The Amazing Cucumber

Lets start with a commonly asked question: is a cucumber a fruit or a vegetable?

Technically it is a fruit because it contains the seeds to reproduce, but typically cucumbers are grouped with veggies due to their use. The fruit is commonly harvested while still green, and eaten as a vegetable, whether raw, cooked, or made into pickled cucumbers.

Cucumbers are a great digestive aid and have a cleansing effect on the bowel. With just a handful of calories per cup, cucumbers have always been the dieter's dream.

I received this email today. Although I don't normally participate in email forwards, I really like this information!

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems:

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day.
Just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon?
Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?
Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?
Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area. (WOW)

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool?
Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!! (DOUBLE
WOW)

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache?
Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?
Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes?
Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge?
Take a cucumber sliced rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa?
Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students
during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints?
Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel?
Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake?
Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life's everyday problems.


Now I want to stock up on cucumbers!

Check out these adorable Heart Shaped Cucumbers I discovered today. Stars too!

How perfect for the month of love and Valentine's Day! Just think of how beautifully decorated your salad would be with these tasty babies.

Anyone know where to purchase them?

Au revoir!

Benefits of Body Brushing

Body brushing is not a new concept. In fact, Europeans have been doing it for centuries. Another reason why Europeans look fantastic!

What is Body Brushing?
Body Brushing is also known as skin brushing and dry brushing. It's done using a natural bristle brush, like this one that T-Tapp sells for $10.00.

Teresa Tapp, creator of the T-Tapp Workout and author of Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes, has developed a specific body brushing pattern that has proven to be effective for all ages and a variety of health and beauty concerns. Teresa's pattern involves brushing the entire body from the feet all the way up to the neckline. Once finished you can go back to areas that need a little extra attention, such as the butt, thighs and abdomen.

It's best to body brush first thing in the morning, when the increased blood flow will help wake you up and the body is in a natural detox stage, or before you take a bath or shower.

Don’t brush rough; use light butterfly strokes. Over-brushing causes the skin to turn red and become irritated.

The whole T-Tapp brushing sequence takes less than 5 minutes to complete and it feels fabulous!


Some of the many benefits of body brushing include:

• Strengthens the Immune System/Eliminates Toxins
• Stimulates Blood Flow/Improves Circulation
• Stimulates Lymphatic Flow
• Stimulates the Hormone and Oil Glands
• Exercises the Skin
• Exfoliates the Skin and Encourages New Cell Growth
• Helps to Smooth the Skin and Eliminate Cellulite
• Helps to Tighten the Skin (even loose skin after losing weight or having a child)
• Helps Digestion
• Tones the Muscles

Check out some of these reference articles for detailed information:

• Benefits of Dry Brushing
• Natural Beauty Tips
• Tips for Skin Brushing
  

Want to get brushing?
Check out T-Tapp's CRT Brushing Sequence DVD and Body Brush Combo!

The CRT Brushing Sequence and Body Brush Combo includes:

• CRT Brushing Sequence DVD: Teaches Teresa Tapp's special brushing sequence step by step with detailed instruction.
• CRT Body Brush: All natural plant fiber bristle brush.
• CRT Brushing Sequence Brochure: Outlines the special brushing sequence step by step. Great for travel!

CRT Brushing Sequence DVD now includes the following exercises to pump the lymphatic system, eliminate toxins and target cellulite areas:

• Awesome Legs
• Jog Rocks
• Hoe Downs
• Diva Derriere

Price: $30.00

Product Reviews

1. AMAZING RESULTS

   Posted by Sherrill/Indiana on 4th Aug 2009
   I had been an on again off again T-TAPPER but not anymore. There really is no other workout to try. Then I remembered the BRUSH. I started doing this again and the results...well, amazing. It's made people ask me "why do you look so fit and toned" I NEVER thought I'd hear those words again at 41. I'm a tapper and brusher for life. It wakes one up and just makes you feel ALIVE and ENERGIZED. Read Teresa and then Live the results YOU WON"T BE SORRY!
   

