Health Beauty Fashion - February 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

health : beauty : fashion

The organic way to nourish your skin

Find your fragrance

World of

A new year, a new you Start a fitness transformation

For the Love of Your Liver BY: Dr Libby

Optimising your liver health is something that isn’t commonly considered, but can make such a vast improvement to your overall health.The liver is the body’s second largest organ after our skin. It is a vital component of many bodily functions including efficient circulation, metabolism, and fat breakdown. There is no other organ like it. Let’s explore some factors involved in improving and maintaining liver health.

Go green

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are very powerful enhancers of liver detoxification. They contain glucosinolates that help the liver to produce enzymes it needs for its detoxification processes. Increase your consumption of greens through green smoothies, salads, soups and stirfries. As well as increasing your consumption of greens start every morning with freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water. This will kick start your digestion but it also stimulates bile production, which helps the liver digest fats.

Consider your alcohol consumption Sadly, so many women and men in this country regularly over-consume alcohol and it is this regular, over-consumption that is undeniably linked to the destruction of liver cells. If alcohol is something you enjoy, don’t drink it daily. Save it for special occasions. Sparkling water freshened up with squeezes of lemon or lime is a great alternative sometimes.

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Detoxification

The liver’s primary role is detoxification. Detoxification is a process that goes on inside us, all day every day.

It is the lifestyle choices we make that influence how efficiently the liver is able to do its job. Detoxification is essentially a transformation process. Any substance that would be harmful to you if it accumulated in your body must be changed into a less harmful form so it can then be excreted safely from your body and gone forever. To enhance detoxification processes it is best to reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption, limit refined sugars and concentrate on increasing your consumption of greens

Cholesterol Metabolism

The liver has to detoxify not only the “liver loaders” that you may choose to consume such as alcohol, caffeine, refined sugars, trans fats (found in bought cakes, biscuits and muesli bars) and synthetic substances, but also substances your body makes itself such as cholesterol and estrogen. Once cholesterol has done its job in your body, it arrives at the front door of the liver where it has to be changed before it can be excreted.

Essential fatty acids & herbs

Your body is not able to produce a range of fats known as “essential fatty acids” on its own, so it is necessary for you to eat a diet that contains these crucial building blocks to maintain a healthy body. The two main essential fatty acids that need to be included in your diet fit into the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid groups. These are predominantly found in oily fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and pecans, evening primrose oil and borage oil so include these in your diet as often as you can.

Dr Libby Weaver (BHSc (N&D) (Hons) PhD) is an internationally acclaimed nutritional biochemist, author & speaker who combines years of experience, learning and clinical practice to her holistic approach to health.

For more information visit www.drlibby.com

Real food

Nature gets it right when it comes to nutrition.

When it comes to supporting your body and organs nutritionally, whole foods are vital. Whole foods are nutrient-dense and remember it is nutrients that keep us alive. By eating foods in their natural state, your body gets a break from dealing with preservatives, additives and chemicals that are included in so many of the packaged foods consumed today. Limit foods and drinks containing refined sugar and caffeine due to their stimulatory effects, if you want to make the liver’s job as easy as possible, and supply it with nutrient dense foods to support the detoxification processes. Your liver will love you for it!

ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

Start a fitness transformation BY: Rachael Rickard, Studio Fit Ashburton

In Mid-Canterbury we are lucky to have a range of HIIT programmes that are currently operating, one of these is Studio FITs LES MILLS GRIT series, a 30 minute, total body work out that will challenge and change you.

What you do in the next 24 hours could change you.

But if you change nothing, you will get exactly what you have right now.

I am setting a challenge to the inactive and sedentary, to those struggling to get back into exercise, to those who are full of excuses for why they can’t or won’t exercise, to those who are too busy, to those who lack motivation or focus. You know who you are. You have a choice right now. Here’s your first option… do this right now: • 5 x push ups (on toes or knees) • 30 second plank hold (on knees or toes) • 15 sit ups • 5 burpees Done it? Feel good? I bet you do and this will have taken you less than five minutes. This is the start of your fitness transformation and the key is that it starts with talking yourself into it!

