Articles - Elizabeth Anthony Gronert

Cracked Heels Treatment that Works!

August 31, 2015 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · 1 Comment

Are cracked, tender heels a problem for you or someone you love? Here are a few quick tips that I have successfully used when I was a caregiver for my mother and others that prevented or treated the cracked skin on their heels. The cracked, dried skin took time to develop and it will take diligent discipline to nourish the heel skin back to supple health.

If the cracks on the heel have bled or are tender, the priority must be to help them heal. If there is an infection or irritated fissure (broken, open wrinkle in the skin) or the person has medical conditions like Diabetes (which may slow healing on the hands and feet), please consult your medical professional first. Follow their instructions to healing this issue.

Once you have determined the area is not infected or has healed per your doctor’s instruction, you can start practicing better habits to keep the skin on your heels healthy. Read the labels on your products to avoid any allergens, gluten or any questionable ingredients. Clean the feet with a gentle, non-drying cleanser. Then place the feet in a tub to soak in a gentle, non-detergent bath with Epsom salts, essential oils and bath oil. This will soften and nurture the skin. We have had excellent results adding melaleuca or lavender oil well dispersed in the water. Using a foot bathe with vibration or ability to bubble keeps the water blended. You want to monitor** that the essential oils do not collect around the ankles.

**Before using essential oils, learn basic safety and be aware of precautions. Do not use essential oils (EO’s) on babies, children, pregnant women or anyone with allergies before reading up on how to safely use them. Essential oils are the medicine that has been used for centuries. It is a gift to be used responsibly. I recommend AromaWeb.com as a resource (they do not sell essential oils) for general safety, EO constituents and useful recipes.

Melaleuca oil (also called tea tree oil) is a natural anti-inflammatory with antibacterial, antifungal qualities. It is also a natural antihistamine to reduce any swelling and redness. Apply the melaleuca oil or other EO of your choice then apply a protecting lotion/cream/oil over the EO to the areas of the foot needing healing. Cover the foot with a white sock (some prefer non-bleached or non-dyed sock.) Apply the EO and oil…or learn to make it into a balm or ointment for simplicity!) twice daily to speed healing.

Once any cracks or irritated areas have healed, we can now work to improve the skin tissue of the heel. Soak the feet in a tub with a soothing non-detergent bath oil – add essential oils (Melaleuca, Lavender, Marjoram, Thyme are great ones to try!) and Epsom salts for added benefit. Once the skin has softened, follow the directions below the picture to gently exfoliate the heel using a pedicure paddle. Our favorite is Swedish Clover Föt File imported by Flowery.This paddle has a coarser side (raised nubs on handle) and a smoothing side (horizontal lines on handle). Depending on the thickness of the skin (as we mature our skin thins so be precise – stay on the thick bottom skin of the foot – usually has a yellowish tint.) Do not use this paddle on someone with diabetes or other medical condition without consulting their doctor first!

For most people, you can start with the coarser side to gently rub the thick skin of the heel (some have this this thick skin on the ball of the foot and big toe) to smooth, soften this heavy pad – when it is very thick, it wants to crack. By reducing the thickness, the skin is able to be more pliable. Be sure to stay on the thick padded parts of the heel, ball of foot or big toe at all times. Focus on the areas that want to crack.

Most common mistake people make using a foot file is removing too many layers of skin. You can always buff a bit more the next day or week. But if you remove too much, it can cause discomfort. Your body built this callous for protection. Usually to cushion a bone that is pushing against the shoe. Start by just a few swipes of the coarser side to soften. The 2nd most common mistake is many people forget to then go back and polish this skin smooth with the finer side of the paddle. If you skip this second step, your body may perceive the swipes from the coarser side as an injury and double it’s effort to replace the skin cells removed. So it is very important that this is always a two step process. Sand a few times, then smooth the skin. I keep my paddle on a suction cup hook in the shower so I remember to use once a week or so for maintenance. For those with very little callous, you may only need to use the smooth side of the foot paddle.

