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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Macrobiotic Diet Helps Balance Your Diet and Your Life

Macrobiotics devotees believe that food, and food quality, affects our lives more than is commonly thought. It is thought to affect our health, well being and happiness. They focus on moving away from processed foods, and moving toward more natural and more traditional methods of food preparation. They claim it is better to choose food that is less processed, more natural, use more traditional methods of food preparation for themselves and their family.

Macrobiotics emphasize locally-grown, organically-grown whole grain cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruit, seaweed and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between Yin and Yang properties, rather than scientific dietary guidelines. Macrobiotic diets follow the idea of Yin and Yang. Cereals, fruit, beans, nuts and vegetables, and rice make up the main part of the diet and are considered neutral and are naturally balanced in terms of Yin and Yang. Foods which are either extremely Yin in nature or extremely Yang in nature are eaten very rarely if at all. Very Yin products include coffee, tropical fruit, sugar, soft dairy products, vegetables, alcohol and honey. Very Yang products include poultry, meat, firm dairy products like hard cheeses, and eggs.

The macrobiotic diet is high in natural, unprocessed foods, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables. It is low in saturated fats, whilst providing the essential fats. Food should be organically grown and eaten fresh. The Macrobiotic lifestyle also governs how food should be prepared. No microwave should be used - rice must be cooked in a pressure cooker. Food should be eaten and chewed slowly, in a relaxed manner.

Low-fat high-fiber diets are also believed to play a role in preventing some types of cancer. And the macrobiotic emphasis on fresh, non-processed foods may be beneficial to those dealing with certain food allergies and chemical sensitivities. Followers assert that the balance and harmony of the macrobiotic diet and lifestyle create the best possible conditions for health. They claim that the diet yields many positive health effects, including a general sense of well-being, and some studies actually show that people on the diet have a decreased risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Peace of Mind towards Beauty Enhancement

Beauty is closely related to physical appearance. The shape of your body, the color of your skin, the shine of your hair, the clothes and jewelry that you wears are all factors used by the modern world to define the beauty of a person.

Many people have forgotten that beauty is composed of inner and outer beauty. What is inside a person’s heart and mind is manifested in the outside world. Beauty is the total impact of your views about a person’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attributes.

Inner peace is a key component for achieving true beauty and health.

Peace
Having peace of mind is another key factor in achieving beauty inside and out. Peace of mind gives a person much needed space to enable them to see the beauty of everything around them. The way a person views the world depends on their inner peace.

Meditation
Meditating helps in achieving peace of mind, tranquility, and serenity. Anyone can engage in meditation. You don’t need to be an expert in yoga to be able to meditate. You can sit on a chair, close your eyes and free your mind of the thoughts of the past and the future. Focusing on the present is what yoga is all about. You should feel the air passing through the nose, entering and exiting the lungs. Meditation takes practice, which should be done regularly.

Other than knowing than art of meditation, there are ways of achieving peace of mind. Listed below are some of them:

-Forgive those who have wronged you

It may sound like a cliché but this is one of the basic lessons that people often take for granted. Holding no grudges against people will be very helpful in achieving peace of mind. Unloading all of your hard feelings and accepting past events is a major key toward inner peace.

-Say “I’m sorry”

Saying “I’m sorry” for the mishaps and mistakes that we make is necessary when trying to achieve inner peace. Inner peace is not achieved through pride; it is achieved by respecting the people around you.

-Pray

Praying for wisdom and courage instead of material things is a fulfilling experience. Peace of mind speaks of the soul and not of the material world.

Achieving peace of mind is a way of improving one’s overall image. Beauty is a two-sided coin; both inner and outer beauty should be improved and neither should be taken for granted.

SPA To Enhance Your Appearance

A Relaxing Spa Experience Will Help You Enhance Your Appearance Inside And Out

Spas abound in all sizes and shapes and they all have one thing in common which is that is all are dedicated to providing personal health. To a certain degree, each addresses emotional, physical and spiritual needs.

You can walk out of a spa physically and emotionally sound and free from stress. Stress is the number one factor that affects not only your emotions and health, but your appearance as well. A day in a spa helps to release stress and allows for the release of all negative energy, both of which are necessary to attain a more tranquil body.

The best spa environment must offer the following:

• Clean surroundings

• Professional, courteous and friendly staff

• Credentials that are available when requested

Basic spa treatments include:

1. Therapeutic massage is the use of the hands on the on the muscles of the body to provide a soothing and relaxing feeling as well as several other health benefits.

2. A facial is a service offered in a spa that involves deep cleansing, skin analysis, massage, toning, moisturizing and "extraction" - which is the removal of impurities, particularly blackheads.

3. Body treatments involve cleansing by exfoliating with a body scrub or salt glow to cleanse the skin and remove the dead skin layers, resulting in a very soft and refreshed feeling.

Body scrubs are usually supplemented with either a hydrating or detoxifying body wrap. Algae, seaweed or mud products are used to detoxify as they increase blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. This improves your body's ability to release waste products. During the treatment, an oil or rich cream is applied to hydrate the skin to make it softer and glowing.


4. Spa manicures and pedicures and foot scrubs are available in some spas that have salons for hair styling and cutting services as well.

Before going to a spa, call and ask about the following:

• Ask about the services they offer. There are those that offer the basics such as facials, massages, foot scrubs, “manicures and pedicures”, and others that offer specialized bodywork, body wraps and much more.

• Ask about prices.

• Ask about the staff: are they certified or not? Can you see their credentials?

Your spa etiquette:

• Turn off the cell phone.

• Massage is generally done nude, however parts of the body that are not being massaged will be covered.

• Share the space with other spa customers respectfully.

• If there’s anything that displeases you, talk to the manager.

• Remember to tip 15-20 percent.

Relax and savor each spa moment and arrive 20 minutes before so that you have enough time to change and enjoy the sauna.

Treat yourself to a spa today! You deserve it!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Exercising During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health. During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well. Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.

Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.

Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women. There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous. Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.

Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.

1. Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time. The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.
2. Improved mental health. Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.
3. Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born. A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy. During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.
4. Exercise is very good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.
5. Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women. Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.
6. Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.

You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.

If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room. Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.

Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby. Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise. Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all. As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for your pregnancy.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

What Your Clothes Say about You

People often say that your clothes define who you are. Generally, you wear clothes to fit the occasion.

Some people wear clothes they feel comfortable in while others feel the need to wear stylish clothes that follow the current trends of the fashion industry.

No matter which of these categories you fit into, here are some basic rules of selecting different clothing styles to improve your appearance.

1. Clean and neat is acceptable; grungy and lousy ones are a no-no.

This applies to clothes for any occasion. Wash and properly iron and maintain your clothes so they do not have that worn-out look. This applies to each detail of your appearance as well.

Make sure that the accessories you choose match your outfit and make certain that you are well-groomed, from the top of your head to the tips of your newly-polished shoes.

2. Wear your clothes with an attitude.

You can look elegant even if you are just wearing jeans and a white shirt; this is where class and élan comes in.

Some people can look great even when they are wearing a sack-like dress.

