Rosemary Hair Treatment

While out of town for the Holiday I was siting poolside reading up on herbal remedies and one thing caught my eye... Rosemary!

For the last few years I have been trying to grow out and rehabilitate my hair and I have shared all my finding with you from Shampoo's, products, coffee rinses and clip in extensions.  I have tried it all, and have had a blast while doing it.  It's been so cold these last few months I thought, "well I'm stuck in the house after work for some long cold nights, I might as well try some new things out."

Rosemary Hair Rinse

Three Stocks of Rosemary
3 cups of Water
2 Tablespoons Honey

Rosemary and water in a pot, boil for 15-20 minutes. Strain Rosemary broth in a glass container over honey.  Mix well.

Next time you wash/condition hair pour cooled mixture over scalp, don't rinse out.  This is a leave in rinse, if you don't like the smell you can add Lavender (to rinse mixture) when you are boiling Rosemary.

What I have noticed:  My first rinse experience was 1.5.2014 and I found that my hair had great texture color and shine.  It has been really cold in Utah the last couple months and my hair was feeling dry and brittle.  This treatment, I had thought would only improve the growth, which is something I will not see the results of for months down the road.  Having instant benefit's to the rinse was a welcome surprise.

I did some research for those of you who need a second source.  See below

Benefits of Rosemary for Hair

Stimulates Hair Growth - One of the traditional uses of rosemary  is to promote hair growth, though there is not much scientific evidence to prove this. However, a recent study on lab mouse showed that topical administration of rosemary leaf extract (RO-ext, 2mg/day/mouse) improved hair re-growth in mice that experienced hair re-growth interruption induced by testosterone treatment, suggesting an anti-androgenic activity mechanism of rosemary extract. The study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research concluded that rosemary extract is a promising crude drug for hair growth.


Read more: Health Benefits of Rosemary Herb | Rosemary Herb - Health Benefits | Medindia http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of-rosemary-herb.htm#ixzz2pdsT0ULZ

Spa Nights are the Best Nights

Winter time is setting in and I feel like I need a little beauty pick me up.

Every so often it is nice just to go somewhere and be pampered, especially after a long day in the office. 

Just this week I felt like I was in a little beauty slump.  I called my best friend and told her I needed to start OPERATION RECONDITION.

She just laughed, said okay and is going to help me plan a stratagy to look and feel cute in these cold dark winter monthes.

With a little help from The 7 Club Spa:  I am going to spend the winter working on me.

Which Includes:

Facials

Microdermabrasion

Light Chemical Peels

Mani's

Pedi's

Spray Tanning

Massages

&  a little relaxing in the Steam Room

 

When I think about it this way, winter almost sounds fun!

Hair Masque with a Kick!

My favorite days are the ones I get to try out little beauty secrets!!!

Secret of the Day... 

"COFFEE HAIR MASQUE"

Last month I featured a body scrub with coffee, which made my skin super soft and is supposed to increase blood flow and reduce cellulite. 

I did a little more research on coffee grounds and in addition to using them as a body scrub, you can use coffee as a hair masque/rinse too. 

Hair Masque Mixture, Picture by Ashlee B.

Note:  This is masque/rinse is for brunettes since the coffee will stain blond hair.

Benefits of a Coffee Masque on hair:

1.  Promotes hair growth and reduces shedding, caffeine blocks DHT
2.  Adds luster and rich color to brunette hair.

Hair Rinse Mixture:

1 Cup Coffee Grounds
Hot Water
3 Tablespoons
Conditioner
1 Avocado
1 Banana

Shower Cap
Towel
20 Minutes - Overnight


What I Noticed:
1.  My hair does feel super soft, I'm not sure if it was the coffee, or the banana/avocado or the combo of all three.
2.  The Coffee Granules were like sand in my hair, LOL it took FOREVER to wash them out.
3.  It is supposed to tint your hair a little darker but I didn't notice any change.
4.  My hair smells like coffee, which will wear off in a day or so. 

Special Thanks to 7 Club Spa, Salt Lake City and their trained professionals who helped.

Microdermabrasion

This summer has been a summer of skin preservation!