Rinse the feet. While skin is till moist apply your essential oils, ointment or heavy skin oil to the spots that tend to crack. Then massage the whole foot with lotion/cream. Depending on the lotion/cream you use, an all-over application of skin oil (coconut, almond or even olive oils works) may be required to prevent moisture loss. This will help the skin heal and regain its pliable, healthy state.

Application of the products after every bath and shower is suggested to retain the moisture in the skin to eliminate cracked heels forever.

Wash and disinfect the foot file between uses for same person. Washable/sanitizable nail files, cuticle pushers, nail clippers and foot files are personal care items one should not share. I have worked with families that have had a hard time eliminating athlete’s foot…..and it many times was due to the common use of same toenail clippers by all family members. Life gets busy and even though most of the people were diligent in their cleaning of the tools after use – there are so many nooks and crannies on the clippers and foot file that I recommend everyone have their own kit. These are inexpensive items to have a set for each person.

When choosing tools for personal care, I encourage you to use materials that can be reliably cleaned (sanitized) and disinfected. (For definitions of these terms go to my article “The Hand Towel Did It” dated 6.30.2019.) Metal, plastic and glass can be cleaned effectively. Items that cannot be sanitized properly are loofahs, sponge, natural sponge, pumice stones or natural wood. These are porous surfaces that over time may encourage growth of microorganisms that could cross contaminate (spread the germs growing on it to) your skin.

If you found this helpful, let us know. Reminder, if you have any medical condition – consult your doctor before trying any of our suggested treatments. These are cosmetic, skin quality suggestions only. In this article, we are sharing over three decades of success/experience as a cosmetologist/esthetician. Visit us on Facebook (Elizabeth Anthony Gronert), send us an email at liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or call/text at (847) 502-8394. Elizabeth & Kris Gronert bringing you Comfort For Life!

Filed Under: Allergy Free, Carcinogen Free, Gluten Free, Safety, Skin Health, Toxin/Poison Free, Wellness, Women's Health · Tagged: Allergen Free, cracked heel, cracked heel treatment, gluten free, personal care, skin care, women's health

So what’s really in those every day products?

May 31, 2015 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

Talk about education – these last 3 years I have learned so much about what is in our everyday products and the possible repercussions. I was a single mom for twenty years and sometimes it was hard to afford what I thought were the “finest” baby products but did my best to care for my son. How disappointing to find out years later that the name brand baby products had contained quaternium 15…a preservative that is a formaldehyde releaser. This preservative does an excellent job preserving products for long periods of time which is important because large quantities of these types of personal care & cleaning products are manufactured and bottled – sometimes outside of the USA – then they sit in a warehouse for months, maybe years before they ever see a store shelf. Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen per the EPA. Unfortunately, many of us may have been regularly dosed with formaldehyde during our lifetime. First when we are young with the baby products, then continued since many brands of toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, body wash, body lotion, skin treatments, hair shampoo, hair gels, fragrance, laundry and cleaning products may contain formaldehyde as the preservative.

Are you dosing your baby and family with unknowns? Life is busy and for many this just doesn’t seem like a “too” important issue. And for some, it may never impact your life. Your health may always be “good” enough that you don’t realize how much better you might feel every day if you rid yourself of things that irritate or sensitize you. Many people I work with who have sensitivities, auto-immune disease, or allergies – they know that in addition to formaldehyde there are possible irritants, sensitizers and toxins in some of the products in the grocery store. They have learned to read labels and know what to avoid. Your skin is your largest organ and it is very effective at absorbing what is placed on it or is in the air around it.

It is disturbing when I meet with moms and they share that they know they should be concerned about what is in the products they bring into their home for their family but it just doesn’t worry them at the moment. So tragic when they contact me months or years later when a family member is diagnosed with allergies, skin issues, autoimmune disease or even cancer. Priorities change real quick then.

It’s even more challenging when I meet pregnant moms who are very careful about what they put in their mouths. But unreceptive to thinking about the everyday products they are using and the possible impact that these products just like food may be having on their unborn baby.

So please, think just for a moment – have you looked at the ingredient label on the products you use? You do have options…and believe it or not, some of these options may not only bring you peace of mind, they may save you money and time.

