Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Blisters!!! Oh what a pain!


How many of us have had a hot pair of shoes ruin your night because you can't bare the pain any longer??? I think that has happened to most of us...I know it happens to me more times than none and you think I would just start buying more comfortable shoes...Ha no way. Beauty is a pain right?
Well in an effort to avoid buying "more comfortable" shoes I tried alternatives...which have worked quite well.

Foot Doctors aka Podiatrists finally got it right and found solutions for women who don't want to sacrifice beauty for the sake of comfortable shoes.
You can now find in drug stores, Targets, Walmarts and even some grocery stores alternatives for women!! Woohoo Finally!

  • For the balls of your feet try gel inserts! There are even inserts special for opened toed and stiletto heels. Some even have cute designs on them like flowers or leopard print.
  • When you are prone to blisters from your shoes rubbing against the skin there is a Anti friction stick by Dr. Scholl's that works great. You can also use deodorant to do the trick ;)
Look for the Dr. Scholl's line "Dr. Scholl's for her". It has many great products to do the trick!

  • Once a blister forms don't pop it! It will only make it worse. Try and put some "mole skin" or "new skin" on it to cover the blister up and let it take it's course.
  • Also try and put a couple band aids or a small bottle of mole skin in your purse on a night out you know a blister could pop up. It never hurts to be ready.
Now lets keep dancing the night away pain free!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Bright Week!


I am participating in Bright Week hosted by Concrete and Honey.
All week all of my posting will be accompanied by Bright photos!
Check out Concrete and Honey blog to find more blogs participating in bright week.
Let's kick the cold weather and get ready for Spring!!

Concrete and Honey
http://concretehoney.blogspot.com/

Hassle Free Make up Remover...


Removing eye make-up can be a real PAIN...especially with the oily make-up removers that run into your eyes! Well my best friend actually uses baby shampoo to remove all of her make-up. Her step mom was constantly getting eye infections from the removers she was using so her doctor told her to start using baby shampoo b/c it will easily remove your make-up, isn't oily and is very gentle on your eyes and skin! So she relayed the info to my best -friend who relayed the info to me :) I have used it many times before and it works great! Plus it's cheap!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Grandma Said...


A great piece of beauty advise was given to me when I was about 10 years old by my Great Grandmother that always stuck with me. She told me...well more demanded(she wasn't always the nicest old lady) that I push back my cuticles with my finger tips every time after I wash my hands. At first I thought she was crazy...but I was 10 what did I know. But I started doing it in fear she would yell at me if she noticed I wasn't doing it! Well over the years I have noticed how nice my cuticles always are and I always get compliments anytime I go and get manicures. I very rarely have to cut my cuticles and push them back with a cuticle stick. After I wash my hands I just use my finger tips to push them back while they are still slightly damp. My cuticles always look nice and it makes the shape of my nails always look better too!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Did you know...


In a study of nearly 6,000 women, those who did moderate exercise (like walking) for one hour daily and slept less than seven hours a night had a 47 percent greater chance of developing cancer than exercisers who snoozed seven hours or more.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/get-more-shut-eye

Monday, March 23, 2009

Relationship Advise for Men from Ashton Kutcher...

This was posted on Ashton Kutcher's Twitter Account. Believe it or not it's good advise for guys!

• "For me it's about relearning that supporting my wife isn't about providing $ and Home, it's about supporting her desires, needs and emotions."

• "Greatest lesson in my marriage. Don't try to solve her problems, just listen, love and be supportive. This is the opposite of male nature."

• "2nd greatest lesson. When she says time for bed…hop to, good things await."

Then, perhaps in an effort to emphasize the "good things await" part, Ashton later posts a pic of one of Demi's many assets, with the request, "Shhh. Don't tell wifey."

Friday, March 20, 2009

Burn More Calories with Interval Training...


What is Interval training you ask?

It's not as complicated as you may think. Interval training is simply alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity.

Take walking. If you're in good shape, you might incorporate short bursts of jogging into your regular brisk walks. If you're less fit, you might alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking. For example, if you're walking outdoors, you could walk faster between certain mailboxes, trees or other landmarks.

