American's are fat and unhealthy. I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but if you haven't looked around lately, our friends, family, and loved ones are plagued by this overwhelming health issue. I am not saying, all that are unfit, are not beautiful, kind, and loved. I am saying that it is an ever increasing issue that won't stop until we support each other.
According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 34 percent of American adults are obese; that study taken as of January 2010. The most overwhelming thought is most of those Americans won't follow through with a treatment plan. This paving the way for generations of Americans to be taught incorrect eating and exercise habits.
I've been pondering this issue for awhile now, well maybe forever. I have a past of weight obsession and borderline eating disorder. All the women in my family are constantly "on a diet" and endlessly battling their bodies. I never took the eating disorder to its fullest potential, but always have that little voice in the back of my mind telling me, " I shouldn't be eating that." Oh the subconscious always has its say. I have been over weight and under weight, and everywhere in between. As I went into my adolescents, I was a dancer and ice skater; saw many versions of eating disorders and heard many coaches tell girls if they only lost ten more pounds. It is true, thin is not always better, especially when an extreme disorder is linked to it. Whether you're on the end extremes of a body issue, health and proper diet are the principle factors in getting your body to its prime efficiency. We all have to work for the optimum health for our society.
I want to survive for my future and for my loved ones. I'm know overweight and obese Americans want to live for the future as well. However, what is the cause for them not fighting for their quality of life? Why don't the majority of Americans see what they put in their mouths? Why do people think not moving their bodies will hurt more than help? If you are getting the sense of anger, then you're right. It angers and disappoints me to see self sabotage.
Sure, everyone has a fast food meal every now and then. There is nothing wrong with eating this food once in awhile. It also doesn't hurt to take advantage of some of the fast food chains healthier options. With the purchase of the healthy options, only leads to more healthy options in the future. Remember, fast food places aren't to blame for our obesity, it's the American public that buys it.
Having had a summer of traveling to my native land of Ohio, I've seen the way I used to think about eating. I also saw how my family and others in my homeland think about food. Mindlessly feeding themselves with an endless array of sugar and fatty food. In the past, I did not see the value of vegetables other than a way to lose weight. I thought a good meal was getting the biggest or most cheesy thing on the menu. Prepackaged and ready made were the best I could hope for. It really wasn't until I started watching the Food Network and becoming involved with people that knew more about food than I did, that I slowly switched my eating habits. I saw cooking and fresh fruit and vegetables as the nourishment my body needed and wanted. Cooking isn't just a means to be full anymore, it's a way to discover how I can give my body energy. The wish for everyone in America to realize this, I'm afraid will never happen. The attitude of health is for the rich runs ramped in all parts of our country. However, we are not doing ourselves any favors not being honest to our friends and loved ones who are suffering. We can no longer stand by and watch the destruction.
Shows such as, The Biggest Loser and Losing it with Jillian, on NBC Prime Time are a step forward to letting the great masses of Americans that need help or motivation to get healthy. I just hope for the sake of a great America, that these shows inspire more and more people to get off of the couch and into the gym, or at least the produce section of their local grocery store.
Let's help each other live. Be not the enabler, but the person who pushes for a greater cause. Love yourself, family, and friends by spreading the word of good food and exercise. If you or someone you know would like more information on obesity and it's effects, please go to www.cdc.gov, www.obesityresource.com, or www.obesityfocused.com. And if you would like healthy recipes and fun food tips, please visit Foodnetwork.com
Please take care of yourselves and the ones you love. Remember, taking care of our health and bodies is a constant challenge. It may not be easy, but it's worth it.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Malibu and Back Again
Whew! I'm tired from my fabulous trip to Malibu tonight. Ok, I didn't really visit Malibu tonight, but I did go to High Bar NYC. They hosted a really great Malibu themed party this rainy evening. The party was put together in part by The Brier Group/Fox Greenberg Public Relations. A lot of the amazing talent that makes up The Brier Group/ Fox Greenberg was in attendance, bringing some very important guest with them. No one that would be publicly noted, but still very fun people at that. Although, I am told many celebrities freaquent this New York City hangout.
If you don't know about High Bar NYC then you are missing out on this exclusive intimate hot spot, located at 251 W. 48th Street, 16th floor. The terrace looks out into the skyline of New York, creating the feeling of calm. It was too bad that it was raining, but if it hadn't been the guest could have been lounging on the outdoor terrace and relaxing in the beautiful garden. Couches and large plush ottomans line the walls, making all feel at home. It's a very comfortable atmosphere, providing light breezes and comfortable surroundings. A DJ playing many nastalgic beach tunes in the corner. I closed my eyes for a moment and imagined I was in a posh beach house in Malibu. Which makes this airy bar a must see, and the events held, a must go.