If you found this helpful, please let us know. Send us an email at Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or call/text at (847) 502-8394. Elizabeth & Kris Gronert bringing you Comfort For Life!

Filed Under: Allergy Free, Carcinogen Free, Gluten Free, Money Savings, Safety, Shopping, Toxin/Poison Free, Wellness, Women's Health ·

Tips for a Gluten & Allergy Free Trade Show

April 21, 2015 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

Life has been a whirlwind of meeting new people, savoring time with friends, sharing valuable information and tools! Spent this last weekend in Atlanta with our friends, the Domanicos, while attending the Gluten Free Allergy Free Expo at the Cobb Galleria. I love these events – I always come away with lots of new knowledge plus contentment knowing I have served people by helping them connect with valuable and money-saving resources!

The next GFAF Expo will be in Schaumburg Illinois – my stomping grounds. Excited to “host” many VIP’s to the area that have become friends and associates over the last year since I started attending these events. Here’s my list of Tips for Successfully Attending a Gluten & Allergy Free Trade Show:

Wear layers of comfortable clothing. Temperatures can run the gamut – some places are hot outside and inside – so have layers that you can easily remove and stow in a tote. Even when it is cold outside, it can be brutally warm inside. I found this true when I was in Texas a few months ago. They are not used to cold or icy weather, so the heat in the hall was high to accommodate the locals but about boiled this Chicago, menopausal girl! Then half way through the show, the hall became cold since many complained about the heat and I had to go find a jacket…. The reverse can be true – brutal hot outside and a refrigerator in the hall inside… so be prepared by wearing layers.
Comfy, supportive shoes ideally with a sock or liner to protect skin – an emphasis on supportive – you have only two feet to make it through your whole life. Take care of them with shoes that are not only comfortable but have support built in to preserve the integrity and health of your foot. Socks prevent blisters and uncomfortable chafing. I have learned that when I have to stand or walk for long periods it helps to have a second pair of shoes to change into. I know this sounds like a pain but when my feet hurt, I hurt all over!
You need high protein snacks and a baggie of veggies/fruit. There are usually lots of carbs to taste at the gluten and allergy free expos so your body will be craving protein and natural fibers for balance;-) Bringing a water bottle you can refill is a good idea. Most of the trade shows I have attended have limited if any access to a snack bar or concessions.
Be prepared to wait in lines – I encourage you to bring and use your strollers, wheel chair, walker or cane-seat.
You will have the opportunity to purchase “deals” from some of the vendors and many give out samples, coupons, magazines, etc. Bring a couple reusable tote bags that you can pull out as you accumulate goodies. Some who have challenges carrying may want to bring a rolling bag or suitcase to stow things instead of lugging them around on your shoulder.
If you are local and can carry a lot of things home, plan to be at the expo at the end of the last day and have bags to fill. Many vendors choose to give away display product rather than pack and ship back home.
Attend the speakers’ presentations. You will learn so much from those who have traveled the path you are on – useful information for your journey or valuable information to share with someone you care about. Plus you get to know the speaker/author/blogger and will find the ones you want to sign up for their emails/online events or purchase their books.
Be considerate of those with fragrance sensitivities. Many who attend have severe allergies and your favorite perfume or bath spray could ruin their whole day or week.
Really VISIT each booth and talk to the people that are there. Many have a story to share that may help you along your path. Some booths are there just to “sell” or may have “hired” help with no knowledge of our industry….but if you take the time (and full advantage of your ticket price) to look each person you meet in the eye, most of the people that have traveled to this conference have a lot to offer you and you will be much richer for taking the time to find it…and have many more friends/resources to reach out to when you have questions or need help.
Get on the email lists for the people and events that resonate with you. Most will have valuable resources that they continue to share throughout the year. Plus savings for the next time the conference returns to town.

If you found this helpful, please let me know. Send me an email to Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or call/text at (847) 502-8394. Elizabeth & Kris Gronert bringing you Comfort For Life!