Now you have made a start on your 2014 fitness it’s time to quit the excuses and front up. Getting fitter and healthier takes time, but not a lot, discipline—front up and do what is suggested by a trainer, gym instructor, the app you downloaded, and consistency, do it regularly over a long period, one day, one workout at a time.

The real secret to long term health and fitness is to find a fitness regime that you like, think of it as your new hobby, and do this on a regular basis (3–4 times per week). Then trust the process, you will get fitter, stronger, and healthier, you will have more mental focus and clarity, you will have an improved quality of life. You will transform yourself.

Now we are done with the ‘pep’ talk, let’s take a look at a popular, time-efficient training method, called HIIT (high-intensity interval training). HIIT is an exercise strategy that alternates periods of short intense anaerobic (without oxygen) exercise with less intense, active, recovery periods. HIIT is a form of cardiovascular exercise, which varies from 4–30 minutes in duration.

Recent research has shown that these short, intense workouts, provide improved athletic capacity, improved cardiovascular fitness, improved glucose metabolism (turning simple carbohydrates into energy), and improved fat burning.

A HIIT training session often consists of a warm up period of exercise, followed by three to ten repetitions of high intensity exercise, separated by medium intensity exercise for recovery, and ending with a period of cool down exercise. The high intensity exercise should be done at near maximum intensity. The medium exercise should be about 50% intensity. The number of repetitions and length of each depends on the exercise, but this may be as little as three repetitions with just 20 seconds of intense exercise. There is no specific formula to HIIT.

Try this HIIT workout: Light jog for 1–2km followed by x 10 squats, 100m sprint, x 10 push ups, 100m sprint, x 10 burpees, 100m sprint, x 10 sit ups/crunches, 100m sprint Repeat this three times, use the light jog as your medium intensity.

Good luck with your transformation, I hope 2014 is a fantastic year for you.

Disclaimer: If you are unsure about your ability to exercise then please discuss this with your medical professional prior to beginning.

ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

New Year’s Resolutions…

A New Year has always been a time for looking back at the past, but more importantly, looking forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want or need to make in the year coming and ensure we are motivated to follow through on those changes.

What resolutions are you wanting to make for 2014?

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Cut this out and place this on your mirror, the fridge, the front door and make 2014 the year you fulfill your resolutions.

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Golden rules for the perfect self tan P rovi ded by: Body Treats 4 U

“Sun kissed skin without the risk, streak free and a beautiful glow!�

regularly to avoid build up as a build up of tan can 1 Exfoliate result in an uneven finish.

2 Ensure you wax or shave more than 24 hours before tanning. moisturiser the night before to get your skin as silky as 3 Apply possible, most common cause of a patchy tan is dry skin. Remember 4 The to moisturise wrists, hands, elbows, knees, ankles and feet immediately prior to tanning.

5 Use an applicator mitt for an even tan. accurate application to the face, use a 6 For cosmetic sponge. not to rub in your self tan, 7 Remember gentle smoothing is all you need, rubbing will make the tan uneven.

to avoid showering after tanning 8 Try for a minimum of two hours.

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ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

Find your fragrance provided by: Pharmacy Brands

There’s nothing nicer than choosing a new fragrance to wear when a new season hits, so we’d love to help you choose which one would work best for you.

Shopping for a new fragrance can be as confusing as it is rewarding, but once you find a ‘wardrobe’ of your own—an array of scents, that is, to reflect your mood—you’ll have great fun wearing a different one every day.

Want to change your fragrance but don’t know where to start?

The Michael Edwards Fragrance Wheel pictured here is a great way to identify the fragrance notes you find the most appealing, and build on that accordingly. You’ll find some of the most popular fragrances in the world cleverly divided into one of four fragrance families.

Once you know where your favourite fragrance sits on this wheel, you are likely to find other fragrances that sit within the same family appealing too.

This should be an easy way to increase your wardrobe of fragrances so that you have the perfect scent for every occasion, every time.

Our trained fragrance experts at your local pharmacy will help you identify where your favourite fragrances sit on this wheel, and then what sort of new scents could work for you in the new season.

