Health & Beauty Tips

Sleeping Funny Animals

2010-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sleep can follow a physiological or behavioral definition. In the physiological sense, sleep is a state characterized by a reversible unconsciousness, special brainwave patterns, sporadic eye movement, loss of muscle tone (possibly with some exceptions; see below regarding the sleep of birds and of aquatic mammals), and a compensatory increase following deprivation of the state.[2] In the behavioral sense, sleep is characterized by non-responsiveness to external stimuli, the adoption of a typical posture, and the occupation of a sheltered site, all of which is usually repeated on a 24 hour basis.

The Beauty of Mehndi

2010-10-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

‘Mehndi Lagao ge main Sajna kay naam ki’ the symbol of love and happiness, Mehndi is a story of girlish charms, it’s delicately designed intricate patterns are the words that portray her emotions, her tender feelings, and her hidden desires that no one knows. Mehndi is a symbol that shows that a young naive virgin is ready to transform into a temptress for her husband. Mehndi is undoubtedly a trademark of Pakistani weddings.

Wedding season seems to be going in full swing these days. Where fancy dresses, colorful bangles, dholki and traditional geets are considered a must shaadi ingredient, there you cannot deny the seductress charm of hennaed hands, loaded with flirty bangles. The subtle fragrance that those beautifully designed hennaed hands omit feels sweet, innocent and extremely irresistible.

There are many traditional beliefs connected with Mehndi, in ancient Kama Sutra culture, Henna is one of the sixty four arts of women. Popular motifs of the bridal Mehndi are conch shell, flowers, Kalash, peacock, doli and baraat patterns. The intricate motifs of the bridal henna also hide the husband’s name. It is said that the husband’s name in the intricate henna motifs is made for the groom who has to find out his name in his bride’s Mehndi to impress his girl. Another interesting belief about Mehndi is that the darker and deeper the henna stains, the more the husband and the in-laws will love the bride.

Makeup tips that keep Makeup Natural

2010-09-29T02:44:00.000-07:00

The whole point of makeup is to make you look the best of you, so make sure you use the right makeup the right way.

A natural, rosy radiance is very appealing. When applying makeup blush, you want the color to look soft and natural:

Lightly blow on the makeup brush to remove any excess blush before applying to prevent a harsh and uneven makeup application.
Apply your makeup blush on the apple of the cheek and carefully blend towards your natural hairline.If you have two shades, apply the darker one on the apple of the cheek first, then use the lighter shade to highlight. Blend well.
Highlight your temples, forehead and chin.

A makeup tip to know is "where to glow"; bend over for 30 seconds, and then slowly stand up. Where your cheeks are flushed is where you are meant to apply makeup blush.

Another very important makeup tip is to ensure cheek color should be used to improve your complexion, not to change your natural skin tone. Use makeup blush carefully for daytime, then add more or a deeper shade for a more theatrical nighttime effect. For special occasions, dust a lightly frosted powder over your cheekbones for a delicate but appealing glow.

Make sure to blend your makeup blush into your foundation well or it will tend to look unnatural and add the appearance of 5 years to your looks.

Shape up your lips right to go with your makeup blush. Lining your lips is significant for creating plump, noticeable lips. Perfecting your pout also adds to the perfect makeup. What effect are you looking to achieve; creamy, sheer, and glossy. Attractive lips are soft and supple, so keep your lips smooth.

Let your Child select his own Style

2010-08-31T00:08:00.000-07:00

For children, dressing up is like an event that takes them to a whole new world of experience and creativity. Their ridiculously active imagination ponders over colors and designs that are being put on them as their dresses and if those colors and designs are not of their choice, those little innocents will feel much like ‘chained’ rather then ‘dressed’. It’s always better to let your children select their dresses by themselves for it helps in developing their fashion sense, imagination and creativity.

Children sometimes try to copy their favorite fairytale characters, something that they dream about, but if they are being interfered, they loose ambition; they loose the urge to follow their dreams. So it’s always important for parents to let their kids choose whatever they want.

At the age of 2, a child start developing his sense of relating and choosing things, he develops his favorites, likes and dislikes. So if you are a super mommy of a 2 year old girlie, select a pair of tom boy outfit, a girlie outfit in pink, or a bright and shiny red colored skirt and ask your girl to choose from them. In the same way choose some pairs of shoes and ask your child to select. In this way you will have an idea of likes and dislikes of your child.

If your super cute girlie opts to go red, she is likely to become a sweet and sassy chic. If most of her favorites are ice-cream pastel shades, you will discover a sweet country girl from fairytales in her. If she chooses pants and shirts, then she is probably going to be a super hot tom boy girl. It is very important for children to have a catharsis; children may not express themselves in words so they opt to express themselves with colors and dresses and this is your duty as a parent to let them express what they feel like.

If children are always ordered to wear certain dresses that are not their choice, they may loose their confidence and self esteem and their innocent imagination will simply lost in the darkest corners of their dresses. Allowing your children to wear what they want is like encouraging their creativity and self expression that helps in developing their identity as an individual.

In addition to that, it’s also important for parents to teach their children the differences and use of fabrics according to weather when they are 3. When a child turns 4, he is fully ready to dress by his own, selecting and choosing colors that satisfy his imagination and soothe his ridiculously active fantasies into the magical gardens of wonderland.

So next time when you want to buy your children some new fashion collection, make sure to take them along for shopping for you don’t want to bound their creativity in the chains of colorful dresses.

Express yourself with the Fragrance of your soul

2010-08-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

When you step out, you step out with an aura, an aroma that expresses your soul. Be it a soft floral fragrance of vanilla or a spicy hot fragrance of cinnamon, it whispers your heart in every step.

Fragrances are very special for they leave you in a world of everlasting memories; they speak your heart wherever you go. Here are some style tips to help you finding the perfect perfume. So sink into these deliciously exotic fragrances to choose the one that is for you.

If you are an ‘Enchanting’ girl right out of the world of fairytales, always lost in your dreams of prince charming on a white horse sweeping you off your feet then go for a light, sweet floral fragrance, the one that reminds you of rose, sweet pea, peonies, jasmine or lily. For example, Envy Me by Gucci or Romance by Ralph Lauren.

The little daring one with a bold, sexy and mysterious persona might want to arrest people with her rich warm and sensual fragrance. A perfume that is with a touch of pepper will go best for her. If you are one of her then look for fragrances of Vanilla, musk, cinnamon, clove or patchouli. For Example, Dior Addict by Dior or Obsession by Calvin Klein.

A light, clean and fresh fragrance with notes of violet leaves and green tea, Or a fragrance with cool and refreshing aromas like sea breeze, mint and dew will be a perfect companion for a quintessential ‘girl next door’ with a sweet and charming disposition.

If you are a free spirited birdie and possibly a bit crazy then go for a perfume that is vivacious and frisky with a little bit of citrus in its fragrance. Look for delicious fruity fragrances of lemon, mandarin, pink grapefruit or orange. For example, Mandarin Mist by Stila or Splash-Grapefruit by Marc Jacobs.

Enliven yourself with the aroma that is truly divine, a perfect companion for those mysterious eyes saying a thousand words behind their silence, for the fragrance speaks your soul the way your eyes does.

Mineral Makeup

2010-08-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

It is all-natural and being touted as something that can actually help your skin. It's called Mineral Makeup. Cosmetic companies are marketing it by different names, but they all have a common ingredient - minerals.
"Mineral makeup" takes its inspiration from minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature. Many combinations of these colored minerals, such as mica, titanium dioxide, zinc and iron oxides, and ultramarine pigments, can be created to make every cosmetic from foundation to eyeshadow to shimmer powder for the body ...
A leading cause of wrinkled skin is the heavy and constant application of makeup. After years of makeup use, your skin is no longer what it used to be. It is a product of heavy abuse due to harsh makeup products. Ideally, your skin care will consist of no makeup on the face.
If You Use Makeup, Make Sure It Is Mineral Makeup
The benefits of mineral makeup cosmetics:

Natural look and feel
Stays on all day long
Good for sensitive skin
It's anti-inflammatory
No harmful ingredients

Best of all, because mineral powders are inorganic and contain no moisture, bacteria do not grow and no preservatives are needed.
It works on everyone! And every climate. Not only does it contain sunscreen, but cosmetic companies say Mineral Makeup works with humidity. So that means even if you sweat, your makeup stays put.

Garlic fights high blood pressure

2010-08-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

New research into the disease fighting properties of everyday foods has turned up fresh evidence about the health benefits of Garlic. Researchers from the University of Adelaide have found that an extract from the humble clove of garlic can help treat high blood pressure. The finding was reported in the latest edition of the scientific journal Maturitas.
However before you go and start adding garlic pods to your food or consuming it raw the researchers caution that according to their studies they did not observe similar health benefits from garlic that was consumed raw or cooked in meals. The benefits were only observed in an extract from aged garlic.
The extensive studies were carried out over a time period of twelve weeks and involved fifty test subjects with systolic blood pressure levels at or above 140. Researchers then gave some members of the group a placebo and the rest an extract of aged garlic in capsule form. The group that got the garlic extract displayed blood pressure level over 10 mm Hg lower than the blood pressures displayed by the control group that were given placebos.
Researchers were quick to point out the significance of this drop in blood pressure because they claim that a drop in systolic blood pressure of as little as 5 mm Hg can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as twenty percent.
Dr. Karin Reid, who led the researchers at the University of Adelaide said that garlic is believed by scientists to have an antihypertensive effect on the human body because it stimulates the production of naturally occurring chemicals in the body like Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulphide that relax blood vessels and ease blood flow.
The research is as important in Australia as in other countries where a large percent of the population suffers from heart disease according to Dr. Reid because up to one in three adults in Australia are hypertensive or suffer from high blood pressure, a leading risk indicator of heart disease. Only half of these people actually receive medication to control their blood pressure and more alarmingly a further half of these patients are not receiving adequate treatments for their condition.
These findings are of great importance world over because the epidemic of heart disease is affecting developing countries as much as developed countries as sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy foods become more widespread. This in conjunction with the high stress lifestyles that most people lead has made high blood pressure a widely prevalent issue that goes largely undetected and therefore untreated. This study shows that more research into the use of garlic to fight hypertension needs to be undertaken.

Natural Beauty - Enhance The Looks You Have

2010-08-17T01:44:00.000-07:00

Visualization

You need to visualize the specific changes if you truly want to change your look. What will any improvements you make look like? See yourself with a streamlined body, healthier hair, clearer skin, majestic posture. These changes are realistic and attainable. Stay away from goals you'll never reach.
Don't compare yourself with someone you've seen on the TV or movie screen or on the cover of a magazine. Accept your uniqueness and capitalize on it.

Mirrors Boost Attitude

The quickest attitude adjustment is through reflection. Women who have low self esteem often avoid mirrors like the plague. However, mirrors can become a big ally.
Mirrors can tell you how you're progressing, in those little ways that may not be noticeable to the casual eye. It is the ultimate objective eye.
Do Everything Better
The way you use your beauty products will make all the difference in results.
For instance, try to duplicate what you see and feel your hair is shampooed at a salon. The product is always handled, never poured directly on hair.
Add a massage to your scalp when washing. While rinsing, lift your hair away from your scalp for about two minutes until it squeaks.

Discover The Virtues of Vanity

Confident women enjoy experimenting as a way of relieving stress and boost morale. Women who care about how they look are fascinating to watch, and teach us about taste and glamour. Vanity is a positive virtue, allowing us to fix our heads as well as our looks.

Look Pretty Amazing

Don't worry about looking pretty. Look pretty amazing show the world you care about yourself. Real beauty celebrates individuality. Rather than running around looking for beauty in pricey external products, discover within yourself. Make the most of what you have. You'll learn to like yourself and that will spark a light within.

Do One Thing For Yourself Everyday

Make yourself do it. It's the ultimate act of self-respect. Soak in the bubble bath or read an inspiring book. These little pleasures allow you to feel special. You can fake it if you, until you actually feel deserving of it. Whatever you choose, follow the action by writing down what you did and how it made you feel. Make it your own "attitude file". Include stories, quotes from friends and photographs that have made you feel good about yourself.

Project Beauty

Feel good, feel pretty and that's just what the world will see. If you feel ugly, that's what the people will see. Try to look as good as you can. There are ways to live in beauty without being obsessive about it.

Find Supportive Friends

What people say, whether intentional or not, make us feel good or bad about ourselves. Look for people who make you feel good when you're down. This person will give you compliment. If you've done something different or if you're wearing something new, they will notice it. Keep this compliments and they will build your self esteem.

Listen To Your Inner Voice

Each of us has a voice inside our head that will give us advice. This is like a therapist. It will guide us in the right direction. It will calm us down, cheer us up and even help us figure out why we're overeating or not bothering to iron our clothes. The problem is that we often don't take time we need to hear this important information. Schedule some quiet time in a leisurely bath or walk, or even while putting on your makeup. Treat this intuition as an inner cheering section.

Take A Break

At least twice a day, set aside five minutes to recheck your make-up, hair, posture and clothing. No matter how impeccably you started out your day, a touch is both necessary and warranted. Take some deep breaths to renew and restore your appearance.

Guidelines to perfect beauty

2010-08-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

They say beauty is in the eye of beholder and to maintain that beauty, here are simple and easy beauty guidelines which enhance your personality.

Skin care guideline: Beauty plays an important role in enhancing your personality. Talk to your skin specialist who would tell you how to look after your inner health and wellness. Beauty tip for skin care suggest that you use dry brush before taking bath. Exfoliation of the skin helps in cleansing your skin. For maintaining the beauty, of the skin add sugar for skin wash.

Hair Care guidelines: For a clean and perfect beauty, this beauty guideline suggest that you need to take care of your hair regularly. When applying hair dyes or hair colours, hairsprays and hair gels, remember to keep them away from your face, especially the eyes. You can fix your hair by using texturising cream. Also spray your hair for soft fragrance. This beauty tip suggests that to maximize your hair-style, apply a hair spray to your hair while using blow dryer and hot rollers.

Make-up Tips: This beauty tip suggest that you shouldn’t be carried away by beauty products. Always pick skin care products that do not encourage the formation of closed pores or cause acne. Buy a concealer that matches your skin. Apply it after eye make up. Beauty guideline suggest that use a blush cream or gel for a skin glow. Use eyeliner for deep dark looks. For a lip beauty apply a coat of lip balm on your lips before you start applying make-up.

Nail polish guideline: Before applying a new coat of nail polish, soak your nails in lukewarm water for five min. Cut them regularly, drink water and have calcium for enhancing the beauty. Get regular foot message and relax them.

For a perfect beauty, take 15 minutes exercise and eat healthy food on daily basis. This beauty guideline suggest that you quit smoking and choose a good perfume.

Basic Everyday Health Tips

2010-08-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.” -Arabian Proverb

Move extra: Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Play with your kids; throw balls with friends, trim the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it’s a stress buster. Think ‘move’ in small increments of time. It doesn’t have to be an hour in the gym. But that’s great when you’re up to it. Meanwhile, move more.
Cut Fat: Avoid fried foods, burgers and other fatty meals. Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise.
Give up Smoking: Smoking is harmful to your health.
Reduce Stress: Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your baby; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible.
Protect Yourself from Pollution: If you can’t live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. It’s a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent.
Floss Your Teeth: Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it’s because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don’t? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body’s boss.
Keep a optimistic Mental point of view: There’s a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life.