Malibu in New York definetly had it's benefits. Drinks and food are served from 5p-8p, and let me tell you that the Mr. Pink, a signature drink of the bar, is my new favorite summer treat. Even as I write this blog hours after I've finished drinking the small frozen drink, I'm a little tipsy. The food was wonderful, yet simple "beach" munchies, sliders and pigs in a blanket.
I've been told that Fox Greenberg/The Brier Group is planning on having this lovely gathering for ten weeks. Each week is a different theme and country. Next week is South Africa in New York. Who wouldn't want to celebrate the World Cup? (Not really a celebration of the World Cup, but we can say it is if you attend.)
So as this is a beauty blog (and sometimes more) I really must mention the lovely "swag" bag that was provided. So many of these bags are useless, but this one was top of my list. Fantastic was the word that came to mind as I looked through the lovely gift they gave me for having fun. The bag had make-up, magazines, eye-lash curlers, and was topped off and completed by an inflated beach ball. Thank you to all of the sponsers of the bags.... High Bar, Tarte Cosmetics, Hamptons Magazine, and Stila Cosmetics. In the next weeks to come, there will be many great bags to follow. If you are interested in these lovely and networking parties for the fashion, journalistic, and PR elite, I don't know what to tell you. I was actually invited because my very creative friend is on the inside. I'm one of the lucky ones. Plus, I promised to write about my experience. What a wonderful experience it was.
I met many ladies and gentlemen that I would gladly keep in touch with. I hopefully will get more readers. Lastly, I had a blast. Thank you High Bar and Fox Greenberg PR!
(Pictures will be posted at a later time.)
If you don't know about High Bar NYC then you are missing out on this exclusive intimate hot spot, located at 251 W. 48th Street, 16th floor. The terrace looks out into the skyline of New York, creating the feeling of calm. It was too bad that it was raining, but if it hadn't been the guest could have been lounging on the outdoor terrace and relaxing in the beautiful garden. Couches and large plush ottomans line the walls, making all feel at home. It's a very comfortable atmosphere, providing light breezes and comfortable surroundings. A DJ playing many nastalgic beach tunes in the corner. I closed my eyes for a moment and imagined I was in a posh beach house in Malibu. Which makes this airy bar a must see, and the events held, a must go.
Malibu in New York definetly had it's benefits. Drinks and food are served from 5p-8p, and let me tell you that the Mr. Pink, a signature drink of the bar, is my new favorite summer treat. Even as I write this blog hours after I've finished drinking the small frozen drink, I'm a little tipsy. The food was wonderful, yet simple "beach" munchies, sliders and pigs in a blanket.
I've been told that Fox Greenberg/The Brier Group is planning on having this lovely gathering for ten weeks. Each week is a different theme and country. Next week is South Africa in New York. Who wouldn't want to celebrate the World Cup? (Not really a celebration of the World Cup, but we can say it is if you attend.)
So as this is a beauty blog (and sometimes more) I really must mention the lovely "swag" bag that was provided. So many of these bags are useless, but this one was top of my list. Fantastic was the word that came to mind as I looked through the lovely gift they gave me for having fun. The bag had make-up, magazines, eye-lash curlers, and was topped off and completed by an inflated beach ball. Thank you to all of the sponsers of the bags.... High Bar, Tarte Cosmetics, Hamptons Magazine, and Stila Cosmetics. In the next weeks to come, there will be many great bags to follow. If you are interested in these lovely and networking parties for the fashion, journalistic, and PR elite, I don't know what to tell you. I was actually invited because my very creative friend is on the inside. I'm one of the lucky ones. Plus, I promised to write about my experience. What a wonderful experience it was.
I met many ladies and gentlemen that I would gladly keep in touch with. I hopefully will get more readers. Lastly, I had a blast. Thank you High Bar and Fox Greenberg PR!
(Pictures will be posted at a later time.)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Self-Tanners: How the Hell do I apply them?
It's that time of year again. Don't scream ladies and gentlemen, it's only the warm summer months. Most of the general public would agree that they are happy for the warmth and sun, but some of us are very perturbed by this natural happening. For ladies, it means sundresses, sandals, painted toe nails, and (yikes) shaving or even worse waxing. For gentlemen, well it just means a lot more sweat and more waiting for their ladies to get ready.
For many men and women it means self- tanners. Ok, so don't lie,.. I know you are all not self-tanning. I know you are in the natural sunlight hoping for that golden tan. If you are in the sunlight, then don't make me beg... wear SUNSCREEN!!!! You will always get a tan with sunscreen, regardless of the sun protection factor. The benefits of sunscreen go far beyond just screening you from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Try thinking of sunscreen as your first step to guarding against wrinkles and keeping your collagen and elastin in place. It will keep you from Botox for a little while longer.