To help your fragrance last longer, layer it. Invest in bath products and lotions that belong to the same fragrance line and use them as scent boosters. Nothing is better than a warm towel right out of the dryer—except a warm towel that smells divine and echoes your very own signature scent. Lightly spray a facecloth with your favourite perfume and throw it in with sheets and towels.

Applying fragrance to pulse points helps to trigger oil secretion, which will carry your scent longer.

Make it a habit to spritz behind knees, the bend in your elbow and behind the ears before leaving the house.

And beware: oil or alcohol in some perfumes can stain your clothing, so it’s never a good idea to apply it directly to your clothes.

Try wafting some fragrance into the air and walking through it—it’ll waft carefully onto your hair and clothing, scenting them in the most subtle way possible.

ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

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ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

The organic way to nourish your skin P rov i ded by: Linden Leaves

Linden Leaves needs no introduction to most. It has become an iconic New Zealand brand of exceptionally high quality skin care formulations and home fragrance lines.

Its reputation for pure botanical ingredients is well earned with the founder and Executive Chairman, Brigit Blair, still being known to pick organic wild apples herself, from local trees which are used in a selection of their body oils.

What is the ethos or essence of the Linden Leaves brand?

Brigit Blair

To provide approachable luxury through a comprehensive range of beautiful botanical products that delight, are crafted by hand and made with love in New Zealand.

What inspired you to begin the complicated task of developing a natural, botanical skincare range?

The lack of options for two of my children who had severe eczema and allergies and had to deal with troubled skin on a daily basis. Through 18 years of research and learning, and with the knowledge and experience of cosmetic chemists we are proud to provide skincare that has integrity and honesty of ingredients.

We understand the importance of both for sensitive skin and those looking for effective natural ways to combat the signs of ageing.

Our skincare range is 100% natural, with potent organic ingredients, providing a tailored solution for healthy, nourished skin.

Go into the draw to win one of five Linden Leaves gift packs Like our Ruralco Facebook page and our Facebook post on the Health Beauty and Fashion publication and you are in the draw www.facebook.co.nz/ruralco.

I note that you do not put SPFs in your skincare ranges, why is that?

It is an interesting question, especially for the rural community who spend much of their time outside in all kinds of weather, and one which we gave a lot of thought to before making the decision. Our skin care range has moisturisers and serums that focus on reducing the visible signs of ageing and keeping the skin well nourished and supported by being absorbed into the skin. The products are designed to be used morning and evening. An SPF works by blocking absorption which can cause blocked pores and blemishes. Efficient sun blocks are usually chemical based and often have an unpleasant feel on the skin. I prefer to nourish my skin deeply morning and evening with a non SPF moisturiser and then add an effective sun block to help protect from UV damage on the days I will be exposed.

With time spent outdoors—does Linden Leaves offer a lip balm?

Yes. Lip Balm is the most recent addition to our skincare range. It contains organic white tea, as do many of our skincare products (extremely high levels of antioxidant and a powerful inhibitor of collagen and elastin degradation) and manuka honey for its nourishing and healing properties.

What is your favourite product in the skincare range?

Our Miraculous Facial Oil. It is an elegant blend of the highest grade organic rosehip and evening primrose oils with the added benefit of being infused with organic white tea. We have the expertise to create unique combinations that provide our customers with excellent, fast results. The Miraculous Facial Oil can be used as a rejuvenation treatment to plump away fine lines and wrinkles by gently massaging into your skin or as a daily boost of nourishment and hydration by blending a drop into our Essential Facial Moisturiser.

Linden Leaves is also well known for your unique body oils with preserved rose buds, tamarillos, lemons and strawberries. They are a little work of art in a bottle—how do you preserve them so beautifully with longevity?

We carefully hand prepare and individually freeze dry real flowers and fruits which are used in our hand crafted signature Body Oil. After preparation the botanicals are frozen to -25 degrees on trays in a large machine and over 14 days are gradually heated to +35 degrees, leaving the finished product completely dehydrated, sterile and very brittle. Once immersed in the oil, the fruit and flowers are nourished and plumped by absorbing the oil, until they look fresh and vibrant. It is a fitting analogy to the results of nourishing dry and dehydrated skin.