Choosing the right lip colour

2010-08-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, with the huge lipstick range of brands, colors, and textures, we find it difficult to select products that suit us. Many women refuse to wear anything but the one or two lipsticks they are accustomed to using. It’s not hard to choose lipstick colors once you know one simple fact. All you need to know is whether your skin tones are “warm” or “cool”. Everyone is either warm or cool and it’s all about your facial color: blondes, brunettes and redheads can be either one.
"If I had to teach someone just one thing about lipstick color it would be this: Find a lipstick that looks good on your face when you are wearing absolutely no makeup." -- Bobbi Brown, "Beauty".
Some tips to help choose the perfect lipstick color for you:
For everyday makeup, choose a lipstick color that corresponds to the natural color of your skin and hair. Keep lipstick color lighter for daytime and darker for night. A sheer, natural-looking lipstick color with a little shine also works well for day.
Always test for a lipstick’s color in broad and natural daylight before purchasing it.
Don’t feel shy to mix and try as mixing of various lipstick colors might bring about the desired color which complements your skin color and tone.

Pakistani Brides With Latest Lehenga Color Makeup And Jewelry

2010-08-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Create beautiful looking eyes with some easy to follow eye make up tips for the sultry or dazzling look.

2010-08-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

Eye makeup can be a daunting task and we tend to be scared to experiment with eye makeup colours because of our hesitance to look like a 1980’s bride gone wrong! Here are some staple eye make up tips which we can all follow to make sure our eyes seem sultry and beautiful.

Eye make up artists suggest dusting translucent powder under the eye, before applying eye makeup colour. You can brush off any excess eye colours which may fall down.

Eye makeup artists apply the base eye colour first; this is usually a neutral tone of beige which provides a foundation colour to build upon. It’s only after this, that the definition darker eye colour can be added and blended in.

For definition with a darker crease colour, eye makeup artists hold the brush flat on the outer corner of the eye and with one smooth movement, sweep across the crease of the eye. Always remember to BLEND, BLEND, BLEND.

Any eye make up too dark, near the inside of your eye, can make your eyes seem closer together. Instead, lightly wet a small flat brush and dip it in either gold or silver eye colour. Apply a light dot of eye colour where your eyes begin, near your nose. This opens up your eyes instantly.

For dazzling eyes, please stay away from glitter as you can end up looking like a 6 year old girl who put it all over her eyes. For eye make up tips, think SHIMMER. Silver works best with pink skin tones and gold or peach eye colours work best with warmer skin tones. Barry M, Urban Decay and Chanel have some lovely eye colours perfect for those dazzling eyes. Make sure the brush is lightly wet, as it helps keep the eye colour stay put.

Creating smoky eye make up can be tricky because nobody wants to look like they’ve been punched! Try using metallic brown eye colours and mix them with black. Also, blend and smooth a line of a smoky eye colour near your lower lashes so the eye makeup doesn’t look top heavy.

Use a pearly white eye colour underneath your eyebrow. This opens up the eye area. Try Bourjois or Mac for that perfect pearly white eye colour.

Candy Coloured Eye makeup for Spring

2010-08-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

Summer Eye Makeup

Choosing the perfect Eye shadow

2010-08-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

They say, eyes are the reflection of your soul and to make your outer reflection beautiful, eye shadows play an important role. It varies from bigger, smaller, wider or close-set of eyes. Choose the perfect eye shadow application for your eyes.

First of all apply foundation on your eyes for giving a smooth base, as it also prevents eye shadows from pleating and make it last longer. Once the base is on the eyelid, select your colours and first of all apply the lighter shade. Then apply the medium shape for deeper look and then the darkest shade for making your eyes big and beautiful.

Perfect eyeshade for small eyes is in light colours whereas the dark colour would make them smaller. Apply the dark shadows a bit in the outer corners of your eyes.

Similarly, if you have a deep set of eyes then give them prominent applying of light or medium eye shadow from the inner corner of your eyes to the outer one.

To make your eyes smoky, the perfect eye shadow begins with neutral colours. Start with lining both top and bottom lids with a black eye liner. Mark the liner carefully in the outer corners and apply eye shadow over your eyeliner to soften the look. To finish the smoky eyes makeup, apply the eye shadow all over your eyelids and apply mascara.

For wide-set eyes, one should focus on inner corners by using eye shadows on the inner areas, use dark eye shadows on the inner corner and lighter eye shadows on the outer sides.

For brown eyes, select, the light shades of brown and hazel according to your skin tone and it will create a huge difference in your look and can really emphasize your brown eyes.

For a perfect eye makeup of green eyes, first of all see your eye colour. Different eye shadows of brown, deep purples, plums, lilacs, and dark greens are the great choice for green eyes. One can also select three shades in the same colour. Apply the lightest colour on the brow bone, the medium shade on the lid and the deepest colour in the crease.

For blue eyes, it is better to choose shades that will contrast with your natural eye colour.

For Your Eyes Only

2010-08-08T01:47:00.000-07:00

Eyes are the central part of our outlook beauty and the main part of eye’s attraction are eye lashes.

Long hairy lashes can bring a new glamour to the flamboyance of our eyes. We need to do a lot of care to protect our eye lashes, no matter how shiny your eyes are, but if your eye lashes are not long and thick it can’t help you to make your eyes beautiful.

The eyes hold the keys to our seductive charm. By using so many cosmetics we damage our eye lashes that are the central attraction of our eyes. We go out daily in dust and heat that can damage the glow of our eyes. Always use sunglasses to protect it from the outer environment. Whenever you come home from heat, spray cold water or rose water on your eyes. It will ease your eye’s stress and will help in improving your eyesight as well.

As we already know that eye skin is very delicate that is why a special care is needed to remove eye make up. If you want to remove eye makeup, especially mascara, use a cleanser that will easily remove it.

Well we mostly curl our eye lashes to give them a alluring look but don’t make it a habit because eyelash curler bends them into a severe angle that is not natural. Always be sure before using them that your eye lashes are clear of any mascara.

Always use a unique and patented brush of mascara that make your lashes separated and give ultimate luster and texture of real hair. Fresh looking glistening eyes, soft eyelids adorned with luscious long eye lashes give an expert combination of mild sensuality and ultimate seduction.

You can do many exercises as well to make our eyes healthy and shiny. Lit a candle and concentrate on its flame for some time. Its very easy and helpful exercise for your eyes. Simply sit on a chair and roll your eyes clockwise and counter-clockwise. Just repeat it five times and blink in between each time.

Close your eyes and massage them with your finger in circular direction for one or two minutes. Press your eyes gently and must wash your hands before it, otherwise you can harm your eyes. These simple exercises will make your eyes healthy that will eventually result in shiny eyes and fine-looking eye lashes.

Easy Beauty Tips to get rid of Dark Circles

2010-08-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

Get rid of the dark under eye circles and refresh your skin with simple and easy homemade beauty tips.
In today’s busy life, the problem of dark circles or under eye circles is faced by every second person. Due to the busy schedules and hasty lifestyle, not only the adults are facing this problem, but also it is getting common among teenagers also. The appearance of dark circles makes you look older much beyond your age with a tiring and fainted look.

There are three simple ways to cater the problem of dark under eye circles, which are beauty tips for prevention, beauty tips for remedy and beauty tips for cosmetic help.

Prevention for Dark circles:

The simple and easy beauty tips to prevent from the ghostly dark circles are following:

Take proper sleep. After a busy and tiring day, you must get enough sleep of at least 8 hours to relax your body and mind and to avoid dark circles.
Drinking a lot of water and fluids to keep your skin hydrated and smooth is among the best beauty tips.
Try to take balanced diet. Include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and dairy products in your diet. You can also use iron supplements, because the deficiency of iron causes dark circles.
Always use sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sunrays. Before going out in the sun, cover areas around the eyes with the sun block.

Homemade Beauty Tips for Dark Circles:

To attack the problem of dark circles and puffy eyes, always opt for the best of homemade beauty tips which can solve your problem without hassle. Following are some of the quick and easy beauty tips that can give your under eye skin a younger and healthier look.
Dip cotton pads in the cucumber juice and place on eyelids for 15 minutes.
One of the easy beauty tips is to dip cotton balls in rose water or chilled water and keep it over the eyes for 5-10 minutes.
Try one of the classic homemade beauty tips by placing two slices of cucumber over the closed eyes for 15 minutes. You can also apply the same beauty tip with thin slices of potato.
The use of squeezed and chilled tea bag over the closed eyes for 10 minutes is also one of the magical beauty tips that can do wonders.

Easy Beauty Tips for Cosmetic Help:

One of the magical beauty tips to hide the dark circles with the cosmetic aid is the use of lighter shade concealer, which will surely assist you in defeating the under-eye evils until you get rid of them.

How to Apply Mascara

2010-08-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Applying these makeup tips to update your look is a skill that can be learned by anyone can learn to use these cosmetics tips to make the most of her own natural looks.

Before applying mascara, consider curling your lashes with a lash curler to open up your eyes. Eyes makeup application is helpful to frame the eyes, especially if your lashes are short. To curl eyelashes with a lash curler your should start by squeezing in "steps" from the lash line to about 3/4 of the way toward tips of eyes makeup application.

Generally mascara is applied in two coats of eyes makeup application. To apply mascara, place your finger about mid-lid or on your eyebrow and pull up in order to hold your lid taut and it will be ready eyes makeup.

Holding the wand parallel, sweep on mascara from roots to ends. Apply only to lash tips at first for a ready eyes makeup. Roll the wand slightly as you move, wiggle the wand slightly from side to side, along the lashes to distribute mascara evenly for ready eyes makeup.

Mascara is formulated with rich moisturizers. Let the mascara dry for 4-5 minutes for a ready eyes makeup. Don't hurry, calm down and wait.

Once the first application has dried, apply a second for a ready eyes makeup. For thicker lashes, cautiously apply mascara to the upper side of the lashes as well.

Use your mascara applicator spiral brush or lash comb to give lashes a final brush-through after they’ve dried to remove any clumps and give lashes a more natural look.

Adding too much mascara on the lower lashes can be aging to more mature eyes.

Eye Cosmetic protection

2010-08-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is reddened. Wait until the area is cured. Discard any eye cosmetics you were using when you got the virus.
Eye cosmetics are intended to make eyes more beautiful, or in some cases to cleanse the eye area. One thing they shouldn't do is cause injury. Most are safe when used the eye cosmetics correctly. However, there are some things to be careful about when using these eye cosmetics, such as the risk of infection, the risk of injury from the applicator, and the use of unapproved color additives.
Eye cosmetics are usually safe when you buy them, but mistreating them can allow dangerous bacteria or fungi to grow in them. Then, when applied to the eye area, a cosmetic can cause an illness. In rare cases, women have been for the time being or permanently blinded by an infection from an eye cosmetic.
Don't share or exchange eye cosmetics -- not even with your best friend. Another person's germs may be harmful to you. The risk of contamination may be even greater with "testers" at retail stores, where a number of people are using the same mock-up product. If you feel you must sample cosmetics at a retail shop, make sure they are applied with single-use applicators, such as clean cotton swabs.

Use eye cosmetic with care

2010-08-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

Since time immemorial, women have used cosmetic to beautify their appearance. However, sometimes makeup products cause allergic reaction, infection or injury to skin especially to the eye or eyelids. Follow these tips while using eye cosmetic.

People who use contact lens or have sensitive skins are more likely to confront problems related to eye cosmetics. Serious injuries related to eye cosmetics involve injuries related to cornea. When you apply mascara or eyeliner and feel irritated while scratching the cornea it can become infected leading to corneal ulcer. There are chemicals also in cosmetics which causes bacteria.

Although preservation in makeup products helps against infection but sometimes they irritate the eye and skin. Ingredients like Rosin, Nickel and Lanolin cause tearing, itching and redness of the eyes, or swelling and peeling of the eyelids. Use eye cosmetics like water proof mascara which does not cause much allergy.

It is always better to apply eyeliner outside the eyelashes to avoid the direct contact of the eye cosmetic with the eye. Keep your eyeliner pencils sharp for a perfect lining. Replace eye cosmetic with every six months and never use an old one. After any eye injection, buy new makeup products.

This tip suggests that eye makeup removers also irritate the eye, so apply them carefully to the eyelid and avoid getting them in your eye. Do not use makeup products while driving. Similarly, do not use a safety pin to tease apart clumped eyelashes. If using an eyelash curler, make sure that rubber is soft and avoid sharing your cosmetics as it causes skin bacteria.

Contact your eye doctor if you have a cosmetic related eye problem. If you have hurt your eye while using cosmetics, then take proper medical attention. Take the applicator and cosmetic, so that they can undergo for a bacteria test.

Similarly, those people who are using contact lens may confront diseases related to corneal abrasions or corneal ulcers. The cosmetics also contain oils, residues and possible bacteria which can damage your eye. Always put lens before applying makeup products and wash your hands. Apply eye cosmetics less heavily close to the eyes. Use fresh makeup every three to four months.

Always use fresh eye cosmetics with care as they enhance the beauty of your eyes. Follow the guidelines of your doctor in this regard.

Dress Tips

2010-08-04T04:51:00.000-07:00

It is about your dress yes but to a large extent it is how you wear your dress. Your dress might be that perfect A-shape dress that is all the rage. Dress might be screaming fashion from every possible thread but when you wear it umm next please!

Here are dress tips that will make sure what you wear is right and how you wear it is right too.

In a dress look for tops that enhance your facial features. Fashion is what suits you. Choose flattering color dress for your skin tone and fashion accessories to highlight your best features.

Avoid a dress that draws attention to what you feel are your negative features. Avoid dress that is too tight that will overemphasis your features. A general rule to follow in a dress is that your tops should not be darker than your bottoms. Matching color of dress top and bottom is a good fashion idea. If not, draw attention to the upper waist area by wearing a dark dress bottoms and vibrant colored dress tops, with or without prints.

Fashion can be integral part of your dressing, only if you wear the right dress the right way. Your dress should be for you today not for you after you have finally managed to lose weight. Dress to kill with that killing dress.

7 Don'ts for Beautiful Nails

2010-08-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

There are many things that you might be doing without even knowing that they are actually destroying your nails. Follow our seven DON'TS and get beautiful nails:

1. Don't go for dish washing or any other housework without putting on a pair of rubber gloves.

2. Don't apply nail polish before checking that your nails are dry and oil free.

3. Don't use chipped naial polish or you'll damage your nails.

4. Don't let your nails get too long or they'll badly break.

5. Don't use your nails as tools or they'll get weak.

6. Don't let a day go without having moisturize your cuticles.

7. Don't hold heavy packages or it will left some bad impact at your forties.

Playing with Food: 12 Pieces of Food Art

2010-08-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Lovebirds

Native Carrots

Direct from Liliput, the 'Walnut Workers

Fast Food!

Moooooom... the ingredients are smiling at me... AGAIN!

The Mysterious Case of Pepe, the Pepper.

Potatosaurus Dulcis and 'Al' Bergine

Radish Cardinal

Radish Mice

Humming-Veggie

The Little Carrot

Oh No! Swim for your lives...

Different kinds of Artificial nails

2010-07-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Even though artificial nails are likely to look and wear better than natural nails, they need a lot of maintenance. It is better to use trained and licensed professionals to make sure that they are using secure products, and disinfected tools to avoid harm to your natural nails and fungal or bacterial infections. The chemicals and materials used to make and stick on artificial nails can cause allergic reactions in some, so be sure to test if you have any allergies before getting your nails ready.

