you can lighten acne scars

Hello Friends -

Last night I had the opportunity to see Charleston Stage's opening night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. What a fabulous energetic show directed by my dear friend, Marybeth. Before the show my friend Tina asked a question which leads to today's recipe. How do you get rid of those nasty red marks left by acne? Not the red marks from picking them, but just the regular redness that lingers after the acne is gone. The answer to that question is lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice on a cotton ball dabbed onto each individual red spot will alleviate the discolorations. It may take a few applications, but don't give up. This really works. As always, we recommend you test a small area first to make sure your skin can handle the acidity of the lemon juice. But if you can handle it then this is the ticket for you.

Enjoy your day. I just opened some windows and am enjoying the fall weather here in Charleston.

- Robin

Got acne?

Hello Friends -

Yesterday on Lowcountry Live! on ABC News 4 we made the coolest product because it's actually a wrinkle cream that gets rid of acne. Talk about a cross generational product. Anyway - it's easy. Whisk a couple egg whites with a few drops of lemon juice and paint it onto your skin with a pastry brush. Immediately press a tissue onto the area and then brush some more egg white/lemon juice over the tissue. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then gently peel off the tissue. Rinse off the residue with warm water or simply wipe away with a clean dry tissue. Instant relief from wrinkles or acne.

Today Mark Hurd should receive our computer. This particular HP notebook has given us problems since day 1 with a rap sheet a mile long. Slow to respond, grinding noises, blank screen, out of control pop ups. We could go on and on. I documented every single customer service phone conversation along with comments and goof ups made by HP over the past two years and sent it along with the computer to CEO and President Mark Hurd. We're hoping he'll take responsibility for this lemon of a computer and do what's right. We'll keep you posted.

I'm applying for several jobs today. It's not a choice but a necessary step toward financial freedom for my children and me. Deadbeat dads should not be allowed to breath the same air as us responsible citizens. That's all I'm going to say. I'll keep you posted on that too.

Do you have long term goals? I have several I will share with you later. Right now I have to go update my resume and get some applications in the mail so I can walk into mediation on the 16th and say, "Don't bother! I don't need anything from you. NEXT!!"

Enjoy your day -

- Robin

Hello Friends -

This morning we're making an amazing wrinkle cream on Lowcountry Live! on ABC News 4 here in Charleston. Hope you can watch. We'll tell you all about it when we return.

- The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Franchising

Hello Friends -

My dear friend, Melissa just franchised her business (Wee Little Arts). I'm so proud and excited for her I could scream. She and I taught school together in the mid 90's, left around the same time, and started our respective businesses. We've been through so many turbulent times both professionally and personally and that's why it's even sweeter to see her succeed like this. It's very nice to have a colleague jump first so you can watch and learn the ropes as she lands on her feet and runs with a great idea. She's already helping us find our way through the franchising process so we too can be a viable business opportunity for millions. I am so inspired and motivated right now. Please tell everyone you know and check it out yourself...google "preschool art program," Wee Little Arts should be the 2nd option. Click on it and read all about Melissa and her fabulous new franchise opportunity! We must support each other! Go Melissa!!!

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh

hand sanitizer

Hello Friends -

With the flu season in full swing let's take a minute to protect ourselves and our family from harmful germs. This quick and simple recipe saves time and money while keeping everyone in the house healthy. An added benefit is it smells great. Grab some rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, and aloe vera gel. Mix 2 tablespoons each of alcohol and witch hazel. Add 1 cup aloe vera and mix well. You can get creative and put it into a cute pump bottle and even create your very own lable. Leave it by the kitchen or bathroom sink.

- The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Shark Tank

Hello Friends -

I'm addicted to the new reality show Shark Tank. I don't watch TV on a regular basis so this is my one guilty pleasure that holds my attention every Sunday night on ABC. It's about a group of investors investing their own money in small businesses like mine. I'm intrigued with what these investors look for when they put money into a business. What I get most out of it each week is the perceived value of the owner vs the real value of the investor. Too often than not these numbers are extremely far apart. I can certainly understand that. When you've put years of energy and sleepless nights into growing a company it's hard to realize it's not worth millions. I will not do that. From now on, Quickbooks will be my guide.

It's crisp and cool here in Charleston. I even have a couple windows open. Today I'm working on paperwork and followup. I need a personal assistant.

How about creating a reed diffuser with me today? I need it to stay centered and focused. Fill a small bottle with a little oil (whatever you have will work - canola, veggie, olive). Add 15 - 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Make sure you really like this essential oil because your whole house and/or office will smell like this. Use some bamboo sticks and place them into the oil for a pretty desk display. Don't have bamboo? How about some skewers? They won't absorb the oil as quickly, but they will work eventually to diffuse the oil into the air around you.

