What to Do with Coffee Grounds

Coffee can be used for many things such as waking up in the morning, baking and for beauty treatments. Familykenkel shares a few more with readers.

Beauty items with caffeinated coffee grounds are making the rounds in products both pricey and affordable. In fact, homemade beauty elixirs can be made at home easily and for free. It just depends on what the consumer wants. From leg creams to the indulgence of facials, there are an abundance of ideas one can try with coffee grounds.

Face -- Mix coffee grounds with a little olive oil. Let sit overnight and use the next day as a facial scrub.

Legs, Arms, Belly -- Mix up an anti-cellulite mix for legs, bellies and arms: one cup coffee grounds, half cup of white or brown sugar, one cup coconut oil. After mixing, and later washing your body, massage the mix into skins and then rinse off with warm water.

Hair – Cover the shower drain with something to prevent coffee grounds from clogging the pipes. Mix coffee grounds into hair conditioner and massage into the hair and scalp. Rinse.  

These are all great ideas for reusing coffee grounds. If you have a favorite yourself, Familykenkel would love to hear what they are.  

Remedies for Thinning Hair

Nothing can be more shocking than having to clean the hair off of the drain every other day and realizing it is yours. It leaves us wondering how we can stop what seems like the sudden mass exodus of our pride and joy.

Familykenkel learns how to fight the agony of thinning hair with some suggestions from health experts.

Eat more food with zinc, protein, iron and vitamin B12. These are leafy greens, lean meat, nuts, beans and fish. There are many easy recipes for all of the above.

Give your scalp a massage. Don’t just stand in the shower, shampoo and rinse. Really massage your scalp which increases blood flow and helps the shampoo do a better job on your hair.

Lessen the amount of styling products being used. This especially important for people that color their hair and use blow dryers, straightening irons or other implements. 

Visit a health food store and buy a supplement that helps hair grow. There are a few on the shelves.

Get a check up from the doctor to see if there are any deficiencies in the blood as this is sometimes where hair loss can stem from.

Familykenkel suggests relaxing more. Stress can cause hair to fall out. Try meditation, yoga (it’s doing good things for combat veterans), and rhythmic breathing.

If nothing works, talk to a doctor or dermatologist to see if there is something else to be done.

Fitness Series-Yoga

Yoga is an exercise that almost everyone can benefit from. It is a practice that originated in India and it includes breath control, meditation and specific body postures. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice. 

Many people find inner peace and physical wellness through yoga. Familykenkel did a bit of research on yoga and found out what the benefits are. For more information on exercises like yoga go to 

Forbes Living on the Benefits of Yoga

Flexibility-one of the significant benefits of yoga is flexibility. Many people have trouble touching their toes when they start a yoga class, and within time they not only touch their toes but they are able to do things they never imagined possible. It takes time but after a while you will notice a loosening of the body and poses that once seemed impossible become possible. As your body loosens up you will probably notice certain aches and pains disappearing. 

Strength-one of the benefits of yoga is building strength. As your muscles become stronger you will experience less pain and protect yourself from developing certain health issues. Yoga is especially good for older women and men because it helps keep their muscles strong, which helps with balance. 

Calming-research has found that yoga lowers cortisol levels. It helps calm the mind and teach you how to be present. So many of us are thinking about the past and the future and forget about the present. Yoga helps you get in touch with what is happening now. 

Less Depression-research found that regular yoga practice improves depression and increases serotonin levels. It was found that the left prefrontal cortex showed heightened activity in people who meditate. This heightened activity increased their happiness and immune function.  

Some of the producers of Familykenkel practice yoga on a regular basis and have found all of these benefits to be true. Always check with your doctor before you try a new exercise program though. If you have a stressful job yoga might be the right exercise for you.

Five Part Series on Fitness Programs

When it comes to fitness there are many different types of fitness programs available. Choosing the right one for you depends on your personality and your fitness goals. Many people are involved in more than one fitness program so that they will get maximum benefits. It’s also a good idea to incorporate some type of strength training into a cardiovascular workout. Familykenkel did a bit of research into exercise programs and came up with a few that we think are worthwhile. This is a great website to get fitness and nutrition tips.

We have created a five part series on several different types of workout programs with various benefits.

Familykenkel on Some of The Top Exercises Programs 

CrossFit-this is a cardiovascular and strength training workout. CrossFit is a program that builds strength and stamina through challenging workouts. This is for the person who likes a hard core workout.

Yoga-yoga is good for many things including stress management, flexibility, muscle tone and strength, lowers blood pressure and much more.