There are 4 types of artificial nails:

Acrylic nails are one of the popular kinds of artificial fingernail and is used as either a nail tip, or a whole nail overlay. Acrylic nails are normally the strongest, thickest, and sturdiest of the artificial fingernails.
Gel nails are made with a "light cured" or “UV” gel consisting of pre-mixed polymers and monomers. These gel nails are cured by brushing or spraying a gel activator on top of the nails or by dipping the fingernails into water. Furthermore, if they are not applied by a qualified professional, they may be hard to get rid of, resulting in harm to your natural nails.
Sculptured nails are another in style type of artificial fingernail. Sculptured nails normally last longer than other types of artificial fingernails, but must be filled in on a regular basis in order to keep a natural look.
Wrap nails are small, thin pieces of silk, fiberglass, paper or linen that have been cut to a preferred shape and glued or bonded to the surface of the natural fingernail. However, because they are so thin, soft, and lightweight, wraps are generally considered to be the most natural looking of all the artificial fingernails

Nail Spa

2010-07-28T04:36:00.000-07:00

Nails are an important part of our outlook beauty. It has an imperative value in our personal grooming.

Nail spa is necessary not only for those who want to grow their nails but also for every woman who is working and living a busy life. You can easily do a lot of things to protect your nails. It will help you by making your nails more beautiful and attractive. To clean and take care of your nail is very important because it can become a source of transferring germs into your mouth that will eventually result in stomach diseases.

People with bitter nails feel the trauma of sometimes getting embarrassed because no matter how beautiful your feet or hands are, but if the nails are rotten and stained, nothing in this world can cover this paucity. It makes your hands or feet look uglier. So the basic idea I want to emphasize is take proper care of your nails.

You can easily take care of your nails by some simple tips. This natural nail spa you can even easily do it at home.

File, wash and soak your nails, soften cuticles, clean and shape the cuticles. File in one direction only, and always do this when your nails are dry. Wash your hands and soak in warm water before applying a fruit or nut oil into the cuticle area near the half-moon at the base of the nail. Use the smooth end of a manicure stick to gently push the cuticles back from the nails.

Dry your hands completely. Level and polish the top of each nail to remove any ridges. Do the same thing with a fine-grit block. Once the ridges are removed, smooth the top of the nail with a smoothing file. You will be amazed at how shiny your nails will look following these steps, almost as if you were wearing a clear polish.

Massage your hands with a moisturizing cream or lotion. The simple and easy procedure of making your nails as beautiful as they can ever be is done. Take proper diet, fish, egg, meat and food enriched in vitamins for healthy nails. Now try it out and see for the results yourself.

What Your Nails Reveal About Your Health

2010-07-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

Did u know that even your nails can tell much about your health history? Well, in case you did not, this is a new piece of information for you. Take a good look at your fingernails. Do you find them strong and healthy-looking? Or do you see ridges, or areas of odd color or shape? By checking out your nails, you can get a good hint of your general health, since poor health results in many changes in your nails that your doctor can use to develop a diagnose.
Follow the bullets and you’ll come across a few nail disorders that may be linked with illnesses:

• Beau's lines

Beau's lines are pockmarks which appear across your nail. This can appear when the growth at the nail root is troubled by harsh infirmities such as a heart attack, measles, or pneumonia.

• Clubbing

Clubbing is a case where you will find your fingertips widening and becoming round while the nails around your fingertips curves and bows inwards. This occurs due to swelling in connective tissue owing to persistent shortage of oxygen. Lung disease is found in 80 percent of people who have clubbed fingers.

• Half-and-Half

Also known as Lindsay's nails – is another thing you should be careful about. In this case, see if you have a curve of brownish staining appearing. Although this may come into view in a small ration of people who happen to be suffering from a kidney disorder.

• Onycholysis

Pronounced as ON-i-ko-LY-sis is the case when your nail starts separating from the nail bed. According to the medical point of view, mostly this problem is allied with some sort of physical injury (trauma), psoriasis, drug reactions, fungal disease or contact dermatitis occurring from the excessive usage of nail hardeners. Every so often onycholysis can be associated to an over- or under-active thyroid gland, iron deficiency, or syphilis.

• Ever heard about ‘spoon nails’?

Well, spoon nails is a condition in which the nails get softened and scooped out. Depression, infact, is typically large enough to hold a drop of liquid. This condition is normally reflecting iron deficiency in your body.

• What is Terry's nails?

it is the conditon in which the nails appear thick and white, however the tip gets a dark pink or slightly brown line appearing on it. This can be an indication of cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, adult-onset diabetes, cancer, or aging.

By doing a slight check-up of yourself, you can easily judge about your own health this way.

Feel proud of your hands

2010-07-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Manicure is a must. But, if going to a salon isn’t possible for you, no worries at all! Pamper your fingers using the following tip and feel heavenly.

Take a bowl and add some luke warm water in it and a few drops of rose water or a perhaps drops of lemon or limejuice. If you want to add a more special touch to your session, add some lovely smelling rose petals, put on your favorite music or movie. Keep your hands soaked in the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes. The pleasing results will surely bring a big smile on your face.

A coat of nutritive oil for your nails is a brilliant idea. Try using almond oil, apricot oil, castor oil, any nuts oils for this matter, and augment it further by adding a few drops of Vitamin E ( available in a capsule form). Massage in the cuticles and leave it on your hands for 5-10 minutes. Push the cuticles with a nail stick. File your nails properly in the shape you like.

Now, you can polish your nails with your favorite nail polish.

Feel the difference yourself following this simple yet effective nail and hand care tip. Repeat this treatment once a week to maintain the stunning look of your hand and nails

10 Most Amazing Fruits On The Earth

2010-07-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Squared Watermelon

For years consumers have struggled to fit the large round fruit in their refrigerators. And then there was the problem of trying to cut the fruit when it kept rolling around. But 20 years ago a forward-thinking farmer on Japan's south-western island of Shikoku solved the problem. The farmer, from Zentsuji, in Kagawa prefecture, came up with the idea of making a cube-shaped watermelon which could easily be packed and stored. To make it happen, farmers grew the melons in glass boxes and the fruit then naturally assumed the same shape. Today the cuboid watermelons are hand-picked and shipped all over Japan. But the fruit, on sale in a selection of department stores and upmarket supermarkets, appeals mainly to the wealthy and fashion-conscious of Tokyo and Osaka, Japan's two major cities. Each melon sells for 10,000 yen, equivalent to about $83. It is almost double, or even triple than of a normal watermelon.

Pomegranate

The pomegranate is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and was cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean region since ancient times. The LA Times recently labelled pomegranate as ‘one of the most trendiest and versatile fruit on the market', and it could be good for you (another fruit sold for its ‘medical values'). Packed with antioxidants, pomegranate juice is now on the red carpet, and even the stars at the Oscars drink the dark red liquid.

Dragon fruit

A pitaya is the fruit of several cactus species, most importantly of the genus Hylocereus (sweet pitayas). These fruit are commonly known as dragon fruit. The fruit can weigh from 150 to 600 grams. To prepare a pitaya for consumption, the fruit is cut open to expose the flesh. The fruit's texture is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit due to the presence of black crunchy seeds. The flesh, which is eaten raw, is mildly sweet and low in calories; dragon fruit should not be used to accompany strong-tasting food – except to "clean the palate" between dishes. The seeds are eaten together with the flesh, but they are indigestible unless chewed. The fruit is also converted into juice or wine, or used to flavour other beverages. The flowers can be eaten or steeped as tea.

Kiwano

The horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus), also called African horned cucumber or kiwano, is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family. Often known by its nickname in the southeastern United States - blowfish fruit - it is grown for its fruit, which looks like an oval melon with horn-like spines. The fruit of this plant is edible, but it is used as often for decoration as for food. When ripe, it has a yellow-orange skin and a lime green jelly-like flesh. The horned melon is native to Africa, and it is now grown in California, Chile, Australia and New Zealand as well.
Star fruit

The star fruit or carambola is a tropical fruit that is gaining popularity in the United States. This fruit acquired its name from the five pointed star shape when cut across the middle of the fruit. It has a waxy, golden yellow to green color skin with a complicated flavor combination that includes plums, pineapples, and lemons.

Rambutan

This is the strangest looking fruit ever. Rambutan in Malay, Indonesian, and Filipino literally means hairy, caused by the 'hair' that covers this fruit. On the outside it's magenta with green hairy legs all over it. From the outside you'd have no idea what to expect on the inside. Inside it's similar to a lychee fruit. It looks sort of clear and gummy. It's very watery and has a huge seed in the center. It tastes pretty decent, but it's the look of the ramputan that puts it in the top ten.

Ackee

Ackee is Jamaica's national fruit. The fruit was imported to Jamaica from West Africa (probably on a slave ship) before 1778. Since then it has become a major feature of various Caribbean cuisines, and is also cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas elsewhere around the world. The fruit of the ackee is not edible in its entirety. Only the inner, fleshy yellow arils are consumed. It is extremely poisonous in the very center if you eat the red bits.

Mangosteen

Called ‘mangkut', these are the ‘queen of Thai fruits' with their elegant, segmented white–flesh inside a thick large purple peel. They grow in the South and the season lasts just a few months of the year, mainly from May to September. If you are here in Thailand at that time be sure to enjoy this delicious and luxurious sweet fruit.

Buddha's Hand

Ever heard of a Fingered Citron? How about a Buddha's Hand? It's a weird -looking citrus that has green or rich yellow tapering fingers or segments attached to a base – the appearance is not unlike a curled, arthritic hand, only there are usually many more than 5 fingers! But what on earth do you do with a Buddha's Hand? Do you eat it? Well, yes, and no. Its thick, lemony rind and pith (the white part) is often candied into a delicious citrus delicacy, infused with spirits or made into liqueurs. However, the small amount of inside flesh is quite sour and rarely used in food. The Buddha's Hand and other members of the Citron family are also prized for their aromatic citrus oils and used in perfumes and sometimes kept in homes as a natural air
deodorizer.

Urucu

You can count on finding the Urucu plant (Bixa orellana) around every rural household in the Amazon. Achiote (Bixa orellana) is a shrub or small tree from the tropical region of the Americas. It is cultivated there and in Southeast Asia, where it was introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century. It is best known as the source of the natural pigment annatto, produced from the fruit.

Reasons to Skip Late Night Snacks

2010-07-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

1. Your teeth. A new study has found that folks who snack in the middle of the night are more likely to lose their teeth as they age. The problem? No one is brushing their teeth after that spoonful of peanut butter at 2 a.m. And your saliva is slowing down -- so the food isn't being broken down.

2. Your waistline. Although researchers say that a late night snack won't likely make you gain weight if it's an occasional thing, they have linked nocturnal eating directly to eating disorders. So if you're big on trips to the fridge in the night, you may have a binge eating disorder.

3. Your sleep habits. No one wants to go to bed hungry, but the feeling of overfullness can actually make you more uncomfortable and prevent you from falling back to sleep. Also quaffing caffeinated beverages or consuming spicy foods can have the wrong effect in the middle of the night.

4. Your digestion. The same rule that applies to eating just before bed applies in the middle of the night -- if you're prone to heartburn, munching on food and then lying down will make things worse because the connection between the esophagus and stomach become horizontal (they should be vertical).

Tip Of The Day!!!Water: How much should you drink every day?

2010-07-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids.

How much water should you drink each day? It's a simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

Although no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

How much water do you need?

calculate your weight and divide it by 2.

e.g if your weight is 50 kg

then 50/2= 25 so you need 25 ounces of water every day.

Homemade Remedies For Brown Spots

2010-07-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar

Lemon juice is a good way to bleach out the brown spots. Apply it to the brown spots on your face twice a day. You should see results in a couple of months.
Drink apple cider vinegar and this may result in a reduction of your brown spots.
Put a couple of drops of vinegar in a glass of water and pour it down the hatch. If you can't stand the taste of the vinegar, add some honey.
Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and a blended onion and then apply this mixture to the brown spots. Results should be noticeable in five to six months.

Sunscreen, Make a Paste

Keep your brown spots covered when you are outside. If you don't, the spots will get even darker. Wear a sunscreen or a hat to protect your face.
Put sandal powder and rose water on your brown spots. This will result in a paste. Leave it on as you would a masque for 15 minutes or so. This is said to be effective in diminishing brown spots.
Make a concoction out of rosemary oil, vinegar, radish and lime juice. Apply this to the dark spot. This cleanses and brightens the skin and may reduce brown spots.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is not a bleaching agent, such as lemon, but it will improve the texture of your skin.

Onions

Chop up an onion, squeeze the juice out of and dip a cotton ball into the juice. Put this on your age spots,

Aloe Vera

Consider using aloe vera on your brown spots. Aloe vera has healing properties and it will help even out your complexion.

Vitamin E

Apply vitamin E oil to your spots. In addition, you may opt to take a vitamin E supplement. Vitamin E is considered an anti-oxidant. It fights free radicals, such as smoke and pollution.

Try This Mixture

Mix together ¼ cup of organic yogurt with 1/8 cup of organic apple cider. Add the juice from ¼ of a lemon and 1 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. Apply this concoction to your face. Leave it on your face until it dries. Afterward apply a lightening solution such as hydroquinone (which is found in skin care products) or some more lemon juice and let it dry. Follow this with a moisturizer.

Consult With Your Physician

Generally, these dark spots are benign and don't pose any problems other than that they may not be aesthetically pleasing. However, these spots can also be indicative of nutritional deficits and impaired liver function. If, however, your spots are changing in texture and color or increasing in size, you need to point this out to your physician.

What Causes Brown Spots???

2010-07-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Sun radiation is responsible for most of the unpleasant skin conditions as appearance of brown spots, appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, sagging of the skin, premature aging, enlargement of blood capillaries on the face.Pollution, stress, sunlight, fatty foods, cigarette smoke together with improper skincare compromise the skin’s appearance of brown spots.
Brown spots, also known as age spots, dark spots, sun spots, liver spots, lentigines, lentigos are concentrations of melanin trigged by unprotected exposure to the sun over a long period of time. These brown spots are also called “hyper pigmentation” – patches of the skin that become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.Hyperpigmenation can be shortly defined as increase in the natural color of the skin. It occurs usually when an excess of melanin forms deposits in the skin.

WHAT CAUSES BROWN SPOTS:

Sun exposure
Aging
Genetics
Hormones
Pregnancy
Stress
Improper skincare
Menopause
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Liver disease
Birth control pills
Result of acne
Result of harsh chemicals

Brown spots are caused by a combination of sun damage and a decline in the hormones that regulate the production of melanin. When your skin is exposed to sun, the UV rays can easily break down the collagen and elastin and as a result the skin may become rougher and cause formation of brown, reddish spots due to the excess melanin. Prolonged sun exposure causes the skin cells to produce more melanin and cause surface pigment changes. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. It helps protect the skin from the harmful sun’s rays but increased amount of melanin pigment often result in formation of dark, brown spots. Brown spots, reddish spots often appear in the location where a pimple used to be and it is called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” / darkening of the skin/. The post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is normal. Some acne lesions as cysts and nodules usually leave dark discolorations after the blemish heals, as well as rashes and allergies.
Fortunately most of these marks are temporary and the pigmented areas will fade in time / it usually takes approximately 3 months, but if the skin is exposure to sun without a protection it can take up to 2 years. Aside from sun exposure and hormones, hyperpigmentation can be caused by skin damage, such as remnants of blemishes, wounds or rashes.
Brown spots usually appear in areas exposed to sunlight – especially on the chin, around the nose and mouth. In older people brown spots may appear on the face, back, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands. These dark spots are a matter of great concern for many Latinas due to their skin characteristics and the environmental factors hot weather, sun, humidity.