If you are the type of person who can pull off wearing jeans to a black-tie affair without looking like a “fish out of water”, then you can probably wear anything you desire and still manage to look great.

If you are not naturally born with the appearance a super model, try to improve your appearance by paying attention to small details and trying out different types of clothes.

Ask for a friend’s or a professional opinion to ensure that you make the most of your attributes..

3. Make sure that your clothes fit.

From your underclothing to your blouse, pants, skirt, coat and shoes – never wear anything that does not fit well.

A smooth, tailored look will further enhance your appearance and make you look as if Ralph Lauren personally designed your clothes for you.

4. Go with trends but do not overdo it.

If animal print is in season, acquire one piece of that theme as part of your wardrobe and pair it with something that is more understated. Never wear a tiger-print blouse, shoes and skirt all at the same time. When it comes to trends - less is more.

5. Mix and match.

In your wardrobe, have one item of everything: do not buy multiple pieces of the same color and style of jeans or shirts. Variety will make your outfits more fun and interesting.

Remember that these are just fashion basics, but the basic rule is to wear whatever you feel comfortable in, experiment, have fun wearing your clothes with an attitude!

Enhance Your Appearance by Taking Good Care Of Your Teeth and Show off That Attractive Smile

For many reasons, people feel that there is a need to improve their smile. Some to improve career opportunities, some for self confidence, and others to develop and enhance their appearance.

For many individuals, an improved smile can literally transform their lives. An attractive smile plays an important role in a person’s self image. You can interact with your friends better and deal with colleagues and clients confidently when you know you have a beautiful smile.

Sad to say, but surveys show that about 50 percent of Americans are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, which affects their smile.

Good oral hygiene is vital to achieve a nice smile without having to worry about the condition of your teeth, or even bad breath.

How to effectively brush your teeth:

• Move your toothbrush in a circular gentle scrubbing motion. The outer surfaces of both lower and upper teeth should be thoroughly brushed, keeping the brush bristles slanting toward the “gum line”.

• Scrub all chewing surfaces. The bristles’ tips should clean the surface by using just a small amount of pressure.

• Tilt your brush vertically then use gentle “up and down” strokes when cleaning your “front teeth”.

• Remember to brush your tongue too.

• Always change your toothbrush when bristles become matted or splayed.

• Keep your toothbrush in an open and dry storage area between brushings.

Flossing

• Use about 18 inches of dental floss, wind it around your middle finger and hold the remaining floss with fingers of the other hand: then start flossing.

• While tightly holding the floss, begin with a very gentle rocking motion, being careful not to hit and injure your gums.

• When your floss reaches the gum line, arch it to form a “C- shape” next to one tooth then slide it in between the gum and the tooth work with a swaying motion, carefully scraping your tooth.

• Do the same for all of your teeth. Replace the floss as needed.

When shopping for dental care products, always look for the ADA “American Dental Association” seal of recognition to determine the product’s effectiveness.

Always purchase toothpaste that is rich in fluoride to prevent cavity formation. Read labels carefully. Use a mouthwash to prevent bad breath, for confidence any time you start a conversation.

Remember to take good care of your teeth and see your dentist at least twice a year to maintain a sparkling smile at all times.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Handbags Online

It used to be that women went to the store to buy handbags. Nowadays we can purchase handbags online and get a wider selection to choose from. If you are looking for hip, name brands, or traditional handbags then online shopping is the choice for you. Shopping online, one can see the Petite Sassy Handbags or the Large Petite Handbags that have pictorial designs, or else we can search the market for a more appealing style that fits our age group. The Internet retailers and wholesalers for handbags fit all styles and tastes. High quality brand name handbags can be seen online offering fashion that comes in all sizes, colors and shapes. While purchasing handbags online, often we can get better deals than shopping the traditional method. Many of the stores will offer a full refund if you are not satisfied with the handbag chosen.

Handbags can make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversary, Christmas, and so many other occasions for giving. Most women enjoy having a selection of handbags on hand for different dress wear and occasions. Others prefer smaller purses. Myself, I do not like carrying purses, but I would look pretty silly running around with a bulge in my pockets, so I prefer the smaller handbags. Generally black is the best choice of handbags, since black will fit with most outfits worn. However many appealing handbags come in a variety of colors. The blue jean handbags are appealing, but generally the style is only for outfits that match the purse.

The Belle Rose handbag is said to be one of most fashionable bags on the market. Belle Rose is a work of art, and is appealing, colorful, and light to carry. The handbag comes in a variety of colors also, and will fit the business appeal, sexy style, and traditional dress wear.

Some of us enjoy the appeal of cartoons. Cartoons seem to give us a sense of laughter. Betty Boop handbags are available on the market, and many stores provide licensed brands, which mean it is original. The handbags are stylish, entertaining, and combines a classic appeal with a modern taste. Regardless of the occasions Betty Boop handbags are great.

The Dian & Dion Handbags are a modern luxury bag for all occasions. Similar to the "Louie Vuitton" handbags, the purse provides quality and style. The Dian & Dion handbag is endurable and can make the perfect gift for all occasions.

Photos credit to:
www.bagsplus2000.com
www.druniquegifts.com

Flashy, Hot Handbags

They are flashy, hot and very in for the season. Metallic, sequence and don't forget the faux fur handbags. Just take a look at a crowd and you will see quite a collection of each of these three. They are not hard to spot and definitely make heads turn. Which head turning style do you like to carry this season?

Let's start with the flashiest of them all, sequence. They are everywhere and everyone is carrying them. They do seem to be a bigger hit with the younger scene. They come in an array of colors as well as sequence styles. Carry them with any outfit and they'll dress it up no matter what the look. Do be careful, the looks you get may only be on your handbag and not on you. If you want your great outfit to stand out, I don't recommend carrying one of these handbags.

Metallic is all the rage also. Just wait for the holiday parties and you will see an explosion of these. They come in many different colors but bronze definitely tops the list. There will be the gold rush in December for all those fancy outfits. Gold is being paired with black and also brown. That black little dress is going to look fabulous with the metallic evening bag and the big beaded necklaces.

Now don't forget the faux fur bags. Some stand out very much but not as much as the sequence and metallics. There are plenty of faux fur trimmed jackets, tops and boots out there. The faux fur handbag will set off the ensemble. Some are a bit on the wild side and others are just really neat looking. As long as they don't make a roar, these are the tamest out there of all three.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Having Fun With Colored Contact Lenses

Colored contact lenses are a great way to sharpen and enhance the look of your eyes. Unlike traditional contacts, colored lenses are a great way to show off your contacts, with colors that are completely fun. You can have a lot of fun with colored lenses - especially when you show them off to friends and family - who don’t know you have them.

All around the world, thousands and thousands of people wear colored lenses. Contact lenses themselves all the best alternative to glasses, with colors being the next best thing. Colors add flair and personality to contact lenses, giving people the chance to be different. When you add color to your lenses - you are telling the world that you are different.

No matter what color you are interested in, you can find colored lenses that match your preference. There are hundreds of different styles available, from kids to adults. You’ll also have several different manufacturers to choose from as well, which makes it easier than ever to get a pair of colored lenses that you can depend on.