I know all your beautiful range is proudly made in New Zealand but you have a growing presence in the world. Where do you export your products to?

Linden Leaves is available in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Korea, China, Taiwan and Australia. We have several new markets under process for next year. ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

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ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

World of provided by: Greymouth Showcase Jewellers

Diamonds are one of Nature’s Miracles. To understand something of their uniqueness and rarity it is best to start right at the beginning and ask, what are diamonds? Ancient legend would have you believe that diamonds were splinters from stars, or the tears of Gods. But in reality, the origin of diamonds is something of a mystery even to scientists and geologists.

Diamonds are made from a very common material, carbon, just like the graphite you find in a lead pencil. However the transformation of carbon into the hardest of all gemstones known to man began millions of years ago in the depths of the earth. Carbon was crystallised by tremendous heat and the pressure of movement within the earth. Over time the diamonds were then brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions and when the volcanic activity subsided and cooled, the diamonds remained trapped in the solidified magma from where they are mined today.

The word ‘diamond’ comes from the Greek ‘adamas’ meaning unconquerable and since the very beginning diamonds have always been associated with romance and legend. Even the reason a woman wears a diamond ring on the third finger of her left hand can be traced back to an early Egyptian belief that the vena amoris (vein of love) ran directly from the heart to the top of third finger, left hand.

However it wasn’t until 1477 that the practice of giving a loved one a diamond ring as a sign of love and commitment began when Archduke Maximilian of Austria

gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. Before that diamonds were only ever worn by kings as a symbol of strength, courage and invincibility.

The rarity of diamonds is one major reason why they are considered precious.

To give you some idea how rare they are, consider this: Even though diamond mining has been around for thousands of years, and production has increased with modern mining methods, it is estimated that only about 350 tonnes of diamonds have ever been extracted from the ground.

Of the diamonds mined today only about 50% are judged to be of gem quality.

And even fewer are large enough to be cut into diamonds bigger than the head of a match. Then there is the expense of extraction. To produce a one carat polished diamond of gem quality, about 250 tonnes of ore must be mined and processed.

To the untrained eye there is very little that distinguishes a rough diamond from a pebble you would find on a beach. To unlock the beauty that lies within that pebble is a real art. And only a skilled diamond cutter has the eye and skill to perform such a risky task. For one mistake could destroy the value of the diamond and anywhere from several hours to several months of work. Cutting and polishing a diamond is labour intensive and highly skilled work.

During the process each stone will lose on average 50% of its original weight.

The beauty of a diamond depends very much on the way it reflects light and the cutter must shape the stone so that the light comes in through the top of the stone, bounces around inside it and then comes back out of the top again. This way the maximum amount of light is reflected giving the diamond its unique brilliance and sparkle.

The 4 C’s are a combination of factors that determine the value of your diamond.

Carat Diamonds are measured by weight not size. Traditionally diamonds were weighed against the seeds of a carob tree, which is where the word ‘carat’ originated.

Nowadays the system for weighing diamonds is based on one carat equalling 0.2 grams. And one carat can be further divided into 100 ‘points’ so that a diamond of 25 points is described as quarter of a carat or 0.25 carats. The higher the carat weight, the more valuable the diamond is.

Clarity It is very rare for a diamond to be flawless. Almost all of them contain tiny marks, called ‘inclusions’ which are minute traces of non-crystallised carbon. Most can’t be seen by the naked eye but do show up under magnification. However the fewer ‘inclusions’ found within a diamond the higher it will be rated in terms of ‘clarity’, and the more valuable it will be.

Colour Diamonds come in all the colours of the rainbow. But the majority of them have a barely perceptible yellow or brownish tint. The whiter they are the more valuable they are unless they are ‘Fancies’. Fancies are very rare diamonds that have quite strong colours and can come in green, red, blue and amber.

Cut Unlike the other 3C’s, which are the work of nature, cut is directly influenced by man. The cut of a diamond will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle, as it is the cutter’s skill that releases its beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another (usually 58 in all) and then dispersed through the top of the stone. The better the cut the more sparkle a diamond will display, and again the more valuable it will be.

