Good News: Tzatziki

At receptions I love to stand near the appetizer table and munch, nibble and test everything offered. I am a dipper for sure. Eating all those little snacks quickly racks up the calories so I am always seeking healthy alternatives. Last week I discovered Tzatziki! Have you tried this? Tzatziki is a Greek dip made from low fat yogurt. Hold up now......yogurt is a far better base than mayo or sour cream. Tzatziki is a condiment usually on pitas and gyros but try it as a dip on pretzels, crackers or veggies. Tzatziki comes in a variety of flavors; I like roasted red pepper best. Look for Tzatziki in the dairy aisle of the supermarket - near the dips and cream cheese. Anyway to save a few calories and eat healthier is always good news!

Interval Training: What's the Deal?

My sister proudly exclaimed: "I can burn up to 50 extra calories interval training on the treadmill!" Hmmmmm..........not sure what that's all about but count me in for extra calorie burn! Aerobic interval training is simply alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity. Example: During a walk, speed up the pace for a block or two and then drop back down to your normal pace. This shakes up your routine without adding any more time. Bottom line - you make the most out of your workout! Interval training does three important things: 1. You burn more calories. 2. You increase your aerobic capacity. 3. You keep boredom at bay.

Natural Immune Boosters

Cold and flu season is brutal this time of year. Business travel frequently has us on airplanes and in congested lines at airports.........eeeeks!

Give your immune system a bit of extra strength with 5 Natural Immune Boosters found in healthy food and drinks:

Vitamin C; Echinacea; Garlic; Parsley & Amino Acids

Good rule to follow: Don't wait until you feel slightly under the weather, make it a habit to boost your natural defenses on a daily basis. Try brewing herbal teas that contain these ingredients. Hydrate and fortify - that's multitasking at its best!

Moisturizing Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond 0il is a mild, lightweight oil, rich in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids making it an excellent skin-softening oil. Sweet almond oil helps balance the moisture in the skin or replenish moisture that has been lost. This natural oil helps relieve the effects of itching and inflammation. Sweet almond oil can be used on sensitive or irritated skin so it's a good choice for eczema. Due to the many health benefits of sweet almond oil cosmetic manufacturers are adding it to soaps, creams and moisturizers. We like to use sweet almond oil in our body lotion because it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin soft and nourished. www.sistersky.com

Sister Sky Products are Mineral Oil Free

Mineral oil is a clear liquid derived from below the surface of the earth. This liquid is the by product of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Since this refined substance is produced so abundantly, it's one of the most inexpensive ingredients available. It also has no odor and doesn't spoil. It's used in everything from cosmetics to baby products. The potential side effects from the use of mineral oil in body care products:

*Mineral oil coats the skin with a thin film that can't be penetrated, essentially causing the skin to "suffocate" by not allowing it to breathe.
*Since the skin does not absorb mineral oil, its presence on the surface of the skin may cause clogged pores and prevent it from absorbing moisture.
*It's suggested that since the skin's natural processes (such as cell renewal) are blocked by the oil, it also speeds up the aging process.

Sister Sky uses natural oils like sweet almond, coconut and sunflower oils which are safe, nourishing and easily absorbed by the skin. www.sistersky.com

Sister Sky Ready for 2009!

2009 promises to be our big breakout year. We have our sights set on positioning Sister Sky as a leading natural person care brand in mainstream channels. Retail giants like Target, WalMart and Walgreens are stocking shelves with natural body care products. Consumers want natural products at affordable prices. The natural personal care market is growing five times faster than the conventional market because people are concerned about health and wellness. Sister Sky is the next Burt's Bees.........stay tuned as we are coming to a store shelf near you soon!

Sister Stories Blog is About..........

Personal Growth - As fortysomething women who wear many hats (mom, wife, sister, aunt, friend) we are interested in learning more about improving the quality of our lives, reducing stress and aging gracefully! Our goal for this blog is to provide information on products or lifestyle habits that really do help us feel better, look great and age gracefully - and who doesn't want all those things?