Benefits of Interval Training:

  • You'll burn more calories. The more vigorously you exercise, the more calories you'll burn — even if you increase intensity for just a few minutes at a time.
  • You'll improve your aerobic capacity. As your cardiovascular fitness improves, you'll be able to exercise longer or with more intensity. Imagine finishing your 60-minute walk in 45 minutes — or the additional calories you'll burn by keeping up the pace for the full 60 minutes.
  • You'll keep boredom at bay. Turning up your intensity in short intervals can add variety to your exercise routine.
  • You don't need special equipment. You can simply modify your current routine.


I especially like to do Interval Training when I'm in a rut or getting bored with my current routine.
Try This:
Indoor Cardio Workout i.e. Treadmill, Elliptical, Stationary Bike
30 Minute Session

Minute 0-2 - Brisk walk
Minute 2-5 - Moderate Jog
Minute 5-7 - Brisk Walk
Minute 7-12- Moderate Jog
Minute 12-14 - Brisk Walk
Minute 14-15 - Sprint
Minute 15-17 - Brisk Walk
Minute 17-22 - Moderate Jog
Minute 22-24 - Brisk Walk
Minute 24-25 - Sprint
Minute 25-30- Cool Down- Walk-
If you haven't been active for sometime try and modify the times and speeds for what suits you at this time. You can set a goal to reach higher levels as you go!

If you prefer an outdoor activity I like to base my times by songs on my Ipod.
Each time a song switches, switch your pace. (Walk, Run, Walk, Run...)
This works well since we don't always have a stop watch or timer right in front of us while outdoors.
*You can always set a playlist that switches between faster and slower paced songs to help you along the way.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Forget the Rat Tail...




For those of you who love to give your hair extra volume or a "poof" and use a rat tail comb to do so...I have a new Tool for you!
My sister Krista the hair stylist told me about a comb they use at her Salon (Glitz NXT in Orion Township) to really give you a good Poof or Tease, it actually has three rows! I will tell you this thing works wonders!! I have Fine and Thick hair so it's hard for me to get volume and keep it for that matter so I have to tease my hair to give it umph and this thing really does the trick.
You can find this comb at Sally beauty supply for under $3.00. They have it listed on their website www.sallybeauty.com for $2.29.
I am including a picture of the comb so you can get a better idea what it looks like as well as a picture of me after I get done ratting my hair... before I tame it down!!
After you use this comb the only thing the rat tail comb is good for is separating the hair while teasing.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Eight words with 2 meanings...LOL

This was in an email that was sent to me and I thought it was pretty funny...and TRUE!!

1.. THINGY (thing-ee) n..
Female....... Any part under a car's hood.
Male...... The strap fastener on a woman's bra.

2. VULNERABLE (vul-ne-ra-bel) adj.

Female...... Fully opening up one's self emotionally to another.
Male..... Playing football without a cup.

3. COMMUNICATION (ko-myoo-ni-kay-shon) n .

Female.... The open sharing of thoughts and feelings with one's partner.
Male... Leaving a note before taking off on a fishing trip with the boys..

4. COMMITMENT (ko- mit-ment) n.

Female.... A desire to get married and raise a family.!
Male...... Trying not to hit on other women while out with this one..

5. ENTERTAINMENT (en-ter-tayn-ment) n.

Female...... A good movie, concert, play or book.
Male...... Anything that can be done while drinking beer.

6. FLATULENCE (flach-u-lens) n.

Female..... An embarrassing byproduct of indigestion.
Male....... A source of entertainment, self-expression, male bonding.

7 MAKING LOVE (may-king luv) n.

Female....... The greatest expression of intimacy a couple can achieve.
Male.. Call it whatever you want, just as long as we do it.

8. REMOTE CONTROL (ri-moht kon-trohl) n.

Female.... A device for changing from one TV channel to another.
Male..... A device for scanning through all 375 channels every 5 minutes.


AND

He said . I don't know why you wear a bra; you've got nothing to put in it.

She said . . You wear pants don't you?