Filed Under: Allergy Free, Gluten Free, Money Savings, Safety, Save Time, Shopping, Trade show/Expo, Wellness · Tagged: Allergy Free, gluten free, Money Saving Tips, nutrition, Save time, Trade Show/Expo, women's health

Watch out for Cross Contamination….They said it was gluten free but it wasn’t!

February 28, 2015 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

I recently ate at three different restaurants that promoted they had gluten free fare. The first two had a big sign saying Gluten Free Pancakes. When I inquired if the gluten free pancakes were cooked on a dedicated grill (meaning there was a grill used exclusively for gluten free food and another for gluten foods), the answer both times was NO! My big concern is that they thought they were offering “safe” gluten free pancakes – both restaurants have had no training in what gluten free and what celiac safe meant. I shared with them that by grilling the pancakes on the same griddle as gluten food would cause someone who is celiac or gluten intolerant a HUGE problem. That they could make someone very ill if they were not well-educated (which all of us start in that place!) Both times I spoke with a manager/owner and they sort of shrugged it off. One even shared that they have gluten free patrons who bring in their own gluten free bread and the server toasts it for them in their “gluten-laden” toaster!

The third restaurant was enlightened. They offered gluten free options for bread, rolls and chips. They had a disclaimer on their menu that the server also was sure to review with me when I ordered gluten free. The menu and server told me that they offered these items but wanted me to know that they are assembled in a kitchen where gluten also coexists. Cross contamination was a possibility and they were very assertive to be sure I knew that.

I feel I have always been gluten intolerant and glad that I learned that being gluten free may reduce inflammation from my autoimmune disease called ankylosing spondylitis. I am not celiac – if there is a smidge of gluten on my meal, it will not destroy the villi in my gut -but that same speck could make a celiac sick for a couple weeks to a couple months. For those not familiar – gluten is the sticky protein in wheat, rye, barley and spelt. If you would like a list of common ingredients to avoid, pop me an email or give me a call. My friend, Advocate & Author, Tiffany Hinton has a document I can share with you as well as she has almost a dozen cookbooks to help you stay gluten free yet make tasty meals the whole family will enjoy!

Another way people are accidentally “glutened” is products that say they are gluten free on the packaging…then on the back it says that this item was manufactured in a plant or on equipment that may have processed wheat, soy, peanuts, and other allergens. Anyone who is a celiac, gluten intolerant, gluten allergic will tell you they do not consider anything that may have accidentally been contaminated gluten free since the smallest amount of gluten will rock their world.

Make sure when you are looking for a place to eat or products to enjoy that there’s no chance the products/food may have been contaminated…..ask a few questions to keep yourself and the ones you love that are gluten free safe and comfortable!

If you found this helpful, please let me know. Send me an email to Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or call/text at (847) 502-8394. Elizabeth & Kris Gronert bringing you Comfort For Life!

Filed Under: Gluten Free, Safety, Wellness · Tagged: consumer goods, Cross Contamination, gluten free, Life Balance, made in the usa, non-toxic, Safe, Save time, women's health

Save Time and Money By Opening That Tube!

January 30, 2015 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

We all have pet peeves. Wasting time and money are probably at the top of my list. Many of us probably feel that we don’t have the time to open a tube…I mean how much product can be left when you have rolled and squeezed all that will come out? I was quite surprised the first time I cut off the crimped end of my hair conditioner. There was enough in the tube for 3 or more hair applications. I am from the professional beauty industry so I like the good stuff. 3 more hair treatments is worth the effort! If you like to save time and money – read on!

Every time I feel I have squeezed the last out of a tube, I don’t always have a moment to open the tube to save the rest. I have a bin at the bottom of my closet where I store it till the day when I have a few minutes to get chores done. The tube you see open in the picture is a skin care clay masque with the remnants of product clinging to the bottom and sides of the tube.

The tools you need are simple. A sharp scissor to cut off the crimped end of the tube. Then you need a container to store the products you retrieve. I use 1/4 to 1 ounce travel jars. For large tubes (and jars) I have a small rubber spatula to easily scrape out and use every last bit of goodness. This tube was a bit narrow and a kitchen butter knife worked better. It fit perfectly at the small top end where product accumulates.