I've gone out of my way to wear sun block every day, to drink tons of water and now am sluffing off dead skin to obtain a healthy glow... Yes sluffing off dead skin via Microdermabrasion.

One of my very best friends manages a day spa in Salt Lake City, The Seven Club Spa.  She mentioned to me in passing that my skin would love a little micro treatment, after weeks of thinking about it, I finally broke down and got it done.

7 Club Spa, Salt Lake City

Microdermabrasion is a minor cosmetic procedure used by exfoliating the outermost layer of dead skin cells from your skin.  If you think about it microdermabrasion is a way of gently removing skin “plaque” and skin debris from off your face, almost like brushing your teeth removes plaque from your teeth.  It is used with a machine which sandblasts the dead skin cells on your face, it honestly feels like a cat is licking your face.  When I did this, the esthetician was worried that it was painful to me, while it was uncomfortable, I wasn't in extreme pain. 

That night I gently cleansed my face with a non abrasive soap and then applied 100% Aloe (Via my Aloe Plant) and Vitamin E Oil to my face.  I just let the Aloe & Vitamin E soak in over night and washed it off in the morning.  To avoid irritation the next day, I used a little Coconut Oil and applied light make up on my eyes only.  My face was a little red as if I had been out in the sun and felt a little irritated but not bad at all.

A few years ago, I had the same procedure done and my skin totally broke out.  The reason why is because all the impurities are being brought to the surface of you skin.  It hasn't happeded this time around, so I guess I got lucky.

The esthetician told me to do a natural sugar scrub the next night and so that's what I am going to do.

My Sugar Scub:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1T
Sugar 3T
Honey  1T

Directions:  Wash your face and leave it a little damp, apply mixture to your face using a curcular motion.  Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse with luke warm water.  I like to splash a little cold water on my face to close my pores after I rinse it.

What I Run For

Every once in a while we find something that makes us happy; we feel free, we get excited to do it, when we are doing it everything else melts away and all of the sudden the world isn't such a stressful place anymore.

This is what running is for me, I know it isn't for everyone but I have found that running is my workout outlet/aka escape.

Benefits of Running

1. Running is one of the top activities for burning fat, with exception of cross country skiing running burns more calories per minute that any other form of cardiovascular exercise.

2. Running helps prevent bone and muscle loss.

3. Running reduces the risk of stroke and breast cancer

4. Running busts your immune system

5. Running releases endorphins, which give you a general sense of happiness.

6. Running improves your coordination and versatility

In high school my sisters ran cross country; like all younger siblings, I wanted to have the camaraderie of a mutual interest with my older cooler siblings.  

In college I ran 5 days a week with my boy friend, as he trained for a marathon.  Our relationship only lasted 9 months but because of him, I met some of my favorite running friends.  Those same girls 13 years later, are my closest friends and we still go running on occasion.



Some of my closest and most long lasting friends, all runners.

Now as an adult, it is that 1 hour of freedom on my lunch break or after work.  I especially love running in the spring, summer, and fall months as the weather is warming up and everything seems so alive.

In 2009, I ran my first half marathon.  I was with a bunch of friends and of them had paid to run a half marathon but didn't feel up to it.  It was the night before the race and they said "hey Ashlee want to run for me" since I run almost everyday I thought "why not, I've never ran a half marathon". 

I've done a few races since then and I've found that I like training, I know that sounds silly but I really do.  When you sign up for a race you feel like you have to train, it's the motivation to run because if you don't you are going to regret it.  I run for fun, when it stops being fun then I will most likely find something else to keep in shape with.

In two weeks, June 15th I am running my first half marathon of this year 2013. 

Wish me luck!

 





Anti-Cellulite Body Scrub

Anti -Cellulite Body Scrub:  I'm not sure about you but with the arrival of summer and swim suit season, I am eating healthier, exercising more and trying what ever little tricks I can find to look my best.  I might be the last person on earth to try a "coffee body scrub", I might be one of the few red blooded Americans who doesn't drink coffee and doesn't like coffee flavored candy or ice cream.... I really don't even like the smell.