He said . . .... Shall we try swapping positions tonight?

She said That's a good idea - you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa and fart!


He said .... What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?

She said .....Turn
sideways and look in the mirror!


He said . . Why is it difficult to find men who are sensitive, caring and Good- looking?

She said ..... . . They already have boyfriends.


He said ... Why are married women heavier than single women?

She said .. . Single women come home, see what's in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home, see what's in bed and go to the fridge.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Dry Up Zits Fast!!



Even though I am in my 20's and supposedly you aren't supposed to break out anymore...from time to time I still do!! I tried pro-active for a while and it did work great but I hated the cost so I discontinued it a couple years ago. I especially loved their refining mask and was trying to find something comparable to it. Well I happened to come across a mask by Queen Helene called a Mint Julep Mask. Yes...Mint Julep like the famous Kentucky Derby drink ; ) I found it at CVS and it was under $4.00!!! It dries out my zits and makes my skin feel really smooth. It's a thick green mask, and it is a little minty, you leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse off. It contains a lot of the same ingredients as in the pro-active refining mask...most noticeably the sulfur...which I think is the kicker to really drying out your zits.
*It works best when you first feel a pimple forming.
*Try to moisturize after you use the mask it can make your skin feel a little dry after using it. *Remember try not to pick!!!

I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a skin pick me up!

Yes that is me wearing the Mask! LOL

Monday, March 16, 2009

Psssssst...secret to hair on the go!


We have all been there, the clock is ticking and we don't have time to wash our hair and do our lengthy hair routine to get out the door on time. Well I stumbled across a great product to use on your hair in times like those! It's called Pssssst, it's a dry shampoo for your hair. My favorite is the one for Brunettes...They also have one for Blonde's! The spray powder is colored so you don't get that white color in your hair that looks like you are going gray! It also gives you great volume!
I love to use this after work if I'm going to go out or on mornings when I don't have time to wash my hair but still want to look cute without pulling my hair in a pony tail. Trust me this stuff works wonders...you can go days with fresh looking hair. I used to buy it at CVS but they have been out of it lately and haven't been able to find it at any stores locally. But you can purchase it online at www.drugstore.com it's only 7.99 for 6oz. It's the best deal quality and size wise. I defiantly think it's allot better than some of the more expensive ones out there.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

8 Easy Ways to Survive the Work Week


Written by: Nikki Marie Evan- Cosmopolitan Online

#1
Exercise in the A.M.
If you're like us, hitting the gym at the crack of dawn sounds about as appealing as jumping into an icy lake in mid-February. But there are real benefits to squeezing in an early workout. You get it out the way so it's not hanging over your head, you feel more energized all day, and it frees up your evenings for plans with friends. Plus, exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood.

#2
Relish Your Mornings
Whether you make it to the gym or not, try getting up 15 minutes earlier than usual and having your coffee and breakfast at home while listening to music, reading the paper, or watching the news. When you start your morning in a calm and relaxed way, it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

#3
Make Weekend Plans in Advance
Start scheduling your Saturday and Sunday activities on Monday. Spending the first few days of the week talking to friends about cool stuff to do on the weekend builds anticipation and makes the week fly by.

#4
Send an E-Joke
Every once in a while, shoot your friends or a few select co-workers a funny (yet work appropriate) e-mail. Sharing a link to a piece of celeb gossip or a hilarious YouTube clip allows you to mentally check out for a couple of minutes a day.

#5
Take an Actual Lunch Break
Eat with co-workers instead of scarfing down an energy bar and a bag of chips at your desk. It will give you an opportunity to recharge your batteries, you’ll enjoy a proper meal (so you won’t be tempted to hit the vending machine at 4 p.m.), and you’ll bond with colleagues.

#6
Head Out on Wednesdays
Why save all the fun for Thursdays? Going out on Wednesday gives you something to look forward to on those dismal Mondays and Tuesdays. Hit a bar for happy hour or invite friends over, pop open a few bottles of wine, and order pizza.