I had two tubes of my face masque to clean out and place in the jar. When done I had almost a full ounce of masque in the jar. The brand new tube contains 2.5 ounces….retrieving a 1/2 ounce per tube is a 5th of the price!! Now I may have been able to squeeze the tube a bit more but since I have started doing this…when I have to take extra time to manipulate a tube to get the contents out, it goes in the bin and I take out a new tube. I have found this procedure to not only prevent product waste but a time saver as well! Since I have a travel kit for the gym, this technique helps me keep everything ready to go.

To prevent contaminating product in jars, use a clean spatula, wood stick or Q-tip to take out what you need. I keep a small glass of spatulas in my medicine cabinet. After I use them, I quickly rinse and dry off, then place back in the jar.

Did you find this helpful? If so, share with the people you care about who like to save time and money. Any questions, please contact Elizabeth & Kris Gronert – we help people and families find Comfort For Life! You can call or text (847) 502-8394 or email Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com

Filed Under: Ecofriendly/ Green, Money Savings, Save Time, Shopping · Tagged: consumer goods, eco-friendly, made in the usa, Money Saving Tips, personal care, Pet Peeves, Prevent Waste, Save time, skin care

Crazy Busy Is The New Normal

July 31, 2014 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

In the last few years, I have been noticing that most people have gone from busy to CRAZY BUSY. We are scheduled tightly from morning to night with an abundance of important activities. The busiest people seem to be parents, especially working moms. When working with families, I find that crazy busy is the new normal….that people are struggling to keep up….which is stressful. It also makes it tough to eat right, exercise and get enough sleep.

What to do? Well, I will admit to feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis – especially since my health has been a bit compromised since a car accident last year….here are some strategies that have calmed me and may work for you too! One thing my husband does is if he sees me doing something that may not be a top priority, he gently asks if that is really the most important thing on my list. At first it used to irk me but after a while, even when he is not around I can hear Kris’ voice in my head as I ask myself if I am working on the most urgent or have I become distracted…..follow the steps below to strategize and then stick to the plan;-)

First – Write it Down on a Calendar! Put the non-negotiables on your calendar and TIME BLOCK! This means mark out the required amount of time on the calendar. Helps us to be realistic about what we really can get done each day. For me this includes the times I want to work since I am self-employed. Next, add in the appointments/commitments for yourself and the family. Some families create a family calendar so everybody knows where the others will be and/or if they are available. This can be done on a big calendar on a wall or on something like Google Calendar on everyone’s phone. I put my exercise on my calendar. To stay healthy or in my case keep working towards feeling better, exercise has become a non-negotiable. I also mark out times for meal prep, meals, quiet time and walking the dog!

Second – Prioritize – List what is most urgent each day – read Stephen Covey’s Book on 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I know I am due a reread!! He has a great system on how to label each task so you know what order they need to be completed. I make myself do the projects that are the most difficult first – otherwise I will procrastinate. Many times I build a reward into getting certain things done I don’t enjoy…or maybe you need to reward yourself when you get to the gym 3 times a week. I reward myself with a manicure every other week – keeps me on track….and I don’t have to fuss with my nails – one less thing for me to do and it makes me happy. The reward has to be something you want in order for it to work!

Which brings us to – Third – what can you delegate or get help with? It was hard for my husband to understand that I would rather take another appointment than clean our house. Cleaning the house also exhausted me and generally I was doing it at warp speed before a meeting in our home that I needed to be energized and prepared for. After a few of those meetings where I was fatigued instead of jazzed for my team, I learned that it makes great sense to have help cleaning my home! I also have had help cooking meals, walking the dog, and shopping for about everything we purchase. I am a small business owner so I always look for another small business to shop or have services from. I employ small business people who are affordable and offer awesome customer service. Nothing like having items delivered to your door. Many people think these services will cost more from the local business person than the “Big Box” stores but in most cases, you will save money….and more important to most of us, SAVE TIME! Plus the bonus of supporting people in your network and neighborhood.