Aside from keeping your skin "safe" it can help in some cases against UVC rays, which are the harmful cancer causing rays. Although, no sunscreen producer can claim to guard against these rays yet. Nothing can block the UVA/UVB/UVC rays entirely, but they can help. Just think about the next time at the Dermatologist office when your Doctor tells you, "You have nothing to remove." How great would that be? No skin cancer scares and no nasty scars from removing rogue skin cells.
Now that I've given another lecture about sunscreen, let me direct you in the way of self-tanners. Self-tanners, like so many products, come in a variety of gels, lotions, liquids, towels, and sprays. Your first step should always be exfoliation of the body and face. A smooth surface is extremely important to make that "fake" tan look real. Unless, you want streaks and dry patches that are the color of a traffic cone, I'd make sure that step was done.
Second; you must choose your formula. Now, if you go back to some of my other blogs, I speak of skin types and how to distinguish between them. Please review the previous beauty blogs or go to your local library to look up books about skin and how to treat it. Choosing a proper formulation will make your tan look real and feel good on the skin. Some of the favorite and most liked formulations are made by Clarins, Nutrogena, Sevenine (yes it is the the former Lindsey Lohan line), St. Tropez, Tan Towels, and Kate Somerville. All of these companies make products that are absolutely praised. I've personally used all of them. Out of them all I do really prefer the towel formulations like Tan Towels, Nutrogena, and Kate Somerville. Towels are very easy to apply and usually give an even tone.
I'm sure you are wondering when I'm going to reveal how I would suggest putting them on. Right? Ok, here it is. Besides exfoliation and formula, you are going to need to realize the meticulous care it will take to get all body parts covered. Please use circular motions, so all of the skin surface is most dutifully touched. Circular motions will allow little room for streaks and missing sections.
I do also suggest placing body lotion or cream on the body before application. The lotion allows for the self-tanning formula to absorb into the skin evenly. It also counteracts some of the orange that may occur on rough textured skin. There are some arguments by several beauty professionals about the lotion before the self-tanner. I've found the lotion works wonders when added before. So try it both ways, to satisfy the curiosity of before or after.
Lastly, please let the self-tanning formulation dry into the skin. No matter how many commercials tell you that you can apply and run, it's like fast drying nail polish... they lie. The skin can only allow so much absorption at a time. Give the formula at least an hour before putting on that beautiful white dress. I've had so many clothes ruined by assuming the formula had dried. Also, if the formulation is very fast drying, look out for many alcohols in the formulation, it may dry the skin.
I hope my wisdom has been passed on. Take it and run Children! Be tan and prosper! Oh and wear your SUNSCREEN!
For many men and women it means self- tanners. Ok, so don't lie,.. I know you are all not self-tanning. I know you are in the natural sunlight hoping for that golden tan. If you are in the sunlight, then don't make me beg... wear SUNSCREEN!!!! You will always get a tan with sunscreen, regardless of the sun protection factor. The benefits of sunscreen go far beyond just screening you from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Try thinking of sunscreen as your first step to guarding against wrinkles and keeping your collagen and elastin in place. It will keep you from Botox for a little while longer.
Aside from keeping your skin "safe" it can help in some cases against UVC rays, which are the harmful cancer causing rays. Although, no sunscreen producer can claim to guard against these rays yet. Nothing can block the UVA/UVB/UVC rays entirely, but they can help. Just think about the next time at the Dermatologist office when your Doctor tells you, "You have nothing to remove." How great would that be? No skin cancer scares and no nasty scars from removing rogue skin cells.
Now that I've given another lecture about sunscreen, let me direct you in the way of self-tanners. Self-tanners, like so many products, come in a variety of gels, lotions, liquids, towels, and sprays. Your first step should always be exfoliation of the body and face. A smooth surface is extremely important to make that "fake" tan look real. Unless, you want streaks and dry patches that are the color of a traffic cone, I'd make sure that step was done.
Second; you must choose your formula. Now, if you go back to some of my other blogs, I speak of skin types and how to distinguish between them. Please review the previous beauty blogs or go to your local library to look up books about skin and how to treat it. Choosing a proper formulation will make your tan look real and feel good on the skin. Some of the favorite and most liked formulations are made by Clarins, Nutrogena, Sevenine (yes it is the the former Lindsey Lohan line), St. Tropez, Tan Towels, and Kate Somerville. All of these companies make products that are absolutely praised. I've personally used all of them. Out of them all I do really prefer the towel formulations like Tan Towels, Nutrogena, and Kate Somerville. Towels are very easy to apply and usually give an even tone.
