and not having access to a kitchen there was no other way than to take a brake from the CLEAN cleansing program. Just after one week of a diet without bread, pasta, coffee, cheese I started to feel a wonderful new energy. I also lost one size in my pants. 

Actually I am now counting the days that I can get back on it again with no interference in June.

Aix-en-Provence is a very beautiful city. The weather is amazing. 

I might sneak away and do some sight seeing tomorrow.

nara helt naturligt sales in the Coté Sud fair is going well. 

The yearly fair in the Parc Jourdan is very pleasant with interior decoration, textiles, food and many nice useful ideas. 

See the blog on Wednesday for a report of the fair 

Gunn  

Sugar

I will not tell You how bad sugar is for your health. I love sugar in the form of cookies and french desserts. If you like to read about sugar, I found an informative site www.eliminatesugarcravings.com

In our home it is kind of tabu to use white sugar and we never buy it. So....I pick them up at the bar in Milano ! There is always a small practical sugar pad next to any drink in restaurants and bars. They are going into the pocket for better use. 

A face scrub.

A spoon of white sugar and a few drops of water in the hand is the perfect scrub for a sleepy face in the morning.  A fresh tonic (perhaps homemade). Finish off with the favorite creme for the day.

 Try it !

Gunn

Skin Brushing And More

During a period of cleansing it is extra important to help the circulation and the body to loose some toxic energy. 

SKIN BRUSHING is a simple technique that stimulates blood and lymph flow and encourages new cell growth. Use a soft natural brush with quality bristles. Start at your feet and sweep up the legs in long, light brisk movements. All movements should be towards the heart. It only takes a few minutes.  Advisable in the morning,  before the shower. The skin is the largest most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body's detoxification each day.

Also see www.brittbeautifulskin.com or see www.unmomentonordico.com for brushes.

SAUNA  is also a good way to relax and clean the system.

During a 15 minute session, your heart rate increases by 50-75%. The same metabolic result as physical exercise. 

Blood vessels become more flexible and enhances a healthy glowing skin.

Sweating helps the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening the pores and flushing impurities from the body.

BRISK WALKING helps lowering cholesterol level, stimulates blood circulation and reduces high blood pressure. Better outdoors  than indoors, in fresh air. It is also strengthening the body and gives flexibility.

READING and COCOONING is also advisable during this period. It is nice to be still and let the mind rest.

Just some ideas...

Gunn

nara heltnaturligt - travels to Provence

The nara heltnaturligt cosmetic brand will travel to France and take part of Jardin-Art de Vivre. Should be good. Will keep you up to date later on.

If You are nearby don't forget to come and see us. 

Gunn

Tonic Water From Elder Flowers

The garden is full of Elder flowers in May . 

My old files of scrap paper had a note on Elder flowers for tonic water.  Why not ? Let's try it.

 I know there is a lot you can make. Kind of fritters with the flowers , but I guess it's not what I am into right now. 

How to make a lovely refreshing and slightly astringent toner for face. It is very light and neutral that I would recommend it for all skin types.

Steep 2 cups of fresh handpicked and cleaned flowers in 1/2 cup of boiled water for 24 hours. Keep a lid on for keeping the scent. I used a recycled marmalade jar. Strain and fill a nice bottle. 

My old note said - It whitens and soften the skin.

It is worth a try. Quite easy to make. I do not know how long it is lasting, perhaps for a week. But I would suggest to store the bottle in a cool place.

Gunn

Eclat Magazine In Japan

The Japanese magazine Eclat just issued an article on me. That is very nice of them. 

It was photographed in this period last year.

It is showing me in my home and talking about my healthy lifestyle in the country and my passion of greens. Garden , herbs, flowers and food. We tried to translate the article, but it is really quite impossible. It is very positive and friendly. Saying that I have a relaxed home in the hills. Yes, I am lucky to share this with cats and dogs and family.

Some mixed photos of the shop Un Momento Nordico in Biella and products 

from nara heltnaturligt

Serving a healthy and colorful lunch with vegetables from the garden.

Thank You Eclat, 

Gunn

nara helt naturligt

It has been some time that I did not post some real information on my Organic skincare product. We ( our team ) are still working on new products to be launched but are delayed a bit.

 Just as the bad news about the next season of Mad Men , that will show in 2012 instead of this summer. To my despair......it is lovely to end the evening once a week with ups and downs of Mad Men.

Well, back to nara.....It is taking us longer to define , test and produce the next coming products than planned. Trust in us, we will arrive eventually.......

Gunn

Argan Oil and Your Beauty

Argan oil , the miracle oil, is a rich source of nourishing benefits for a healthy skin.

I placed a post a few days ago about healthy nails and would like to add another beauty tip for maintaining strong nails.

Place a table spoon of Organic Argan oil in a small cup and about 10 drops of fresh lemon juice. Mix it and massage the clean nails with it. The nails will absorb the healing  E vitamins. 

Argan oil has lots of important benefits and I will list some of them;

* Reduces wrinkles and softens the skin

* Rich in proteins shown to tighten the skin and protect skin's elasticity.