Even though colored lenses are popular, there are several people who feel as if they will damage the eyes. Colored lenses work exactly the same as traditional contacts, and won’t damage your eyes as long as you clean them and take care of them. If you clean them like you should and soak them in solution for a few hours when you take them out, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Each and every colored contact has the color or design coded on the contact itself. When you wear a pair of these lenses, it is actually the color that has been coded into the contact that projects the colored image everyone sees when they look in your eyes. The color of the contact shines through, making it appear that your eyes are indeed the exact same color as your contacts.

Colored contacts work the same as other types of contacts. You simply use your prescription for contacts and select the color you want. If you are ordering them online, you’ll find hundreds and hundreds of different colors and images. There are more colors and selections available online - making it the best way to invest in your contact lenses.

If you’ve been thinking about adding some flair to your contacts, you should look into getting a pair of colored lenses. They will give you the vision you need, along with different colored “eyes” that can really mess with someone’s head. Kids love them as well, as they give them the chance to express themselves. From kids to adults - colored contact lenses are the ideal way to be different - and improve your vision at the same time.

Superfoods for a Super Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in your life. It can also be very taxing and exhausting for your body, mind and spirit at times. But by nourishing your body with these great superfoods, you’ll be energized, strong, and sharp, and ready to welcome your pending bundle of joy healthy and happy.

Beans and legumes are good sources of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, thiamine, and niacin. Make a big batch of beans when you have time and freeze them in small containers. Be careful with canned varieties, as they’re usually higher in sodium and their nutritional value is a bit lower since they’re processed using high temperatures. Soybeans provide more protein than any other bean or legume, making them a staple either the vegan or non-vegan. Soybeans are rich in many nutrients, including calcium and iron.

Include plenty of whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet, and oats as they’re a great source of fiber, minerals, protein and B complex vitamins. Buy the least processed grain types you can find, since many of the commercially prepared grains have had the nutritional and beneficial germ and bran removed.

Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, watercress, and spinach are especially important while pregnant or lactating because they supply so many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Dark leafy green vegetables also are rich in phytochemicals like beta carotene and lutein which protect against many forms of cancer. Vegetables from the cabbage family such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are wonderful sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They are also rich in phytochemicals that have anticancer properties. Dark green leafy vegetables and cabbage family vegetables provide important nutrients that help to promote a plentiful milk supply for your baby.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Be sure to eat flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts to get omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for baby’s brain and nervous system development as well as your own health. Nuts and seeds can be eaten raw or toasted, and work great in a salad made of dark leafy green vegetables.

Lastly, it’s important to drink plenty of water, and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest during this time. A well-hydrated, well-rested body recovers more quickly, and ready to take on the challenges that life with a newborn baby brings with it.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Vitamins Can Enhance Your Appearance

A fast paced lifestyle can take its toll on the health and appearance of anybody. Most do not get adequate sleep, nourishment, and exercise. This is one of the reasons why vitamins and supplements have become household names. An average American needs at least thirteen vitamins to keep the body in good shape and keep everyone going. But do these vitamins help to improve a person’s appearance too?

The following are the vitamins that can greatly improve a person’s appearance:

1. Vitamin E.

Perhaps the most popular vitamin that is often associated with beautiful skin is Vitamin E. It protects fatty acids and keeps oxidation inside the body cells. It also helps keep body tissues from breaking down.

According to US Recommended Daily Supplement (RDA), people who are 19 years or older require at least 15 milligrams of Vitamin E each day. Good sources of Vitamin E are eggs, tomato juice, apples, avocados, spinach, potatoes, turnips, etc.

Having a beautiful skin will definitely improve the appearance of a person. Achieving this is easy; it only takes knowledge about Vitamin E and the proper intake of it.

2. Vitamin C.

This is very essential to the body and its appearance; lack of it causes Scurvy. This disease causes inflamed and bleeding gums that result in tooth loss, slow wound healing, bumps on the legs and arms, and easy bruising.

Vitamin C comes from citrus fruits such as limes, grapefruit, and oranges. It can also be found in vegetables such as green peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

3. Vitamin D.

This improves the posture by protecting the bones and muscles. An adequate supply of vitamin D3 (also known as calcium) protects a person from Osteoporosis. Obtaining this vitamin from food alone may not be easy, and for this reason it is recommended to consider using supplements. The most common sources of Vitamin D are oysters, clams, etc.; fish such as salmon and sardines; eggs, beef liver, etc.

4. Vitamin B.

There are 8 groups of B-complex vitamins; these are B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or Niacin, B6 or pyridoxine, B9 or folic acid, B12 or cyanocobalamin, etc. They provide energy for the body and make skin healthy.

Vitamin B can be found in cereal, rice, meat, corn, nuts, cheese, meat, eggs, etc.

Vitamins, like food, are essential for keeping the body in good shape and improve its appearance. Getting them is as easy as ABC. Eating a well balanced diet combined with taking vitamins is the way to go.

Designer Handbags Are All The Rage!

Without a doubt, designer handbags are all the rage! Women seem to collect them the way young boys collect comic books. Without a doubt, there is a handbag to suit your many styles and moods, from sophisticated and chic to adventurous and playful. All designer handbags have unique traits that distinguish one brand from another. Designers purposely create unique symbols or details to accentuate the differences between themselves and other designers.

Louis Vuitton is one of the most popular and best-selling handbag designers. These bags are known for the high standards of quality and state-of-the-art craftsmanship put into each and every design. Elegant, but astonishingly innovative, Louis Vuitton guarantees perfection in his multitude of high quality products. Uniquely branded with a patterned design, Louis Vuitton handbags tower above the competition.

Chanel handbags are well known for their clean lines and top quality materials. The polished chain and bold brand symbol on every bag sets them apart from their peers. The clean lines and simple femininity of these designs makes them both accessible and functional for everyday use or a night out on the town. Chanel handbags are known for their classy designs, neutral colors, and their oh-so-popular brand power. A girl cannot go wrong with Chanel.

Coach handbags are known for their soft, supple, glove-tanned leather. In recent years, Coach designers have evolved to explore various shapes, styles, and materials without sacrificing the principles of classic design. At the same time, there is something uniquely American about these wonderful purses. Coach has developed into an easily-recognizable brand of superior quality handbags.

Burberry handbags are known for their distinctive plaid pattern. Their handbags come in various sizes and shapes, and there is sure to be one to please even the most distinguishing shopper. These purses are designed for a woman that is both strong and sophisticated. Burberry purses have become extremely popular in recent times, especially with younger girls looking to explore more traditional designs.