Pilates-Pilates increases range of motion, flexibility, circulation, posture, core strength and much more.

Strength Training-strength training is good for everyone. It strengthens the muscles in your arms, back, shoulders, legs and core. When you have strong muscles you tend have less pain and injuries.

Spin Classes-this is great for losing weight and building stamina. You work out on a stationary bike with various tension levels. You will tone muscles, burn calories, relieve stress and increase endurance.

This five part series on fitness will take a more in-depth look at these exercises. The producers of Familykenkel wanted to give our viewers information on different exercise programs so that they could pick one or more that would fit their needs. Keep in mind that before you start any exercise programs you should consult a doctor first. Take a look at one of our favorite exercise websites for more workout ideas.

Beauty Series Part V-Sun Protection

One of the most important things you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun. Spending a lot of time in the sun can cause brown spots, scaly spots, dry skin, wrinkles and skin cancer.

The best thing you can do is stay out of the sun but if you do go in the sun make sure you protect your skin. You need to protect your skin from the sun even when you’re going to the mailbox or walking your dog. Familykenkel did a bit of research on sun protection and came up with these tips.

Familykenkel Shares Tips on Sun Protection

Sunscreen-it is very important to wear sunscreen. You want to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Make sure you spread it on thick. You should wear waterproof sunscreen if you will be swimming.

Wear a Hat-when you’re out in the sun make sure you wear a wide brim hat. This type of hat will protect your face, ears, head and your neck.

Stay in the Shade-look for a shady spot to sit in. This is especially important during midday hours.

Wear Sunglasses-you should purchase sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Another important thing you can do to protect your skin is stay away from tanning salons. They are known for causing skin cancer and accelerating the aging process. The producers of Familykenkel suggest you consider getting a spray tan instead.  

Beauty Series Part IV-Masks and Exfoliators

Part of a good beauty regimen is exfoliating the skin and using facial masks. When you exfoliate you are getting rid of dead skin cells. This is especially important as you get older because skin cell turnover is slower and dead skin cells are what make skin look dull. Keep in mind that when you exfoliate you should exfoliate your entire body at least once a week and your face about three times a week.

When you make your own products you benefit in a couple of ways. Many masks and exfoliators are quite expensive but making your own can be very inexpensive. The other benefit is that you will know exactly what is in the product. You don’t have to worry about chemicals and preservatives because you are creating it yourself from natural foods found in your own kitchen. Familykenkel did a bit of research and came up with a few masks and exfoliators that will make your skin glow. 

Familykenkel on Homemade Masks and Exfoliators

Olive Oil and Brown Sugar-this is a great exfoliator for your face and body. You should use brown sugar that is less course and a good olive oil. Poor about a ¼ cup of olive oil in a bowl and then add the brown sugar until it becomes a paste. Then rub the mixture on your face and body in the shower. Your skin will feel silky soft afterwards.

Avocado and Honey-avocados are full of vitamins and nutrients that are good for the skin. This mask is best for people who have sensitive and dry skin. This type of mask can help acne and dry skin issues like eczema. You can use this on you face and body. Take a room temperature avocado and mash it up until it is a creamy texture. You can add a teaspoon of honey to give it a bit more of a sticky texture. Place the mixture on your face for about 10 minutes and then wash it off. Your face should feel soft and supple.

Oatmeal-oatmeal is a good exfoliator and it helps to soothe the skin as well. Take a cup of oatmeal and add warm water until it becomes a paste. The put it on clean skin and rub it in for a few minutes. For an extra benefit you can leave the oatmeal on your face for 10 minutes. Your skin will be soft and beautiful. Oatmeal is great for sensitive, red skin. It helps soothe away the redness of your skin.

Banana-this is another great moisturizing facial for sensitive skin. Take a ripe banana mash it up into a paste and put on your face for about 10 minutes. You face should feel moisturized and soft afterward.

The producers of Familykenkel think it’s a good idea to use a facial mask at least once a week for the best results. Make sure you clean your face before you use an exfoliator or facial mask. It’s also a good idea to put these masks on our neck as well. 

Beauty Series Part III-Exercise

Exercise is not only good for your heart and health but it also has a lot to do with the look of your skin. When you exercise you are increasing your blood flow, which helps nourish your skin cells. When you are toning your body you are toning your skin everywhere including your neck and face. Some people think that losing weight will make their face look nice and tone but it’s actually losing weight combined with exercise. Familykenkel did a bit of research on the effects of exercise on the skin and found out some interesting facts.