With all of that being said, I kept seeing all of these pins on pinterest about coffee body scrubs and how they smooth and reduce cellulite... and my curiosity was peeked.

What the reported benefits are: It's supposed to help your skin be softer and smoother and over time your cellulite will be reduced.

How to use:  In a small bowl add coffee grounds, olive oil, honey and hot water.  Mixture should be a paste like consistency.  Take a quick warm shower so that your body is sopping wet and your pores are open.  Apply paste mixture to your body making sure to rub it in a circular motion for at least 5 minutes. If you want the best results apply scrub using circular motion and after 5 minutes, wrap the affected areas in plastic wrap, letting it soak in for 30-45 minutes.  Rinse body with cold water to close pores and tighten skin.

My Experience With the Scrub

Pros: It was a great exfoliator (yes, I made that word up) and my skin was super soft after the treatment.  I have only done it once so I didn't notice that my cellulite was affected but my skin felt amazing after the scrub.

Cons:  The strong smell of coffee in your bathroom/on your skin and you will have to do an immediate deep clean of your shower or tub so the coffee doesn't stain it.  I also noticed that the scrub should not be used on neck or face (it irritated my skin in those areas).

Me about to get my body scrub and wrap at 7 Club Spa, Salt Lake City

Note:  If you are ever worried about doing these beauty tricks at home, 7 Club in Salt Lake City has an amazing Coffee Scrub. Their scrub is a little different than mine and they use with body wraps with heat that are amazing.  Why get overwellmed by trying all of these tricks at home when you can go to a Spa and have someone else do all of the work and most especially all the clean up.

Either way this beauty trick is worth a try.

Good Luck!

Saving Face... Literally

It's barely spring but trust me summer is right around the corner, with the weather finally warming up and so many opportunities to be outside enjoying the sun, it's time to think about how you are going to save your face. 

I know, I know it sounds funny but I'm serious.  Sun damage on your face prematurely ages you and at some point we have to realize what we do today will affect us in the years to come.

Here are your defenses against the sun:

Sun Block - I've been using Oil of Olay facial moisturizer with 15 sun block in it. It's super light and not greasy.

Sun Glasses - Make sure that what ever sun glasses you choose, that they have a UV protectant in them.  Sun glasses will save your eyes and the skin around your eyes from sun damage.

Hats - I need to get better at this, but the hat/sunblock combo is your perfect defense against the sun.  Yes, you still need to wear sunblock if you wear a hat. 

Note:  It's important to save your neck and chest too.  Remember when you use your daily moisturizer with sunblock to put it on your neck as well.  A little prevention goes a long way.

Good Luck and Have Fun in the Sun!!

Quick Color Fix

Easy Fix for Color Drama! 

For those of you who have gone into a hair apt only to come out with hair that was "WARMER" aka Red or Brassier than you would have liked it.  This conditioner from Aveda is amazing and perfect for you!

What makes it so amazing??? When it comes to red, brassy or overly warmth colors, this conditioner has BLUE toner in it.  Blue is on the other side of the color wheel from red/orange.  Which means it balances out the brassy tones you see in your hair. 

I prefer this blue conditioner to purple shampoos.  If you think about it, purple has red in it (Blue + Red = Purple) which means that purple isn't going to get rid of red, what it will do is make your blonds brighter and amp up your existing color).  If you are trying to tone down red, blue is your ticked.

 PS. If you go into a stylist, remember it is all about the customer satisfaction, so you should be satisfied.  If you have a stylist that can't figure out how to do your hair the way you want it, go find someone who can.  If you are going to pay the money you might as well get what you want.

 

 

 

 

Hair Update

2012 My Year of Hair Repair

 It is now March 2013 almost a year since the first big "CHOP" and I am happy to say I am beginning to see a little progress, it isn't drastic (I didn't wake up one day and think wow I have long hair again but... I don't look in the mirror and want to cry anymore).

This is what I have learned in 2012:

1st:  Don't think it is going to happen fast (Like I said it's been a year)

2nd: Vitamins are aids not "Magic Hair Growing Pills"

3rd:  Just because you don't see results doesn't mean results are never going to come... (Results will come you just have to be patient, btw I know, I know, I know its frusterating).