Super Foods for Weight Loss

2010-07-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

It's time for a new slim-down mantra: Eat more to weigh less. No joke! The right foods help you drop pounds by revving your calorie burn and curbing cravings. We consulted top experts for the best picks and asked leading chefs for easy, tasty ways to prepare them. Add these eats to your plate today and you'll be slimmer and healthier in no time!

1.Steak

Beef has a rep as a diet buster, but eating it may help you peel off pounds. In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women on a diet that included red meat lost more weight than those eating equal calories but little beef. "The protein in steak helps you retain muscle mass during weight loss," says study author Manny Noakes, Ph.D. Try to consume local organic beef; it's healthier for you and the environment.

Eat more Grill or broil a 4-ounce serving of top round or sirloin; slice thinly to top a salad, or mix with veggies for fajitas.

2.Eggs

Dig in to eggs, yolks and all: They won't harm your heart, but they can help you trim inches. Women on a low-calorie diet who ate an egg with toast and jelly each morning lost twice as many pounds as those who had a bagel breakfast with the same number of calories but no eggs, a study from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge reports. "Egg protein is filling, so you eat less later in the day,"
Eat more Omelets and scrambles are obvious choices, but if you can't cook before work, bake a frittata on Sunday; chill it and nuke slices for up to a week.

3.Oats

"Oatmeal has the highest satiety ranking of any food," Grotto says. "Unlike many other carbohydrates, oats—even the instant kind—digest slowly, so they have little impact on your blood sugar." All oats are healthful, but the steel-cut and rolled varieties (which are minimally processed) have up to 5 grams of fiber per serving, making them the most filling choice. Instant oats contain 3 to 4 grams per serving.

Eat more "Instead of using breadcrumbs, add oats to meat loaf—about 1 cup for a recipe that serves eight,"

4.Lentils

Lentils are a bona fide belly flattener. "They're high in protein and soluble fiber, two nutrients that stabilize blood sugar levels," "Eating them helps prevent insulin spikes that cause your body to create excess fat, especially in the abdominal area."
Eat more There are many varieties of lentils, but red and yellow cook fastest (in about 15 to 20 minutes). Add cooked lentils to pasta sauce for a heartier dish, "Their mild flavor blends right in, and because they're high in protein, you can skip meat altogether."

5.Goji berries

These chewy, tart berries have a hunger-curbing edge over other fruit: 18 amino acids, which make them a surprising source of protein.
Eat more Mix 1/4 cup of the dried berries (from health food stores) with 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup walnuts for a nourishing trail mix. Or for dessert, pour 1/4 cup boiling water into a bowl with 2 tbsp dried berries; let sit 10 minutes. Drain, then spoon over 1/2 cup lowfat vanilla frozen yogurt.
dy burns. Opt for wild salmon; it may contain fewer pollutants.

6.Apples

An apple a day can keep weight gain at bay, finds a study from Penn State University at University Park. People who chomped an apple before a pasta meal ate fewer calories overall than those who had a different snack. "Apples are high in fiber—4 to 5 grams each—which makes them filling," Plus, the antioxidants in apples may help prevent metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by excess belly fat or an "apple shape."
Eat more Apples are the ideal on-the-go low-calorie snack. For a pielike treat, chop up a medium apple and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp allspice and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Pop in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.

7.Buckwheat pasta

Swap plain noodles for this hearty variety; you'll slip into your skinny jeans in no time. "Buckwheat is high in fiber and, unlike most carbs, contains protein," Those two nutrients make it very satiating, so it's harder to overeat buckwheat pasta than the regular stuff."

Eat more Cook this pasta as you do rice: Simmer it, covered, over low heat. For a light meal, toss cooked buckwheat pasta with broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and onions. Or make buckwheat crepes using our tasty recipe.

8.Blueberries

All berries are good for you, but those with a blue hue are among the best of the bunch. They have the highest antioxidant level of all commonly consumed fruit, according to research from the USDA Agriculture Research Service in Little Rock, Arkansas. They also deliver 3.6 grams of fiber per cup. "Fiber may actually prevent some of the fat you eat from being absorbed because fiber pulls fat through the digestive tract,

Eat more Instead of topping your cereal with fruit, fill your bowl with blueberries, then sprinkle cereal on top and add milk or yogurt, Iserloh recommends.

9.Almond butter

Adding this spread may lower bread's glycemic index (a measure of a food's effect on blood sugar). A study from the University of Toronto found that people who ate almonds with white bread didn't experience the same blood sugar surges as those who ate only the slice. "The higher blood sugar levels rise, the lower they fall; that dip leads to hunger, causing people to overeat," says study author Cyril Kendall, Ph.D. "Furthermore, blood sugar changes cause the body to make insulin, which can increase abdominal fat."
Eat more Try it for a change from peanut butter in sandwiches, or make a veggie dip: Mix 1 tbsp almond butter with 2 tbsp fat-free plain yogurt.Or add a dollop to oatmeal for flavor and protein.

10.Pomegranates

The juice gets all the hype for being healthy, but pomegranate seeds deserve their own spotlight. In addition to being loaded with folate and disease-fighting antioxidants, they're low in calories and high in fiber, so they satisfy your sweet tooth without blowing your diet.

Eat more Pop the raw seeds on their own (many grocery stores sell them preshucked) as a snack at your desk. "Use them in salads instead of nuts," "They're especially delicious on raw baby spinach with lemon–poppy seed dressing." For another take on the seeds, use our easy recipe for sweet and spicy pomegranate salsa.

11.Chiles

One reason to spice up your meals: You'll crank up your metabolism. "A compound in chiles called capsaicin has a thermogenic effect, meaning it causes the body to burn extra calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chiles," Plus, "you can't gulp down spicy food," she adds. "Eating slowly gives your brain time to register that your stomach is full, so you won't overeat."

12.Yogurt

Dietitians often refer to plain yogurt as the perfect food, and for good reason: With its trifecta of carbs, protein and fat, it can stave off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady. In a study from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, people on a low-calorie diet that included yogurt lost 61 percent more fat overall and 81 percent more belly fat than those on a similar plan but without yogurt.
Eat more "Use lowfat plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise in chicken or potato salad, or top a baked potato with a bit of yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice," You'll save 4.7 grams of fat per tablespoon. Look for Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other versions.

13.Tarragon

You can use this herb, a staple in French cooking, in place of salt in marinades and salad dressings. Excess sodium causes your body to retain water, so using less salt can keep bloating at bay. Plus, tarragon lends a sweet, licoricelike flavor to bland foods. (Use the French version of the herb when possible; it's sweeter than other varieties.)
Eat more Rub 2 tbsp dried tarragon on chicken before baking or grilling. Or make a tasty dip by mixing 1 tsp chopped fresh tarragon into 4 oz lowfat plain yogurt and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.

14.Parmesan

Drop that rubbery lowfat cheese and pick up the real stuff. Women who had one serving of whole milk or cheese daily were less likely to gain weight over time, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds. Lowfat-dairy fans didn't experience the same benefit. Whole dairy may have more conjugated linoleic acid, which might help your body burn fat. "Parmesan is so flavorful, it's easy to stick to one serving,"
Eat more "Grate Parmesan over roasted vegetables," Buchanan offers. Or snack on a 1-ounce portion with an apple or a pear.

15.Olive oil

Olive oil has healthy fat that increases satiety, taming your appetite. But that's hardly its only slimming feature. "Research shows it has anti-inflammatory properties," Kraus says. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to metabolic syndrome.
Eat more Drizzle your salad with olive oil and you'll increase the antioxidant power of your veggies, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition notes. Or toss pasta with a few teaspoons of olive oil, fresh basil and sautéed garlic. Add this oil to your summer menus for a flatter tummy by fall.

11 unexpected uses for beauty, fashion, and household items

2010-07-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

1. Old Buttons
Repurpose spare buttons by using them to keep pairs of earrings together: Most buttons have at least two holes in them, so simply place an earring in each opening to neatly store when not wearing.

2. Unused Stockings
Create a chic shrug by taking a pair of tights or stockings and cutting off the feet (or use a pair of footless tights to save a step). Place arms where legs would normally go and—voila!—you’ve created a sleek spring alternative to a shawl or cardigan. Take it a step further by cutting slashes into the fabric.

3. Nail Polish
Secure buttons by applying a thin layer of polish to the center to keep thread from coming loose. Coating the bottom of your shaving-cream can with lacquer can also prevent rust stains from forming on your squeaky-clean bathtub.

4. Honey
If your skin is sensitive and blotchy, apply a couple tablespoons of honey to your face and leave on for five to 10 minutes. The honey will moisturize, soothe, and help kill blemish-causing bacteria.

5. Flat Iron
A hair straightener works great for ironing between buttons on your shirt, where a regular iron doesn’t fit. You can also use it for minor wrinkles on your blouse when you’re in a hurry.
6. Antacid Tablets
All out of toilet cleanser? Toss in two dissolving antacid tablets, wait 20 minutes, and brush. This will help to remove those nasty stains around the toilet bowl

7. Yogurt
If you burn your forehead using a curling iron, slather plain yogurt on the wound—the coolness will help with swelling and the yogurt will reduce redness and speed the healing process.

8. Paper Towels
Don’t have rollers on hand? Wrap hair in twisted paper towels; you can use more or less leaflets depending on how large or small you want the diameter of your curls to be.

9. Oatmeal
Whether you have dry, itchy winter skin or discomfort from summer mosquito bites, mixing cooking oats into your bath will provide instant relief.

10. Cornstarch
Detangle a knot in seconds: Rub cornstarch into stubborn knots on shoelaces, string, chain necklaces for greater grip and control. .

11. Eggs
Strengthen hair by creating an egg yolk-and-olive oil hair mask. The protein in the egg yolk will toughen up tresses, while the olive oil will act as a conditioning agent.

Homemade Remedies For Shiny Hair

2010-07-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

Here is what to do to achieve the gorgeous, shiny hair you crave:

Take your vitamins. We all know that our diets lack many nutrients. Take a multivitamin specific for hair and skin. The nutrients may include Carotene (pro vitamin A) which nourishes hair, nails and eyelashes, wheatgerm oil (vitamin E) to protect hair from oxidation, essential fatty acids that help balance and regulate skin, and brewer’s yeast (vitamin B) to protect and maintain healthy, beautiful hair and nails.
Homemade Shampoos

Egg shampoo

1 egg
1tbs olive oil,wheat germ oi; or almond oil
1tbs lemon juice
1tbs castile soap
1/2cup -water or herbal tea

Blend the ingredients together wash your hair and rinse well
Aromatherapy shampoo recipe

1tbs castile soap
1/2cup -wate
5drops essential oil--choose any oil according to your hair type

Dry hair :sandalwood,ylang ylang,lavender essential oils
Normal hair:rose mary, rose ,lavender,geranium essential oils
Oily hair:lemon sage, lemon tea tree,lavender,geranium essential oil
Dandruff and itchy scalp:rosemary ,tea tree, lemon,chamomile,lavender essential oils
Blend the ingredients together wash your hair and rinse well
Herbal Shampoo recipe

1/2 cup castile soap
1 tab olive oil
1tab aloe vera juice
1/3 cup herbal infusion

to make a herbal infusion,pour one cup boiling water over a handful dried flowers(chamomile for blondes rose marry for brunettes hibiscus for red heads) cover cool and filter.Blend the ingredients wash and rinse well.

Honey Shampoo For Dry And Damage Hair

2cups liquid castile saop
1/2 cup of honey
1/4 cup of olive oil
1 tbs of vitamin E liquid

Blend well ,wash massaging into the scalp
For extra shine add a dash of apple cider vineger or a couple of drops of pure lemon oil to ure final rinse

Get rid of split ends

2010-07-11T04:04:00.000-07:00

Healthy hair is defined by thick, shiny and bouncing hair without split ends. When most of the feature is accomplished the last one is always at a risk due to one or the other reasons. Read on to know causes and natural home remedies for hair split ends.
Hair split ends happens when the hair's protective cuticle is stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. It happens when the natural oils from the scalp fail to reach the ends or when cortex loses moisture and the hair begins to unravel like a rope. Other reasons are

Dry scalp
Exposure to extreme temperature and chemical products like relaxers and hair colour.
Lack of nourishment.
Excessive dying
Vigorous brushing and backcombing. Use of metallic combs and brushes
Brushing hair when it is still wet.
Use of uncovered elastic bands on the hair.
Use of satin pillows.
Repeated use of heated appliances like iron

Trimming
Once the hair is split the only cure is to trim. So, trim your hair with the help of these guidelines.

Sit near a natural light source may be near the window or outdoors in the yard to see the split ends properly.
Take a small section of hair and twist them in a downward motion. This will make the split ends to stick out automatically.
Use a sharp scissor to snip off the split ends. Make sure you cut the damaged cuticles only. This will also enhance a natural layered effect with a thick bounce.

It will take at least 45 minutes to go all around the head. Do it every six weeks lest the splits will travel up the hair and worsen the damage.

Home remedies to avoid split ends

Mix well 1 teaspoon of castor oil, mustard oil and olive oil. Massage the scalp for atleast 30mins and apply it to the full length of hair. Cover the head with a hot towel later.
Mix 1tspn of almond oil with 1 egg yolk and apply it to your scalp as well as hair. Wash it after ' an hour.
Hair moisturizing mask made of mashed up avocado when applied to damp hair will prevent split ends effectively. Make sure you leave it on your hair for atleast 15-30 minutes. You can also add hot olive oil to it.
If it is hard to get avocado then use mayonnaise in its place. Apply it once a week.
Shampoo your hair after every workout or strenuous exercise, as due to perspiration the salt will erode your hair.
Apply regular conditioner after every wash and deep conditioner once a month.

PAPAYA PACK is natural care of hair split end A unique, simple and easy remedy to bring your hair back to life. Take half of a ripe medium sized papaya. Slice after skinning and deseeding it. Put it in a blender and blend it to a pulp. Add half cup of yogurt and apply lavishly to your scalp. Part your hair at regular intervals and apply to hair strands and hair ends. Leave it on for 30 min. Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water

CREAM TONIC will cut down split end

After you shampoo your hair, use the following tonic: take half cup milk; add to this a tablespoon of cream. Beat it up. Apply on the scalp, hair strands and hair ends. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse and wash well with water. This helps to get rid of split end.

HONEY will nourishes the hair split end hair

Take half a cup of curd. Add to this a table spoon full of honey. Mix well. Apply on the scalp and hair strands and hair ends. After 20 mint wash with water. See a remarkable change in the sheen and smoothness of your hair.

BLACK LENTIL PACK to get rid of split end hair

Take half a cup of black dal ( lentil). Add one table spoon of fenugreek (methi) seeds. Dry grind to a coarse powder. Add half a cup of curd. mix well. Apply generously all over the scalp. Leave it for 2 hours. Wash your hair with water using a mild shampoo. This helps to get rid of split end.