These are but a few of the designers producing quality merchandise for the masses. There are as many designers as there are purse styles, but you are sure to be pleased with anything produced by the designers mentioned above. They are the giants of the fashion industry right now. With the recent release of their latest designs, you can be the first of your friends to own one. Happy shopping, ladies!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

What You Need To Know About Cosmetic Surgery

Everyone wants to be perfectly beautiful and to attain it, people discover to change all those flaws. Cosmetic surgery is one sure way to have a perfect beauty but one must be open to the outcomes and dangers of the surgery. One has to find a good surgeon that would perform the operations to avoid complications. Hematoma is one, it occurs when blood collects under the skin, looking at first like a huge black and blue mark. Nerve injuries are rare but they can occur in the forehead or cheek, making the face flaccid and without expression on one side. The patient can vomit and risk congesting the lungs, or fluctuating blood pressure can result in sustained bleeding. Many people suffer from depression after surgery, partly because of the long-term after-effects of the anesthetics and painkillers they take.

Implanting a highly purified form of soluble collagen just beneath the skin promises to change all that known as collagen implants, the new system came originally from research done at Stanford University, where scientist developed a new way of processing bovine collagen into an odorless, whitish substance with the consistency of soft paste. Silicone is another substance, which can be injected into fine lines to smooth them out.

The modern high-technology version of skin peels involves the use of chemicals such as salicylic acid, resorcin and –best-known- phenol and tricholoroacetic acid (TCA). They are designed to eliminate fine lines on the face and they work best on fair complexioned, thin- skinned people with fine wrinkles. TCA can be use to give only a light peel, taking off the outermost part of the epidermis. This is particularly helpful for removing uneven pigmentation when it is used in very light concentration, but it does little to alter the look of long-term wrinkles.

Similar to a peel, dermabrasion can go beyond it in that it affects not only fine wrinkles but also deeper acne scars and sunspots. It can be used to treat frown lines, smile lines, vertical wrinkles, naso-labial lines and fine lines around the mouth. Dermabrasion is often used after a chemical peel on areas of the face that need further treatment.

Port wine stains, strawberry birth marks and other disfiguring blemishes caused by abnormal concentrations of capillaries beneath the skin surface used to be a matter for concealment alone. The argon laser- a finely focused hot beam of light able to burn tissue at incredible speed and with exceptional precision can treat many of these disfiguration easily, painlessly and in the doctor’s office. The helium-neon laser is used cosmetically to improve the look of aging skin. It is not as dangerous as hot laser and tends to be used on specific points on the face many of which correspond to acupuncture points. This non-surgical lift consists of beaming these points with the laser light then directing it along facial lines on the forehead, around the eyes, facial lines and mouth.

Friday, May 23, 2008

CHOCOLATE – HEART MEDICINE

An every day ratio of dark bitter chocolate could help prevent heart diseases, according to a study realized by a team of Swiss researchers. The Swiss researchers say that the anti-oxidants from chocolate could prevent the blood veins to become smaller and less wide.

The research team came to this conclusion after testing on a group of 20 volunteers, which were smokers without health problems. The subjects were asked not to eat any types of aliments rich in anti-oxidants such as apples, onion and cabbage and after that they were given 40 grams of different types of chocolate.

Two hours after consuming the chocolate, the echo-graph showed that black chocolate, with a cocoa percent of at least 74%, significantly improved the blood flow. Additionally, ulterior tests showed that the risk of encountering blood accidents and blockages has been decreased to half of the initial risk. However, white chocolate did not achieve similar effects. The researches that performed the study say that dark chocolate contain the biggest quantity of anti-oxidants for one gram than any other products like red vine, green tea or forests fruits.

Chocolate is indeed an aliment that has many anti-oxidant elements in it. But it also contains fats and glucoses in huge quantities. So, it can cause weight problems if excessively consumed.
The best thing to do is to adjust your chocolate portion to your actual weight and to the amount of physical effort you make everyday. Persons that are involved in a great deal of effort can consume chocolate without fearing weight problems. But the ones that don’t, like people working in offices, sitting all day on a chair and not doing any kind of sports are confronted with a big problem if they eat too much chocolate. If the organism doesn’t call for sweets, like it does when we are cold, tired or worn out, then the chocolate use should be reduced to a minimal portion a day.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Putting In And Removing Contact Lenses

If you are new to contact lenses, there are 2 things that you will need to overcome - putting your contacts in and taking them out. Even though you may have got in some practice with your doctor during your fitting exam, you’ll find things to be totally different once you step in front of your mirror at home and try to do it by yourself.

The first thing you’ll notice is that it can be tricky to put your contacts in. If you are putting them in for the first time, it can be a little tricky getting them in your eye. With a few days or a few weeks to practice, you’ll be more than comfortable with your lenses. Always keep in mind that no one is perfect, it takes all of us time to get good at it. Below, are a few tips that will help you with inserting and removing your contacts.


Putting your contacts in

Before you put your hands on your contacts, you should make sure that you clean your hands thoroughly, and that you dry them off. Once your hands are clean, sit the contact lens on your index finger. Next, place a drop of solution in the center of the lens. Now, use your other hand and pull down your lower eye lid with your thumb then look up with the eye you will be inserting the contact lens into.

Take your index finger with the contact on it and place it into your eye. Don’t close your eye immediately, rather leave it open for a few seconds to let the contact settle. After a few seconds, close your eye and your contact should be perfectly in place. If it feels uncomfortable, take it out and try again. It may take you a few tries, although the more you put them in the better you’ll get at it.


Taking your contacts out

Same as before, you want to make sure that your hands are clean and dry. When you are ready to take them out, look up with your eye then use your fingers to grab the contact by the sides and pull it out. You can normally get it out on the first try, with a little practice. Once the contact is out, blink a few times to clear your eyes. If it doesn’t want to come out, put some drops in your eye to moisten it up, then try again.

Contact lenses are a great innovation to vision correction, and they are easier to use than most people may think. Once you have worn contacts for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll find that it becomes second nature to put them in and take them out. Once you have got the hang of it, you’ll be able to put them in and remove them in a matter of seconds.

Dream Your Life ------ Impossible is Just a Word

Everyone, at some point of his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn't fantasized about being the one who hits the game-winning homer? Who hasn't dreamed of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with our relationships?

Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams remain just that – dreams. And our aspirations easily collect dust in our attic.

This is a sad turn of events in our life. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self actualization, we get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing.

But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we learned to aim higher.

The most common problem to setting goals is the word impossible. Most people get hung up thinking I can't do this. It's too hard. It's too impossible. No one can do this.

However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.

Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Unfortunately for the bumblebee no one has told it so. So fly it does.

On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them. The result? Broken dreams, and tattered aspirations.

If you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream.

Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that that are ‘impossible for you to do.’

Now look at all the headers strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header - the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’

As of the items you wrote under things I could do are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’

As you iterate through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all.

You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little. However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic.

Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up disappointed and disillusioned.

On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these impossible dreams are now realities.

Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams, there has to be hard work and discipline. But take note that the 1% has to be a think-big dream, and not some easily accomplished one.

Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.

So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will just about find out that the impossible has just become a little bit more possible.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Latest Fashion Trends in Unique Handbags and Purses

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are literally thousands of beautifully crafted unique handbags and purses available for purchase online. If you’re tired of the mass-produced offerings you tend to find at the mall, the online handbag, purse and fashion accessory market is an exciting and exotic new world.

