Soaking in the tub encourages your body to perspire, which is one of the ways your body cleanses itself from toxins. The lymph system, which is one of the ways your body transports its garbage, runs just below your skin, and is stimulated by the heat of the bath water.
If you’re feeling stressed, a soak in hot water infused with Epsom salts will help revive you. The magnesium in the Epsom salts can actually boost your blood levels of magnesium, which stimulates creation of the enzymes that help neutralize chemical toxins. Magnesium also plays a key role in regulating nerve and muscle activity, protecting your body from stress.
Just add 1 cup of Epsom salts – available at drug and discount stores – into running water as you fill the tub. Then soak for 20 minutes. Put on your favorite relaxing playlist (keep electronics out of the tub… and safely over on the counter!) and just let yourself do nothing for 20 minutes. If you soak before bed, you’ll get the added benefit an easy transition to a good night’s sleep.
Here’s a simple yet effective way to raise your spirits and brighten your environment.
Select an assortment of flowers, or purchase a couple of the inexpensive bouquets at your local florist or supermarket.
Take your time arranging the flowers just the way you like in a vase. Mix and match them, put them in several vases of different sizes. Then choose a special location where you’ll see the flowers – the kitchen windowsill, perhaps? – or spread them throughout your home.
We’ve read that PURPLE is the new signature color for fall. We’re pretty excited about that here at Marilu.com because purple is one of Marilu’s Rainbow Theory colors – you can read about it here.
Purple has the enthusiasm and passion of a fresh start.
Purple is for eating clean, whole, simple foods – so we naturally detox and cleanse our bodies just by the way we eat.
Purple makes us feel committed and dedicated to our goals.
Purple is for royalty, those in charge of their destiny.
Purple makes us strong.
When you’re shopping for something new for fall, look for something purple. You can add bold accents at any price – try costume jewelry, a scarf, a blouse, a wallet, nail polish, even lingerie (sometimes you’re the only one who needs to know). Remember that trendy pieces can be lower quality (and therefore cheaper, hopefully) because you won’t be wearing them long.
Go for a shade of purple that flatters you – some people look better in blue-purple and others look better in red-purple. Some people look better in lavender (light), some look better in amethyst (jewel tone), and some look better in eggplant (dark).
Videotape yourself today doing all the activities you want evaluated – like walking, talking, dancing, singing, and taking out the garbage. Or sitting at the computer, cooking, brushing your teeth, wearing your favorite outfits.
This is a wonderful tool for spotting bad posture, speech ticks, voice pauses, and fashion faux pas.
It might seem a little egotistical or persnickety, but get over it – because it works! You’ll be able to improve because you know what to fix.
Your posture is an indication of your personality, and like your diet, it correlates with what’s going on with your body. If your posture is centered and balanced, you are more likely to be a centered and balanced person. On the other hand, if your posture is slouchy and distorted, something is out of balance.
This month Marilu.com Members are enjoying a program called Summer Fit and Style ~ A THM® Wardrobe Class. It’s all about revamping your wardrobe and redefining or defining for the first time, your own personal style. And it’s a lot of fun!
Marilu’s on the set right now and she’s defining her new character’s personal style with her wardrobe. Check out this all new video shot in her trailer!
Get ready to revamp your wardrobe, redefine or define for the first time, your own personal style and have fun in the process.
The next class is a wardrobe clothing class and it’s tailored (pun intended) just for you. Whether you are a fashionista or could care less about what you cover your body in there is sure to be something for you.
This class will not tell you to go out a buy lots of new trendy clothing, it won’t tell you to go out and buy anything (though there will be a topic all about shopping); but it will help you refine, tweak and adjust how you wear the clothes that you already own or help you figure out what you want to be wearing.
Come join us as you define your own style to fit the many facets of your life.
~ Coach Beth Miriam
Class starts today! Sign up now and you won’t miss a thing.
Dry skin brushing is an excellent detoxifier and exfoliator. When you’re doing a program like Booty Camp that increases your detox process, skin brushing will boost your results – it stimulates your lymph system (great for detox), and it makes your skin soft (great for summer). Skin brushing’s “partner” in both of these effects is drinking plenty of water. Drink half your weight in ounces each day, up to 100 ounces, throughout the day.
Brush your dry skin in an elongated motion toward your heart for 1-2 minutes every morning – before you shower or exercise. Use a natural bristle brush designed for dry skin brushing – Marilu’s favorite is the Yerba Prima Tampico Skin Brush (it has a removable handle and perfect bristles).
Start with your feet and ankles, and work your way up the body to your calves and thighs. Really concentrate on brushing the lymphatic areas of your body (the backs of your knees, your inner thighs, under your arms, and inside your elbows) to stimulate those glands and get them started on flushing toxins.
Gently brush up your stomach and tush, shoulders and back. Last, do your hands and move up your arms. Make sure you cover the entire surface of your body, excluding your breasts and face.
The brushing should not irritate you, but it will feel rough (so be gentle to start!). It may take a couple of days to get used to it, but if you hang in there, you will feel the difference in your skin in less than a week.
In our fast-paced world, we don’t always take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Find ways to bring beauty into your daily life. Put a vase of flowers by your kitchen sink or in the bathroom (you know, where you’ll spend time… what good do they do in the formal dining room?). Frame and hang a photo or print you love. Use your favorite fragrance; don’t save it for “good.” Garnish your plates at mealtime – a slice of citrus fruit, a sprig of herb, a sprinkle of sliced almonds or sunflower seeds. Light candles for dinner (even pizza). Smile.
*pssst – Share the song with your mom and other special women in your life. They bring beauty to the world, too!
Warm weather brings stronger nails (for some reason) and bare feet. Give yourself a manicure-pedicure at home. It’s easy; it’s budget-friendly; and if you invite some friends, it’s a party!
Remove any old polish. For natural nails, use a non-acetone remover. Cotton balls work better than tissues.
File your nails to desired shape. Try a shortish nail, straight across the top with rounded edges. File your nails in one direction starting at the edges and moving toward the top.
Soak your hands and feet in warm (not hot) soapy water for 4-5 minutes to soften cuticles. Use a pumice stone on your feet after they’ve soaked – get rid of the thicker skin and callouses.
Dot some olive oil (or almond oil or jojoba oil) on the cuticles and rub in.
Use an orange wood stick or popsicle stick to push back cuticles. Don’t cut your cuticles, which can cause infection and damage the nail.
Exfoliate your hands and feet with a body scrub or mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, then wash thoroughly. Don’t exfoliate newly shaved legs – yikes! Plan to shave later.
Massage your hands and feet with shea butter cream, or another favorite hand cream or lotion. Use the thumb and first finger of one hand to massage each finger of the other hand, starting at the base of the finger and massaging out toward the tip. Do the same with your toes.
Wipe your nails with a damp cloth to remove excess oils.
Apply a base coat and allow it to dry for 1-2 minutes.
Apply two thin coats of your favorite color, allowing them to dry between coats. Always apply polish by starting on the side of the nail. You should be able to cover the nail in three stokes, one on each side and one in the middle.
Apply a top coat and allow it to dry. Quick-dry top coats usually chip faster, so if you want your manicure to last longer, use a regular top coat.
Need a shorter routine?
Remove old polish, use olive oil on your cuticles, and massage lotion into your hands.
Need easy maintenance?
Choose a light color for the polish.
Soaking in the tub encourages your body to perspire, which is one of the ways your body cleanses itself from toxins. The lymph system, which is one of the ways your body transports its garbage, runs just below your skin, and is stimulated by the heat of the bath water. 
Here’s a simple yet effective way to raise your spirits and brighten your environment.