I'm sure you are wondering when I'm going to reveal how I would suggest putting them on. Right? Ok, here it is. Besides exfoliation and formula, you are going to need to realize the meticulous care it will take to get all body parts covered. Please use circular motions, so all of the skin surface is most dutifully touched. Circular motions will allow little room for streaks and missing sections.
I do also suggest placing body lotion or cream on the body before application. The lotion allows for the self-tanning formula to absorb into the skin evenly. It also counteracts some of the orange that may occur on rough textured skin. There are some arguments by several beauty professionals about the lotion before the self-tanner. I've found the lotion works wonders when added before. So try it both ways, to satisfy the curiosity of before or after.
Lastly, please let the self-tanning formulation dry into the skin. No matter how many commercials tell you that you can apply and run, it's like fast drying nail polish... they lie. The skin can only allow so much absorption at a time. Give the formula at least an hour before putting on that beautiful white dress. I've had so many clothes ruined by assuming the formula had dried. Also, if the formulation is very fast drying, look out for many alcohols in the formulation, it may dry the skin.
I hope my wisdom has been passed on. Take it and run Children! Be tan and prosper! Oh and wear your SUNSCREEN!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Catching the Moving Bug Again
What's your favorite city? I've been speaking to a lot of friends, family, and customers lately about places they've been and cities they love. As I am going into the ripe age of 30, I am thinking of where I want to "start" my life. I've been in New York City for almost six years now. I feel I have not conquered all that there is, but also have this feeling that I'm stuck in this huge city fighting battles that I frankly am tired of fighting.
Everything exist in this fascinating busy city. It was always a dream to move here. I've wrote of this before. As my life progresses and I gain another year, and another, and another I find myself more unsatisfied with how I've lived. This is a time to make something of myself. I still think that there is opportunity waiting around the corner here. I still feel that I am meant to push a bit harder to make this city worth all of the monumental crap I've been put through. For instance; the terrible drug dealing, weed chain smoking man from Barbados. He was my first roommate in NYC.(Please ask about the story. It's a long one.)
I am trying to make dreams happen here. Until my Husband and I decide what the heck we are doing in our careers and what "dream" place we'd like to live in, I'm here. I might as well make the absolute best out of it. Watch out New York!
However, I am still very much open to suggestions on lovely places to live. I want to make it good. Is it Australia, Paris, Seattle, or Detroit? I don't know... you tell me.
Everything exist in this fascinating busy city. It was always a dream to move here. I've wrote of this before. As my life progresses and I gain another year, and another, and another I find myself more unsatisfied with how I've lived. This is a time to make something of myself. I still think that there is opportunity waiting around the corner here. I still feel that I am meant to push a bit harder to make this city worth all of the monumental crap I've been put through. For instance; the terrible drug dealing, weed chain smoking man from Barbados. He was my first roommate in NYC.(Please ask about the story. It's a long one.)
I am trying to make dreams happen here. Until my Husband and I decide what the heck we are doing in our careers and what "dream" place we'd like to live in, I'm here. I might as well make the absolute best out of it. Watch out New York!
However, I am still very much open to suggestions on lovely places to live. I want to make it good. Is it Australia, Paris, Seattle, or Detroit? I don't know... you tell me.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
It's All So Overwhelming
When did life become an overwhelming mush of problems and expectations? I can't for the life of me remember when I didn't feel like my personal expectations didn't over power my every thought and doing. I believe this to be a common thread amongst every driven person on life's rocky and broken path. I know I can't hold myself to perfect, as I'd like to be. I know that I can't hold everyone else to perfect as I know some of them seem to be. I am human, as everyone says. However, I believe that aliens take over my body from time to time. As I'm sure my Husband would say as well.
How is one suppose to get ahead in the busy world we have created? Our society thrives on the success and the down fall of many of our hero figures. So if our great nation loves a good story of success and failure, then are we all a bit sadistic? Perhaps, there is a little part of all of us that loves the attack and the torture. I wouldn't be artistic if there wasn't a bit of struggle in it. The feeling keeps the drama going and makes the sensation of anything good almost pleasurable. Competition is a great example of that. All around the world fans gather to see their teams fight for the victory. The pressure of winning, the pressure of making entertainment, and being the best is there. Sports is an amazing observation for my point. Plus, everyone is surrounded by it from childhood. I could make the argument that we nurture this pressure of achievement and loathing.
There is so much all of us put on ourselves daily, weekly, yearly. I feel sometimes as a total failure. By this time in my life, I was suppose to be so much more. It didn't matter growing up how much my parents told me that I was wonderful, I always put that pressure on myself. I had the invisible weight balance on my shoulders my entire life. In reality I've never been spectacular at anything I've done. I've never been the best, but I've been good. Deep inside I have to convince myself that enough is enough, but something keeps me going.