The variety of unique handbag and purse designs keeps getting bigger, better and more innovative all the time, but as with every kind of fashion accessory, interesting trends emerge with every new season. Here is a brief rundown of what’s coming in unique purses and handbags.

Cloth Purses
Cloth purses are very casual fashion items, so colorful fabrics and whimsical patterns are the strongest trend. If you love bold colors and striking contrasts you’ll have a great time shopping for cloth purses this season.

A cloth purse is mostly a spring/summer fashion accessory, so expect to see warm colors, and light breezy cotton or nylon fabrics. Fresh, summery patterned fabrics with flowers, fruits and ladybugs are always popular.

Also very fashionable is the clever and practical reversible cloth purse. You can literally turn the purse inside out to reveal the alternative fabric pattern, so you have two purses in one.

Monogrammed handbags
Monogrammed bags and purses never really go out of style, and this season we’ll see a huge range of colors, shapes sizes and styles.

A strong upcoming trend is leather sling hipster handbags with elegantly embossed initials or a name. Soft leather is a beautiful fabric for handbags because it’s durable, always very stylish, and it goes with everything. Sling handbags are very comfortable to carry, and perfect either for business or as a casual accessory.

Monogrammed tote bags
Tote bags are the most casual fashion accessory of all, and perfect for the beach, for picnics, or for a little shopping. Monogrammed tote bags are also great for kids to carry their school books or gym clothes, and having their initials or name printed on the bag means they won’t lose it.

Soft cotton canvas is the classic fabric for tote bags, and we’ll see an abundance of canvas tote bags this season.

The big trend for monogrammed tote bags will be big initials, printed across the whole side panel of the bag in big, bold colors. A single first initial of your first name as a monogram has a casual, whimsical kind of feel.

Dog purses
Everyone loves dogs, which is why the fashion for handbags, tote bags and purses decorated with a full panel photo of a gorgeous dachshund, poodle, beagle, yorkie or dalmatian just keeps getting stronger and stronger every year. Dog purses are a great gift idea for anyone whose best friend is their beloved hound.

Custom-made dog purses are also becoming more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog printed onto a handbag, so your bag, like your dog, will be truly one of a kind.

Photo purses
Photo purses are simply ultra-cool, and the most individual and personal of fashion statements. You can have your own photo of anything you like printed onto a purse or handbag, like a special person in your life, your cat, dog or bird, or even your car.

A very trendy idea is to use a romantic old photograph of a relative as a model for your photo purse, so you can cherish their memory wherever you go.

Initial purses
Initial purses are a fashion accessory with a personal touch, and they make wonderful gifts. You can have just about any kind of purse printed, embroidered or embossed with a single initial or set of two or three initials in a wide variety of styles.

As for handbags, leather will be a big trend in the upcoming season for purses. We’ll see lots of small leather purses with a comfortable sling shoulder strap, elegantly embossed with two or three initials.

Cigar box purses
Cigar box purses are another strong trend for the coming year. They’re literally made from a wooden cigar box, fitted with a clasp and a handle, and embossed with an artistic or photographic image.

The most fashionable cigar box purses are decorated with advertising images from the glamorous 1920’s and 30’s. European advertising artwork from that period has a particularly elegant and alluring style, so we’ll be seeing a lot of Cinzano, Cognac and French Perfume labels on cigar box purses.

Hobo purses
Hobo purses can be cool and casual for shopping, or groovy and glamorous to go with evening wear.

Casual style hobo purses come in suede or leather, and soft colors like pastel pinks, beige, cream and white are very much in vogue.

A new look for hobo purses which is on the way in is a small purse in a gold or silver mesh fabric, or even ultra-glamorous sequins and rhinestones. These purses are a new take on the traditional evening purse, and make an eye-catching alternative.

Clutch handbags
Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they’re the perfect size to carry all those little necessities.

The big look for clutch purses and clutch handbags in the coming year will be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colors of the season, in soft suede leather.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Can Gardening Help You to Look Good?

Gardening and other outdoor activities can enhance your body metabolism. Outdoor projects help you to be active and enjoy your family. You may do gardening with your family to keep you away from being isolated in the living room watching television.

Working in the garden can be comparable to exercising. This will keep you from gaining unwanted weight and will give you a physically active body. Many experts agree that outdoor activities like gardening are a way to keep you busy and active. A regular physical activity in the work area will help you achieve a desired body shape. Here are ways gardening can help you look and feel good.

1. You may work on your wind chimes; there are many designs to choose from. Give your garden a patio or deck design that will complement the whole environment on a windy day. A pleasant environment will make you happy and look good.

2. Tend your plants every morning. Use the different tools available when watering, potting, and cultivating the soil. This is a form of weight-lifting exercises, which is good for your health and metabolism.

3. Gardening can help you breathe fresh air. This outdoor activity will not confine you inside your house. Gardening gives you a reason to go outdoors and enjoy the fresh air that is needed to keep you healthy.

4. Gardens may appear stark without large green plants and beautiful flowers. Flowers have been proven to release people from depression. The flowers that you see in your garden will release stress and relax you.

5. The fruits and vegetables you reap from your garden are essential in keeping you healthy. Gardening will allow you to eat healthy foods and they promote a healthy lifestyle.

6. Gardening is a leisure activity that will allow you to avoid unhealthy lifestyles like smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. Smoking and alcohol have been proven to make the skin dry and can cause diseases. Instead of wasting your time with these unhealthy habits, you can occupy your time by gardening.

Gardening is the best way for you to be actively working. You may not need to enroll in a weight loss program where you would be spending hundreds of dollars for the program. You can maintain your beautiful body figure as you work enjoyably in your garden.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Why wit is always beautiful

Society's obsession with beauty has made it the primary consideration among people of all ages and of any gender. They strive to attain improvements with clothes and other products to make themselves beautiful and they spend thousands of dollars on vanity products. There's nothing wrong with that, but……..

Man's proclivity for all things bright and beautiful is understandable because it is society's measure of success and popularity. However, there are many people who spend most of their time trying to be physically beautiful yet they forget to fill their minds with the right ingredients for intelligence.

It is easy to be beautiful but it takes a lot of hard work to become intelligent, even if you are blessed with the genes to be so. But why should you consider being smart if you are already beautiful?

Most people look at beauty in terms of a person's physical characteristics, but real beauty is beyond those long-lashes and those pouting lips. Real beauty is the total well-being of a person. It is the totality of a person in terms of his physical appearance and mental sharpness, his culture and experiences in life.

It may be a cliché but it is true that “physical beauty means more than a person’s “good looks”. A person's mind is part of his physique and what better way to make your physique attractive than to nurture your mind.

While beauty of the face and body is the first thing that attracts one person to another, it takes more than these two physical characteristics to be considered beautiful in the long run.

Men and women have become so concerned with physical beauty that they tend to forget that what really makes a person beautiful are the words and ideas that come from his mind and mouth.

Imagine having to just stare at a beautiful girl for days without being able to talk to her because she is not intelligent? Or having to endure looking at an Adonis-looking male for hours because he does not know how to carry on a conversation?