Sealing Split Ends

Sealing split ends may be terminology that you have never heard of. It is a method of temporarily putting back together split ends for the sake of appearance. The best way to seal split ends is to use a serum.

Take a few drops of the serum and rub it between your palms. Then apply liberally to your ends. This should make the split ends stick to each other and give the appearance of no split ends. You'll have a smoother, healthier look for a temporary period of time. Again, sealing split ends is only temporary, to completely improve the overall health of your hair, you must get rid of them permanently.

What Is In Your Shampoo???

2010-07-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR HAIRCARE PRODUCTS CONTRIBUTING TO HAIR LOSS, DANDRUFF, ITCHY SCALP AND BAD HAIR DAYS?

Most people don't even consider these questions. Most of us go to the store and buy whatever brand we think will make our hair nice and shiny and manageable. Others think that as long as they buy theirs at the local health food store and it says "organic" and/or "natural" on the label, they are using a safe, natural shampoo on their hair.
This may surprise you, but I really believe that there is at least a 95% chance that the shampoo you are using right now is bad for your health......and your hair for that matter!

• DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE WORDS NATURAL, HERBAL OR ORGANIC ON THE LABEL!!!!!!!! READ THE INGREDIENTS LIST!!!!

Choosing the right shampoo can be pretty difficult since so many types and brands of shampoos are available. Deciphering the label is even more difficult so here are some tips to help you choose the right shampoo.
The cosmetic industry has evolved very much and more and more cosmetics seem to pop out over night. Variety is a good thing, but it does make it hard to make a choice and might lead to choosing according to brand, price, even appearance. The best way to choose a shampoo is not by any of the reasons above. Choose a shampoo according to your hair type and the ingredients contained in the shampoo.

Shampoos can contain different ingredients, depending on the brand, the type of hair it is destined for and obviously the price. You can actually find a correlation between the price and the quality of the ingredients found in the shampoos, but this criteria isn't always a certainty. There are certain high priced brads which use several cheaper ingredients instead of the pricier ones.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best shampoo for you:

find out your hair type and look for shampoos which are destined for caring exactly for your hair type. You can find shampoos which are meant for greasy hair, thin/fragile hair, dry/damaged hair, normal hair, colored hair, etc.

make sure you choose a shampoo which cleans the hair gently. This will be due to the mild ingredients it contains. It is a great idea to check the list of harmful chemicals found in shampoos and before you purchase a shampoo, confront the list of ingredients from the list and the shampoo

try to look for shampoos which contain natural ingredients like chamomile, lavender, tea tree oil, because they will be much healthier for your hair than any chemicals

choose a hair conditioner to soften your hair by reading the label of the product. You can choose a conditioner which is from the same brand as your shampoo or if you are not satisfied by the ingredients choose a different brand

Popular Chemicals You Should Avoid Putting In Your Hair:
Here are some very common chemicals, used in many popular shampoos, that could be making you sick:

Sodium Lauryl or laureth Sulfates: Cheap and Harsh synthetic detergents that cause dry skin and skin irritations. Also causes hair loss. Found in many shampoos. May also be linked to cancer.
• MethylParaben and/or Propylparabens: Increases rate of breast cancer in woman and decreases fertility rates in males. Some experts feel that parabens, along with many other chemicals can promote endometriosis in women.
• Copolymer(Polyvinyl Pyrrolodene=PVP): Derived from petroleum. May be linked to cancer.
• Propylene Glycol: Found in anti-freeze. May cause brain, liver and kidney problems.
• Imidazolidinyl urea: A form of formaldehyde. Linked to cancers, skin irritations, dermatitis and also nerve damage.
• Lauramide DEA: Chemical used as a foaming agent. Shown to cause cancer. Also dries out your skin and hair.
• Polyquaternium: A serious skin irritant. In extreme cases may cause anaphylactic shock.
* Hydroxypropytrimonium: Chemically modified thickening agent.
• Methylisothiazoline: This chemical causes neurological damage. It stops the neurons in your brain from communicating. Also, pregnant mothers should never use a product with this chemical in it because it can cause abnormal brain development in the fetus you are carrying.
* Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A detergent used as a base that can cause eyelid dermatitis and other allergic reactions.
• Artificial coloring: Another unnecessary chemical you don't need in your shampoo.
• Artificial or Synthetic Fragrances: Again, may cause skin irritations and also shown to cause respitory problems in some people. Natural haircare products smell great using only herbs, natural oils, fruits and other safer alternatives to these dangerous chemicals.

How To Avoid Puffiness Tomorrow???

2010-07-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

You can avoid puffiness by following some simple steps as under:

Raise the head of the bed. Six-inch wooden blocks placed under the headboard will elevate your head and help keep fluid from pooling around your eyes.
Skip the water at bedtime. Or restrict yourself to a few sips.
Cut out overly salty foods. A high intake of sodium may be causing you to retain more fluid, in which case reducing the salt in your diet may produce good results (not only for your eyes, but also for your health in general).

Skip wrinkle removers. An eye cream designed for plumping up wrinkles may be doing its job too well. These products can backfire and give you bags by puffing up the surrounding eye area.
Switch to gel-type makeup. Water-based makeup and gels are lighter than oil-based and less likely to irritate delicate under-eye skin.
Snack on bananas and raisins, both of which alleviate fluid retention.
Take a diuretic:Consume cabbage or cranberry juice. Both are diuretics, which will help you "evacuate" some excess fluid. Don't turn to caffeine as your diuretic of choice, as it can interfere with sleep and bring back the puffiness.
Exercise:Exercise to improve circulation, which will help your body move fluid through your body, rather than letting it accumulate.
Forgo the feather comforter. If you suspect that you are allergic to feathers?waking up every morning with puffy eyes is a clue?try switching to quilts and pillows filled with synthetic material.
Determine if you have any of the conditions associated with puffy eyes
Sometimes the swelling is a side effect of another condition, which is temporary, or must be treated individually.

pregnancy - commonly associated with fluid retention
hormonal variation in the menstrual cycle - commonly associated with fluid retention
dermatitis - sensitive skin is more likely to swell in response to irritants
allergies - can cause leaks in the subcutaneous capillary beds around the eyes^.
mononucleosis - puffy eyes may be an early symptom of infection
medication - puffiness or water retention could be a side effect
more serious medical conditions -

Warnings

If the swelling is extreme and/or persistent, it may be a symptom of a serious illness, such as a blood clot, thyroid disease, or renal failure. Check with a doctor to investigate if the puffiness won't go away.
Be careful about what type of tea you use. If you have allergies, an herbal tea like chamomile might swell your eyes.
Do not apply ice or extremely cold water directly to the skin around the eyes for more than a couple of seconds.
Exercise caution when using a new cosmetic product or trying a home remedy. If the condition worsens, or if you exhibit other symptoms, discontinue use immediately and contact your primary care physician or dermatologist for severe or persisting symptoms.

If the puffy eyes does not reduce with any of the home remedies, then it would be hereditary. Blepharoplasty can fix the problem.

PUFFY EYES !!! What Your Symptoms Are Telling You?

2010-07-05T02:49:00.000-07:00

Generally, you can trace early-morning puffiness to your activities of the previous day: You drank fluids at bedtime, ate salty foods, spent all day with your head bent over a garden or stayed up half the night.The worst of the swelling subsides a few hours after rising as the fluid is re-absorbed by your body.

You may also have puffy eyes as part of an allergic reaction?from eating strawberries, for example, or from sleeping on feather pillows. Hormonal changes during menstruation can puff up eyes, too.

A more permanent kind of puffiness can occur from saggy skin caused by normal aging, according to Paul Lazar, M.D., professor of clinical dermatology at Northwestern University in Chicago and author of The Look You Like. The skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less elastic with age, he says. Then underlying fat causes the skin to bulge out.
Roundish pouches or bags rather than puffiness may be a sign of a thyroid condition known as Graves' disease or an indication of a kidney problem.

How To Deflate puffiness under Eyes?

PUFFY EYE ( Symptom Relief)
You may be tempted to don sunglasses first thing in the morning as a cover-up, but take heart, there are ways to deflate puffiness.
Start with a bracing splash. A splash of cold water on your face gets the circulation moving.
Tap into relief. Lightly tapping your upper and lower lids helps nudge fluids away from eyes very light touch, and using fingertips only, gently tap puffy areas on upper and lower lids.
Metal teaspoon:For a less messy alternative, try putting 2 metal tablespoons in the fridge and use them daily by placing the backs against your eyes.
Try tea bags. Moisten two tea bags with cold water and rest with them on your closed eyes for 15 minutes. The tannin in the tea may help pull the skin taut and reduce the puffiness. "The main factor is the coolness, which reduces swelling,"
Take a diuretic. If you're retaining water before your period, may help reduce eye puffiness.
Try an antihistamine. If your puffy eyes are also red, itchy and scratchy, you may be having an allergic reaction. If that's the case, an antihistamine may help shrink the swelling.
see more instructions to avoid puffiness

Is your Child Taking Large Intake of Sugar

2010-07-04T03:36:00.000-07:00

How much sugar do your kids eat each day? The American Heart Association recommends that kids eat less than 6.5 teaspoons or 100 calories from sugar each day. But according to a poll in Family Circle, the average teen takes in about 34 teaspoons of sugar, or 500 calories worth, each day.
Part of the problem is the confusing food labels that make it hard to understand just how much sugar is in your kids' food. Here's how to read those labels so that you can monitor (and if necessary, cut back on) all of that sugar.

Add it up: Food labels will tell you the amount of calories in a product and the grams of sugar, but they won't tell you the calories from sugar, and that's the number you need to watch. To figure it out, multiply the grams of sugar in a single serving by four. (So if serving of cereal has say 11 grams of sugar, that's 44 calories from sugar ... almost half of the day's allotment.)

Speak sugar: Most parents know that if the first ingredient listed on a food's nutrition label is sugar, it's probably not a good bet for their kids. But what about maltose, sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar, corn sweetener, raw sugar or fruit juice concentrate? All of these ingredients are still sugar, and you should keep an eye on your kid's consumption.

Rethink drinks (and snacks): Sugar-sweetened drinks are the main culprits behind overdoses in sugar. A single 12-ounce can of soda may have as much as 39 grams of sugar. That's more than 150 calories from sugar, way more than a kid should have in a day. Stick with water and milk to keep kids hydrated. If plain water is too boring, jazz it up with lemon, lime, or other fruit slices. Snacks are another major source of sugar ... especially highly processed snacks. Try whole fruits, cheeses, nuts, unsweetened applesauce, whole grain crackers, and peanut butter instead.

Shiny Large Teddy Bear Geneva Elite Watch Black Band Clear Stones

2010-07-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ornate Square Face Gold Tone Geneva Elite Fashion Watch With Accent Clear Stones

Silver & Gold Tone Geneva Elite Cross Watch Square Face

Sleek Contemporary Geneva Elite Silver Tone Watch Filigree Sides Black Stones

Silver Tone Geneva Elite Watch With Black Cat Rectangle Face & Strap Band

Sparkling Teddy Bear Silver Tone Geneva Elite Watch Dark Red Face

Black & Gold Tone Round Geneva Elite Watch Clear Stones

Now You Can Stay Happy And Healty Even You have High Blood Pressure

2010-07-03T02:08:00.000-07:00

High Blood Pressure is a silent condition that can cause an aneurysm, heart failure, stroke, and a heart attack. High Blood Pressure means that the pressure in the walls of your blood vessels is too high. If you have been diagnosed with this condition you are not alone. It is estimated that more than 50 million people suffer from high blood pressure. For the majority of patients, the cause of this condition is unknown. Many people go undiagnosed and will not be aware that they have it. High blood pressure only causes symptoms when there has been damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. Then the patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, headache, vomiting, and shortness of breath. It is important that you get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, here are some important tips to help you lead a healthier life,

Instructions

Lose weight. Dropping just 10 to 15 pounds can help lower your blood pressure. It will also lower your risk of other serious conditions such as diabetes and cholesterol. Your high blood pressure medicines will work even better when you shed those extra pounds.

Limit salt in your diet. Salt can cause your blood pressure to rise because it collects in your body.

Stop smoking. Each puff of that cigarette increases your blood pressure. Your high blood pressure medications may not work as well if you smoke. Discuss with your physician the use of nicotine patches and nicotine gum. Those are better alternatives than smoking.

Limit your alcohol consumption. Do not drink more than 24 ounces of beer, 10 ounces of wine, and 2 ounces of liquor. Women should drink even less than that.

Lower your stress. Stress is a factor in high blood pressure. Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to cope with stress.

Eat a healthy diet. Packaged foods that have been processed have high salt content. It is wise to eat more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods.

Take your medications as prescribed. Control your high blood pressure with medications to reduce serious complications.

Reduce Puffiness Under Your Eyes

2010-07-02T04:46:00.000-07:00

If you find that you wake up in the morning with puffiness under your eyes you can do some easy steps to help reduce it. These steps will not only help with eye puffiness but are good for your overall appearance in general.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Water
Refrigerated Cucumber Slices
Cold Compress

Step#1
One of the most common causes for eye puffiness is lack of sleep so first try and get a good night's sleep every night. You might notice a world of difference from this simple step. If a few nights of good sleep don't do the trick, then give the next steps a try.

Step#2
Rehydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water. This is not only good for your skin but your whole body. You want to keep your body healthy since not only will it keep your insides functioning properly it will also keep your largest organ, your skin, healthy as well.

Step#3
You can apply a cold compress or chilled slivers of cucumbers gently to your eyes until the area returns to its normal shape. This can be repeated several times a day.

Short Breaks
Take short beark when looking into computer for a long time.this reduce eye strain
most of all exercise your eyes to relax them and increase blood flow to the eyes.Stress management is important to control and reduce stress.By doing your mind and body get relaxed,thus reducing strain.When mind is cool the other part of the body remains stress free.

Treatment For Beautiful Smooth Elbows

2010-07-01T04:37:00.000-07:00

Imagine this – you spent a fortune on beauty parlours and skincare products. You have taken care of every part of your body – from the area under the eyes to the cuticles of your fingers. Now take a look at your elbows. Scaly? Rough? Do they remind you of the skin of an alligator? What a nightmare, it could prove to be, after all the money that you spent. Money and time are such luxuries these days. Alright, set money and time aside and think about your elbows. Imagine all the work that your elbows do for you. They bend so that you can pick up stuff, apply makeup, swim, drive a car, cook, and write, type. In short, just about anything that you can imagine.We are so cruel with them, right? It’s time we took care of our rough elbows. Try this method of care for your elbows before you sleep at least once in a month. Read on to know how to soften rough elbows.

How To Soften Rough Elbows

Vaseline Does It

With maximum care, heat three tablespoons of petroleum jelly in a saucepan, only till it becomes liquid. Take care to take it off the fire, the moment all of it turns to liquid, lest it may catch fire. Set the saucepan aside to cool down.

Exfoliate

Take a sturdy body brush and apply soap to it. Next, wet your elbows, take the body brush, and brush each elbow in gentle but firm circular movements for about ten minutes. Rinse well and dry with a soft towel.

Coffee Treatment

Mix one tablespoon of unused coffee grounds, left in the decoction filter, to one-fourth cup of liquid glycerin soap. Wet your elbows with warm water and rub the mixture of coffee grounds and glycerin soap.