It is my conquest to make money. That's right, I admit it. MONEY makes the world go round. It is a pure driving force that presents itself as the golden light at the end of a very long tunnel. That is pressure one. Of course I would love to have the feeling of accomplishment too. For one split second you are on the top of whatever you are going for. It confuses me though, like the chicken and the egg. What comes first? There is no fight that the pressure always comes first (and possibly the feeling of loathing and depression.) Then after that, is it the accomplishment that finally eases the pressure or the money? Around and around we can go.
I write this blog tonight because I feel the pressure. I know some of you do too. I want to know that it's not just me that feels like a complete loser from time to time. I know one day I will be a "success" but I also know I'm going to have to work my well formed ass off to get there. Even if society keeps telling me I should be where I am. It is never good enough for me. I need to always push and go.
Know that there will always be pressure coming at all times from every direction. It is the drive and fire in your mind that keeps you going. As the Secret says ( I really haven't read it) think and it will come. You have to picture the now and the later. So go for it! Don't just sit and feel sorry for yourself. Make it happen! Next time your at a ball game, imagine being the player, not just the fan on the side lines. Because accepting the mediocre side of yourself, is unacceptable.
How is one suppose to get ahead in the busy world we have created? Our society thrives on the success and the down fall of many of our hero figures. So if our great nation loves a good story of success and failure, then are we all a bit sadistic? Perhaps, there is a little part of all of us that loves the attack and the torture. I wouldn't be artistic if there wasn't a bit of struggle in it. The feeling keeps the drama going and makes the sensation of anything good almost pleasurable. Competition is a great example of that. All around the world fans gather to see their teams fight for the victory. The pressure of winning, the pressure of making entertainment, and being the best is there. Sports is an amazing observation for my point. Plus, everyone is surrounded by it from childhood. I could make the argument that we nurture this pressure of achievement and loathing.
There is so much all of us put on ourselves daily, weekly, yearly. I feel sometimes as a total failure. By this time in my life, I was suppose to be so much more. It didn't matter growing up how much my parents told me that I was wonderful, I always put that pressure on myself. I had the invisible weight balance on my shoulders my entire life. In reality I've never been spectacular at anything I've done. I've never been the best, but I've been good. Deep inside I have to convince myself that enough is enough, but something keeps me going.
It is my conquest to make money. That's right, I admit it. MONEY makes the world go round. It is a pure driving force that presents itself as the golden light at the end of a very long tunnel. That is pressure one. Of course I would love to have the feeling of accomplishment too. For one split second you are on the top of whatever you are going for. It confuses me though, like the chicken and the egg. What comes first? There is no fight that the pressure always comes first (and possibly the feeling of loathing and depression.) Then after that, is it the accomplishment that finally eases the pressure or the money? Around and around we can go.
I write this blog tonight because I feel the pressure. I know some of you do too. I want to know that it's not just me that feels like a complete loser from time to time. I know one day I will be a "success" but I also know I'm going to have to work my well formed ass off to get there. Even if society keeps telling me I should be where I am. It is never good enough for me. I need to always push and go.
Know that there will always be pressure coming at all times from every direction. It is the drive and fire in your mind that keeps you going. As the Secret says ( I really haven't read it) think and it will come. You have to picture the now and the later. So go for it! Don't just sit and feel sorry for yourself. Make it happen! Next time your at a ball game, imagine being the player, not just the fan on the side lines. Because accepting the mediocre side of yourself, is unacceptable.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Glow and Youth. Do you want it?
I get asked this question all of the time... How do I get my skin to glow and look young again? Well, ladies if you aren't 18 years old and acne free, then sorry I can't turn the clock back. However, your skin can look like it is being taken care of. Make the best of what your skin is. You can only fight nature so much, until nature wins. So try to give your skin just what it needs and leave it alone.
I realize that so many of you have no idea what your skin needs. I was once one of those women that just threw whatever on my skin, and then wondered why it wasn't performing as I thought it should be. I spent most of my formative years battling acne and clogged pores. I guess not a lot has changed, except my skin is now more dry with oily patches all around, and fine lines and sun damage are starting pop up where I least expect it.
Those are challenges I think a lot of us experience. It's a battle of trying to figure out the acne fighting with the anti-aging. There a lot of different concerns out there, and with each of those concerns is a different person. We are are all different. Don't ever let anyone tell you that all skin is created equal... it's not!
Well, step one is figuring out exactly what kind of skin you have. Do you have oily, dry, dry-combination, oily-combination, acne with dry aging skin, or oily with acne? You can usually tell just by feeling or observing your skin. If you have dry, the skin usually feels tight all over. It may also have spots of peeling and even redness due to irritation. Oily skin has excessive oiliness with enlarged pores. Now if you have both of these, then it may be a combination of both. I didn't mean to leave out aging skin. Aging skin can be a combination of a lot of things, like dryness, oiliness, dullness, and of course enlarged pores. All skin types have their battles, and almost all women want to know what they need to do to stop the signs of aging and get glowing healthy skin.