Enjoy~

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Hello Friends -

September used to mean crisp mornings, shiny new school buses with Disney characters on the side for recognition and kicking chestnuts all the way to school. But that was upstate New York. Now September means hurricane warnings, more heat, and open house at the school they've been attending for weeks. I miss "home" mostly in the fall. No, I take that back. I miss "home" all the time.

Today's recipe is a delightful mix of apples, milk, and honey and provides the most delicious combination of skin care you'll ever experience. It's a foot soak perfect for tonight before you go to bed. Prepare your pedicure tub with water, a little salt, pureed apples (about 2) and 1/4 cup of honey. Stir it up and soak your feet for about 20 minutes. If you want you can add some cinnamon for a spicier fall time treat.

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Monday Morning Face Lift

Hello Friends -

Egg whites are not only great for your diet, but you can use them on your skin for a radiant glow and instant face lift. Beat two egg whites until frothy. Rub onto your skin in small circular motions avoiding immediate eye area. You will actually feel your skin tighten as the egg dries. Once completely dry (it doesn't take long) rinse with warm water. Apply moisturizer as usual.

Today is a bit overcast with threat of rain. It's the perfect day to stay inside and put the finishing touches on our book, niki leigh in the kitchen, a compilation of our most favorite skin care recipes along with girlygirl tips, inspirational messages, and super cool tidbits of information. Did you know the avocado pit was the very first pumice stone? My friend, Kelly, is the photographer/artist. We met in Mrs. Simpson's 5th grade classroom in upstate New York. She still remembers the shirt I was wearing; a big Oreo on the front that said, "No Crumbs, Please." Kelly lives in Georgia now and still has some of our "earlier pieces," poetry and short stories I wrote that came alive with her vibrant illustrations. Thirty-six years later we're partnering on a book. Mrs. Simpson would be so proud. Make the best of today!

T.G.I.M.

- The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Lazy Sunday

Hello Friends -

Yesterday got away from me so I never tried out eBay or Craigslist. I'm hoping to give it a try this week. So more on that later.

In the meantime, today is sunny here in Charleston so I think we'll lounge around and enjoy the day.

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Charleston Magazine

Hello Friends -

We are anxiously awaiting our recipe and write up in Charleston Magazine. Stay tuned. We'll announce it to you as soon as we hear it from them. It's a recipe with all the ingredients in the pic at the top of this page...oatmeal, creamy milk, dry milk powder and cinnamon. The perfect treat for autumn skin care.

What's up this weekend? I'm going to learn how to sell stuff on eBay or maybe Craigslist. Kids' clothes and barely worn shoes, furniture, books, Gameboys, iPods, and tons of jackets and coats the kids wore once or twice. This is going to be very very interesting! Will send updates.

Happy Weekend -

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Hydrating Facial Mist

Hello Friends -

Today I am thankful for all the executives of Delta Airlines for responding to my letter in which I explained their lack of customer service which resulted in a thirty-two hour trip from New York to South Carolina. Not only did they send a very apologetic and specific letter (not form, mind you), but they gave us $1,200 in travel vouchers. Our hats are off to Delta Airlines!

Do you have any travel plans in the near future? If you do then you need to make this fabulous facial mist to carry on the plane with you. Remember to use a 2oz. container or smaller. Fill it about 3/4 full of seltzer water or club soda. Add an uplifting scent like bergamot or tangarine essential oil. If you are prone to motion sickness try ginger. It's supposed to help with that.

When the dry air on the plane starts to suffocate you simple spritz your facial mist around you and breath in the calming oil.

Happy Travels!

- The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Quick & Easy Sugar Scrub

Hello Friends -

I'm starting my birthday with well wishes from Facebook friends and it makes me smile. I am on the brink of a fabulous day.

I'd like to start by reporting on yesterday's Parisian Facial Peel. Turns out it's not french at all, but simply the brand of peel. So there ya go. It was very cool though. Half pressure wash/half vacuum cleaner. My skin felt amazingly smooth and I believe I glowed radiantly the rest of the day. Thank you, Brandy!

Today's recipe comes from the glowing complexion idea. It's a simple sugar scrub you can make in about 20 seconds and use twice a week for younger looking skin. Start with 1/2 cup of sugar, add enough grapeseed, macadamia nut oil or olive oil to make it look like oatmeal. If you want a scented scrub you can add something yummy that makes you happy like rosemary or grapefruit essential oil. Just a couple drops. Stir it up and rub it on your skin then rinse with warm water. Enjoy.