Rinse And Vaseline

Rinse away the soap-and-coffee grounds mixture with water. Pat dry your elbows with a soft turkey towel. Check if the liquid petroleum jelly is cool enough for you not to burn your fingers. Slather this petroleum jelly on to your elbows generously. Slip on the cotton sleeves. If you cannot find the sleeves, make your own at home by taking a pair of clean dry socks and cutting away the part meant for feet; now slip them on. The sleeves are needed to protect your bedding and clothes from the petroleum jelly.

Repeat this procedure once every month. You’ll need a daily treatment for your rough elbows, especially if you work both at home and outside or, in any other way, come in contact with all different kinds of surfaces.

The answer's a lemon
Finally, a traditional treatment that you can do a couple of times a week: cut a lemon in half and rub the cut surface on each elbow – or sit for a while with your elbows pushed into the half 'shells'. The citric acid acts as a natural exfoliant and helps to lighten dingy and discoloured skin. Don't forget to apply moisturised afterwards.

Sleep Like A Baby! (And Wake Up Feeling Younger)

2010-06-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Nighttime is the right time to take years off your face. "Hormonal changes boost blood flow to the skin, brightening it overnight,"Skin temps are higher, too, so age-fighting potions seep deeper for better results. And even though you're resting, your skin is hard at work. Studies show that cell turnover is 8 times faster at night, softening wrinkles.
On the flip side, as anyone who's pulled an all-nighter can attest, the consequences — pasty-looking skin and dark circles — aren't pretty. "Even worse, not getting the recommended 8 hours increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may slow collagen production, promoting wrinkles,"
To maximize your beauty sleep, follow this routine nightly to wake up with the complexion of your dreams.
Wash Your Face

Removing make-up, oil, and other impurities helps keep pores tight and skin blemish free. Anti-aging treatments can also penetrate deeper on a clean surface. For dry skin, look for a creamy cleanser; for acne-prone or oily skin, a gel formula. If your skin is sensitive, wait 10 minutes after cleansing before applying anti-agers.

Apply Moisturizer

Due to a nighttime increase in temperature and water loss, extra hydration is a must, For best results, look for a cream with the superhydrators hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which attract water to skin. The extra dose of softening also makes wrinkles less noticeable in the morning.
Sleep tricks for amazing skin

1. Sleep On Your Back

Lying on your stomach or on the same side every night can etch permanent sleep lines into your skin, If you can't adjust, switch to a satin pillowcase; the silky texture prevents crinkles.
2. Raise Your Head

Stack a few pillows beneath your head to avoid puffy eyes.If you keep your head above your heart, fluid won't accumulate in your face.
3. Invest In A Humidifier

Dry, hot air sucks moisture from skin. A humidifier puts water in the air, for soft and supple skin.
4. Choose Ideal Room
Make sure your room is dark and cool (the ideal temp for sleep is 65°F). To transition into sleep mode, don't watch TV or go online for an hour before turning in.
5. Avoid before-bed snacks, particularly grains and sugars
This will raise blood sugar and inhibit sleep. Later, when blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia), you might wake up and not be able to fall back asleep.
6. Sleep in complete darkness or as close as possible
If there is even the tiniest bit of light in the room it can disrupt your circadian rhythm and your pineal gland's production of melatonin and seratonin. There also should be as little light in the bathroom as possible if you get up in the middle of the night. Please whatever you do, keep the light off when you go to the bathroom at night. As soon as you turn on that light you will for that night immediately cease all production of the important sleep aid melatonin.
7.Avoid using loud alarm clocks
It is very stressful on the body to be awoken suddenly. If you are regularly getting enough sleep, they should be unnecessary. If you really need a clock, you might want to use a light alarm clock instead of a noisy one.

8.Journal

If you often lay in bed with your mind racing, it might be helpful keep a journal and write down your thoughts before bed.

9.Get to bed as early as possible

Our systems, particularly the adrenals, do a majority of their recharging or recovering during the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. In addition, your gallbladder dumps toxins during this same period. If you are awake, the toxins back up into the liver which then secondarily back up into your entire system and cause further disruption of your health. Prior to the widespread use of electricity, people would go to bed shortly after sundown, as most animals do, and which nature intended for humans as well.

10.Eat a high-protein snack several hours before bed

This can provide the L-tryptophan need to produce melatonin and serotonin. Also eat a small piece of fruit. This can help the tryptophan cross the blood-brain barrier.

11.Go to the bathroom right before bed

This will reduce the chances that you'll wake up to go in the middle of the night.

12.Take a hot bath, shower or sauna before bed

When body temperature is raised in the late evening, it will fall at bedtime, facilitating sleep.

13.Avoid foods that you may be sensitive to

This is particularly true for dairy and wheat products, as they may have effect on sleep, such as causing apnea, excess congestion, gastrointestinal upset, and gas, among others.

Do You Really Know The Easiest Way To French Braid Hair

2010-06-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

Boost Your Memory With Right Food

2010-06-27T03:12:00.000-07:00

"You are what you eat"

But can food really make us more intelligent, give us smarter kids, improve memory, help us think more clearly, and maybe even forestall those so-called "senior moments," or worse, dementia?

The answer is a qualified "yes." Although no one "miracle" food is going to boost your brain power instantly, regularly adding certain foods to your diet will help you function at your personal best, both physically and mentally, throughout your lifetime.

Brain Food #1: Berries

Berries are full of memory-boosting nutrients. The anti oxidative properties of Blue Berries,the anthocyanin, the selenium, the vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, the zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese etc., among others, can prevent and heal neurotic disorders by preventing degeneration and death of neurons, brain-cells and also by restoring health of the central nervous system. It is hard to believe that these berries can also cure serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease to a great extent. They even heal damaged brain cells and neuron tissues and keep your memory sharp for a long-long time.Research has shown that beneficial chemicals called ellagatannis in raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are also found right in the hippocampus, the brain's memory control center. Talk about a direct hit!

Brain Food #2: Cherries

Oxidation is not the only process associated with diseases of aging. Inflammation also plays a big role in everything from heart disease to dementia.

Cherries are nature's own little anti-inflammatory pills. They contain Cox 2 inhibitors similar to those found in pain medications such as Vioxx and Celebrex, but they also contain compounds called polyphenols that keep platelets in the blood from clumping together, so they don't produce undesirable side effects— like heart attacks and strokes

Brain Food #3: Apples

apples contain a group of chemicals that could protect the brain from the type of damage. A growing body of evidence suggests that eating apples and apple products can be beneficial when it comes to improving brain health and diminishing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Brain Food #4: Curry

Turmeric, the yellow spice found in many curries, contains curcumin, which also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,curcumin present in curry powder is believed to fight against Alzheimer’s disease. One of the major causes of Alzheimer is a plaque that debilitates the victims. Curcumin effectively blocks Alzheimer causing plaque, subsequently protecting the brain.

Brain Food #5: Eggs

yolk contains one of the most important nutrients for building better brains: choline.Getting adequate amounts of choline, especially early in life—during fetal development and early childhood—may help us learn more readily and also help us retain what we learn. What's more, sufficient choline intake early on may give us the mental building blocks we need to help keep memory intact as we age.

Brain Food #6:Fish

We've all heard that fish is "brain food," fish contain omega-3, which are thought to be instrumental in maintaining brain function from early development throughout life.components of fish go straight to the synapses of nerve cells, so they play an important role in how neurons communicate with one another, which may have a positive affect throughout life on learning and memory.

Brain Food #7: Cocoa

When it's time for a treat, chocolate is not a bad way to go, for your brain as well as your taste buds. Several studies have shown that eating cocoa can improve blood vessel function, boosting circulation throughout the body and blood flow to the brain. The beneficial compounds found in cocoa may even reduce the formation of damaging clots, which may cause heart attacks and strokes.

However, while cocoa, the ingredient that carries "chocolate" flavor, is rich in beneficial compounds, it's often combined with high-fat ingredients in chocolate bars and other desserts, so it's best to keep chocolate treats to a healthy minimum.

Bad Brain Food

Alcohol

Artificial food colorings

Artificial sweeteners

Colas

Corn syrup

Frosting's

High-sugar "drinks"

Hydrogenated fats

Junk sugars

Nicotine

Overeating

white bread

Don't You Think Dark Lips Are Spoiling Your Personality

2010-06-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Dark lips aren’t necessarily a bad thing! Everyone has a different natural lip color — it’s as varied as skin color. Some people have pink lips, others have lips that are light, but others are darker.. In fact, the lips contain the skin pigment melanin, just like any part of the body. In dark people, the lips contain more melanin, and therefore the red or pink color, which is actually the blood in the blood vessels in the lips, is not as noticeable or prominent.
There is no real way to change the actual color of your lips if they are naturally dark. All people do not have pink lips — pink lips are just another beauty myth like a number of hair and skin myths, and the color of the lips is as varied as skin color itself.
First of all, have your lips always been dark? If you went from pink lips to dark lips very rapidly, and they don’t seem to be changing back, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem. If this is the case, visit a doctor for a check up. But if your lips have always been dark, you might want to try a couple of these methods to lighten lips:

Home Remedies to Make Lips Pink:

There are several simple home remedies to make lips look pinker. You should make sure to remove dirt particles, oil and dead skin cells that accumulate on the lips throughout the day.
You may gently wash your lips with some cold water every night before going to bed for this purpose. You may also wipe your lips very gently with a ball of cotton wool soaked in chilled rose water to make your lips look softer and pinker.
Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with teaspoon of cold milk or milk cream and massage your lips with this paste every day for five minutes. This will make your lips look naturally red and supple.
Massaging the lips with some glycerin on a daily basis also helps restore to the lips their original color.
One of the most popular solutions for solving the problem of dark lips is to smear them with a little honey every night before going to bed. This nourishes the skin cells of the lips and makes them look brighter naturally.
For another remedy, mix a teaspoon each of almond oil and lemon juice and apply this mixture on the lips every day. Leave it on till it dries and then wash your lips with cold water. You may also add a little powdered sugar on a thin slice of lime and rub your lips with it very gently. This acts as a natural exfoliating and bleaching agent that makes lips look smoother and redder.
Overnight application of a little clarified butter on the lips also helps redden their color naturally.
Soak a few almonds in half a cup of milk overnight, grind them finely to a paste the next morning and apply it on your lips. This helps make lips regain their original color in a few months
A mixture of some gram flour, a spoon each of honey and yogurt and a few drops of lime juice may also be used regularly on the lips to make them redder.
To get natural pink lips apply beet root juice before bed
Grind rose petals and apply on lips to get smooth pink lips.

General Tips for Lips :

Watch your diet :For pink lips, first cut down on tea and coffee. Even red wine could be staining your lips the way it can stain teeth. Quit smoking, too. I heard that smoking can definitely make lips look darker.
Use sunscreen :Use a lip balm or gloss with sunscreen in it every day. That will keep the sun from tanning your lips any further and could help lighten lips over time. Reapply it often.
Apply cold cream or moisturizer or lip balm before applying lipstick.
If you have thinner lips use more neutral lip color.
If you want different shade of lip color mix two or three lipstick colors together and use as new lip color.
If your face is bumpy, irritate or ruddy, or rash don’t use true red color, till you get normal skin. Red will show more attention on the skin.
Pale shades makes lip look fuller.

Are You Sick Of Black Head On Your Face

2010-06-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

What Causes Blackheads?

A blackhead is caused by excess oil that has clogged a pore. This clog occurs when the built-up oil is unable to flow to the surface of the skin due to a misshapen or impaired pore and dead skin cells blocking the way. When the pore is open, the oil is exposed to oxygen, which reacts and turns it a dark color, resulting in a black head.

Hormones are the leading cause of increased oil production.
The next big culprit in blackhead formation is the use of skin-care products or make-up. These products will mix with your body's natural oil and add to the build-up that can block pores.Whitehead and blackhead pimple formation seems to be a predisposed condition that is aggravated or increased when combined with the above toxins.

Tips for Getting Rid of Blackheads:

There are many things that you can do to prevent blackheads from appearing on your face. Most involve cleansing and some require the use of medications.
Change your pillow case as often as possible, oil can build up on your pillow and while you are sleeping can get on your face. If you remember to change your pillow case once every night or every two to three days this will help alleviate any issues if you have a black heads.
STEAM: When you're taking a shower close all the doors and turn the shower water on as hot as you possibly can stand it. The steam will help open up the pores and can loosen the black head. This can also be accomplished by buying a facial steamer which is specifically made to open up facial pores.

Check your makeup: The truth is, what you put on to cover blackheads up might actually be causing more of them! If you wear lots of heavy foundation or use thick face creams, you could be contributing to the problem with your products! In general, if you have a problem with greasy skin and clogged pores, consider using as few products as you can. The fewer layers of stuff that you put on your face, the better.Avoid using creamy, greasy, and thick (emollient) products. This alone will greatly lessen your chances of sprouting blackheads
Lots of water & healthy eating – What you put into your body shows on the outside. Simple as that. If you eat lots of greasy crap, your skin is not going to look as good as it would if you ate more veggies and drank more water.
Use BHA – BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid, which is an exfoliant that removes the dead layer of skin from your face. If you’ve ever seen a skincare product that contains salicylic acid, that’s BHA. BHA is important for getting rid of blackheads because it goes into your pores to clean out the excess oil and dead skin cells that make up blackheads.
DO NOT use bar soap!!! The ingredients that hold soap in a bar form can clog the pores in your skin.
Do a clay mask once a week – This is only for those of you with oily or combination skin. Dry skin, obviously, needs all the oil it can get. Blackheads are partially caused by excess oil on your face, so if you have greasy skin, a good quality clay mask will help sop up some of the grease and keep your pores clearer. Using it once a week is enough – you don’t want to over-dry your skin, because this could lead to even more problems!
Squeeze, but do it carefully! - Though the best way to remove blackheads is an area of contention, the most common method for getting rid of blackheads is to gently squeeze them.This is one situation where picking your face may actually help instead of making things worse. Don’t take this as permission to pick at your face all you want! There is a right and a wrong way to squeeze blackheads and it’s really important that you do it the right way. If nothing happens after one or two tries, stop. That means the blackhead isn’t ready to come out yet.

Use a mild scrub or to remove any dead cells and expose the blackhead.
Pat your face dry.
Place a slightly warm compress on your face for approximately 10-15 minutes in order to soften the blackhead, making it easier to remove.
Pat your face dry again.
Place a piece of tissue on the tip of each finger to avoid slipping, which could tear the skin and cause further damage.
Gently apply even pressure to both sides of the blackhead by pushing down, then up around the blemish. You're trying to apply the pressure from *underneath* the blackhead.
Whatever you do, don’t pinch, use your nails or press too hard. This can damage your skin and might even lead to scars!

PORE STRIPS: Using pore strips to remove blackheads is not recommended for many reasons:

The warnings on the box tell you not to use them on swollen, irritated, sunburned skin; not to use them on excessively dry skin; and not to use them on any area other than the nose. Also, the warnings state that if the strip is too difficult to remove, you should add water and remove carefully.
Removing the superficial blackheads, along with some healthy skin, will only help temporarily.
Repeated use of pore strips can cause irritation and future breakouts.
The adhesive on the strips can tear or injure the skin, especially if you are using an acne medication or if you naturally have thin skin.

Vacuum blackhead removers and blackhead extractors are not recommended for the same reasons as the pore strips. Because blackheads are caused by excessive oil production clogging the pores, the most effective way to get rid of blackheads is to control oil on the face by using mild cleansers and by balancing your hormones.