Diamonds come in many different shapes and the shape you choose is purely a matter of personal taste. However it is the precision and delicacy of the cut that will determine how a diamond catches and reflects the light to create its unique fire and beauty.

Get your diamonds at Showcase Jewellers ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

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A new year, a new you by: Angela Stone

The first day of the New Year often brings a few challenges. Some people make resolutions, some people take the time to reflect but for most of us, the New Year means the promise of change. January 1st symbolises a fresh start, it’s time to rock that new hair do, get rid of the heels you can’t walk in and say goodbye to that shirt you’ve never worn.

New Wardrobe

This would have to be one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, and is often quite necessary. It’s always hard to let go of things that once meant a lot to us but a wardrobe renewal is vital to creating a fresh start.

Quick Tip: When organising garments put the hangers in backwards on the rack, then when you wear a piece of clothing, hang it up facing the front. At the end of each season you’ll know what you’ve never worn. You can try this trick with post it notes too, once you have worn the item remove the post it note, any garment that still has a note has to go.

Quick Tip: Host a Clothing Swap! Get together with a group of friends, grab some nibbles, a bottle of wine and ask them to bring around any clothes they no longer want.

Everyone gets new stylish pieces without having to spend any money. Win/Win.

New Look What a better way to start the New Year than with a brand new look. Re-charge your spirit and your confidence by discovering a new image.

Hair

If you have been getting the same cut for years it’s time to try something different. The start of a New Year is the perfect time to switch up your look. Instead of highlights opt for foils—they are lower maintenance, quite subtle and make re-growth less visible.

Try a new part, even a fringe and search the internet/magazines for fresh flattering styles or colours.

Angela Stone, Fashion Stylist

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Makeup

Who said makeover? The key to a new look this season is a make ‘under’, a natural makeup look can sometimes be a lot more effective than a dramatic smokey eye. Blend your foundation well, say no to clumped lashes and finish with a light layer of powder.

Clothes

Once you’ve cleaned out your wardrobe you will want to invest in some staple pieces. Classic garments are great; they can save you a lot of money and are extremely versatile. A new pair of heels, dress and a chic blazer can do wonders.

Get a little adventurous; be fearless when it comes to choosing patterns and colours.

Invest in some glamorous jewellery, you will feel like a new and revitalised person.

info@angelastone.co.nz / www.angelastone.co.nz

ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

Health Beauty Fashion‌ Treat yourself Ashburton Eyecare

Kate Sylvester Eyewear Collection $345.00 or $545.00 with prescription lenses.

Into Jeans LTB Jeans $195.30

Madison Hair Studio

GHD Eclipse Styler $314.10

Robilliards Showcase Jewellers

Todds

Triaction Competitive Crossover WP Bra Colour Royal Lilac $54.95 Triaction Seamfree Midi Sports Brief Colour Royal Lilac $16.95

Karen Walker Flower Cluster Ring $130.38

Unichem Ashburton

Chloe Roses EDT $89.10 Marc Jacobs Dot Fragrance Set $134.99

ATS The Aromatherapy Co. Therapy Range Gardener Set, Wild Lime and Mint $23.55

Fitbiz Ashburton & Timaru

The China Shop

Linden Leaves Body Oil $22.50

Swissball $39.95

Stirling Sports Ashburton Nike Yoga Mat $54.54

Body Treats 4 U

Head over Heels

Kouldja Clothing

ST Tropez Tan Spray items ranging from $23.65

Beau 5 Leather ankle boots $386.10

Scarf $20.65 Lace Overlay $89.95 Underlay $71.95

Denim Den

Lee Jeans $107.99 Orange Jacket $188.99

Products available through Ruralco Suppliers stores, Ruralco Cardholders prices as pictured.

We cannot guarantee price advertised or availability of stock pictured.

ruralco Health : Beauty : fashion Supplement : February 2014

The Bag Shop

Pierre Cardin Bag Orange $316.71 Kelly Brown Bag in Brooklyn Beige $296.01

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