#7
Connect with Friends
Social networking sites can be addicting (ya think?) and can seriously interfere with your work. But sneaking a little time online can be a nice way to break up an endless afternoon and catch up with pals. Allot yourself 15 minutes a day to log on to Facebook and MySpace or any other site you like.

#8
Start a Weekly Tradition
Whether it's watching Gossip Girl with your friends or having Thursday date night with your guy, delegating one evening a week to a specific activity will ensure that you always have something to look forward to. People are less likely to cancel on a standing event, so you'll never be left with nothing to do.





Dangers of Teeth Whitening

"Thinking of heading into the salon for a UV teeth whitening session?

This might not be a bright idea. A recent study found the same ultraviolet light that causes skin cancer can also damage your gums, lips and eyes during an in-house bleaching session.

A separate study published this year in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences found that UV light treatments exposed patients to four times the dose of radiation of sunbathing and that the eyes and skin are not sufficiently protected during the procedure.

Even scarier—repeated UV exposure can cause cataracts and other abnormal growths in and around the eye.

According to a recent study in the European Journal of Plastic Surgery, many women would consider a tooth-whitening procedure: When asked to rate it on a scale of 0 (“I’d never get it”) to 7 (“hell ya”), women rated it a 4.10 on the desirability scale—making it one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries.

A better choice? At-home tooth whiteners. These are good even for the impatient— some, like Rembrandt Whitening Strips are tested to improve your smile in less than 5 days.

And while a doctor's visit will cost you between $500 and $700, these at-home strips can be found under $25.

Cheaper and safer? Now that's something to smile about. "

Written by Erin Hicks- Women's Health Magazine Online www.womenshealthmag.com

Run Without Pain


Stop Knee Pain

"You may be more prone to knee injuries when you’re ovulating, the British Journal of Sports Medicine reports.

Researchers measured movement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which supports the knee, and found that it's generally loosest during ovulation (usually between days 11 and 21 of your cycle).

High estrogen levels during that time decrease the amount of collagen in the ligament, explains study supervisor Darren Stefanyshyn, Ph.D., of the University of Calgary.

That can make it harder to protect the joint against sudden movements, ­Stefanyshyn says. Birth-control-pill users have lower estrogen levels―and about half as many ACL injuries."

~ Women's Health Magazine www.womenshealthmag.com

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Food and your Skin...


From Women's Health Magazine (www.womenshealthmag.com)

Vote red

A recent British study found that subjects who ate five tablespoons of tomato paste every day suffered milder sunburns than those who didn't.

Researchers think lycopene, a powerful natural antioxidant found in tomatoes, provides the sun-shielding benefits. (Tip: Cook your romas--your body will absorb the nutrients more easily.)

It's no excuse to drop the SPF, but at least you have a good reason to go to your favorite Italian joint.

Forget fries

A group of researchers recently put 23 people with acne on a high-protein, low-glycemic diet for 12 weeks--and guess what? Their skin got much better.

Testers had 21.9 percent fewer blemishes, versus 13.8 percent fewer for a control group that followed a high-carb diet. (Bonus: All the low-carb subjects lost weight!)

While the researchers can't say whether it was the weight loss or the dietary changes that helped, it appears that nutrition plays a role in your skin's behavior. So pile on more lean protein and cut back on high-glycemic foods (like starchy fries and sugary candy).

Go ahead--get some Godiva

Studies show that nibbling on a few pieces of the dark stuff (milk chocolate has too much fat and sugar) will arm your skin with additional flavonols, protective nutrients that researchers believe absorb UV light and increase blood flow to the skin, improving its appearance.

In one German study, women had flavonoid-enriched cocoa every day for 12 weeks, and afterward their skin was softer, less irritated, and up to 25 percent less sensitive to sun damage when exposed to ultraviolet light. Sweet!

Got milk? Get soy

If you battle breakouts, milk could be adding to your troubles.

Three large studies have found that the more white stuff teens drink, the worse their acne gets. Researchers say hormones that occur naturally in cow juice may be to blame, and they believe women in their twenties and thirties could also be susceptible.