I found this picture on Facebook and post it whenever I can to help remind everyone to shop with their family member, friend, neighbor before going to the mall. Now one more step before running out to “the store” – CALL ME! I have people that Kris and I Know, Like and TRUST who will serve you! Reliable, personable and affordable professionals who will help you shop, cook amazing meals plus can help/have expertise with dietary concerns, clean your home, do your hair/nails, massage therapists to relieve stress, plan special events, take pictures, help you with scrapbooks, fix your computer, teach you how to use your phone, coach you how to effectively exercise for lasting results, share how to sleep better; it is quite an extensive directory of services and products to help you fight the fact that crazy busy is the new normal. Please leverage our resources to simplify your life!

Call Elizabeth & Kris Gronert at (847) 502-8394, email at Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or message on Facebook. Let us share how to have more Comfort For Life!

Filed Under: Shopping, Sleep Comfort, Small Business, Wellness, Women's Health · Tagged: anti-aging, better sleep, Giving Back to Community, Healthy sleeping, Life Balance, made in the usa, nutrition, restorative sleep, weight loss, women's health

Gluten Free is not a “Fad Diet”

May 29, 2014 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

Been a busy few months meeting many experts and every day people who are navigating the Gluten and Allergy Free Life Style. Really enjoyed attending the Chicago and then Atlanta GFAF Expos. We have learned so much and can’t wait to share!

My son and I have always had lots of allergies. We are the difficult ones when you invite us to dinner that we have to check the menu for those things that will make us sick. Last year, we learned that many people experience a reduction in inflammation when removing Gluten from their diet. Going Gluten Free made sense…..and within a few weeks we both agreed it made a difference in how we felt. So we are now living the “Gluten Free Lifestyle.” Stephen and I have Ankylosing Spondylitis – a hereditary rheumatological and psoriatic arthritis that I watched my mother struggle with all the years I knew her. My son also suffers from Fibromyalgia and Tactile Allodynia.

As I asked for a Gluten Free menu at a restaurant last week, the gentleman next to me at the bar made a remark about how many people were doing this new “fad” diet of Gluten Free….he compared it to something like the South Beach Diet. I chose my words carefully and educated him on how the person next to me would be sick for days as a Celiac and how I had just met a number of people who were so allergic to Gluten that they could die since their response to Gluten was anaphylactic shock. Then I shared that I was one who did make a choice to go Gluten Free but that I did have a medical reason – to reduce chronic inflammation. I felt good after that short conversation – first because I knew how to simply educate this person and second that he seemed to really get it (he even said thanks!!)

One of the things you realize shortly after striving to be SAFELY Gluten Free is that you are cooking a lot more at home. I was introduced to Tiffany Hinton a little before Christmas last year. She has authored Gluten Free Cookbooks that you want in your library…..I gave them for Christmas Gifts since we enjoyed her experience and wisdom so much. Over the last few months I have had the pleasure of getting to know Tiffany, her husband Will and family very well. They truly have a story that you will want to learn…..they have 3 children under the age of 3 so Tiffany now is not the only gluten intolerant one in the family. They are also lactose, peanut, nightshades and dairy free.

Take advantage of all their hard work translating our old fave recipes to Gluten Free Recipes that work and taste great! They just released a new cookbook that Tiffany and Will wrote together sharing their journey, family history and best of all their favorite family recipes all reworked into tasty Gluten Free!!

Their mission is to be advocates for the Gluten and Allergy Free world – they have an abundance of experience and wisdom they generously share. Please check out their offerings here:

www.gfmomcertified.com/affiliates/shopping44

Be sure to sign up for Tiffany’s weekly Gluten & Allergy Free Recipes!!

They have been such a help to us and friends! I know they will bless you too!

Let’s talk soon! Elizabeth and Kris Gronert bringing you and your family Comfort For Life. Call or text (847) 502-8394 or email at elizabeth@elizabethanthonygronert.com

Filed Under: Gluten Free, Safety, Shopping, Wellness · Tagged: consumer goods, gluten free, made in the usa, nutraceuticals, nutrition, Safe

Meet Gluten-Free Expert Tiffany Hinton Thursday 4/24!

April 21, 2014 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · 1 Comment

You’re invited!

