Plan on cooking this Thanksgiving (or Christmas)?
Well, if you are and you want to save some money on beauty products
save the table scraps.

Table scraps?
Yes, you know the stuff that usually ends up in the garbage or compost pile
can be used to help you look your best for a whole lot less.

So, if you plan on using any of the following foods or beverages, just hold onto
it and turn it into a cheaper and safer at-home beauty product.

a) Egg Whites-
If you have a recipe that only requires you to use the yolk, use the egg whites
to smooth crow’s feet. Egg whites contain amino acids and protein that tighten
the skin so those fine lines are less visible.
To make: Whisk the egg whites from 1 egg for a minute until slightly frothy,
then mix in 2 tsp. of honey. Apply around the eyes with a tissue or cotton swab
and let it alone for 10 mins. before rinsing off.
Fun Fact: It’s rumored that T.V. host Deborah Norville (Inside Edition) uses this
secret and it’s why she looks decades younger than her 60 plus years.

b) Egg Yolks-
Again, if you have a recipe that only requires the egg white, hold onto the yolk
and use it in 2 ways. You can use the yolk as a face-tightening mask
or use it on your hair for luxurious locks.
The yolks contains special compounds that help keep skin taut and firm and
your locks thick and luxurious.
To make:
The facemask: Whisk an egg yolk with a little honey and apply to your neck,
hands and face, lie or sit back for 15 minutes and then rinse off with warm
water.
Hair-Mask- Mix an egg yolk with a little beer or honey and massage into your
hair. If you plan on moving about, it’s advised you wear a shower cap, and if
you sit still for 15 to 20 minutes, you won’t need the shower cap.
Rinse this mask out of your hair after 15 to 20 mins. and shampoo your
hair as you normally would.

c) Coffee Grounds-
Use up those coffee grounds in two ways, the first way- as a way to slim down
a double chin and the second way-as an exfoliant.
Coffee grounds can help draw out excess fluids from your skin and works like
an exfoliant on aging skin.
To make for reducing a double chin- Mix 2 Tbs. of brewed coffee grounds and
1 Tbs. of olive (or coconut) oil. Rub onto skin from the jawline down to the neck.
Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
And for the body and face exfoliant- Use 2 to 5 Tbs. of coffee grounds and a little
water to make a paste, step into the shower and rub on the areas you want to get
smooth and youthful (shoulders, arms, thighs, and face, making sure to avoid the eyes)
massage in small circular motions and then take your shower.
You can also use brown sugar or baking soda to achieve the same results.

d) Parsley Stems-
If you’re a fan of parsley and have leftover stems, use them to help get rid of age
or brown spots.
Parsley stems contain a unique bleach-like compound that lightens discoloration.
To make: Puree the stems in a blender to break them so they resemble pulp and
then add some plain yogurt to them and dab onto spots. Let the two foods sit on your
hands or neck for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.

e) Apples-
Plan on baking apple pies this holiday season?
Save those cores to help reverse thinning hair.
Apples contain hair-enhancing B vitamins that strengthen strands at the root
to prevent thinning, plus apples increase circulation to the scalp to encourage
new hair growth.
To make:
Toss apple cores into a blender and puree. Mix the apple puree with 1 Tbs. of
sea salt and 1/2 Tbs. of sunflower oil. Apply all over wet hair, then massage into scalp
for min. or two. Let it alone for 10 to 15 minutes, then shower or rinse out.
Pt. 2- If an apple or two has gone bad, save it and use it as a turn-back the clock mask.
To make: Peel the apple and cut it into thin slices, place the slices in a small
saucepan and add some milk (enough to cover the apples).
Allow this combo to simmer for a few minutes and remove from the heat.
Let it cool down, remove excess milk and lie back and place the apple slices
on your face, neck and hands. Leave on for 15 to 20 mins. then remove and rinse your
face with lukewarm water.
Fun Fact:
One woman learned of this secret in her late 20’s and started doing it once or twice
a week, and fast forward 20 years later and her skin still looks remarkably youthful.

f) Carrot Peels-
Don’t toss out those carrot peels, use them to combat crepey skin.
You know, mainly the skin around the decolletage, (chest area).
Carrots contain vitamin A, a nutrient that encourages collagen and elastin
production to firm up sagging skin.
To make: Finely chop the peel from 1 carrot and mix with 1 Tbs. of coconut oil.
Lie back and massage onto areas where you want to turn back the clock, (the chest
area). Let it alone for 15 mins. and then wash off with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Sources:
a) Debra Jaliman, Dermatologist
b) www.MyHolisticRx.com/ wellness and beauty site
c) Dr. Shultz, Dermatologist From N.Y.C.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++