* A regulator for oily skin.

* Treats acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

* Soothes rheumatism and arthritis pain.

* Protects the skin against sun rays and lower the risk of skin cancer.

Read more on www.arganoils.com

If you are a minimalist and like to keep the beauty pouch light. This multi use products could be essential. 

G

Healthy nails.

 

As I am an enthusiastic gardener it is almost impossible to keep my hand out of the dirt. 

And broken nails is a result from it. The best remedy is to moisturize the nails and cuticles regularly. Simple but daily care of our nails and the surrounding skin can help to give them a healthy and attractive look. 

Healthy nails have a uniform, pinkish color. They also have a slight, uniform vertical ridges and are not brittle. Keep hands away from harsh chemicals in soap and washing detergent. Gloves helps to protect.

What you eat will reflect on the health of your nails. 

Vitamin A and calcium are important.You get them from Green vegetables like broccoli and kale. Vitamin C is helping as well. B12 is not to forget. A diet composed of 50% fruit and vegetable will supply the necessary vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Drink plenty of water. ( now I am telling myself...) Drinking fresh carrot juice every day is also very helpful.

My beauty trick is to massage the cuticles every night before bedtime with an organic Shea butter and my manicurist is giving me compliments all the time. 

Lots of work to keep beautiful...G

Dr Hauscka's Ritual Cleanse

This routine developed by Dr Hauscka Skin Care is working very well for me. And I wish to share it with you. How to awaken skin to radiant beauty. It takes just a few minutes each day to clean, tone and moisturize your face, the effort will show. 





 1 / I wash my face and neck with Signature Cleansing, an exfoliating creme and rinse carefully with finger warm water. Easily done with a clean compress.


2 / I spray the balancing Clarifying Toner directly on the face, neck and décolleté and let it dry for a moment. 


3 / A few drops of Normalizing Day Oil as a base. It provides protective benefits to mature skin. With wonderful plant extracts and plant oils. It is quickly absorbed.


4 /  Then, I dab...or tap...on the tiniest amount of Daily Revitalizing Eye Cream around the eyes. Containing Rose water and botanical extracts, mango and macadamia oils. The box promise to prevent signs of premature aging safely and naturally. 


5 / Last, I complete the face with Rose Day Cream, massage lightly. Each tube contains oil from thirty Rose flowers and has Avocado oil as well.


  Usually I do not use any coloured cremes or powder on the face and do not use any make-up in my casual office. I think it is good to save the face for important occasions. 
 I am lucky living in a clean and fresh climate and am a non smoker. This helps.

And no mentioning about fresh fruits and vegetables,
Gunn

HAPPINESS

I just read an interesting article in an Italian magazine about Happiness. 

Being miserable in translating , I will just tell you in my own words. The article said that 6 out of 10 Italians are unhappy....and the number of happy women is increased, due to work and more self esteem. Funny I would think Italians in general are a very joyful population.

 Except when it comes to politics and taxes. On this issue there is a lot of complaining year after year, without doing anything about it. When it's time for election , the majority goes always the same way. ......here  am going in the wrong direction...complaining.....

Back to HAPPINESS.

What is happiness ? Somebody called Schopenhauer said; The only happiness is not to be born. Hm...what attitude is this. We are here and we need to make the best of it, right ?

Happiness - is family

Happiness - is health

Happiness - is to love

Happiness - are friends

Happiness - is to eat a simple healthy meal

Happiness - is to give

Happiness - is money ? for some, sad...

Happiness - is a sunny day !

Happiness - are children's joy

Happiness - is to believe in a religion 

Happiness - is a wagging tail ( for me )

Happiness - is to return home

Happiness - is not to take depression medication 

Happiness - is to have a slumber party !

Lucky - is to have a choice

Happiness  is laughing and the best medicine for health. 

Let's release more of HAPPINESS hormones.

G

Smooth skin and a healthy glow...

Smooth skin and a healthy glow does not come in a jar. 

It is served on dishes....

Getting the right nutrients inside can make you look good on the outside. Receiving good vitamins in form of food is the most important daily task.

My favorite way to eat for the last 20 years has been a Macrobiotic diet. Introduced by Michio Kushi and his wife Evelyn in the early 50's in America. And it is still advanced and foreign to many...

Basically a Macrobiotic meal is just a simple meal where the vitamins and the nutrition is Whole, Seasonal and Local produce. 

If you like to learn more about it , go on www.kushiinstitute.org

I will be going to New york next week and I will probably have most of my meals  at my favorite Macrobiotic Restaurant Souen 

Simply amazing ! 

G

Rebalance with Salt

Fight the winter blues with just 1 kilo of Salt.

One of the easiest ways to Relax and Harmonize,  is to soak in salt. Your body will absorb all the needed minerals. it will also increase the quality of sleep and energy. 

 Get un-refind  Sea salt or the Himalayan sea salt. Empty the whole bag of salt into  the bathtub and fill up with a small amount of hot water and let it dissolve for 15 minutes.  Add more water for the bath. My advise is to stay in the tub for no more than 20 minutes, It is perfect just before bedtime or it is important to take the time and relax afterwards.

