Things to Eat for Good Skin ...

I think we all need to start eating healthy. On my list of Some Common things to eat for good skin, I am mostly going to include fruits and vegetables, because I believe they are the most healthiest things you could possibly eat. For an even more added effect, try these foods below in organic form. Let me get started with that list no.

Cantaloupe - Cantaloupe is not only tasty, but it is also good for your skin. When you consume this food, it increases the antioxidants in your body. This increases your chances of absorbing the free radicals, which help reduce skin problems and make your skin look and feel healthy.

Brussel Sprouts - It is not just citrus that gives you vitamin C. Did you know that Brussel Sprouts will also give you vitamin C? Brussel Sprouts are really good for you, so you should give them a try. When I had them, I didn’t think I would like them, but I do. My little 6 year old also likes them, which is surprising, because many kids turn upside down when it comes time to eat those Brussel Sprouts.

GrapeFruit - There are certain medications, like blood pressure medicine that says you cannot have grapefruit with it. So, before you have it, make sure those medications that you may be taking allow this. This food, just like an orange, is rich in Vitamin C and we all know Vitamin C helps when we are sick. It will also help to reduce those wrinkels.

Carrot - I always thought carrots are good. They are full of Vitamin A. If you do not eat leafy green vegetables, then you should turn to some carrots. So, “What’s up doc?”

Sweet Potatoes - When I was a little girl, I did not like sweet potatoes and now I do, which is great, because they are good for the skin. They are great for fighting off skin problems. Some people eat them with buttre or brown sugar (sweet potato casserole), but I think they are good all by themselves.

Plums - This is another fruit that is rich in antioxidants and good for your skin. I actually used to grow plums, in my opinion, they are not all that hard to grow.

Tamatao - I just have to include this one, since it is my little girls favorite. This food is rich in antioxidants and has many benefits for your skin.

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Are You A Lover or hater of Yoga And Why?

I know yoga is either loved or hated by those who've tried it. I have friends on both spectrums! So ladies, where do you fall?  - There are many awesome reasons to love yoga and make it part of your daily routine! I was first exposed to yoga when I took a hot yoga class for a college course. It was an amazing experience, and even though I now dislike hot yoga, I love other forms of it. 

It Clears The Mind of Clutter - One of the amazing reasons to love yoga and make it a daily practice, is that it clears your mind of clutter. The noise and craziness of daily life can prevent you from taking time to breathe and relax your mind and just simply focus on nothing. Because our culture incorrectly equates business with importance, taking a break to reflect on just breathing and being alive is great way to center yourself and collect your thoughts.

It Detoxes Your Organs - Certain movements and poses in yoga mildly detoxify your organs and relieve pressure in your spine, as well as increase your flexibility. These movements generally consist of twisting your upper body with a stable hip region. Regular yoga practice equals healthier functioning organs!

Improves Strength And Flexibility - Yoga is also wonderful for physical fitness. It works your body as a whole, strengthening core, leg and arm muscles. If you have tight hamstrings, yoga provides the means for you to loosen them up and gain flexibility, which is something we all need. If not for any other reason, yoga helps you achieve your well-rounded fitness goals!

Lowers Blood Pressure, Reduces Anxiety - The rhythmic, deep breathing technique practiced in yoga has shown to reduce anxiety and thus, blood pressure because excess stress hormones aren't being released. The amazing thing is that breathing techniques learned in yoga can be practiced anywhere at any time. It is especially beneficial when a stressful moment arises because you will be equipped with the proper way to lower your heart rate and stress levels!

Helps You Focus on Intentional Living - I feel that yoga, or any other exercise routine, enables you to be totally engaged and connected with your body. Feeling how your body moves under purposeful resistance is a reminder of our beating hearts and the oxygen in our lungs. Pushing yourself to your fitness limits can easily translate into your daily life of living outside of your comfort zone. Learn to be intentional with each step you take and choice you make and life will be much more meaningful!

Boosts Endorphins And Gives You Energy - Any exercise will provide you with a boost of energy and yoga gives you just enough to feel fresh and ready for the day. I love yoga when I want less of a workout but desire a boost of energy and endorphins. I also love to practice yoga when I need to stretch, and when I want to simply practice my technique.

It's Good for You! - Overall, yoga is a holistic practice of fitness that engages body, mind and meditative spirit. Who wouldn't want the benefits that yoga provides?