Enhancing one's physical appearance is an important factor that is necessary if we are to survive in this “rat race” which favors the beautiful over intelligence or the ugly. However, plain physical beauty with nothing between the ears will cause people to lose interest.

It is important to note that while physical beauty fades with age, a beautiful mind will always persist, no matter for how long, or no matter what it takes.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Meditate to Stay Beautiful

It has been accepted by many societies that meditation brings about certain positive effects on a person’s well-being. Meditation has been known to improve energy levels and help a person achieve peace of mind. But another fact about meditation that is not well known to most people is that it helps a person improve his appearance.

Yes, meditation not only brings spiritual benefits but also physical well-being. It is associated with increasing melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that is important in supporting the immune system, slows down cell damage, delays the process of aging, and promotes restful and deep sleep. It is also associated with improving a person’s energy levels and inhibiting the growth of the dreaded cancer cells.

Melatonin is a substance that is produced by the brain’s pineal gland. The pineal gland has been dubbed the “seat of the soul” by the famous philosopher, Descartes. It is also taught by the Hindus that the pineal gland’s location is influential to the happiness of the person.

The researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center made some great discoveries about the effect of meditation on the production of melatonin. They observed that the people who were engaged in some type of meditation obtained higher levels of melatonin than the people who did not meditate. This finding was recently confirmed by a recent study which was published in the Biological Psychology Journal.

The section below contains some tips on how to meditate:

-Find a serene and quiet location.

The environment is very important in meditating. One must free himself from all distractions which can be brought about by the surrounding environment.

-Be comfortable

Once a good location is obtained, one can sit on a chair or sit on the floor with the legs crossed (Indian style) to start meditating. The head, shoulders, neck and back should be comfortable and no stress should be felt.

-Focus

Meditating involves being aware of oneself and your activities. You must free your mind of other thoughts which are related to the past and the future, and you must feel the present and be able to focus on the self.

-Feel the breathing

Feeling the air enter and exit your lungs is a good way to start meditating. It means that you have achieved the focus that is needed to go into a deeper level of meditation.

-Observe your thoughts

The mind tends to fly away when meditating, stay with your thoughts and observe the activities of the mind.

These are some tips on how to meditate. Meditation is not only good for the soul but also for your physical appearance. Try it!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Odd And Unique Contact Lenses

Those of you who are looking for a wild, yet unique look would fall in love with the many designs of odd and crazy contact lenses. These contacts will give you a weird and unique look, depending on what you select. They are used in Hollywood in many movies, including horror movies to give the killers a strange and sadistic look.

Crazy contact lenses won’t correct your vision, as they are used only for styling purposes. They have zero power and are mainly used to provide entertainment and fun. Unlike other contact lenses, you don’t need a prescription for these. All you need to do is visit your local store that sells contact lenses, and select the pair that interest you.

There many designs of odd and crazy contact lenses to choose from, including zebra style, flags, spirals, colors, and many other designs. They come in two main types, monthly and standard. Monthly are very flexible, and you can use them for a month before you have to change them out. Standard on the other hand, ensure the best in comfort and can be worn long term for up to 18 months before they need to be replaced.

Even though they don’t require a prescription, you should still take care of your crazy and wild contact lenses. They need to be cleaned before you use them, and soaked in solution when you take them out. Just like prescription contact lenses, you should always wash and clean your hands before you handle them. Although you may not realize it, not taking care of them (although they have zero power) could easily damage the health of your eyes and lead to serious infections.

If you need vision correction but want to wear a pair of crazy contact lenses, you should visit your optician and ask about wild lenses that have power. There are a few varieties of them, contacts that look crazy and offer you vision correction. Halloween contacts are the most common and most popular, as they offer you insane looks with corrective power. Even though they are mainly used during Halloween, you can wear them anytime you want to spook people or just mess with them.

If you are tired of being like everyone else and sticking with traditional contact lenses, or if you just want to mess with your family and friends, crazy and unique contact lenses are worth the purchase. They offer you plenty of creative and unique designs that are certain to make people take a second look into your eyes. Although most have no power, you use them the same way as traditional contact lenses. They go in your eyes and they are removed the same way, and need to be cleaned when they aren’t in use.

Available at great prices, crazy contact lenses are a great investment for anyone who wants to enhance the look of their eyes. Keep in mind that they can lead to severe problems if they aren’t taken care of, which is why you should always use caution and make sure that you know how to take care of them. If you aren’t sure about what to get, you can always visit an optician and have your eyes fitted for contact lenses. Even though you may not need contacts - an optician can tell you which contacts will work with your eyes.

Monday, March 17, 2008

The beauty of Handbags

Handbags made with leather each have their own individual characteristics, as no two pieces of leather are alike. There are many different kinds of leather purses as well. Some designers prefer to use lambskin leather for its very soft, and supple feel and excellent look, whereas others may choose to work with cowhide or pigskin leather which possess tougher, more durable properties. As awful as pigskin may sound, it actually makes for a very soft and nice looking leather.

When shopping for a leather bag you don't necessarily think about what kind of leather it is, just as long as it's leather. Whatever type of leather the handbag is made with, you know you are getting quality material. For this very reason, leather purses usually cost more than any other material, but just remember that it's also going to last longer than any other handbag.

Leather purses can range in price from very reasonable to very expensive. It all depends on the handbag designer and the quality of the leather. Remember though, that when you purchase a leather bag it's going to last you a long time. So the extra dollars is well worth it!

Dry Eyes And Contacts

If you have dry eyes, contact lenses may be a nightmare. With healthy eyes, a very thin layer of tears will always form under the contact lens. When this layer starts to dry out however, the lens will begin to feel dry. Dry eyes from contact can be very irritating, uncomfortable, and lead you to try to squinch or rub your eyes to seek relief.

Even though contact lenses are indeed a cause of dry eyes, there are other causes as well, one of which being your natural ability to produce tears. Some people will produce less tears than others, which can indeed be a problem when wearing contact lenses. As you get older, the tears that you are able to produce will begin to decrease.

The environment is another cause. If you work in a factory or area that is over heated, or exposed to dust or smoke, your eyes will start to dry out. The more your eyes are exposed to these types of situations, the more dry they will become. After a few hours, you may find yourself having to remove your contacts due to the dryness becoming so irritating.

There are however, some types of contact lenses that can contribute to dryness as well. A majority of contact lenses are made of water and polymers, most being more than 50% water. Even though the contact is moist and may feel comfortable in your eye, the water will start to evaporate from the contact lens as you wear it. When this happens, the contact will draw moisture from the tears in your eyes, which results in dryness. If the contact lens contains a lot of water, then it is almost guaranteed to lose moisture throughout the day.

With dryness being a common problem for most people who wear contact lenses, manufacturers are always working to create contacts that will remain comfortable throughout the day. Dry eyes are the most common reason for irritation, and the main reason as to why people decide to give up contacts and just go with glasses to correct their vision.

Out of all the different contacts on the market, Acuvue Oasys are among the most popular. Although they are relatively new, they are specifically made for those who work or live in dry environments. These contacts contain a special agent for re-wetting purposes, which enables the contact lens to remain moist, even if your eyes aren’t producing enough tears. They are daily wear contacts, and should be soaked in solution at night and replaced every two weeks or so.