I've also changed up my hair products in 2013 and I am happier than ever with how my hair feels.

Shampoo/Conditioner:  Nioxin System 3 Cleanser and Scalp treatment

This is for fine hair that has been chemically enhanced hair, it's gentle and supposed to fortify your hair.

Leave in Conditioner: Paul Mitchell, Forever Blonde Dramatic Repair $20.95

It's supposed to Smooth, strengthen and replenish depleted hair.

After I wash/condition my hair and jump out of the shower, I squirt this three times into the palm of my hand and then rub my hands together. I work this through my hair, making sure the ends get just as much as the base.  I love the way it smells!

Hair Serum: Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil $26.00

This is supposed to smooth and seal parched hair with natural oils.

After I work the leave in conditioner through my hair, I take one squirt of this styling oil and work it through my hair starting at the ends of my hair and work up.  I like that this oil is super light and how it makes my hair feel super soft.

Styling Foam: Aveda Phomollient $17.00

This is supposed to create weightless volume and gives medium hold. 

 

After I work the styling oil through my hair, I take two squirts of this foam, rub it in my hands and then work it through my still wet hair.

Healthy Habits

Eating healthyis about creating a healthy lifestyle which you can maintain.

If you have used one of the following excuses for not eating healthy raise your hand:

1. It's sooooo expensive
2. It takes soooooo much time
3. I don't like how it tastes
4. I want to but it just hasn't happened yet.

I've said these myself but in the end I know they were just excuses or lies I would tell myself.
Stop lying to your self and start making some positive changes in your eating style.

The key good eating habits is balance and control. 

Step one:  Game Plan

First look at what you are currently doing and write down what changes you want to make.  Have some obtainable goals (long term and short term) the best way to achieve these goals is to START them. 

Every so often I will keep a food journal and write down everything I eat.  I will do this for a few days every month and it gives me an idea of where I am going wrong and it also helps me to eat healthier.

Step two:  Management

Plan out what you are going to eat. I have to sit down and plan out what I am going to eat for the upcoming week.


Step Three:  Give yourself a reward.

Find what works for you:  It could be that if you eat really good for a few days you can have a piece of cake after dinner or that you can buy yourself a new lululemon jacket.  What motivates you?  What do you want the most?   What will help you achieve your goals and feel good inside and out? 

My Rewards:  I'm super social and love going out, so to reward myself... I let myself eat out once during the week and once during the weekend (once during the weekend if I pay, if someone else is paying I can eat out both Friday and Saturday). 

Breakfast:  I make myself a banana/peanut butter shake or have plain Greek yogurt w/berries in the morning.



My morning shake.

Plain Greek Yogurt, Pureed Blackberries and Plain Pecans.

Lunch: I bring my lunches to work, usually left overs from dinner the night before.




Zucchini, Yellow Squash and Tomato Toss on Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta.

 

Snacks:  I bring apples/carrots to snack on during the day and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Dinner:  Usually something healthy with at least a fruit and or veggie.

This is my favorite tortilla soup, it's yummy and healthy.

This works for me but might not work for you.  Find out what works for you and go with it.  I believe you can do it, it might be hard in the beginning but just stick with it.  Just remember you are worth it (just believe in yourself).

Honestly the best thing for me and eating healthy was joining the local food co-op with my married friends.  I don't know how it all works other than I give them $16.50 once a month and I get a big box of fruits and veggies: My March basket had nectarines, limes, bananas, mangoes, gala and gold delicious apples, d'anjou pears, avocados, cilantro, broccoli, mini carrots, cello lettuce, cucumbers and green onions.

Alterations (Clothing that Fits Just Right)

Everyone has their little fashion addictions ... Mine would have to be Alterations!  What you wear and how you wear it makes a big impact on how people perceive you.  If you wear clothes that don't fit, people will think you are sloppy and your life is a mess.  Every so often I find something off the rack and it fits like a glove, usually those things become my favorite and I wear it till it wears out.  That is kind of what getting alterations is like, having clothes that fit you just right.. it is one of the best feelings EVER.  