I know yoga is either loved or hated by those who've tried it.

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8 Ways to Grow your Hair Faster and look Healthier

Best way to make your hair look healthier and shinier is not with the latest rage products. You can significantly improve the quality of your locks by following some simple rules during the everyday care for your hair. 

1.Eat More Protein - Protein provides the building blocks for new hair growth. Some proteins form keratin which is the structure that hardens our hair. Lack of protein will lead to limp hair growth, if any at all. You can get more protein from meat, fish, eggs, nuts and beans.

2.Air dry as much as you can - In today’s world we are constantly inflicting a vast amount of heat onto our hair. We blow dry it and follow this with straightening and curling iron treatments. All this heat can really damage the hair so when you can, allow your hair to air dry. Protecting your hair from excessive amounts of heat can make it look healthy and shiny almost immediately.

3. 15 Oils - Rubbing natural oils into your hair helps to stimulate hair growth and improve hair health in a number of ways. They help to clear dirt and impurities and unblock hair follicles, they add moisture and strengthen hair and they help to deliver nutrients and vitamins direct to the hair and scalp.

4. Homemade Hair Mask - One reason for lack of hair growth can be damage from overuse of harsh styling products, chemical-laden shampoos and heat styling equipment. Hair masks help to repair this damage which can enable the hair to grow faster and healthier.
One hair repair mask involves mixing one tablespoon honey, mayonnaise, vegetable oil and brandy with one egg yolk and then applying the mixture to unwashed hair. Leave for half an hour and then rinse out with a natural shampoo.
If you’d like to stimulate hair growth with a homemade hair mask, then take a look at these hair mask recipes for damaged hair.
Or if you’d like to repair your hair without making your own masks, then try this Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque.

5. Use This Herb - Saw palmetto extract has been identified as one of the most effective herbs for stopping hair loss and stimulating new growth. It is often the active ingredient in many over-the-counter hair growth treatments. Taking saw palmetto in pill form could help your hair grow faster.

6. Use This Scalp Stimulator Recipe - Mix one teaspoon of Vodka, 5 drops of lavender oil and 3 drops of rosemary oil and add one tablespoon of distilled water. Dip your fingertips into the mixture and massage gently into the scalp. The mixture will kill germs, eliminate dirt and open up the hair follicles to allow new, or faster, hair growth.

7. Use A Hair Growth Shampoo - Some shampoos have been formulated to stimulate hair growth. When used regularly, research suggests users do experience faster hair growth. Here are my two favorite hair growth shampoos.
Jason Natural Products Biotin Shampoo – This shampoo is enriched with biotin which, as we have previously discussed, is known as the “hair vitamin”. Getting more biotin can only be a good thing for the growth of our hair. Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo – This shampoo has the best reviews on Amazon suggesting it has worked for a number of real life customers.

8. Scalp Massage - Performing a scalp massage correctly helps to open up blood vessels and increase blood circulation. This helps the blood to deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair follicles to enable healthy hair growth. Using one of the fifteen oils previously mentioned will make the massage even more effective.

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Some New Nail Polish Color Combinations to Try

Pink And Black - Pink and black is one of many nail polish color combinations that is both fun and sophisticated. Combined, these two colors remind me of Paris, albeit a hot pink and Americanized version of Paris. No matter, this color combination is fantastic. Crank up the the volume with hot pink or tone it down with a nice pastel. Use pink or black on alternating fingernails or overlap them to create interesting patterns.

Dark Red And Glittery Gold - Perhaps it is the leftover influence of the holiday season, but this color combination seems to be everywhere. When I painted my nails recently, this color combination was on my mind. The gold and deep red are a beautiful duo. The couple brings to mind happy times, good cheer, and Christmas decorations. Wear it in December or any time you are feeling festive!

Wintry White And Aqua - Wintry white looks like winter. Pair this color with aqua and it feels like frost. The wintry white is bright with a hint of pearl, which resembles fresh snow when paired with a lovely aqua. This is one combination that looks great as an ombre or french tip. You can also style this combination in a variety of ways, all of which recall the cold season and wintry sports.

Gray And Pink - Whenever I see this color combination I am reminded of a Burberry advert. The two colors are great on their own, but also work well together as a pair. I've seen this color combo complemented by gold accessories. This is a great color combination to use when channeling your inner preppy.