Even though there are other contact lenses out there that are great for dry eyes, Acuvue are considered to be the best brand. No matter which type of contact lens you wear, you should always take care of them. You should always clean them once removed, and soak them in solution at night. This way, you’ll remove the protein build up and ensure that you are putting clean contact lenses back into your eyes.

Even though dry eyes are very common, you can always help to rectify the situation by using right pair of contacts. You can also get re-wetting or saline drops as well, to put in your eyes when they start to feel dry. These drops are the preferred way of dealing with dry and irritable eyes, as they help to produce enough moisture for comfort. You can buy re-wetting or saline drops at most department stores - and they cost a little of nothing.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

How Love Can Make You More Beautiful

Ever heard of the saying “love makes the world go round”? It may be true, but do you believe that love makes a person more beautiful?

Ask any beauty icon about her beauty secret and she will tell you that how a woman feels inside shows outside. In truth, a person who feels loved and in love will have a different aura. They refer to this as a “gleam in one’s eye or a glow in one’s cheeks”, and is something that improves a person‘s appearance.

It is not necessary for a person to feel the “man and woman” type of love to be beautiful: it can be filial love or love for anything. What is important is that you have a powerful feeling that transforms heaven and earth and a person’s sense of well-being.

Imagine how you would look if you possess the knowledge that no one cares for you or loves you: this depressed feeling can make you want to frown and look depressed and/or angry.

On the contrary, a person who feels that he is loved by his family, his friends or by a special someone, will have a face that speaks of serenity, peace and happiness.

The glow of love does not only create a glow in one’s heart but it also creates a glow in one’s face and reflects how a person views the world around him. A lighter feeling inside can result in a lighter face and a happy disposition that will improve one’s appearance.

Haven’t you noticed that almost all women look their prettiest on their wedding day? Despite the pressure and the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations, a woman will still look beautiful on her wedding day. They call it the glow of love.

It may be the rush of adrenalin that gives people who are in love a special glow that makes their eyes sparkle, or their smiles brighter. It is often referred to as an inner beauty that is reflected in one’s appearance.

A person who feels loved or who is in love will have more self esteem than an ordinary person. This self esteem can give a person a beautiful glow that exudes more confident when facing others and in doing his daily tasks.

A person who exerts a great deal of effort to do the most mundane tasks will probably become happier doing those tasks when he is in love. Consequently work is accomplished more easily.

While beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, true beauty is in the eyes of a person in love.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Exercise And Your Complexion

As we all know and hear all the time, exercise can do a body good. It can help you to stay trim, tone muscles, and help to boost energy as well. What you probably don't know, is the fact that exercise can actually help to achieve the complexion that you've always wanted.

It's true that regular exercise will nourish the skin all over the body with fresh blood, oxygen, and nutrients. As well, the increased blood flow and circulation that come with working out will help to draw toxins out of the body and improve the condition of all your vital organs, including the epidermis.

A lot of people think that sweat can trigger acne flare ups. The fact is, sweating is great for any type of congested skin, as it helps promote the flushing of impurities from the epidermal layer and will clean out the pores. As well, vigorous exercise can actually correct the hormonal imbalances that can trigger blemishes, therefore reducing the likelihood of outbreaks.

Any physical routine that you like to do, such as yoga, running, biking, spinning, pilates, boxing, and such, will help to lessen the stress that you encounter on a daily basis and help to prevent stress related acne.

Keep in mind that exercise may not be a miracle cure for everything, as you may still experience breakouts from time to time although your acne will certainly be less severe and last for a much shorter time frame.

Exercise is also great for other skin conditions that may or may not have to do with the presence of acne. Your skin losing its elasticity or becoming thin and less resilient is something that we all encounter. This is a common problem for may of us as we get older.

As we all get older, we start to lose collagen, which will make us look tired. As many of us don't know, physical activity can actually help to promote the growth of collagen in your skin cells, which will plump up your facial skin and make you look younger and more vibrant.

If you are worried about wrinkles, you should consider relaxation that comes after you exercise. This has the effect of making your muscles, facial muscles included, soften up. What this means, is that your lines will appear less pronounced, helping to contribute to the youthful look that you are trying to achieve.

With exercise you can achieve a smaller waist, better muscle tone, softer skin, fewer blemishes, and an overall younger, fresher look. If you've wanted to add or change your complexion, you shouldn't hesitate to exercise. Exercise will help you feel more alive as well as improve your body. All you need to do is take a little bit of time out of your schedule to exercise - it's as simple as that.

You Really Are What You Eat

Recent dietary research has uncovered 14 different nutrient-dense foods that time and again promote good overall health. Coined “superfoods,” they tend to have fewer calories, higher levels of vitamins and minerals, and many disease-fighting antioxidants.

Beans (legumes), berries (especially blueberries), broccoli, green tea, nuts (especially walnuts), oranges, pumpkin, salmon. soy, spinach, tomatoes, turkey, whole grains and oats, and yogurt can all help stop and even reverse diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and some forms of cancer. And where one might have an effect on a certain part of the body, it can also affect the health of other body functions and performance, since the whole body is connected. With these 14 foods as the base of a balanced, solid diet, weight loss gimmicks and other fly-by-night programs can become a thing of the past in your life.

Conversely, the ill-effects of an unbalanced diet are several and varied. Low energy levels, mood swings, tired all the time, weight change, uncomfortable with body are just a few signs that your diet is unbalanced. An unbalanced diet can cause problems with maintenance of body tissues, growth and development, brain and nervous system function, as well as problems with bone and muscle systems.

Symptoms of malnutrition include lack of energy, irritability, a weakened immune system leading to frequent colds or allergies, and mineral depletion that can trigger a variety of health concerns including anemia.

And since the body is connected, realizing that an unhealthy body will result in an unhealthy spirit only makes sense. When we nourish our body with these superfoods and complement them with other nutrient-dense and healthy fresh foods, our spirit will be vitalized and healthy as a direct result.

Many modern diets based on prepackaged convenience foods are sorely lacking in many vitamins and minerals, which can affect our mental capacities as well, and cause irritability, confusion, and the feeling of ‘being in a fog’ all the time.

Superfoods can be the basis of a sound, healthy, nutritious solution to curing many of these ailments and more.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Caring For Your Contacts

It's no secret that contact lenses are the best alternative to glasses. They are easy to use, although they must be taken care of. There are several ways that you can take care of your contact lenses, which will ensure that they stay healthy and remain comfortable when you wear them.

Before you put your contacts in, the first thing to do is wash your hands with soap and warm water. You should also make sure that you dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel, as soap residue or chemicals may get on the contacts, causing them to be very uncomfortable and possibly even burning your eyes when you put them in.

If you can’t seem to get your contacts to go in your eyes, you shouldn’t force them. Instead, you should put some solution in the palm of your hand, and gently rub the contact in the solution. Then, before you put it back in your eyes, you should put some solution on it and it should go in your eye without any complications.