By now you should have decided what kind of skin you have. Oh and P.S. Ladies and Gentlemen,... please don't go to your local beauty counter and ask your consultant, "What kind of skin do I have?" It's up to you to take ownership of that part. Consultants aren't magicians, and some of them truly don't have the right training to guess. Please go into your skincare shopping prepared and knowledgeable.
Ok, so that's out of the way, let's move on to step two; deciding what products to get. Also take into account how "sensitive" your skin is. I use "sensitive" in parenthesis because everyone says they are "sensitive." Go to your dermatologist to really see if that is true. I find products that contain high percentages of vitamin C are fantastic. Vitamin C helps keep collagen and elastin where it needs to be. It helps with tightening and firming of the skin. It also brightens the skin and lightens areas where maybe the sun got a little too frisky. If you want to see tightening and firming while keeping that youthful glow, then go with Vitamin C serums and creams. Bliss Oxygen Cream is amazing with it Vitamin C and anti-oxidant blend. Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum is wonderful, along with Kinerase C8 Peptide Serum. Many skincare companies have a percentage of Vitamin C in their products. Just take a look at the back ingredient panel to see where the Vitamin C is listed. Look for it the beginning of the panel, not the end. Plus anything, with the beginning or ending of ascorbic, ascorbol, or citric will be a vitamin C derivative. If Vitamin C isn't your thing, then simply check out any serum with high levels of anti-oxidants in them. Bliss Youth As We know It is a great serum for that, or Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum.
Your next step would definitely include an exfoliant, although it is best to use an exfoliant before any serums and creams. Making this really step 2. Getting dead skin off not only clears the skins surface and makes it shine, but also helps creams and serums absorb deeper into the skin. Only exfoliate once to twice a week depending on how oily or dry your skin is. If your skin is oily exfoliate twice a week, not so oily, once a week will do.
Also consider getting a cleanser that is your skin type appropriate. Korres, Oil of Olay, Dr. Perricone, Mary Kay, and Clinique have many cleansers that will fulfill any type of skin. It's very important to cleanse for obvious reasons, like getting dirt and oil off, but also to condition the skin and get it ready for your skincare. You can also use a toner to balance the skin pH. That is optional if you are on a super tight budget. However, if you opt out of that step then please hydrate immediately. Your skin goes crazy after washing, because the pH of water is not like our own pH. So unless you want a mass of oil or the most dry skin ever, then tone and hydrate right after.
It is also important to say to use the serums at night, while you protect during the day. Your skin works it's magic during the night when you sleep. Do follow your products directions of use, but know that most of them work the best at night. Also, don't believe all the companies selling day serums, night serums, and a whole mess of other $50-$150 or higher dollar products. Less is often more. Don't confuse the skin and add so many active products that it doesn't know what the heck you are doing to it. Take it one product at a time.
The last step to all of this is of course protect!!! Protect with an Spf 15 or higher. Remember to reapply several times, due to the sunscreen breaking down in UV rays. I can't say this enough, use Sunscreen. If you want to keep your skin looking glowing and youthful then use it. Sunscreen is the best way to keep aging at bay. It also helps your skincare products work better at fixing your skin. So it's a great thing to use. Don't worry ladies and gentlemen you can still get your tan if you wear sunscreen. Nothing can stop UV rays from hitting our skin and tanning it. However, if you don't do anything you will certainly see the damage later on. It may hit you when you didn't even see it coming.
So that's about it for now. I could keep going forever on skincare and proper products to use. That's all I have at the moment for care and glow. However, if you have a specific problem you would like to ask me about, then please message me. Of course you could also go to your dermatologist for any advanced medical answers for skin concerns. I encourage you to do both. Thanks for reading guys and gals! Till tomorrow!
I realize that so many of you have no idea what your skin needs. I was once one of those women that just threw whatever on my skin, and then wondered why it wasn't performing as I thought it should be. I spent most of my formative years battling acne and clogged pores. I guess not a lot has changed, except my skin is now more dry with oily patches all around, and fine lines and sun damage are starting pop up where I least expect it.
Those are challenges I think a lot of us experience. It's a battle of trying to figure out the acne fighting with the anti-aging. There a lot of different concerns out there, and with each of those concerns is a different person. We are are all different. Don't ever let anyone tell you that all skin is created equal... it's not!