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Nail Treatment Products You Must Try for Nail And Nail Polish Problems

Are you in need of nail treatment products for issues you have encountered with your nails or with using fingernail polish? I can certainly relate to that. Since I have begun doing more with my fingernails, I have noticed a few problems with wearing nail polish.

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream - Have you discovered this product yet? I am in love with it. Of all the nail treatment products named in this article, this may very well be my favorite. It is so wonderful for your cuticles. It softens them and soothes the rough edges that winter brings on.

Essie’s Millionails - I have been searching for a product that made my nails stronger. My nails seemed to always break whenever I took the nail polish off of them. This product made them so much stronger. Nail breakage became a thing of the past. I use this as my base coat or alone as a clear coat when I want a simple manicure.

Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hand And Nail Lotion - This is a fairly new product to me. I only recently discovered it. I suffer from the dry winter hands that plague so many of us. This lotion is formulated especially for your hands. It hydrates your hands and is also supposed to strengthen your nails.

Mary Kay Satin Hands Pampering Set - This set is perfect for your hands and nails. It is a three step process. First you use an emollient cream that reminds me of a deep conditioner for your hands. Then you use a scrubbing product that exfoliates all of the old skin that needs to be exfoliated away. Lastly, you use a lotion. When you are finished, your hands and nails will look so much better.

Essie All in One - This product is perfect for the girl that doesn’t want to use a zillion products to get your manicure completed. I use this a lot when I want to just get my nails done and get on with my day. It is a base coat, top coat and a strengthener all in one. It is nice to know you are using a nail product that is good for your nails. This product won’t strip your nails; it will actually add to them.

Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat - I have a total crush on Essie products. This one is just as good as the others I have discovered. If you have ridges in your nails, this is the product for you. This product fills in the ridges and lets you get on with your manicure. It also gives your nails a more youthful appearance.

Curel Hand And Cuticle Therapy Cream - This is kind of an all in one product. It is good for your hands and cuticles. It moisturizes your hands, helping to prevent cracking and flakiness. It is also great for your cuticles, strengthening them to stand up to the abuse of daily life. This is definitely one for your nightstand.

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Tips For StreamLining Your Make Up Bag

Throw out Expired Items - First and foremost, throw out makeup that is past its expiry date. Keeping old makeup will only wreak havoc on your skin. Sorting through your items also will help you differentiate between high and low rotation items. Take note of colours and brands that you don’t wear and remember to purchase items that you use on a regular basis.

Choose Colours that Suit Your Skin Tone - While it’s fun to experiment with colour, a solid makeup collection should consist primarily of colours that suit your skin tone. These are the colours that you will use day in and day out. These items will have you looking and feeling great, no matter what the situation.

Get Organised - Categorise your makeup collection. Invest in a stylish storage unit and organise your makeup based on type, colour, or brand. Your high rotation items should be the most visible. Not only will organising your makeup collection reduce clutter, it will also make it easier to find each item.

Regularly Clean Your Utensils - This is important in maintaining a hygienic makeup collection. Wash your brushes regularly with baby shampoo, or even face wash. It’s also worthwhile to clean your utensils with an alcohol-based formula. Regularly cleaning your utensils will also prolong their lifespan, meaning that you will save money in the long run.

Make the Most of Multi-Purpose Items - Using items with multiple purposes is a great way to save space in your makeup collection. The best kind of multi-purpose items include stains which can be used on lips and cheeks. Fine, loose powders are also great as they can be applied as eye shadows or highlighters. Cream based formulas in neutral colours can also be applied to various areas of the face. These all help you get more bang for your buck.

Customise Your Palettes - Look out for brands that allow you to choose your own colour palettes. I find that I primarily use one or two colours in pre-made palettes. Being able to customise your own is great because you can have all of your favourite colours in the one spot. Palettes minimise on space and also make transporting your makeup collection easier.

Replace and Maintain - When you’ve finished streamlining your makeup collection, it will be easier to see the ‘gaps’ in your collection. Write a list of things that you may need and keep it in mind next time you are at a beauty counter. Also remember to regularly sort through your makeup collection. This will make it easier to maintain in the long run.

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Natural Homemade Facials

I’ve been writing about natural elements and all the benefits of 100% natural homemade facials so, today, I’m going to go one step further and give you some recipes to play with. So don’t be lazy but find time to try out these 7 recipes for natural, homemade facials I’m about to list today. Why? Because they are super easy, fun and even tasty and they will definitely make your skin softer than a baby’s bum.

Facial Mask for Oily Skin - Large pores and that constant greasy glow are the biggest problems people with oily skin type are facing with. So, when Mother Nature “blesses” you with this skin type, use natural ways to get rid of the excess oil. You’ll need honey, yogurt, lemon, grapefruit, apples, bananas – elements that nourish without greasing up an already greasy skin and elements that have natural acid to remove excess oil and shrink pores. Grate one apple and mix it with 4-6 teaspoons of warm honey. Let this mask sit on your face for 10 minutes and then remove. Or, you can mash one big, juicy tomato, add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and a spoon of oatmeal and let this acidic mixture sit on your face for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off and that greasy glow will go down the drain too!

Facial Mask for Dry Skin - Use milk, chocolate, olive oil, ripe bananas and honey because these are the most nourishing elements out there. If you have bee wax (propolis), apply the mixture on your face and let it sit for a half an hour. If not, mix regular honey with some milk, add purred fruit of choice, apply and relax. Chocolate mask is my absolute favorite, of course, and here’s how to make it – Mix one tablespoon of cocoa powder, one tablespoon of rich, milk cream, one tablespoon of oatmeal, one tablespoon of cottage cheese and 4 tablespoons of milk. Blend the ingredients, apply this tasty paste on your face and let it sit there for about 10-15 minutes. Eat the leftovers (my favorite part) or apply them on your elbows and knees (in case you’re on a diet).

Soothing Mask for Sun Damaged Skin - Oh no! That sun was so relaxing you’ve accidentally fallen asleep and now you look like Sponge Bob’s employer, Mr. Krusty Crab! Well, this soothing mask should help you, so make sure you have it at hand while vacationing. You’ll need to mix plain chilled yogurt, oatmeal (one half yogurt, one quarter oatmeal) and finish it up by adding a few drops of jasmine, lavender or chamomile essential oil. Simple and effective! I just hope you won’t need to try it out.

Facial Mask for Normal Skin - Well you can consider yourself lucky although your skin type requires some care too. Use mashed strawberries and yogurt scrub to remove dead cells and help your skin regain its natural glow. The procedure is very simple, all you’ll have to do is mix these two ingredients and gently massage the paste in. You can leave it on a bit or rinse right away, the choice is yours. Don’t bother will exact quantities either – chill your leftovers and you’ll have a tasty, healthy snack.

Re-energizing Cucumber Facial for All Skin Types - Cucumber will wake you up and you can definitely use it regardless of your skin type. Blend one small cucumber (or ½ of the big one) with two tablespoons of chilled yogurt and you’ll look like you’ve just had the most relaxing nap in your life. You can also mix cucumber puree with used coffee grounds and make a re-energizing peel to use in those times when you just need something to wake your face up and help your skin glow.

Time-Reversing Facial Mask - 30+ skin demands extra case so you must supercharge it with sugars, vitamins and lipids your body isn’t able to produce or evenly distribute anymore. So, take out your blender and start filling it up with: 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 egg yolk. Blend the ingredients and let them sit on your face for a half an hour.

Tonning Peel Off Mask -  this one requires some work but it works great for all skin types and removes blackheads like any store-bought peel off mask. You’ll need to boil one tablespoon of corn starch until you get a paste, then add a few mashed strawberries, one egg white and some rose water (add slowly to prevent watering down the mixture). Leave this mixture on your face until it gets completely hard and then gently peel it off. Voila!

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Reasons To Laugh More To Every Single Day

Lower Cortisol Levels - Did you know that laughing can lower your stress? And this is great because this can majorly elevate your mood. According to The Journal of Medical Science, laughing can lower your levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone. And as less stress can equal a longer and happier life, this tops my reasons to laugh every day!

 
Lowers Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Did you know that laughing can actually lower your risk of arthritis and ease muscle tension? According to the Southern Medical Journal this is the case. How great would it be to wake up with less aches and pains? Make sure you laugh a little more today to better your health!

Lowers Your Risk of Cancer - Since laughing can increase your body’s T cell count, studies show it can actually lower your risk of cancer. This was studied and proven in the Journal of Clinical Research so get laughing and pull out some Seinfeld reruns or your favorite comedy movie. So laugh your way to a healthier day!

Breathe Better - According to the American Medical Association, by adding some giggles into your day you can clear your mucus plugs, improve ventilation and actually breathe better. Laugh a little more and you may feel a change in the efficiency of each breath! Say goodbye to common colds and hello to lots of laughs!