Over the past seven years, I have been going to the same seamstress and have developed a good working relationship/friendship with a wonderfully talented person, Tanja!  Tanja does good work and is easy to communicate with.  She owns Tailored to Perfection in Salt Lake City,
801-808-1401.

There is a whole art form to alterations that I have learned over the years.

# 1.  Finding a good seamstress who you work well with.

                I went to several different steamstresses before I found Tanja and it has made all the difference.  We talk easy and she knows how I like things.

# 2.  Talk prices. 

               The seamstress will charge you by item, task and there are always little things you don't realize you will get charged for.  These things add up so talk them out before you commission the work.  I always forget to do this and in my last visit commissioned a jacket to be fixed that ended up costing way more than I realized...   =' ing one sad and poor little customer.

# 3.  Fitting.

               When you go into the fitting the seamstress should tell you what can and cannot be done.  My lady has been great at telling me no even when I have my heart set on something.  That being said she usually will tell me what she can realistically do. 
               What you will do is go into the dressing room put the item to be altered on (make sure you wear shoes) and then come out and tell your seamstress what you like and don't like about the item.

Note:  If you are getting pants, skirts or a dress altered make sure you are wearing shoes that will help you measure the correct length.  There is nothing worse than wearing flats for an alteration and then realizing that you cannot wear those pants with heals because you altered them too short.

# 4.  The Finished Product
                 I prefer to have the seamstress there when I try the finished product on.  If anything does not fit right, then I can send it back.  No matter how well they pin your clothes there are times when things come out a little differently then you expected.  If you are going to spend the money make sure it fits the way you want it to.

Here are a few pictures of clothes I have brought in lately to be altered.

A.  Navy Blue Pencil skirt from Express that I wear to work:

The waist and hips of the skirt were slightly too big.

B.  Cute pencil skirt I found at Nordstrom:

 

 

As you can see this is a cute skirt but it is too big in the waist and hips.

Tanya in the process of pinning the skirt up.

C.  Fun Orange Pencil Skirt, my aunt bought me at a consignment shop in Palm Springs :
Loved this color but it's way too big...

I had her take in the waist and the sides of the skirt so it would fit snugly.

Tanya uses straight pins and white clothing chock to mark where she is going to take things in.

Good Luck Finding a Good Seamstress and let the Cutting Begin!

Tanja and I at a fitting.  She has just pinned my skirt up in the sides and back.

Food #1 (fruit to keep you looking/feeling young)

Fruit is really one of your best friends when it comes to looking great.  After researching all of the health bennifits from eating this yummy food, I don't know why women aren't having lavish fruit parties and inviting all of their friends to come taste fresh fruit which will make them look younger.  Fruit can help your body heal faster, protect your skin from sun damage, lessen the appearance of wrinkles... these are just some of the bennifits. 

Picture by Me Ashlee B. 

I think the reason why people aren't all gung ho on a fruit craze is because the bennifits come slowly.  In this case you will get the best effects if you are consistantly eating fresh fruits, it should be part of your life style.  Most people want to have their unhealthy lifestyle and pay a ton of money for fast results, NEWS FLASH fast results are not always the best results.  What Im asking is that you think long term, and slowly change our your life for the better! 

Below I have listed some of the many fruits and their amazing bennifits.

Blackberries-  They are high in anti oxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and they are low in calories, carbohydrates and fat.

One Cup of Blackberries Contains...
31 Calories
Vitamin C- Protects your immune system, helps heal wounds and lessens the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin K- Helps your body clot blood and aids in the absorption of calcium.
4 g Fibre- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Anthocyanins- The antioxidant that gives the berry it's dark color; reduces inflammation, and destroys free radicals
Ellagic Acid- Antioxidant that has been shown to protect your skin from sun damage and aid in repair damage done by the sun.
Phenolic Acid- Anti oxidant which is a anit carcinogenic agent.

Blueberries-  Apparently Blueberries Have the Highest Antioxidant Capacity of all Fresh Fruit.