Well, step one is figuring out exactly what kind of skin you have. Do you have oily, dry, dry-combination, oily-combination, acne with dry aging skin, or oily with acne? You can usually tell just by feeling or observing your skin. If you have dry, the skin usually feels tight all over. It may also have spots of peeling and even redness due to irritation. Oily skin has excessive oiliness with enlarged pores. Now if you have both of these, then it may be a combination of both. I didn't mean to leave out aging skin. Aging skin can be a combination of a lot of things, like dryness, oiliness, dullness, and of course enlarged pores. All skin types have their battles, and almost all women want to know what they need to do to stop the signs of aging and get glowing healthy skin.
By now you should have decided what kind of skin you have. Oh and P.S. Ladies and Gentlemen,... please don't go to your local beauty counter and ask your consultant, "What kind of skin do I have?" It's up to you to take ownership of that part. Consultants aren't magicians, and some of them truly don't have the right training to guess. Please go into your skincare shopping prepared and knowledgeable.
Ok, so that's out of the way, let's move on to step two; deciding what products to get. Also take into account how "sensitive" your skin is. I use "sensitive" in parenthesis because everyone says they are "sensitive." Go to your dermatologist to really see if that is true. I find products that contain high percentages of vitamin C are fantastic. Vitamin C helps keep collagen and elastin where it needs to be. It helps with tightening and firming of the skin. It also brightens the skin and lightens areas where maybe the sun got a little too frisky. If you want to see tightening and firming while keeping that youthful glow, then go with Vitamin C serums and creams. Bliss Oxygen Cream is amazing with it Vitamin C and anti-oxidant blend. Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum is wonderful, along with Kinerase C8 Peptide Serum. Many skincare companies have a percentage of Vitamin C in their products. Just take a look at the back ingredient panel to see where the Vitamin C is listed. Look for it the beginning of the panel, not the end. Plus anything, with the beginning or ending of ascorbic, ascorbol, or citric will be a vitamin C derivative. If Vitamin C isn't your thing, then simply check out any serum with high levels of anti-oxidants in them. Bliss Youth As We know It is a great serum for that, or Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum.
Your next step would definitely include an exfoliant, although it is best to use an exfoliant before any serums and creams. Making this really step 2. Getting dead skin off not only clears the skins surface and makes it shine, but also helps creams and serums absorb deeper into the skin. Only exfoliate once to twice a week depending on how oily or dry your skin is. If your skin is oily exfoliate twice a week, not so oily, once a week will do.
Also consider getting a cleanser that is your skin type appropriate. Korres, Oil of Olay, Dr. Perricone, Mary Kay, and Clinique have many cleansers that will fulfill any type of skin. It's very important to cleanse for obvious reasons, like getting dirt and oil off, but also to condition the skin and get it ready for your skincare. You can also use a toner to balance the skin pH. That is optional if you are on a super tight budget. However, if you opt out of that step then please hydrate immediately. Your skin goes crazy after washing, because the pH of water is not like our own pH. So unless you want a mass of oil or the most dry skin ever, then tone and hydrate right after.
It is also important to say to use the serums at night, while you protect during the day. Your skin works it's magic during the night when you sleep. Do follow your products directions of use, but know that most of them work the best at night. Also, don't believe all the companies selling day serums, night serums, and a whole mess of other $50-$150 or higher dollar products. Less is often more. Don't confuse the skin and add so many active products that it doesn't know what the heck you are doing to it. Take it one product at a time.
The last step to all of this is of course protect!!! Protect with an Spf 15 or higher. Remember to reapply several times, due to the sunscreen breaking down in UV rays. I can't say this enough, use Sunscreen. If you want to keep your skin looking glowing and youthful then use it. Sunscreen is the best way to keep aging at bay. It also helps your skincare products work better at fixing your skin. So it's a great thing to use. Don't worry ladies and gentlemen you can still get your tan if you wear sunscreen. Nothing can stop UV rays from hitting our skin and tanning it. However, if you don't do anything you will certainly see the damage later on. It may hit you when you didn't even see it coming.
So that's about it for now. I could keep going forever on skincare and proper products to use. That's all I have at the moment for care and glow. However, if you have a specific problem you would like to ask me about, then please message me. Of course you could also go to your dermatologist for any advanced medical answers for skin concerns. I encourage you to do both. Thanks for reading guys and gals! Till tomorrow!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Society is Obsessed with Sex
Why is most of our fair nation obsessed with Sex and the City? I can't say I'm the one person not obsessed. I totally and completely am. The colorful high fashion, the hair, make-up, exciting places in New York and around the world, the Sex, and of course the close bonded friendship. Who wouldn't want that?
It's amazing the depiction of characters that the show and the movies have brought. With the up coming second movie hitting theaters May 27th, 2010. I know some very excited ladies and a few men taking the day off to go and see it. I've been told that they actually cried when Carrie and Big "John" finally got married. We've become so intrigued by these characters lives. It's as if they too are our best friends. Plus, the dream of marring a great looking man with money has to be another reason we keep watching Chris Noth's character John. It's a New York dream to come to the big city, have your career, and meet that man.