Familykenkel on How Exercise Improves the Health and Look of Skin

Stress-one way to relieve stress is through exercise and when you relieve stress it shows on your skin. There are certain skin conditions that are by stress such as eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis. Studies have found that when you manage the stress in your life these conditions tend to go into remission.

Blood Flow-exercise boosts blood flow and oxygen to the skin, which carries nutrients to the skin cells and improves skins health.

Beautiful Glow-when you exercise the skin produces more natural oils that make the skin look supple with a natural glow. If you suffer from acne you will want to take a shower right after you exercise to wash off the dirt and extra oil that can make acne worse.

Tones Muscles-exercise will make the skin all over your body look better. When your skin is toned it looks healthy. Strong, firm muscles support the skin, which makes it look firm and more elastic looking and feeling. Tone muscles also minimize the appearance of cellulite.

The producers of Familykenkel found that exercise really helps the appearance and feel of skin. When you’re healthy on the inside you will look healthier on the outside. 

Beauty Series Part II-The Foods You Eat

One of the best ways to improve the texture and look of your skin is through your diet. The way you look and feel has a lot to do with how you are eating and drinking. Familykenkel put together a list of a few foods that enhance the health of skin. 

Familykenkel Shares Tips on What You Should Eat and Drink for Great Skin

Tropical Fruit-not only is tropical fruit delicious but it’s great for your skin. You should eat guava, pineapple, papaya, kiwi and other tropical fruits. Tropical fruit has vitamin C, which is a very powerful antioxidant. It also increases the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps your skin firm.

Broccoli-this vegetable has vitamin C and E. Vitamin E protects your skin from UV radiation damage. Broccoli is a great side dish for a meal or a good nighttime snack.

Almonds-almonds have a lot of vitamin E. They also contain fatty acids that create healthy, beautiful and supple skin. You only need a small handful a day to reap the benefits. They are a good afternoon snack. Be careful how many you eat though because they are high in calories.

Whole Wheat-whole wheat pastas and breads contain a mineral called selenium. Selenium promotes elasticity and protects the skin from environmental damage.

Carrots-carrots help keep your skin vibrant and healthy. They are high in beta carotene, which is an antioxidant that changes into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps repair the skins tissue and protects the skin from the sun. When you cook carrots they have even more beta carotene.

Pumpkin Seeds-pumpkin seeds are a skin superfood. They are high in zinc, which protects your cell membranes and helps maintain collagen. You can eat them as a snack, on a salad or even on your morning oatmeal.

Fish-the best fish for your skin is salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel and anchovies. They all have omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the skin against sun damage, keep toxins out and help inflammation.

Water-water is very important for the health of your skin. It flushes toxins out of your body and keeps your organs functioning. Try to drink water an hour or so after you eat or take vitamins, because you don’t want to wash the nutrients out of your system before they have a chance to be absorbed.

One of the best ways to increase the beauty of your skin is to eat a well- balanced diet. Familykenkel suggests that you try adding a few of these foods into your diet on a regular basis.

Beauty Series Part I-Cleansing

Beautiful skin is healthy skin, and one way to achieve healthy skin is through cleansing. Making sure your skin is clean is important but the way you clean your skin is also important. In general you want to wash your face in the morning and at night before you go to bed. You don’t want to use anything that is abrasive though. The last thing you want to do is strip your skin of its natural oil.

Familykenkel did a bit of research on facial cleansing and came up with a few tips on how to wash your face and how to determine which facial cleansers are the best for your skin.

Familykenkel on 3 Tips for Cleansing Your Face

Wash Your Hands-the first and very important tip is to wash your hands before you wash your face. You don’t want to get any additional dirt on your face from all the things you have touched.

Exfoliate-it is important to exfoliate your skin one to three times a week especially if you are over 30. Exfoliating your skin will help you get that healthy glow. Exfoliating gets rid of the dead, dry top layer of skin. Be careful about the exfoliator you use. You don’t want to use anything that is too abrasive. You can use a gentle scrub that is creamy with rounded sloughing beads that don’t have jagged edges.

Cleansers-choosing a good cleanser is very important. You don’t want to wash your face with a cleanser that leaves it feeling tight. You want a cleanser that will clean away the dirt, grime and sunscreen but leave the barrier that you need for soft skin. Read the ingredients on the label and avoid cleansers that have sodium laureth sulfate in them because this is very drying.

The Producers of Familykenkel use these tips and find that they work well. Beautiful skin starts with knowing how to take of your skin.