- The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Lemon Cuticle Oil

Hello Friends-

Today I'm getting a FREE Parisian Facial Peel in honor of my birthday tomorrow. I'm not sure how a Parisian Facial differs from an American Facial, but I'm going to savor every minute and report back to you tomorrow. Plus I'll leave a really generous tip since the service is FREE. It's a win-win-win.

I'll be pampering my face this morning so I thought it fitting to share an amazing nail recipe with you. This is a product we get requests for all the time - from the television reporter in Columbia to the tennis players at The Family Circle Cup. It's an oil you dab onto your cuticles. Absolutely divine. Grab a glass bottle and fill it 3/4 full with whatever oil you have in the house. Grapeseed, sweet almond, macadamia nut, olive oil are best. Next add some vitamin E oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Lemon works really well with this one. Shake it up and apply with a cotton ball. You will be amazed how great your nails look.

P.S. - Did you know that your cuticles are very important? They keep bacteria out of your nail beds. So don't cut them or push them back too far.

Happy Nails to you -

The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Rosemary Aromatherapy

Hello Friends -

Bad dreams last night. Crazy working dreams where I'm sweeping but can't find the right broom and no one appreciates me and I'm frustrated. So that calls for some aromatherapy today.

I'm going to create a happy place at my desk using cotton balls, essential oil, and a zip top bag. Rosemary essential oil is very calming and peaceful. It's one of my go-to oils when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It restores your zen and helps you find your balance. Place about 3 cotton balls under running water to saturate them and then drop a couple drops of the rosemary essential oil onto them. We do this because it is never safe to apply essential oils directly to your skin. They are medicinal and potentially dangerous. Place the wet cotton balls into your zip top bag, leave it on your desk and waft it under your nose all day long. You'll feel relaxed, calm, and ready to tackle the world.

Oh - if you've never bought essential oils it's easy. Go to Whole Foods or Earth Fare in the natural beauty section. They have samples there that you can smell to decide which scent is best for you. Some of our favorite combos are rosemary/peppermint, lemon/sage, and orange/grapefruit. They cost anywhere from $3 - $50.

Happy Tuesday -

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Coffee Scrub

Hello Friends -

Hope the fizzy bath bombs were a hit yesterday. We made vanilla and peppermint bombs and used half last night. See what I mean? We've got no patience at all. But that's the beauty of the bomb - you don't have to wait for it to dry.

OK, since it's Monday and we're all back to work and the kids here in Charleston are back in school let's keep it simple.

How about a lusciously invigorating coffee scrub to get us up and at 'em. Mix 1/4 cup of your used coffee grounds (yes - used) with 1/8 cup sugar and a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well and apply while in the shower or bath. Rub in circular motions over thighs, heels, and anywhere else that's dry. Not only is this scrub great for super dry skin, but there is some research - not that we believe it yet - that says coffee reduces the appearance of cellulite. Personally, we believe it's the rubbing in circular motions that does that and if you rubbed say, cat food on your thighs you'd get the same results, but whatever the reason this scrub is going to leave you with a youthful glow while the coffee scent will wake you up. So it's a win - win. And that's a great way to start the week.

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Fizzy Bath Bombs

Hello Friends -

It's hot and humid here today in Charleston so we're going to stay inside and make some fizzy bath bombs with the kids. Have you seen these in the stores, those chalky dry yummy smelling bombs that fizz when you put them in water? Use our recipe and you'll save money, have fun, and man-oh-man will your house smell de-lish. Here we go.

Ingredients: • 2 Tbls. Citric Acid • 2 Tbls. Baking Soda • 1/4 cup Corn Starch • 3-4 drops Vanilla Extract (or another fave like peppermint, almond, or orange) • 3 Tbls. Canola Oil

What do to: Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl until it's the consistency of molding clay. Roll between your hands to form a ball. Place on a piece of wax paper for up to 72 hours to dry. But you can use them right away if you're like us.

Plop, plop, fizz, fizz...

- The Girlygirls at niki leigh

Welcome to our blog

Hello friends -

We're starting a blog today to share our luscious body product recipes with you.

Most every recipe we post will contain ingredients you already have in the house so no need to search out obscure ingredients. We're going to make skin care inexpensive and fun! So gather the girls, roll up your sleeves and check back in tomorrow for skin care recipe #1. Hint: You'll need baking soda, corn starch and powdered citric acid. Don't have the citric acid? You can find it at EarthFare or Whole Foods. That's where we get it.

-The Girlygirls at niki leigh