The Republic of Tea Get Gorgeous

When it comes to herbal remedies, I remain hopeful, but also skeptical. I think a lot of the results associated with chugging herbal teas and tinctures, etc. depend heavily on placebo effect. That being said, people in China drink tea every day (like, they have hot water dispensers in the airports) and rely heavily on herbs and guess what? Most of them have incredible skin, especially considering the heavy pollution many of them encounter daily.

But, this post isn't about China or the Chinese people. It's about The Republic of Tea Get Gorgeous, which is an "Herb Tea for Clear Skin." This tea contains organic Rooibos tea, orange peel, hibiscus, chamomile, red clover, chaste berry and burdock root, each of which is known do something beneficial for the skin. However, I think the bulk of the benefits (if any) are coming from the antioxidants in the Rooibos and the vitamin C in the orange peel and hibiscus flower. 

Here's my left cheek about a week ago.

Here's my left cheek this morning.

I admit, I've stopped eating dairy and I've used Finacea once or twice, which definitely contributes to the condition of my skin as of late, but I've also been drinking one to two cups a day of Get Gorgeous and my skin is no worse for the wear.

If you're starting to think I'm crazy, just know I'm not the only one. Check out the reviews of Get Gorgeous on acne.org and this post on xoVain. Placebo effects or not, if you suffer from acne (especially just a mild case), it looks like you may want to give this stuff a try.

What are your thoughts on herbal remedies? Do you think tea can heal from the inside out?

Quick Thoughts: China

Not too long ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with my family to China. Never in my life have I been in a place more foreign and as I'm sitting here thinking about it now, I realize how badly I would like to go back.

Not only would I like to go back because the culture and people were truly incredible, but I would like to explore more of the Chinese medicinal practices. In general the Chinese people were beautiful, and despite the large beauty retailers on every corner, I believe it was mostly due to the high value they place on internal health. From the large quantities of fish they consume to the amount of tea they drink, the Chinese people (and honestly, Asian people in general) are definitely doing something right when it comes to skincare.

I think I may do a little more research on this topic for a future post. What do you think?

Surviving "Blue Monday"

    Let me just start this post off with a quick congrats!  If you are reading this, you have survived "Blue Monday".  Apparently Blue Monday is a yearly phenomenon that occurs in January when everyone is coming down from their Holiday High.  Pants are a little tighter and wallets are a little slimmer.  Combine these factors with the dreary weather and you've got yourself the most depressing day of the year!  Read about it here on Wikipedia for a more in depth explanation.  While it would be easy to sit here and discuss all of the bummer days I've had over the past year or so, I would much rather share a list of things that make me thankful for this post-Christmas, should-be-depressing time period.

 

Books

 I am currently in the middle of reading both Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James and The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant.  I know we've all heard of Christian Grey and his kinkiness, and though I am not absolutely enamored with this book as most people seem to be, I feel like I've got to finish it to see what all of the fuss is about!  The Wettest County in the World is a historical novel based on a true story about moon shining in Franklin County, Virginia.  Actually, Shia LaBeouf's recent "Lawless" was based on this novel (and he looked daaaang FINE in it, if I do say so myself).  I'm not too far into the book yet, but if it's anything like the movie I'm going to love it!  

 

Cozy Socks 

The picture above shows only a tiny sampling of my sock collection.  Admittedly, I am a sock junkie.  This cold weather gives me an excuse to bring out the dorkiest, wooliest, thickest socks I own!

 Tea and Coffee

What more can I say?  Ever since I had my first cup of Earl Grey and my sister bought me a French press, my coffee cup has been constantly filled with one hot beverage or another. I prefer black or white teas and bold coffees, but I can be persuaded to drink a sugary Starbucks drink every now and then!  I've got a couple different tea diffusers which I left behind at my house, but I'm sure they will be making an appearance here soon as well.  

What are some things you used to stave off the Blue Monday blues (or just the plain ol' winter blues)?