1/2 Cup Blue Berries Contains...
41 Calories
1.5 g Fiber Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Anthocyanins- The antioxidant that gives the berry it's dark color; reduces inflammation, and destroys free radicals
Ellagic Acid- Antioxidant that has been shown to protect your skin from sun damage and aid in repair damage done by the sun
Vitamin C- Protects your immune system, helps heal wounds and lessens the appearance of wrinkles.
B Complex
Vitamin E
Vitamin A- Helps regulate immune system and fights of infections.
Copper- Immune builder which is antibacterial
Selenium-
Zinc
Iron- Oxygen Concentration in Blood

In my research I found that These berries; aided in reducing belly fat, helped urinary tract health, preserved vision, aided in Brain Health, helped combat heart disease, and help your body fight cancer.

Strawberries-  Super food!

1 Cup of Strawberries Contains...

50 Calories

2g Fiber-Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.

1g Protein

Vitamin C- Protects your immune system, helps heal wounds and lessens the appearance of wrinkles.

Potassium

Calcium

Iron- Oxygen Concentration in Blood

Folate- Good for pregnant women

Ellagic Acid- Antioxidant that has been shown to protect your skin from sun damage and aid in repair damage done by the sun

Note:  Strawberries contain no fat, no cholesterol or sodium.

Raspberries-

Cranberries- These Little Gems are Antibacterial!

1/2 Cup of Cranberries Contain...
25 Calories
2.5g Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Antibacterial- Helps aid in urinary tract infections, helps prevent kidney stones and ulcers

Kiwi- More Vitamin C Than Oranges!

1 Kiwi Contains...



56 calories
3g FiberWhich leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Vitamin C- Protects your immune system, helps heal wounds and lessens the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Potassium


FYI:  Kiwi's help in the development and mataince of Bones, cartilage, teeth  and gums.

Bananas-

1 Banana Contains...
105 calories
3g of Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Vitamin B6
Potassium
Foliate-

Pears-

1 Pear Contains...
96 Calories
5g Fiber (much of which is soluble helping with heart disease, cholesterol and constipation)Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.

Pineapple-

Lemons/Limes-

Oranges-

1 Orange contains...

62 calories

3g of Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.

Vitamin C- Protects your immune system, helps heal wounds and lessens the appearance of wrinkles.

Foliate-

Potassium-

Hesperidin- Photochemical which lowers triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Grapes- 

 1/2 Cup of Grapes Contains...
53 Calories
1g Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Manganese
Resveratrol- Antioxidant that reduces blood Pressure, lowers risk of blood clots, helps stop spread some types (Colon, stomach, breast) of cancer cells.

Apples-

1 Apple Contains...
75 Calories
3g Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Flavonoids- Antioxidant which may lower your chance of developing diabetes and asthma.

Grapefruits-

1/2 Grapefruit contains...
52 Calories
2 g Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Vitamin A-  Helps regulate immune system and fights of infections.
Lycopene-
Flavonoids- Antioxidant which may lower your chance of developing diabetes and asthma.
Pectin-  Fibre which may lower Cholesterol.

Cherries-  These Have More Anthocyanin Than any Other Fruit!

1/2 Cup Cherries has...
46 Calories
1.5g Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Anthocyanins- The antioxidant that gives the berry it's dark color; reduces inflammation, and destroys free radicals

Peaches-  Nothing Tastes Better Than a Fresh Summer Peach.

1 Peach Contains...

58 Calories

2g Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.

Vitamin A- Helps regulate immune system and fights of infections.

Note:  Once a peach has been picked it does not get sweeter (so don't buy unripe peaches).

Apricots-

Avocado- Green Leathery Fruit that most Americans think is a Vegetable.

1/2 Avocado has...
114 Calories
4.5g of Fiber- Which leads to healthy digestion and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Vitamin E-
Foliate
Healthy Monosaturated Fats- Which can lower cholesterol levels.

Tip:  I dated a guy who hated Mayo (but loved for me to make him/us sandwiches). To make up for the lack of mayo... I started substituting avocado, which it healthy and tastes way good.  After doing this I find that I don't use Mayo on my sandwiches anymore.


Citris: