Saturday, December 6, 2014


Whether you want to look great for a party and have all afternoon to get ready, or just want to smarten up before a meeting, there are things to do to get your hair looking great and give your confidence a real boost.



Shampoo properly
 
By this, I mean that you should invest in a top quality salon shampoo that matches your hair type, if you have coloured hair, make sure that the formulation of your shampoo is suitable, likewise if your hair is thin, greasy, blonde, or brunette, talk to your stylist, and get them to advise you on what they think is best.  Too many people simply pick something off the supermarket shelf and home for the best, when what they really need is a shampoo that suits them.


Condition deeply  

Hair conditioners have a formulation that will add body and shine to your hair.  You know how uncomfortable and scratchy clothes are if you donít use a fabric conditioner, well hair is the same.  Also, a good conditioner will help to keep your hair static free, which will reduce frizziness even more.  Massage the conditioner from root to tip and leave it to work its magic and make your hair look really healthy and shiny before rinsing it thoroughly.


Dry your hair well

Modern hair dryers will not harm your hair as much as they used to, but if you are going to use a blow dryer to get your hair dry quickly, make sure you keep it moving over your hair and dry it evenly to avoid overheating.  If you have the time, use the dryer on a cool setting to avoid damage.


Use a good Serum
 
There are a huge variety of great products around that are designed to smooth your hair.  Most salons will be able to point you in the direction of a serum such as Frizz-ease that will help to keep your hair looking great.  Generally hair serums work in three ways, by relaxing the hair, smoothing it, and reducing the potential for it to attract the static electricity that will cause it to frizz up.


Use good quality hair straighteners  

Most people find that the cheaper hair straighteners do not do a very good job.  You might find that they do not get hot enough to iron out the kinks properly on a single pass, and are not slippery enough to allow your hair to pass through smoothly.  Opt for ceramic or glass heating plates, and make sure that there is an adjustable temperature.  GHD straighteners are the one of the most popular brands around and ae commonly used in salons all around the world.  Their plates get hot fast, and are extra smooth to make styling your hair easy, all of which makes them a real favourite in salons around the world.  Ceramic plates will help discharge the static electricity from your hair too, and leave it looking straight for longer.


Eat well

Your hair is nourished by what you eat and drink, and will never look good if you donít eat a balanced diet with lots of vitamins and minerals.  Hair is mostly made of protein, so make sure your diet includes plenty.  Drink water too, as this will flush impurities out of your body and keep you healthy.


Saturday, October 25, 2014




Avocado is also known as Alligator Pear originated in southern Mexico. It has become a useful ingredient for our daily skin care routine. It is rich in fat as well as protein. These fats are monounsaturated which is good for a healthy heart. The provision of vitamin E in avocado helps the heart to remain fit. It is also known to supply 60% more potassium in comparison to banana.

It is also rich in fiber, foliate (folic acid), vitamin B6, iron, copper and magnesium. Other than applying avocado on your skin, consuming it in salad form can also be beneficial for your skin. Avocado contains vitamins like A, D, and E which has penetrating qualities to improve your skin. Avocado oil is also very useful for skin care. The oil is useful to remove any sun damage or age spots. It also softens the skin and provides a moisturizing effect and can do wonders on damaged, undernourished and dehydrated skin.

Simple Recipes for Skin Care

Puffed Eyes
Cut avocado into slices and place it under each eye and relax with it for next 20 minutes. The changes would be remarkable.

Eye Cream
Make an eye cream by mixing 5 drops of almond oil in 3 ripe slices of avocado. Blend this mixture and dab it around your eyes. Keep it for five minutes then rinse.

Another method of making the eye cream is by using 1/4 cup avocado oil with 1/4 cup aloe vera gel. You could also use apricot kernel, grape seed or sesame oil.

Facial Mask
This facial mask is useful for dry skin. Mash half avocado and apply it leisurely on your face. Keep it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.

Make a paste of Ω ripe avocado mixed with 1 tsp vegetable oil. Apply this paste on a washed and clean face. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it with warm water. This masque is very good for dry skin.

Smooth and Beautiful Hands
Make a paste by mixing 1/4 peeled & smashed avocado, 1 egg white, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 1 tsp lemon juice. Apply this paste on your hand and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it with warm water and pat it dry. You would be thrilled by the results by using it regularly.

Facial Scrub
You would need 2 tbsp. flax seeds, 1/2 mashed banana and 1/2 avocado peel. Use a small bowl to mix flax seeds and banana. Scoop the banana and flax seed by using avocado peel. Massage this scoop on your face in circular motion, slowly and gently. Rinse it with warm water.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Saturday, September 20, 2014



A day spa is business that offers a number of personal care services to their customers. Some of these services include facials or massages. Unlike destination spas, people are only expected to stay at day spas until their treatment is complete. Waxing is another common service that is offered, and the body hair of the customers will removed by using warm wax. A day spa should be a place which is clean and comfortable. Each customer will have their own private room where they will receive treatments. If the customer wants to take a shower before their treatment begins, there are often showering facilities which will be available for men and women.

A high quality day spa will typically be operated by an esthetician who is licensed to work in the field. A day spa will also employ trained therapists who are skilled with massages or other products. Spa robes and shoes should be available in sizes that will match most clients. The massages that are available will fall under multiple categories, and some of these are Swedish, Deep Muscle, or Shiatsu. In addition to waxing, the facility should also have heat treatments, laser hair removal, or hand and foot treatments. As the name implies day spas will often have a hot tub or sauna. Some customers will be able to hire a personal trainer, and many establishments feature yoga as well.

A day spa is an excellent place for those who are looking to reduce stress. The workers in the day spa should give a warm welcome to their clients, and if you are new, they will explain to you the different procedures they use. Once they have explained the procedures, you will be taken to your private room where you can dress in a robe. Drinks may often be served in the form of water or juices. If you are a guest, you are expected to be on time for your appointment. If you are paying for body services, you will need to dress in a robe, and your therapist will expose the areas that will be treated. The goal of your therapist is to provide you with the treatments you need.

As you are treated, you will want to provide feedback to therapist on how you feel. The most important thing for you to do is relax. Let the therapist do the work, though you may talk to them if you wish. If you have children, it is best to leave them at home, because they can disrupt the quiet atmosphere and disturb other customers. Some day spas will require gratuities, while others will not. It is important to have this information available before you make an appointment. There are a number of behaviors which will not be tolerated at most day spas. A visitor who is drunk will be promptly removed from the facility. Customers are not supposed to be abusive to the therapists. It is also not acceptable to visit most spas without first making appointments, as many of them may be booked on any given day.


You know that too much alcohol and smoking can dehydrate and take oxygen away from your skin, risking its health, right? You know that sitting in the sun too long can damage your skin and that by not getting enough rest, relaxation, and exercise your skin can suffer too, don't you? Did you also know that by not eating the proper foods you could be damaging your skin as well?

Here are some foods that can help you maintain healthy skin and nourish skin that's been damaged:


Fish, Beans and Oils
Many of you have heard me preach of the vital role essential fatty acids play with aging skin, as EFAís are required to maintain skin elasticity.  Denying your body of the 'good' fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can cause your skin to wrinkle prematurely.   Good sources of EFAís in your diet are fish, especially salmon, and nuts like almonds and sunflower seeds.  The best sources of EFAís also come in flax seed oil, coconut oil and borage oil, which can be incorporated into your cooking or as a daily supplement.


Vegetables
Got acne? Spinach and other dark green vegetables are antioxidants that can reduce the inflammation of pimples, and orange vegetables such as carrots and peppers, are high in beta-carotene, which turns into Vitamin A in your body to heal damaged skin.  Winter vegetables are packed with beta-carotene.  I encourage you to stock up on your squash.  Your skin will love you for it!


Berries
Blackberries, plums, strawberries, blueberries and prunes are all included in the group of fruits that can help you keep your system toxic-free, and thus help your skin look radiant and healthy!  Be sure not to throw out wilted veggies & spent fruit.  Simply puree them in your blender, making your own alpha-hydroxy, anti-aging face wash!  You really donít need to spend a fortune on high end products when all the sought after ingredients are already in your fridge.  Be sure to read on for your free monthly recipe.


Turkey and Chicken (White Meat)
Your skin's cells cannot be repaired without protein. Don't or can't eat meat? Nuts! No, I mean eat nuts for protein. You can also substitute meat with egg whites or soy products to get the protein you need as well.



Water, Water, and More Water
If there is any substance in the world that your body just can't get enough of, it's water. Since your body consists of approximately 80% water, it only makes sense that you need to replenish the water in your body, especially if you exercise a lot or live in a dry climate.  Sodas and caffeinated drinks dehydrate your skin.  If drinking water is challenging, slices of cucumber or oranges with mint sprigs create a refreshing spa beverage that you can keep refrigerated or fill up your sports bottle when on the go.

It is true that you are what you eat, so eat well, live well, and look totally awesome!  Be sure to visit your local farmerís markets or natural food grocers for organic foods, free of hormones and pesticides. By doing so youíre eating optimal quality foods and supporting a sustainable environment.


Monday, September 15, 2014


Before getting rid of dust and grime in your house, make sure your hands don't take a beating in the process. Give your hands the care and attention they deserve by following these tips:
  • Lock in the Moisture: Applying moisturizer to damp skin immediately after a shower or bath allows skin to seal in the moisturizer. Choose a moisturizer that's effective and safe for sensitive skin, and free of potentially irritating fragrances or dyes. 
  • Guard Against Harsh Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals and detergents in household cleaning products can take a toll on hands and dry out and irritate sensitive skin. Look for gloves that are designed to keep hands looking their best. "Playtex Living Gloves have multiple layers of neoprene to provide superior protection, versus ordinary latex gloves, from the harsh chemicals found in common household cleaning products," says Joe Hourihan, a vice president of research and development at Playtex Products, Inc. Get into the habit of wearing gloves every time you clean. 
  • Fight Bacteria and Germs: Hourihan says Playtex Living Gloves have Ultra-FreshÆ anti-microbial protection to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. The gloves also provide excellent hot-water protection. 
  • Protect Your Manicure: Your hands are your ultimate accessory and you'll want them to look good in any season. Wearing gloves whenever you're cleaning will help your manicures last longer and keep your nails from becoming brittle.
  • Take Your Hands to the Spa: Warm a cup of milk in the microwave for 30 seconds (or until warm but comfortable to the touch). Soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin. 
  • Take a page from the model's beauty handbook and wear gloves to keep your hands looking young and feeling silky. 
  • "My hands aren't just important to me, they're my business. So I make it my business to take care of them," says Ellen Sirot, top NYC hand model, Ford Models. "Whenever I do anything that can damage my hands, such as housework, washing dishes or even gardening, I always wear my Playtex Living Gloves." 
  • In addition to keeping your hands soft, Playtex Products Inc. is proud to make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. on behalf of Playtex Living Gloves (www.NationalBreast Cancer.org). 


Following a few simple tips may be all it takes to keep your hands beautiful.