The Mr. Big character is an urban legend. No one can be that dark and handsome with a great witty personality. Most of the men I've met or really observed in New York are jerks or losers. The business men are all too involved in themselves to actually care about women. So where does this character Mr. Big come from? I don't know. I guess I don' t hang around the right places. There has to be someone out there like him or else Candace Bushnell, the author of Sex and the City, has a heck of an imagination (although he is not really mentioned in the book at all, so really Patrick Michael King is the genius.) I'm married anyways, and have my Mr. Chemist. So I'm happy. Anyways, back to the point..... What's with this Sex obsession?
For me I do like the idea of being able to look at living breathing walking fashion and style on the screen, but it's not just that. I love the friendship. It's as if each character as different as they are, have this sisterly bond. They are friends but so much deeper. Watching their interactions and seeing the support they provide for each other is touching. I can't believe that humans can really have that interaction. I guess mostly because a lot of people in my life have flaked out on that bond with me. It's a link that is missing in my life. That super close friendship, where you can tell that person anything and everything. Besides my parents and husband, I don't have a soul that will step up. Honestly, does anyone really have that? Aren't friendships fickle and superficial?
As a friend myself, I feel I try to be supportive and caring. I try to give all that I have to my friends that will accept it. I honestly care and love my friends. I just don' t want to overstep those invisible boundaries some people radiate from them. The Sex and the City characters tend to cross all of those lines. It's something I envy and want to imagine myself in. I think many people want that as well. It's a show that is exciting to watch with sexy people, witty talk, and great clothes. It's a show and now two movies in that brings obsessed people from all over together. I'm sure it wasn't HBO's intention to ever have a show that has created bonds in itself. I'm sure it was much more along the lines of making fans and then creating t-shirts to make lots of money. For whatever reasons you love this show and it's many colorful fun characters for, just make sure you are watching it with friends. Create those bonds.
Maybe while you are sitting watching that movie with your big tub of popcorn, think of the great drinks and fun times you could have after with your friends. That's all I have for the day. Thanks for reading!
It's amazing the depiction of characters that the show and the movies have brought. With the up coming second movie hitting theaters May 27th, 2010. I know some very excited ladies and a few men taking the day off to go and see it. I've been told that they actually cried when Carrie and Big "John" finally got married. We've become so intrigued by these characters lives. It's as if they too are our best friends. Plus, the dream of marring a great looking man with money has to be another reason we keep watching Chris Noth's character John. It's a New York dream to come to the big city, have your career, and meet that man.
The Mr. Big character is an urban legend. No one can be that dark and handsome with a great witty personality. Most of the men I've met or really observed in New York are jerks or losers. The business men are all too involved in themselves to actually care about women. So where does this character Mr. Big come from? I don't know. I guess I don' t hang around the right places. There has to be someone out there like him or else Candace Bushnell, the author of Sex and the City, has a heck of an imagination (although he is not really mentioned in the book at all, so really Patrick Michael King is the genius.) I'm married anyways, and have my Mr. Chemist. So I'm happy. Anyways, back to the point..... What's with this Sex obsession?
For me I do like the idea of being able to look at living breathing walking fashion and style on the screen, but it's not just that. I love the friendship. It's as if each character as different as they are, have this sisterly bond. They are friends but so much deeper. Watching their interactions and seeing the support they provide for each other is touching. I can't believe that humans can really have that interaction. I guess mostly because a lot of people in my life have flaked out on that bond with me. It's a link that is missing in my life. That super close friendship, where you can tell that person anything and everything. Besides my parents and husband, I don't have a soul that will step up. Honestly, does anyone really have that? Aren't friendships fickle and superficial?
As a friend myself, I feel I try to be supportive and caring. I try to give all that I have to my friends that will accept it. I honestly care and love my friends. I just don' t want to overstep those invisible boundaries some people radiate from them. The Sex and the City characters tend to cross all of those lines. It's something I envy and want to imagine myself in. I think many people want that as well. It's a show that is exciting to watch with sexy people, witty talk, and great clothes. It's a show and now two movies in that brings obsessed people from all over together. I'm sure it wasn't HBO's intention to ever have a show that has created bonds in itself. I'm sure it was much more along the lines of making fans and then creating t-shirts to make lots of money. For whatever reasons you love this show and it's many colorful fun characters for, just make sure you are watching it with friends. Create those bonds.
Maybe while you are sitting watching that movie with your big tub of popcorn, think of the great drinks and fun times you could have after with your friends. That's all I have for the day. Thanks for reading!
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