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2. Why don't more people know about this?

   Posted by Jaye - NJ on 31st Jul 2009
   Having a great deal of weight to lose, I had pretty much resigned myself to requiring surgery to remove massive amounts of skin once I reach my goal. I firmly believe this is no longer the case.
   
   I have been using the dry brush for only 3 weeks now following Teresa's clear instructions and including the alfalfa and Fibertox in my diet. All I can say is I have actually allowed myself to go out on business appointments sleeveless for the first time in years this week because my arms look so much better! I am also seriously considering wearing a bathing suit before this Summer is over because the skin on my legs has tightened up considerably.
   
   Please understand this is no panacea, I won't be posing for any swimsuit pictures any time soon ... but if this progress continues over the next year I believe I will honestly be able to encourage my skin to remain elastic and keep shrinking along with my weight loss which is what I am after.
   
   I should also add that my skin has never been softer since adding this program to my morning regimen.
   

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3. Great Product at a Great Value!

   Posted by Vicki McSwain on 24th Apr 2009
   I admit I was somewhat skeptical about the theory of body brushing and the ability to affect cellulite at all. I purchased this product a month ago and was a little dismayed at how stiff the brush felt at first. Teresa recommends working up to dry-brushing by using it in the shower or bath and voila! In about two weeks I was able to dry-brush (a little more convenient). My skin is absolutely glowing and I've already noticed the backs of my arms and my armpit area have shown improved tightness. I'll have to take another measurement on the legs but I know they definitely FEEL better! The target-pop exercises included on the DVD are awesome, especially Awesome Legs and Diva Derriere. I was able to perform the moves on this DVD in a hotel room very easily while I was recently on a trip. No jumping around, no noise! You definitely need to get this product.

More Reviews from the CRT Skin Tightening Body Brush...

1. I never thought my skin could look and feel like this again!!

   Posted by Barbara on 23rd Jul 2009
   I am a total convert and addict to my brush. I got the brush and supplements a few months ago and I was religious about brushing and taking the Alfalfa and Fibertox. I was amazed after a week at how my skin was changing...now, I don't ever miss a day of brushing even though I am no longer taking the supplements my skin continues to look like it did 10 or maybe even 20 years ago.
   

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2. Wake Up Your Skin!

   Posted by Vicki McSwain on 26th Apr 2009
   I started brushing about a month ago and had to work up to dry brushing by using it in the shower a few times. It gets my heart rate up somewhat following the brisk brushing pattern, so that's a little bonus. The bristles are all-natural vegetable fiber and my cats absolutely love to try to gnaw on it, so I keep it put away when not in use! I can definitely tell a difference on my arms. I have a longer way to go on my thighs, but I think they are showing improvement also.
   
   My husband thinks it looks like I'm currying a horse and winces when he sees me dry-brushing, but he does like my smooth, glowing skin!
   

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3. Using it for years!

   Posted by Debi on 3rd Apr 2009
   I use this brush every day in the shower. It does make a difference in the tightness of your skin. A new brush is VERY invigorating (you may want to go a bit light handed). I use this in place of a wash cloth and I follow the brushing techniques that Theresa teaches.
   

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4. A brisk brush

   Posted by April on 7th Dec 2008
   I recently ordered 3 new brushes. It is to be used following the skin tightening dry brush technique by Teresa Tapp.
   I use it one a day before I shower and it helps circulation and while it is very stiff the natural bristles do soften a bit over time. It can be washed.
   It is a reasonable price and good quality. Happy brushing.

Body Brushing is Not Just for Beauty!
During my research I discovered the body brushing is a non-invasive way to help those with ADD/ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, SID and Autism! Body brushing seems to help improve any neurological conditions and stimulates the immature primitive reflexes while it calms and soothes the nervous system. Amazing!