Health And Nutritious Benefits Of Yogurt

2010-06-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

The health benefits of yogurt have been cited for centuries, but many people still don’t realize just how valuable yogurt can be to living a healthy lifestyle. Yogurt can actually benefit your health in a variety of ways, and it should definitely be added to your shopping list the next time you head out to the grocery store.
Yogurt is not just a delicious snack with fruits on the bottom, it has great health benefits. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B 12. When yogurt is compared to milk, yogurt contains more calcium and protein because of the added cultures in the yogurt.
Yogurt must contain active and living cultures to be yogurt. Cultures are composed of unique living microorganisms which are responsible for many of the health and nutritional benefits of yogurt.
Some of the health benefits of yogurt are:

Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a carbohydrate in milk and milk products, because of the deficiency of enzyme lactase in the body. Live yogurt cultures produce lactase and break down the lactose. Yogurt is a healthy way to get the calcium the body needs, for the people who can not tolerate milk products.
Since yogurt is made from dairy products, it is very high in calcium, which is highly beneficial for bone and teeth health. Calcium is especially important for those seeking to prevent bone density loss and osteoporosis.
Healthy levels of calcium also encourages the body to maintain and lose weight.
Yogurt is also a good source of protein, which helps give the body energy to keep you going throughout the day. Protein is an essential building block for many systems in the body, including your muscles. Protein is also good for curbing your appetite and helping you feel full for a longer period of time.
Yogurt can be incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways. By adding fruit, berries, granola, nuts, or chocolate candies to your yogurt, you can turn it into a delicious replacement for your usual dessert. You can also substitute yogurt for milk in many recipes for foods like pancakes, waffles, and even pumpkin pie.
Live And Active Cultures In The Yogurt:
The most outstanding benefit of yogurt comes right from the unique way yogurt is made. Yogurt is simply milk or cream that is cultured with active live cultures. These cultures are the key to many of yogurt’s health benefits. Active live cultures are basically good bacteria that are necessary for the body to function at its best. These good bacteria prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause bacterial infections and diseases.They may help to boost the immune system. They encourage the right kind of bacteria to multiply in the gut. These bacteria help to digest food and prevent stomach infections. Also, they help to provide relief from vaginal infections.If you are taking antibiotics, they may be destroying the good bacteria present in your body. Eating yogurt regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels.
If you are taking antibiotics, they may be destroying the good bacteria present in your body. Eating yogurt regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels.
Best way to store yogurt:
Yogurt is fresh dairy product that must be stored in the refrigerator. The heat treated yogurt has a longer shelf life but it does not give the nutritional benefits like the yogurt with live cultures because heat processing destroys the cultures. To get the most health benefit from yogurt, there must be a live and active cultures seal on the label.
Way you can enjoy yogurt:
Yogurt can be incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways. By adding fruit, berries, granola, nuts, or chocolate candies to your yogurt, you can turn it into a delicious replacement for your usual dessert.
You can also substitute yogurt for milk in many recipes for foods like pancakes, waffles, and even pumpkin pie.

Mediterranean Countries use a lot of yogurt in their cuisine. They usually eat yogurt, plain with no sugar along with main dishes like stuffed cabbage and spinach. They add yogurt to their salads or use it to make traditional "meze" They also prepare yogurt drinks made with plain yogurt, salt and water and serve it with shish kebabs. Fried vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini are eaten with yogurt. Cucumber and yogurt salad is very popular among the Mediterranean countries, it is prepared with yogurt, cucumbers, fresh or dried mint, garlic and salt.

To add more yogurt to everyday diet, here are some healthier alternatives and tips:

- Replace mayonnaise and salad dressings with yogurt
- Replace ice cream and milkshake with frozen yogurt and mixed fruit yogurt smoothie
- Make dips with yogurt instead of sour-cream
- Try using yogurt cheese instead of cream cheese
- Use to marinate meat and poultry
- Yogurt can also be stove cooked, but it will curdle if heated to too high a temperature or boiled. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch into each cup of yogurt before cooking it, can prevent this problem,

Get A Brighter Smile With Chemical-Free Tricks

2010-06-22T04:31:00.000-07:00

Like soft and smooth skin, white teeth also enhance your beauty. You would certainly like to be appreciated for having beautiful white teeth when you smile. And on the contrary, if your teeth are not white, you will make every attempt to conceal them and avoid being abashed.
Why Home Made Methods:
There are various methods of teeth whitening including bleaching or polishing process that reduces discoloration of enamel. But if you have grayish teeth, you may not get expected result and would end up spending a good deal of money. So why squander money for no result. It is much better to adopt some homemade methods to improve the whiteness of your teeth.
Main causes of discolored teeth.
Homemade recipes not only brighten your teeth and keep your gums healthy but are also effective in removing plaque and control tartar. If you have healthy teeth with no filling then teeth whitening is ideal. However, children under age 13 should not use teeth whiteners, especially those available in the market. The following recipes can be prepared at your place easily.

1. All-Natural Formula:

Combine 1/2 tsp baking soda with ½ tsp table salt to make a teeth cleanser,add one drop of breath-freshening peppermint essential oil to the mixture. Wet your toothbrush, then dip it into the mixture and brush. The particles in the baking soda polish the surface of your teeth, while a chemical reaction with the water lightens stains. To avoid damaging your enamel, don’t use this method more than once a week.
Make a paste of equal amount of lemon juice and salt and use it on discolored teeth.
Clean your teeth with powdered leaves of margosa to refresh your mouth.
Use inner white part of orange peel to rub your teeth for white shiny teeth.
Make a powder of pomegranate peels and brush your teeth every morning and night for a good sparkle.
Use bark of walnut tree to make your teeth white. This is one of the useful method for whitening teeth.
Rub your teeth with fresh sage leaves for whitening purpose. This is one of the best homemade teeth whitening.
Mix one cup water, one teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel, four teaspoon vegetable glycerin and 1/4 cup of plain soda drink and boil for 15-20 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and then add peppermint for fresh breath and shake the mixture well. Use it regularly to clean your teeth.

2. Teeth-Saving Snacks:
Snack on saliva-producing foods like apples, pears, strawberries, celery and carrots,the additional saliva they produce helps remove bacteria from your mouth and whiten your teeth.

3.The Wonders of Water:
Swish water in your mouth for 30 seconds right after eating,it will help prevent the food you just ate from staining your teeth.

4. Creamy Goodness:
Adding a splash of cream or milk to black coffee or tea—it changes the chemistry of the beverage, which makes it much more difficult for stains to adhere to the tooth’s surface.
5.Another Reason to Eat Your Greens:
Load up on spinach and other dark green veggies, like broccoli and kale. These leafy greens contain a mineral compound which produces a film that covers teeth and protects against stains.
6.Pass On the Pop:
Avoid soda, which contains acids––like phosphoric, citric, malic and tartaric acids––that can strip your teeth enamel. If you have to indulge once in a while, use a straw. It’ll help keep your teeth stain-free.

Manage Hair Fall Before Its Too Late

2010-06-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

Baldness or hair loss is usually something only adults need to worry about. But in a few cases, teens lose their hair, too — and it may be a sign that something's going on.

What is the normal cycle of hair growth and loss?

The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 3 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. After 3 to 4 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place.\
It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

Here Are Some Facts That You Should Know About Hair Loss:
    * It is perfectly normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs from your head per day.

    * Too much washing will not lead to hair loss.

    * Hats do not make you “go bald”, neither do wigs for that matter.

    * If you want to spend an hour giving your hair 100 brush strokes daily, go ahead. It will not hurt you, and might even help improve blood circulation to your follicles.

    * There are no products out there that will really make your hair grow faster or thicker, no matter what the cosmetic company’s commercials say.

What Causes Excessive Hair Loss?

Many of these causes are temporary and a few are permanent. These are some main reasons for hair loss:

    * Genetics is one of the biggest causes of hair loss. Androgen alopecia, or male pattern baldness, affects 70 percent of all men sometime in their life. Women also are known to suffer from pattern baldness, but in a much smaller percentage.

    * Hormonal imbalance is said to be the biggest factor in genetic hair loss. In men: the male hormone androgen binds with an enzyme in the hair follicle, creating DHT, which keeps the follicle from restarting the growth phase.

    * The female hormone, estrogen, can also cause hair loss and many women can suffer significant hair loss when using birth control pill.

    * Many women also suffer from hair loss after giving birth. This is caused by the hormonal changes occurring within the body of the new mother and is only temporary.

    * Stress can cause a lot of bodily problems, hair loss being one of them. While hair loss caused by stress is only temporary, it can be the trigger for the onset of permanent, genetically based hair loss.

    * An unhealthy diet can also cause hair loss, especially a diet that is high in saturated fat and lacking in hair friendly vitamins and minerals. A healthy hair follicle needs thins like iron, zinc, protein, and vitamin B6 in order to stay healthy.

    * Drinking too much coffee, tea or alcohol, or eating too many processed, fried, spicy, greasy or sour foods can reduce the amount of nutrients that a hair follicle is getting.

    * Certain drugs, medication, or treatments like chemotherapy can cause hair loss. These are usually temporary and your hair grows back once you stop taking the drugs or getting the treatment.

    * Some fungal infections like ringworm or the STD: Treponema pallidum can cause hair loss. Dandruff, however, does not.

    * Hair loss could be a symptom of an underlying disease such as diabetes, or lupus.

    * Getting old is another way to suffer from hair loss. Losing hair is a side effect of the ageing process.

Treating hair loss is dependent upon the cause. Simply switching medications, or ending treatments can treat a lot of hair loss cases. Diagnosing and treating the ailment can cure hair loss caused by infection or disease. Time and patience will usually take care of hair loss caused by stress or giving birth and switching birth control pills might help woman suffering hair loss caused by hormonal imbalance. Genetic hair loss however, is a little bit harder of a problem to tackle

Here Are Some Possible Treatments For Genetically Based Hair Loss:

    * Proper diet and exercise will help keep your hormones in check and stave off androgen alopecia.

    * Choosing a good barber or hair stylist might help you hide your thinning hair from your peers. Just stay away from Donald Trump’s hair dresser.

    * Hair transplants have come a long way as have wigs and weaving methods.

    * Minoxidil, the stuff found in Rogaine and Provillus, is the only substance approved by the FDA to regrow hair. The catch is that you need to continue using it if you want to keep your hair.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY HAIR

    * A clean scalp is essential for healthy looking hair. Lemon juice, gently rubbed on and then left in for 15-20 minutes will give super clean, dandruff free hair.

    * Get you daily dose of calcium. Along with dairy, sesame seeds and figs are high in calcium.

    * A shampoo made from equal parts amla juice and lime juice as said to stimulate hair growth and prevent loss. Amla is also said to help with graying hair as well as promote thick, luxurious black hair.

    * Avoid corrosive, chemically laden shampoos and harsh weather as much as possible.

    * Polysaturated (sunflower) oils and foods rich in vitamin B (brown rice, bananas) will help with dry hair.

    * Henna and Mehendi are excellent natural hair conditioners

DIAGNOSIS BY HAIR

    * If you have excessive hair loss, check your thyroid gland. Also, make sure that you get enough vitamins and minerals.

    * If your hair is fragile, check your bowels.

    * If your hair grows very slowly, your nervous system is very weak.

    * If you started getting gray hair fast, check your heart and pancreas. Another reason could be a hormonal dysfunction.

    * If you get a few grey strands of hair, it could be a genetic defect – dysfunction of hair nerve.

    * The reasons for getting grey hair at a young age are high acidity, getting a lot of salt with foods, diabetes, stress, constant fatigue, lack of enzymes, disorder of sex functions and poor blood circulation in your heart.

    * A cause of getting half of your hair or all of your hair grey is severe stress or shock.

    * If your hair is very brittle, you have not been getting optimal nutrition for a long time.

    * If a woman gets bald spots on her temples, it could be early climax and hormonal dysfunction.

    * If you had light hair and it started getting dark fast, check your liver and gall bladder.

    * If your hair got dark only on the roots, it could be a head skin disease.

    * The cause of baldness could be rheumatism or gout.

    * If you got round bald spots, you have serious anemia.

    * If you have dandruff, limit the amount of salt, sugar, coffee and dairy in your diet.

Enhance Your Beauty By Taking Few Simple Steps

2010-06-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

CURE HEADACHE WITH FOOD

2010-06-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

What is a Headache?

Headache is defined as pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.
Headaches are due to tight, contracted muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more susceptible to them. Headaches can be triggered by chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). People who drink caffeine can have headaches when they don't get their usual daily amount.

Other common causes include:

Holding your head in one position for a long time, like at a computer, microscope, or typewriter
Poor sleep position
Overexerting yourself
Clenching or grinding your teeth

Common Types Of Headache :

Tension headache
Cluster headache
Migraine with aura
Migraine without aura

Tension headaches tend to be on both sides of your head. They often start at the back of your head and spread forward. The pain may feel dull or squeezing, like a tight band or vice. Your shoulders, neck, or jaw may feel tight and sore.
Migraine headaches are severe, recurrent headaches generally accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances or nausea. They tend to begin on one side of your head, although the pain may spread to both sides. You may have an "aura" (warning symptoms that start before your headache) and feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating pain.
Cluster headaches are sharp, extremely painful headaches that tend to occur several times per day for months and then go away for a similar period. They are far less common.
Sinus headaches cause pain in the front of your head and face. They are due to inflammation in the sinus passages that lie behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. The pain tends to be worse when you bend forward and when you first wake up in the morning. Postnasal drip, sore throat, and nasal discharge usually occur with these headaches.Headaches may occur if you have a cold, the flu, fever, or premenstrual syndrome.

9 Foods That Can Help Soothe a Headache

When a headache strikes, you may run through your usual routine: Turn out the lights, lie down and pop a pain pill. But did you know that certain foods may ease, and even prevent, headaches? Add these soothing foods to your shopping list and find out for yourself.
1. Baked Potato

The side you love with dinner could help soothe your aching head, especially if your headache is alcohol-related,since alcohol is a diuretic, it can not only cause dehydration, but also cause you to lose electrolytes such as potassiums.Eating potassium-rich foods can help to alleviate hangover-related headaches.Srprisingly, a baked potato (with the skin) is one of the most impressive sources of potassium, containing a whopping 721 mg.

2. Watermelon

Dehydration is a major cause of headaches,so instead of popping a pain pill next time your head throbs, consider reaching for water-rich foods, like watermelon. The natural water contained in both fruits and vegetables contains essential minerals, like magnesium, that are key in headache prevention,Try this tasty, hydrating watermelon smoothie: In a blender, combine 2 cups seeded watermelon chunks, 1 cup cracked ice, ½ cup plain yogurt, a drizzle of honey and ½ tsp grated ginger. Blend and enjoy.Other foods with high water content include berries, cucumber, melon, soups, oatmeal, tomatoes and lettuce.

3. Coffee

The caffeine in coffee is a vasoconstrictor, it can help alleviate a headache by helping to reduce the size of the blood vessels.Too much coffee could make matters worse.Caffeine is also a diuretic, which can increase dehydration and increase the severity of a headache,The bottom line:" One cup of coffee may be helpful for decreasing hangover-related headaches, but drinking coffee throughout the day would not be the best choice for curing a headache.”