Anytime you are not wearing your contact lenses, you should always soak them in fresh solution. This is especially important overnight, as the solution gets the protein out of your contacts. If you don’t soak them in solution, they can end up causing damage to your eyes.

If you experience any type of burning with your contacts after soaking them in solution, you should try another solution. Depending on your eyes, some types of solutions may leave you with a burning sensation. This is very common, although switching to a different contact lens solution will more than likely stop the burning or irritation.

Throughout the day, you may need to use re-wetting drops or saline solution to keep moisture in your eyes. Sometimes, contacts can dry your eyes out, and make them feel very uncomfortable. When you put some drops or saline in them though, the dryness will normally subside. You should always keep some re-wetting drops or saline with you at times, just in case your eyes start to dry out.

If you are new to contact lenses, you should ask your optician or staff any questions that come to mind. Normally, after you have been fitted for contact lenses, the optician and his staff will show you how to put your contacts in, how to care for them, and anything else you need to know about them.

Taking care of your contact isn’t hard to do. As long as you take care of them, they will take care of you. You should always change them out with a fresh pair as recommended, to prevent any type of damage to your eyes. Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses - although they need to be cared for in the proper ways.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Beauty Tips from the Experts

You do not need to have a perfect feature or a waif-like figure to be beautiful.

Every person is unique in their own way and this uniqueness is what makes a person beautiful.

Remember to enhance what you already have. If you have a high nose or a good jaw line or high cheek bones, you can use these features and put some effort in enhancing your good points.

By using the following tips from beauty experts you can look good and feel beautiful:

1. Take care of your skin.

Having a good skin, no matter what your complexion, will be your basic investment for looking good. Whether your skin is fair, brown or dark, - as long as it is glowing and radiant, you will achieve an overall healthy look.

Here are some ways to attain that healthy looking skin:

- If you are eating a great amount of junk food, your skin will look dull, dry and unhealthy. Eat foods enriched with vitamins that are beneficial for the skin so that you can achieve an inner glow.

- Get enough sleep to avoid those unsightly bags under your eyes.

- Hydrate your skin by drinking a lot of water.

- Use a good exfoliating product on your skin regularly. Having a regular regimen will help keep your skin healthy. Make sure that the products you use are applicable to your skin type.

2. Keep the skin on your face blemish-free.

If there is a blemish on your face, a quick fix is to use Visine; soak a cotton ball in it and hold it on the affected area to eliminate any redness. Then, use a single drop of Preparation H to remove the blemish.

To make wrinkles to disappear, apply a highlighter directly onto the crease after you use foundation over your entire face; then blend and set with face powder.

3. Use makeup to your advantage to highlight your features, especially your eyes.


For those “not-so-good” days where there are dark circles under your eyes, use an orange concealer mixed with foundation. Apply this under your eyes then apply foundation as usual. Use an eye shadow to highlight your eyelids but avoid using purple and blue colors.

Use a small amount of foundation to lighten your eyebrows then use small makeup brush to comb it through the brows.

Use lip colors that can enhance the brightness of your teeth.

By following these beauty tips from professionals, you can accentuate the best of your facial features that allow you to look good on the outside and feel better on the inside.

How to make use of natural products to enhance your looks

Man's tendency to become obsessed with being beautiful and how to be beautiful has not faded throughout time. Man's vanity continues to increase as man becomes more attached to technology and modern life.

While there are different concepts of beauty among those who lived during the middle ages and those who are living in the 21st century, this yearning to capture beauty has remained unchanged.

The only difference in this yearning is that today, there are a thousand and one ways available for man to become beautiful. Liposuction, nose lift, bust enhancement, lip and eyebrow tattoos, modern make up: name it, and modern man has it at his fingertips.

The use of modern-day methods to enhance one's appearance has caused more trouble for man. Cosmetic surgeries and other beauty enhancers do not come cheap so one must have unlimited resources to finance the vanity. Despite man's preference for the unnatural beauty methods, there is always an option available to use natural beauty enhancers.

A beauty secret that occurs in nature and is practically free, except perhaps for the monthly bill, is water. Water has been recommended by movie stars and glamour experts all over the world as a natural way of keeping the skin smooth and beautiful. Drinking plenty of water will rid the body of harmful toxins that can cause disease and physical imperfections such as acne.

Another product that is absolutely free and is there for the taking is sleep. Lack of sleep makes a person irritable and ugly inside and out. Improper sleeping habits can cause the skin to become dry and break out. Lack of sleep can cause dark circles under the eyes which will make anyone look tired as well as older. Experts recommend eight hours of sleep during the night to rejuvenate the body.

The use of moisturizers can make the skin younger looking and give it a glowing appearance. There is no need to buy expensive moisturizers in order to avail yourself of this beauty enhancer. The trick is to use the power of fruits and other natural products to make your own cream, face mask, cleanser and other beauty enhancers. These are called home remedies and you can make them right in your own kitchen.

Peel a cucumber, slice it and place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. By placing the cold cucumber slices on your closed eyes you will relax the eyes and lessen any dark circles around them.

Did you know that oatmeal with honey can be used to exfoliate your body? Applying honey to your face and leaving it until it dries makes facial skin smooth and moisturized.

Using natural products to enhance your beauty is not only cost effective, but it is also safe.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Spotting Counterfeit Designer Handbags

You may try to save a few bucks by buying a designer handbag replica, but there are several reasons why it makes sense to buy the real thing:

1. Although replicas may look like the real thing, the workmanship and quality can't be compared to the original.

2. Counterfeiters avoid paying taxes since their businesses are generally operated on a cash basis. Citizens like you and I still have to pay.

3. The sale of counterfeit designer goods has been linked to terrorist and gang activity as well as organized crime. Drugs are often smuggled inside counterfeit handbags.


Spotting a Fake
There was a time when it was easy to spot a fake: misspelled logos, cheap leather and shoddy hardware. Now, fakes are starting to look rather good and it’s hard to tell the difference. Here's how to tell what’s real and what’s not:

1. Authentic handbags are purchased from authorized registered dealers. Authentic designer handbags are not sold by street vendors, at home parties, at flea markets, in New York's Chinatown, in Los Angeles' Santee Alley, or at mall kiosks.

2. If you’re considering a Coach handbag, the company’s website provides a list of authorized dealers. Both Coach and Kate Spade give detailed information on spotting replicas of their products.

3. The price. A new Prada handbag will not sell for $50.

4. Country of Origin Labels. The country of origin for Fendi handbags is Italy. If the handbag has a label that says “Made in Taiwan”, it is not the real thing.


Buying Designer Handbags Online
If you're shopping online and find a designer handbag at a price that’s hard to pass up, there’s a way to tell if you're getting an authentic product:

Read the product description carefully. Some online merchants will lure you into their sites by describing their products as original, authentic or genuine. After reading descriptions, you may find such phrases as “inspired by” a particular designer. This product isn’t authentic and the phrase is used to protect the merchant from trademark infringement.


Want to know for sure it’s real?
Buy designer goods from authorized registered dealers only. That’s the only way to be sure that you are purchasing an authentic designer product.