Learn more about how to shop and save money like we have been! Plus information to help those who are consciously avoiding allergens, toxins, carcinogens or are living a gluten-free lifestyle. Samples from our US Manufacturer will be on hand to experience, smell, and taste. Be the first to see Best-selling Author Tiffany Hinton’s Cable Interview. Don’t miss this chance to spend intimate time with Tiffany to ask your questions and learn more on Raising you Child Gluten-free. Sweets from her Mom Certified Gluten-free Cookbooks will be served. Learn more about Tiffany at this link: https://www.gfmomcertified.com/affiliates/shopping44

Thursday, April 24 at Elizabeth Gronert’s Home, RSVP for address!

1PM Refreshments/samples 1:15 Shopping Overview
2PM Cable TV Interview of Tiffany Hinton and her family.
2-6PM Customer Appreciation – Spend time with Tiffany, ask her questions about how she manages to raise her kids Gluten-free PLUS complimentary eyebrow waxing and cosmetic consulting/makeovers by appointment.
6PM Cable TV Interview of Tiffany Hinton and her family.
7PM Refreshments/samples 7:15 Shopping Overview

As a thank you to our guests and preferred customers, Elizabeth Gronert, licensed esthetician, cosmetologist and makeup artist, will be “grooming” eyebrows for gals, guys and teens….skin care guidance for those with sensitive, acneic or aging skin. Our focus will be to keeping it simple but effective to get the results you need now! Learn makeup tricks to compliment your eye color or we will create a new spring look!

Load the car up with a few friends, come over and let’s have fun!

Please RSVP so we are prepared with food and samples!

Filed Under: Ecofriendly/ Green, Gluten Free, Shopping, Wellness ·

Shop with Friends and Family Before heading to the mall!

January 26, 2014 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

So what do I mean “Shop with Friends and Family before heading to the mall?” Take a look around you and notice who you know that has their own business. They may be able to help you clean your home, style your hair, massage away your aches and pains; shop for jewelry, clothing, undergarments, chocolate, coffee, skin care, vitamins, home cleaning products….there are hundreds of small businesses and direct sellers in your life – you just need to pay attention and take a look at what they have to offer you and your family. I have noticed that many people feel that these small businesses will cost more than if they just “run out to the mall” and shop with the big box stores. I encourage you to step back from this belief….because in many cases, your friend or family member who has a small business probably offers you better quality, pricing, SERVICE than the store down the street. Take the time to seek real people out, learn what they have to offer. Once you have shopped with them, in the long run – I bet they will save you time, money and give higher value with excellent customer service. Then feel good about your actions – you will be supporting someone who has made the small business choice so they can take care of their family and friends.

This photo I found on Facebook says it all…..WHEN YOU PATRONIZE A SMALL BUSINESS, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Many times a BIG difference. I have been a small business owner for 35 years….21 years of that I was a single mom who for 10 of those years cared for my mother at home. Trust me when I say to you that the people who visited my salon, attended my nail school, hired me as an industry trainer, and then shopped with me as a direct sales person made it possible for my family to avoid going on welfare. To provide for my family…to be able to pay for the necessities of life like food, gas, rent, health and dental insurance that we needed since there were no monthly support checks coming from anyone. We survived and many times I was able to do a bit better than just get by…..thanks to the people who made a point of shopping with me before they headed to the mall. HUGE THANK YOU!! I have enormous gratitude for the amazing people who have supported my family over the last 35 years.

Now a bit of advice and coaching for those of you reading this who have a small business….please walk your talk. We ask our friends and family to do business with us….you need to be sure that you are doing business with small business! Shop with friends and family applies to you too! Be aware of what you post and say on Facebook. I see many business people endorse a big box brand hair or skin care product when a quick peek at their friend list will reveal that one or many of their friends who are working hard to sell that same type of product!

I am not saying don’t shop at Costco or Nordstrom’s…just be sure to buy the things you can from those who are in need of your support. Most of my wardrobe has been purchased from a small business person and I can give you their name and contact info when you compliment me. I strive to connect people. So if you need a service or product, let’s talk and I will give you names of people you can trust. People who are professionals and will take care of you like gold….because to us small business folk – you are worth your weight in gold!