If you get the habit of doing this once a week you will see the change of energy.

If you can not go to the ocean , bring the ocean to your home....

Gunn

Weekly Peeling !

Put peeling into Your weekly schedule for a constant glow.

 To exfoliate your face is important if You like to have a young looking skin. Just be gentle. The skin on the face is more delicate than skin on other parts of the body and requires a special attention. With natural products or something from your own kitchen cabinet. 

Brown sugar works well. Mix it with a small amount of water and rub it on the face with circular movements. Let it rest for a moment (10 minutes if You have the patience ) and rinse it off carefully with slightly warm water. 

Moisturize well with Your favorite face cream. Mine is Dr Hauska's rose cream.

I found this fabulous photo in the February 2010 issue of French Vouge, taken by Mario Sorrenti.

Time out !

Perhaps we can take a few extra moments for ourselves during the holidays. 

Relax with a warm bath and nara heltnaturligt bathfoam in the Enchantly scent 

( lavender, geranium and a touch of thyme) 

It is just the perfect essential oil synergy, to wind down with.

It should be on the wish list,

G

Not feeling Blue...

But feeling for Blue !

I already spoke about the philosophy of Green in an earlier post and have been continuing thinking of the importance of colour. Not only for me as a Designer but for all of us. There is so many colours to take in each day. We can almost relate to people through colours. How many friends do you have that fit Blue ?

Dark blue is a symbol of dream and expectations, good and creativity. The colour of sky is associated with a spiritual evolution and the symbol of sky and sea. 

It can also be a symbol of crisis. Yes, we are going through a blue period in society. 

If a person loves dark blue, it means he is modest and melancholy. He gets tired very quickly and want to create impression that he can do everything, but actually he is a sample of 

self- distrust and socialite. In many countries the colour blue means mourning. 

In the north it stands for cold and shadow.

BLUE is the colour of wisdom, generosity, faith, glory and truth. Our minds react to colours, our mind can depend on different shades at different times. When I think blue, I relate it to sadness.

And calming, relaxing and healing. 

Spirit of truth ! 

Don't paint your room blue if you want energy.

G

Hooked on Green.

The philosophy of Colour is very fascinating. 

Even the map is divided into colours;

White for the North - Brown for the South 

Yellow for the East - Blue for the West.

I realize that I am crazy about green, this fever has been going on for years. My closet is filled with green scarves, green socks, even a few green shoes and let's not talk  about jackets and pants. Green painted walls , green ceramic, green towels or green in any form. 

Green stand for Inspiration, calmness,

Personal morals and character are also defined by means of colour. For, example, green corresponds to Young. 

Green colour is a symbol of life, nature, revival, creation, spring and the miraculous force of being. It has a salutary effect on mind and soul. A person who prefers green, has a complex about an other's influence and searches for self-affirmation as he fears everyday problems, ups and downs of life and difficulties in general.

Positive aspects of green are;

Generous

Sympathetic

Compassionate

Understanding

Harmonious

Practical

Negative aspects of green are;

Indifferent 

Jealous

Miserly 

Hangs on to possessions

 Lack of consideration

Green is a balancing colour and has a calming effect.

A young designer couple made an amazing Eco village in Sweden built on the colour green. The above photo is from their place, called Urnatur.

Let's use Green for Christmas, it will help us to de-stress and have  harmonious  holidays;

 Gunn

Pampering Your Hands.

Easy does it ! At least for me...

Being always very "hands on", my hand are mostly a mess, dry with cuts and mostly with broken nails. This is the season one need to take some extra care. 

I remember reading about a women in Chile making this ritual every day.  At 80 she has hands as an 20 year old. It might not be all true , but it worth giving it a try. I have been scrubbing my hands every evening for the last 2 weeks and I promise that they have a better look.  Use a fresh lemon and a spoon of sugar , rub the hands together well and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. 

Needless to say that I wish you to use my hand creme form nara heltnaturligt. I make a nice massage with the cream before saying  - Good night ! 

Please let me know if it works for you too,

Gunn

More news and good news...

nara heltnaturligt is part of a Scandinavian Week event at Mitsukoshi Department store at Nihonbashi, Tokyo. We had a fantastic success for 3 days and 3 more to go....

Thank you all for the best energy,

Gunn

nara heltnaturligt

Many of you might think ....
what is happening to nara heltnaturligt as I did not show a post for some time. One reason is that my office is such a mess that I can not find that perfect photo I have in mind for my next post. It will show, sooner or later. 
We are developing some new products for a new launch. It is just that developing skincare is not like designing a sweater. It takes time with many testers and many test people involved. We are close to what we like to have.
And then you get to the sensitive packaging. It just takes time. And when it is a good product it is here to stay. Just look at the Chanel no 5. Don't we still love it. 
No wonder it is still the "ichiban" perfume in the market.


Just wanted to keep you informed,
Gunn