"If you're a big milk drinker and zits are a problem, you may benefit from cutting back," says Clement Adebamowo, M.D., an oncologist and lead researcher on these studies. "Drink milk substitutes like soy instead," he says.

Try some crunches

You could fill an entire Whole Foods produce aisle with the reams of research showing that fruits and vegetables protect and restore the skin.

So down a rainbow's worth every day, and seek out edibles packed with vitamins A and C (both are antioxidants). Particularly good: leafy greens, cantaloupe, citrus fruits (especially oranges), blueberries, strawberries, and bell peppers.

Swallow some sun protection

A study from the Queensland (Australia) Institute of Medical Research found that people who regularly took some OTC pain relievers, including aspirin, have a lower risk of developing squamous-cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.

While the evidence doesn't justify popping pills just to protect your skin, it's one more reason to treat your aches and pains rather than power through them

Shine up those Shins!

Smooth legs are sexy--and good for your health. "Cuts, scratches, and scrapes below the knee take a long time to heal and can be prone to infection, since they're an easy entry point for germs," says Doris Day, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University Medical Center.

Prevent the little cracks that allow bacteria to enter your skin by smoothing on a moisturizing cream every night; to prevent nicks, use a razor with built-in moisture strips (we like the Venus Embrace, $11.50, amazon.com); and don't shave your legs for two or three days before a pedicure (salon whirlpool footbaths can be a breeding ground for bacteria).

- Women's Health Magazine online, www.womenshealthmag.com

Use an anti-ager NOW!!!

Don't wait for the first crow's feet to appear before you reach for that little tube. "Even women in their twenties should be using a topical retinoid--unless they're pregnant or nursing," says Francesca Fusco, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Here's why: Retinoids, which contain vitamin A, are one of the most potent agents for preventing and reversing sun damage and signs of aging. And, says Hirsch, "they're the ultimate multitasker. They speed skin renewal by shedding dull, pore-clogging cells and increase collagen production to prevent wrinkles."

Ask your doctor about a retinoid prescription or try an OTC, such as Roc Retinol Actif Pur Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Treatment--Night ($22 for 1 oz, drugstore.com).


- Women's Health Magazine, online www.womenshealthmag.com

Monday, March 2, 2009

Battle of the Bulge


Believe it or not bathing suit season is just around the corner so I know many of you are stressing about how you are going to be in beach body shape in a few months. Well here is a tip to get you started...

Take a Group Class
I have always been into working out but have had a hard time sticking to a routine or coming up with new ones after I have been in a rut or hit a "plateau", so I started taking some of the group classes at my gym... and now I'm hooked! The best workouts I have had have been in some of these classes. I know a lot of people are intimidated by classes, thinking they won't be able to keep up, or they will look stupid. Well let me tell you something most of the time everyone is so preoccupied with their own workout and getting it right that they really aren't paying much attention to anyone but themselves and the instructor. Plus who cares they were in your spot once too!! Most gyms offer classes as part of your membership and you can ask for a schedule of classes and pick the ones that interest you the most, or ask someone at the desk which classes they would recommend for you. If you are not a member of a gym there are usually classes offered through out your community you can sign up for or you can pay a visitor fee for a class at a gym to try it out. At the gym I belong to it's $10 for a class for non members.
Classes I recommend:
Yoga- You would be surprised how this class can relieve stress and stretch and sculpt your muscles all at the same time.
Body Tone/Body Sculpt- This class is great for an full body work out and you will learn new exercises you can try outside of the class as well.
Pilates- Great core workout...tones your abs wonderfully!!
Spinning/Cycling- This is my favorite class right now. Great cardio workout! But you can work at your own pace so everyone is able to participate. Also tones your legs and butt nicely.

Try a class with a friend if you are nervous to start it by yourself. Most likely you will make friends in the class too which helps keep you motivated to keep going.

If you are still hesitant to try out a group class, buy or rent a DVD with the class that interests you. If you have Comcast On-demand they offer a section that has videos with a variety of different group exercises you can also try at home. Comcast also switches them up every so often so you aren't stuck with the same ones over and over again.

Just remember practice makes perfect ;)
 
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