4. Whole-Grain Toast

Low-carb dieters beware: Too little carbohydrates and you might bring on a headache.When you follow a low-carbohydrate diet, you begin to deplete glycogen stores, which are a main source of energy to the brain,this also causes an increase in fluid losses from the body, which can trigger dehydration. By reducing energy to the brain and causing dehydration, these low-carbohydrate diets can trigger headaches. When one hits, consider reaching for healthy carbs, such as those found in whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, fruit or yogurt.

5. Almonds

According to past research, magnesium, found in almonds, may protect your body from the brunt of a headache by relaxing blood vessels. Migraine sufferers may also experience relief by following a diet rich in magnesium, some experts believe.To increase your magnesium intake, try consuming magnesium-rich foods such as bananas, dried apricots, avocados, almonds, cashews, brown rice, legumes and seeds.

6. Spicy Salsa

It may sound unusual, but spicy foods such as salsa and hot peppers may help you snap back from a headache faster.Depending on the type of headache, spicy foods may be helpful,If a headache is due to sinus congestion, spicy foods may help to decrease congestion and open the airways, helping to decrease pressure and the accompanying headache.

7. Yogurt

When your head is pounding, your body may be calling out for calcium,the brain depends on calcium to function efficiently,Make sure you are consuming calcium-rich foods, like fat-free plain Greek yogurt, which is a great source of calcium,with no added sugars and beneficial probiotics for your gut.

8. Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle them on salads, in oatmeal or on top of soups and stir-fries. Why? These tiny seeds pack a big nutritional punch. “Sesame seeds are rich in vitamin E, which may help to stabilize estrogen levels and prevent migraines during your period,It also improves circulation, which helps prevent headaches.Sesame seeds are also rich in magnesium, which may give them added headache-preventing power.

9. Spinach Salad

What worked for Popeye may work for your headache. “Spinach has been shown to help decrease blood pressure, prevent hangovers and may help to alleviate headaches.Try using spinach leaves instead of lettuce for a headache-preventing power salad.This summer salad is packed with headache-soothing foods: Toss together 2 cups spinach leaves, 3/4 cups cubed watermelon, 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots and 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts or almonds, and drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette.

HOW TO LOOK PRETTY WITHOUT MAKEUP

2010-06-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Looking pretty is not just a gift. It is more of a habit. It means consistent care of the face, the hair, the teeth, the nails, and the body. It means being well groomed every day. However, should not be mistaken for dressing up every day as if one were always going to attend a party. Instead, it means being always neat and clean and appropriately dressed.

It is always said that true beauty resides inside you. This beauty is nothing but the self image or rather the confidence that a person has. But, apart from being confident and having a great self image, there are certain things that you can do to look prettier. Read on to find out what you can do to look pretty.

Smile - First and foremost thing to remember is that always have a smile on your face. It doesn’t hurt to smile, try it now! But there is one little thing you must be concerned about. This smile must be genuine and not fake because real smile makes you look beautiful instantly, in a moment.
Smile with your eyes. The eyes are the window into one's soul, so if you smile with your eyes, people will immediately be drawn to you.

Skin - Next thing which makes you look beautiful is your skin. Protecting the skin is of utmost importance as the sun rays can harm your skin. Always protect your skin from sun damage by applying some kind of good quality moisturizer. But before you go about applying any kind of moisturizer, please remember to have a look at the SPF rating of the product. The SPF or the Sun Protection Factor tells you how long you may stay in the sun without being harmed by the UV rays.

Hair - Care for your hair all the time by getting regular hair-cuts and using shampoos and conditioner that is appropriate only for your hair type.Always use products that would benefit your hair.

Always brush it, but not too much. Try straightening it to the side, or curling it wavy.
If you wish to dye your hair, make sure it's one that suits your skin tone

Clothes: Choose the right clothes for the occasion and be sure that they fit you well. Please do not wear clothes that are too loose (baggy) or that are too short or too long. Also, make sure that the shoes/ sandals that you are wearing are in good condition and do not have scuff marks in them. Footwear with scuff marks would look real ugly

Water:Your body needs water to function properly and your skin will benefit from it as well. Not only this, drinking water will make you feel good from inside and you will surely look prettier.

Exercise: Getting exercise is the key to a healthy body and skin. If you exercise regularly, your skin would glow and you would look prettier. Exercise also helps in relieving stress and tension from the body and mind.

Posture: Your posture or the way you sit or stand can make a difference in the way you look! You might think that it is unimportant, but believe us, it sure is true. Standing straight and in a proper way makes you look like you respect yourself and often people would follow your lead.

Attitude: Always remember that although you might be looking absolutely gorgeous on the outside, but a bad attitude towards others can make you seem real ugly inside.

Understand the value of inner beauty: There are "pretty" people in this world, but beauty is common. After talking to a few of them, you can begin to think that they aren't so pretty.

So remember that all the makeup in the world won't help if you are unhappy and negative towards others.
Respect yourself, respect others and you will feel and look great.
Feel good about yourself: When you feel bad, you look bad.

People are attracted to and feel comfortable with people who respect themselves. Liking yourself and respecting yourself doesn't mean you are conceited, it just shows others that you are happy about your appearance.
Get enough sleep: This will help you to always look your best. Regular sleeping patterns help your body to effectively regenerate and feel great the next day! Avoid sleeping on your face, this will cause wrinkles.
Maintain good dental hygiene: Brush your teeth after every meal, floss twice daily, and use mouth wash

You Are Not Sick You Are Thirsty

2010-06-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

DEHYDRATION:
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when someone loses more fluids than he or she takes in. Dehydration isn't as serious problem for teens as it can be for babies or young children. But if you ignore your thirst, dehydration can slow you down.

SERIOUS CONDITIONS OF DEHYDRATION:

" In the case of dehydration, the blood becomes thick and saturated, not being able to flow properly. The excess of toxins must then be stored within the interstitial space surrounding the cells pending elimination for life to continue, and over time this space begins to resemble a toxic waste site - an acidic medium. Since the cells cannot have the proper oxygenation and nutrition they begin to change in form and function in order to survive.
The end stage of this process results in the cells not resembling normal cells at all, and they continue living by means of fermentation rather than the normal oxidative mechanisms. - This is when the oncologist will tell you that you have CANCER"

The Harmful Effects Result from Dehydration:

    * Tiredness
    * Migraine
    * Constipation
    * Muscle cramps
    * Irregular blood-pressure
    * Kidney problems
    * Dry skin
    * 20% dehydrated – Risk of death

Symptoms of Dehydration:

Here are some of the symptoms that you need more water:

    * Dark Urine – Dark Yellow or Orange in Color: Urine is generally pale yellow to clear when you have sufficient water intake. Dark color or smell strong indicates that you need to drink more water.
    * Dry Skin: Skin is the largest body organ and requires its share of water.
    * Thirst: Thirst is the most obvious sign that you're already dehydrated. It is always a good practice to drink more water when your are not thirsty, don’t wait until you're thirsty.
    * Hunger: Most people mistaken hungry is the indication to eat more, whereas in actual fact, you may be dehydrated. So before you have your meal, grab a glass of water.
    * Fatigue: Water is a source of energy, give you a boost in energy.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Adults and children age 12 and older

If you become mildly to moderately dehydrated while working outside or exercising:

Stop your activity and rest.
Get out of direct sunlight and lie down in a cool spot, such as in the shade or an air-conditioned area.
Prop up your feet.
Take off any extra clothes.
Drink a re hydration drink, water, juice, or sports drink to replace fluids and minerals. Drink 2qt of cool liquids over the next 2 to 4 hours. You should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to replace lost fluids.
Rest and take it easy for 24 hours, and continue to drink a lot of fluids. Although you will probably start feeling better within just a few hours, it may take as long as a day and a half to completely replace the fluid that you lost.

Children Ages 1 Through 11:

Make sure your child is drinking often. Frequent, small amounts work best.
For children with dehydration, an oral rehydration solution (ORS), half-strength orange juice, or plain water (if the child is eating food) may be used to replace lost fluids.
Allow your child to drink as much fluid as he or she wants. Encourage your child to drink extra fluids. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 should drink at least 6 to 10 glasses of liquids to replace lost fluids.
Cereal mixed with milk or water may also be used to replace lost fluids.

Newborns And Babies Younger Than 1 Year Of Age:

Don't wait until dehydration develops to replace lost fluids. Offer fluids to your baby often.

If you breast-feed your baby, nurse him or her more often.
If you use a bottle to feed your baby, the amount of fluid you use in the formula should be enough to replace lost fluids. Check with your child's doctor if you think you need to feed your baby more often.
Use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) if mild or moderate dehydration develops. The amount of ORS your baby needs depends on his or her weight and how dehydrated he or she is. You can give the ORS in a dropper, spoon, or bottle.
If your baby has started eating cereal, you may replace lost fluids with cereal. You also may feed your baby strained bananas and mashed potatoes if your child has had these foods before.

How To Care For Dry Skin Care

2010-06-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin.

Main Causes Of Dryness:

Poor Diet
Environmental factors.
Genetic conditions
Smoking
Dehydration
Central heating and air conditioning
Hot baths and showers
Harsh soaps and detergents
Thyroid disorders

How To Care For Dry Skin

Morning Skin Cleanser

Every morning 15 minutes before taking your bath

1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon olive oil and
few drops of rose water
few drops of lime juice

Mix the above ingredients together and apply on your skin.

Egg And Honey Mask

1 egg
1 teaspoon of honey,
1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and
few drops of rose water

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and use as mask.

Avocado Face Mask.

A classic recipe for dry skin. Mash the avocado in a bowl, then stir in honey.Apply to skin and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse face with a cool washcloth.

Milk Cream& Turmeric Mask

        1/2 tsp Rosewater
          1 tblsp Thick Milk Cream
          A pinch Turmeric Powder
Apply this on your face and arms, and keep as such for a couple of hours. Bathe with warm water and soap and wash off till all the residue of cream has gone.This will leave your skin radiant and glowing.

Multani Mitti Or Fuller's Earth Mask:

Make a paste of multani mitti or fuller's earth and a little cream and spread it gently on the face. Let it dry for about an hour. Then wash your face with cold water and see how fresh and clean your face looks.

Diet Recommendations

Eat balance diet
Drink at least 2 quarts of quality water every day to keep the skin well hydrated
Avoid soft drinks and junk food
Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Avoid fried foods, animal fats

Health Benefits of Drinking Water

2010-06-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Water, a precious gift bestowed on us, plays vital role on our body.In fact, 2/3 of our body weight is water. Water is necessary for the very survival of human beings, as it ensures the smooth functioning of body systems.
Lack of water in the body tends to give rise to dehydration, thereby posing hurdles for the blood to circulate. The gravity of problem increases, as it causes the brain to become less active and your body feels tired and fatigued.Water keeps the digestive system in order and flushes out the waste products from your body.

Benefits of Drinking Water for Skin Health:

water acts as a natural remedy to head your way towards achieving beautiful rich glowing skin.Water acts as a body purifier, by removing toxins and waste from your body. So, drink lots of water throughout the day, to promote your mind body fitness.
Skin has the ability to perspire to cool and regulate body temperature. If there is dehydration, the water reserves in the skin may be used up without being replaced at the same rate as the water lost. Thus, dehydration is a primary factor in the production of dry skin:

* When the skin loses moisture it becomes prune-like
* There is less capillary circulation to the skin area to give it the healthy color it should have.

To promote a healthier skin, adequate water intake is essential. If water does not reach the skin from the circulation at its base, the rate of skin repair will decrease, and dehydrated cells will cover the body.
This is one of the reasons why you often see young women with their skins already aged beyond their years.

How Much Water to Drink Per Day:

There is no clear-cut answer as to how much water to drink per day, because it depends upon a number of factors like your health condition, your activity status etc.

Top Health Benefits of Drinking Water:

1. Lose Weight:

Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Plus, water has zero calories.Hot lemon water works wonders in fastening weight loss program.It also keeps your heart healthy.

2. Natural Remedy for Headache:

Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although there are many other reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one.

3. Look Younger with Healthier Skin:

You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increase skin elasticity.
4. Better Productivity at Work:
Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrate.

5. Better Exercise:

Drinking water regulates your body temperature. You’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises and water helps to fuel your muscle.

6. Helps in Digestion and Constipation:

Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.

7. Less Cramps and Sprains:

Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.

8. Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy:

Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. 9. Relieves Fatigue:
Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks of water, your heart, for instance, need to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so are you.

10.Good Mood:

Your body fells very good that’s why you soul feels happy.

11.Reduce the Risk of Cancer:

Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.
12.Drinking water prevents a high level of Cholesterol.
13.Drinking water to prevent Heart disease and stroke: hydration is essential to help prevent clogging of arteries an the heart and brain.
14.Drinking water prevents and treat Hypertension: hydration is crucial in treating it without using diuretics or medication
15.Drinking water prevents Brain Damage.
16.Drinking water prevent and treat Depression: hydration helps the body naturally replenish its supply of the neurotransmitter serotonin
17.A major benefit of drinking water is maintaining the body Ph balance in order to prevent and cure disease...

Homemade Face Masks For Oily Skin

2010-06-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

An oily skin facial mask helps to reduce oily skin, shrinks pores, and ultimately prevents pimples or acne. The facial recipes below use all natural ingredients for those who desire natural skin care for their oily skin problem.

Yogurt Mask
Apply natural unflavored yogurt to the face. Honey and/or oatmeal may be added if desired. Leave on the skin for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with clean warm water.

Lemon and Egg Oily Skin Facial Mask

Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Apply to the face avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on the face for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Tomato Facial Mask
Apply mashed or sliced tomatoes to the face for about 15 minutes to reduce the size of skin pores.

Apple Oily Skin Facial
1 medium size apple, grated fine 5 tablespoons of honey
Mix the grated apple and the honey well. Smooth over the skin and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

Citrus-Yogurt Mask for Oily Skin
1 cup of plain yogurt
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon of carrot juice

Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, orange juice, and carrot juice together. Apply the mixture to the face and leave it on the skin for about 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the mask off with warm water and pat dry the face with a clean towel.

Note: Masks (homemade or otherwise) should stay on for 10-15 minutes, should follow with a thin layer of moisturizer.

5 easy steps for younger looking skin

2010-06-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

1.Wash your face daily with rose water keeps your skin naturally glowing and radiant.
2.Water is a very good source of naturally shiny skin.Make a habit of drinking 12 to 16 glasses of clean water daily
3.Every morning apply fresh milk on your face with cotton and wash after 5 to 10 mints.It keeps your skin
soft and fair.
4. wash your face off and on all the day keeps your skin clean and clear.
5. Avoid stress and sleep well.

Looking Good: The Psychology and Biology of Beauty

2010-06-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

By applying the stringent conditions of the scientific method, researchers now believe symmetry is the answer the Greeks
were looking for.

Psychological research suggests that people generally choose mates with a similar level of attractiveness.

Research shows attractive people also have more occupational success and more dating experience than their unattractive counterparts.

Take Small Steps Today!

2010-06-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

There are many ways that you can take small steps toward better health, and you can to it - today! We provide over 100 tips below to take small steps to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Steps that are simple and free! Choose from any one of these small steps, or create your own. Get your friends and family involved in coming up with fun ways to take small steps each and every day. Remember, for adults, getting physically active at least five times a week, for thirty minutes or more, will help lead you toward a happier and healthier lifestyle. For kids, being active an hour a day is a small step towards good health! Eat a healthy diet, avoid harmful substances, and integrate small steps into your life – and soon you will see the positive effects taking place – one day at a time.