Thanks for visiting my website – if you liked this article, please share with others. Let’s get the word out how to help each other! You can contact Elizabeth and Kris Gronert at (847) 502-8394 or email at Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com

Filed Under: Charity Benefit/Philanthropy, Save Time, Shopping, Small Business ·

Have healthy skin, hair and nails even in the cold weather!

October 24, 2013 by Elizabeth Anthony Gronert · Leave a Comment

If you are at all like me, the chill in the air has definitely had an impact on my body! Not only does it make it harder to get up in the morning…. my skin feels drier, my scalp starts to flake, my hair is fly-away and my heels threaten to crack. No worries – there are some simple, safe things you can do now to have healthy skin, hair and nails through the cold weather season!

First, at least once a week, take the time to savor a bath. Use a bath oil designed for dry skin that will nourish sensitive skin and leave it feeling restored. A bath is less drying (especially with the healing oil) than a shower – if your skin is especially dry, choose a bath over a shower. After soaking in the bath, use a foot paddle to remove dead skin cell accumulation on your heels, toes (knees and elbows if it is tough and dry there, too!) I have a favorite one that is available at your local beauty supply.

After your bath, if possible exit the water and “drip dry” for a minute or so. Apply a skin lotion over the remaining water that has great nutrition for your skin and a lasting sealant to keep the moisture in your skin. I have finally found one product that does both….there are many great lotions out there that hydrate but may not always have the ability to effectively seal in moisture…which means if the air is dryer than your skin, your skin will release the moisture back into the air (you will know if your lotion has low sealing qualities if your skin feels fabulous after you apply lotion but feels very dry about an hour or so later.) It is possible to use a great hydrator and then a separate effective sealant to accomplish the desired result of well plumped skin that stays that way!

Second, the night before shampooing your hair, apply tea tree/also called melaleuca essential oil or other healing oil to the areas of the scalp that tend to flake – some have this year round, I tend to only have it when the weather changes. I part my hair in the areas that flake around my face and apply a cooling balm of my favorite tea tree oil blend. In the morning, I shampoo (you can add a few drops of tea tree oil while shampooing too!) Be sure to massage the scalp with the tea tree infused shampoo, allowing the shampoo to stay on the scalp a few minutes when sudsing other parts of the body in shower or soaking in the tub! If you use conditioner, be sure to massage the conditioner into your scalp to finish this invigorating scalp treatment! Many hair experts feel that great looking hair can only happen when you have a “happy” and healthy scalp (will slow down hair loss too!) Most people wash their hair (and scalp) too much…so if your hair is just flat and needs body or to be “fluffed” up – just wet down with a spray bottle, then restyle instead of washing it!

To prevent hair fly-away, use the now popular Moroccan oil, a fabulous leave-in conditioner or shine treatment on the hair as a finish to help the hair resist static and have incredible shine….. very important for those of us over 40 or with colored hair that doesn’t always have that natural shine! I have found a number of awesome oils and lotions designed to be used on naturally curly and ethnic hair that work well to keep hair manageable and looking healthy. Many ways to accomplish this – can’t wait to chat with you about the best one for you!

While on the phone keep a cuticle oil and hand cream handy. I also keep one in my car! At this time of year your nails and cuticles need that extra treatment! Apply a nourishing, age-defying cream to the hands and cuticles. Then seal in with a great cuticle cream or oil. If you are not too tired at night, do the same for your feet and toes (especially treating your heels if they tend to crack!)

Don’t forget to wear your gloves! It really makes a difference!

It only takes 21 days to create new habits….happy to help you accomplish a few new routines to have you feeling and looking your best! If you found this information helpful, let us know! If you have any medical conditions, please consult your medical professional before following any of my suggestions here.

Questions, thoughts? You can call/text at (847) 502-8394, email at Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or find me on Facebook (Elizabeth Anthony Gronert). We look forward to helping you and your family have Comfort For Life! Elizabeth & Kris Gronert

Filed Under: Wellness, Women's Health ·

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