Feel Better - I love to laugh and let go because it just feels better so much better (especially when I am having a stressful day). Rather than sweating the small stuff, we need to just relax sometimes and laugh a lot more. Life is too short to dwell on things, so laugh your butts off, love a lot more and live each day to the fullest. Life is a journey that should be filled with as many smiles and laughs as possible because we never know when our journey can end. So make a conscious efforts to let go of your inhabitations and let out a good laugh.

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Reasons For Hair Loss

There are various reasons as to why people lose their hair. If you have started to notice more than normal hair in your brush each time you brush your locks, then you will need some remedies for hair loss.

Stress - For the number one factor of hair loss, I am going to include stress. Stress is something that many individuals in this world go through. I remember watching an episode of the Simpson’s where Marge kept losing her hair. It looked horrible and it was caused by stress. So, if you start to feel and look like Marge, try to distress yourself. There are various ways to distress yourself, like going on a vacation – even if it is for one day. If you’re like me and cannot go on a vacation as often as you like, then try having some “me” time. During “me” time, make sure you pamper yourself – you deserve it.

 Pregnancy - When I was pregnant with my first child, I noticed an excessive amount of hair falling out. If this is happening for you and you are pregnant, don’t panic – it’ll get better.

Poor Nutrition - Perhaps you have not been eating the right foods? When you do not get enough iron or protein or have poor nourishment, you can experience hair loss. Crash diets, eating disorders and those fad diets can cause you to have poor nutrition, which in turn leads to hair loss. So, make sure you start getting you proper balance of food. This is needed for many other reasons, besides your hair.

Medical Treatments - There are various medical treatments that can cause you to shed more than normal. When you go through radiation therapy or chemotherapy, you may develop what is known as alopecia. After treatment is finished, the hair usually starts to regrow.

Disease - Diabetes, Lupus and other diseases can cause you to lose your hair. This is why it is recommended that if you continue to experience hair loss, you need to go to the doctor.

Scalp Infection - Having infections and ringworms can cause hair loss. Ringworms can invade the skin of your scalp. Once you treat those infections, the hair should start to grow back. You can usually treat fungal infection and ringworms with an oral antifungal medication.

Hair Treatments - Yes, those hair treatments that we love so much could be the cause of your hair loss problem. Those chemicals from bleaching, dying, tinting, perms or straightening are harsh on the hair. Excessive brushing and overstyling can also be a reason you are losing hair.

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Yoga's Some Important Benefits For Your Body -

Whenever I hear about the hottest new fitness trend, I still turn to all of the many reasons to take up yoga. What I love most about yoga is that it is one of the few exercises that works your body and mind.Whenever I hear about the hottest new fitness trend, I still turn to all of the many reasons to take up yoga. What I love most about yoga is that it is one of the few exercises that works your body and mind.

Flexibility - This may be one of the most obvious healthy reasons to take up yoga, but that's because flexibility is one of primary benefits of yoga. There are many types of yoga, but they all involve poses that will strengthen different parts of your body. It may take some time to become as flexible as a passionate yogi, but you will feel great when you are able to master a pose that you were never flexible enough to do before.
Breathing - Another key benefit of yoga is it improves your breathing. You spend a good majority of your time focusing on controlling your breathing while in complex poses. Your body will get used to that controlled breathing and you will maintain proper breathing no matter what you are doing.
Balance - How can you be expected to do complex poses if you have poor balance? Yoga shapes your body and spine into creating the best posture and balance of your life.
Stress Relief - If you are living a high-stress life, stress relief is one of the top healthy reasons to take up yoga. Yoga brings together mind and body health to feel centered and relaxed. You will feel better about your body and will have a time in your day to forget about your worries and just tune your body.
Strengthens - The great thing about yoga is that it relies on your body to build your own strength. By using your own body as a weight, you can build lean muscles without having to lift weight at the gym. You won’t even know you are building strength until you see those awesome muscles in your tanks.
Inspires a Healthy Lifestyle - I know whenever I do yoga, I feel so happy and healthy that I want to bring that feeling into all aspects of my life. It inspires you to make healthier choices when it comes to exercise, diet, and lifestyle choices. Doing yoga is not only being healthy for an hour here and there, it will trickle into your entire life and lead you to live a healthier lifestyle.

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