Here are the articles for reference:

• Body Brushing: Non-Invasive Help for ADD/ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and SID
• Body Brushing: Autistic Children
  

Happy Brushing!

December Deep Discount Tuesday Sale!

December Deep Discount Tuesday* Super Set for Super Skin,
Cellulite Control and a Diva Derriere!

Get all the basics to help your body help itself with the following super set:

• Premium Blended Alfalfa (one month supply)
  
• Pyruvyl Glycine Sublingual (one month supply)
• Immune Boost Sublingual with Vitamin C + Zinc (one month supply)
• NEW CRT Body Brushing DVD that features 4 exercises (Jog Rocks, Awesome Legs, Hoe Downs and Diva Derriere!)

Special price for Tuesday, December 16th is only $45.50 with FREE shipping (regular retail over $110.00)!


*Deep Discount Tuesday happens every THIRD Tuesday of each month for 24 hours only. The sale changes monthly, so make sure you come back for another special on January 20th 2009.

Click HERE to Order today!

Cellulite-Blasting Secrets

This article just came out March 1st on eDiets.com. How exciting! Check it out...

Cellulite. An estimated 90 percent of women have it, experts say. And most women fear it. Can you get rid of it or not? And if you can zap it, how do you do it?

We consulted two fitness experts who gave us the lowdown. New York Times best-selling fitness author and certified physical trainer Joyce Vedral, Ph.D. and exercise physiologist and former supermodel trainer Teresa Tapp are in the trenches day in and day out with women in the battle of the bumps.

"Is it possible to become cellulite-free?" we asked our experts. The good news is yes, they say -- you can kiss most, if not all, of your cellulite goodbye. How? Through good old-fashioned diet and exercise. That's a balanced diet and the right kind of exercise.

The bad news? You guessed it: "You mean I have to work at it?" we hear you saying.

"I get furious when I hear fitness and medical professionals say you can't get rid of cellulite," said Vedral, who at 50+, has the tight, toned body of an in-shape woman half her age. When the fitness guru appeared on a talk show with a physician who said that nothing could remove cellulite, she did everything she could to maintain her composure.

"Cellulite is just bunched-up fat," she says. "Build lean, shapely muscle underneath those dimply thighs, and the skin will become smoother and firmer as the fat melts away."

Most experts agree that cellulite owes its waffled appearance to strands of tissue that connect fat to your skin. As soft fat bulges through these connective fibers, it pushes against your skin to produce the dreaded rippling effect.

Vedral used to have cellulite. She found her secret weapon in weight training, in her 40s, and says she has coached hundreds of women to do the same.

Tapp, on the other hand, says she has helped hundreds of women become cellulite-free through a preventive wellness program that took seven years to develop. The copyrighted T-Tapp workout combines dance theory, tai chi and theories of Western strength training in a regimen that is designed to fatigue muscle groups layer by layer. "My system works from the inside out," she says, because the carefully planned moves stimulate the body to rebuild its digestive system, flush out toxins, and improve lymphatic function and neuro-kinetic flow. The movement sequences affect multiple muscle groups, organs and body systems. The result: You burn calories and develop muscle density instead of muscle mass. No equipment is necessary. As a bonus, says Tapp, the workout is rehabilitative, especially for the lower back and knees.

You may be surprised to learn that both fitness experts believe just about any healthy, balanced eating plan that avoids refined carbohydrates will aid in reducing cellulite. Tapp also advises staying away from carbonated beverages.

If you want to see sleeker thighs and buttocks in as little as three weeks and near perfection in 12 weeks, Vedral says, try her Cellulite Be Gone package. It consists of three workout videos that are designed to be used in rotation to shock the body for maximum fat-burning and body-shaping results.

Tapp, who has helped supermodels such as Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell get and stay in top shape, says you can tighten up and drop a dress size in two weeks with T-Tapp. Other skin-tightening solutions she recommends are body brushing and specially developed supplements. Tapp recently released a book about her program, Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes.