Getting Rid of Dark Eye Circles

Dark under eye circles can be caused by a lot of factors. For one, it can be hereditary. Other common causes include stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and nasal congestion.

No matter the cause, dark eye circles are definitely an unwelcome sight. Thus, here are some of the natural remedies that many people use to combat the condition. If you’re suffering from dark under eye circles, go ahead and try the following to see what will best work for you.

• Put a cold tea bag on top of each eye every 20 minutes of when you are resting.
• Drink at least two to three liters of water daily to stay hydrated.
• Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
• Do facial toning exercises (lots of websites offer instructions).
• Apply mint juice regularly under your eye area.
• Massage dark area with cotton ball soaked in rose water.
• Eat a lot of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Care to add other natural remedies to the list?

Image from this site.

Talika Eye Dream

Long nights and lack of sleep getting you down? Are your eyes looking more and more dark and droopy with too much stress and work? Why not try giving those naturally gorgeous peepers an overhaul with a great eye cream that rejuvenates them back to their natural brightness and perkiness?

Talika’s Eye Dream promises to do that and more. With its moisturizing qualities, botanical ingredients, and peptide powers, the mask’s main purpose is to liven up your eyes overnight when you apply it before sleep, making sure you wake up to gorgeous eyes that will show no clue of how hardworking or stressed out you are. 😀 Only more proof of how radiant you can naturally be.

Image from this site.

Makeup Tips for Gorgeous Eyes

When it comes to makeup, our eyes are definitely one of the best parts to play with. The good news is that there are lots of techniques you can do to glam up your eyes and make sure they’re as fab as can be. The following are just a few basic expert-given makeup tips to achieve gorgeous eyes.

Eyeshadow. To make your eyeshadow last the whole day or night, brush loose powder first on your eyelids before applying the first coat of eyeshadow. Afterwards, put some loose powder again and then apply a second coat of eyeshadow. It may be the same shade or a new one, depending on the look or blend you’re gunning for.

Eyeliner. For better depth and a more glam look, try using two colored eyeliners instead of just one colored one. One technique is to apply the first color like blue eye liner first then apply green eyeliner just slightly above it.

Mascara. To volumize and truly sexify your lashes, curl them first then apply a coat of volumizing mascara. Let it dry for a few minute and then apply a layer of lengthening mascara. This method plumps up your eyelashes a lot better than all-in-one formulas.

Do share your own eye makeup techniques!

Image from this site.

Threading…Hair Removal

On a recent trip to the mall I noticed several store with large signs in the windows announcing the addition of “threading” to their repertoire of services they offer. Having no idea what threading was, I looked into it. Seems it is an old art form that is becoming new again.

Threading began centuries ago in India and other parts of Asia as a form of hair removal. For as long as there has been thread, there has been threading. Basically what threading is, is the entwining of thread and hair and then the pulling of the hair out of the hair follicle.

Here’s how to Thread:

1. Using a simple cotton thread, unspool about 24 inches of thread. 
2. Then tie a knot adjoining the two ends of the thread together to form a circle of thread.
3. Wind the thread a couple of times to form a wound area in the center.
4. Place each end of the thread around your index (pointer) finger and your thumb on both hands.
5. Place the wound part of the thread next to the hair you want to remove
6. Simultaneously open and close your thumb and index finger on your right hand (this pushes the wound knotted center to the left side), then open and close your thumb and index finger on the left hand (this pushes the wound center knot to the right side)
7. Your hair you wanted removed should now be gone.

The key is before trying this on your face, try it on your leg hair first to see if you can get the motion going. This will ensure accuracy when trying to remove hair on your face.

Threading is IDEAL for facial hair and eyebrows.  A great tip is to draw on the eyebrow shape you want to end up with before removing eyebrow hair.  Then remove the hair that is outside the lines.  Use a eyeliner or brow pencil to draw on the shape.

Be sure to let us know if you have tried threading before.  We are happy if you share tips on this method of hair removal with us as well!

Am I Fat?

This is probably the single worst thing you can ever ask your partner. spouse, significant other, or anyone for that matter.  It’s a “trick” question, so guys be careful!

This past weekend, while PMS-ing I was getting dressed for some company we were having over for the holiday weekend for a pool party.  As I was putting on my bathing suit, I asked my husband if he thought I was fat?  I knew after the words came out of my mouth that the answer he would give me would be wrong, no matter what the answer was, maybe with one exception.  But I asked him anyway and waited for the answer.

My husband said that he loved me no matter what I looked like.  Well in women language that really translates to, “yes honey I think you are overweight, but I am not going to tell you cause you will get upset so how can you get upset if I say I love you?”.  Just when he thought he was in the safety zone… I was upset.  I said “I can’t believe you think I am fat”.  He said thats not what I said,  I said, “You did not say no honey you are not fat”.  So naturally you think I am fat.  Obviously this conversation went no place, and I was upset and he was upset and we had a crummy day and it was all my fault.  But after I made such a big about it, it’s hard to say I’m sorry. 😉

The correct answer for you guys out there, even if you have to lie (of course don’t let her know you are lying) is…..Honey, you are gorgeous, beautiful and really hot, of course you are not fat!  Well you get the picture.  if you stray from my suggestion, consider yourself warned!

Top “40” Things to do to Enjoy Life

Recently I received an email from a friend of mine listing the top 10 things in order to enjoy life more. As I sat there and read the list I thought of 100’s of more things I could add to that list. I figure that if each of us, who read this blog do at least 10 of these a day, we would be happier, healthier and have fuller lives, regardless of how happy, healthy and full our lives are already ;). According to the “ripple effect” we would then act differently, be friendlier, happier and more upbeat then we usually are and thereby the people whose lives we touch each day would also benefit from our enthusiasm and pass it on, and so on and so on and so on. (Remember the movie “pay it forward”? if not rent it, its worth the seeing)

Here are my top 40 things I think you give us all HUGE benefits:

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows so you can get more sleep each night
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, “My purpose is to ___________today.”
5. Live with the three “E’s”: Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
6. Play more games and read more books then you did last year
7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They are the things our souls need for fuel each day.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake
10. Eat more food that is grown on plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water, eat fish, broccoli, almonds and walnuts
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day
13. Clear clutter from your house, office, car and let energy flow better
14. Do not waste energy on gossip, past issues, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Invest your energy in positive, life affirming moments and live in the present, here and now.
15. Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card
16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
17. Smile and laugh more, it will keep negative thoughts and blues away
18. Learn that life is not fair, but it is still good
19. Life it too short to waste time hating anyone
20. Don’t take yourself so seriously, no one else does
21. You don’t have to win every argument, agree to disagree
22. Make peace with your past, so it does not spoil the present and pack the garbage away so you don’t have extra unnecessary baggage
23. Do not compare your life to others, you have no idea what their journey is all about
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
25. Frame every “so called” disaster with these words, “will it really matter in 5 years?”
26. Forgive everyone for everything
27. Do not care what other people think of you, dance like no one is watching
28. Remember a higher power heals everything, and only gives us what we have the strength to deal with. Its our journeys destiny to find that strength to deal with things life puts in our path
29. However good or bad a situation, it will surely change
30. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick, your friends will. Stay in touch
31. Get rid of anything that is not useful, beautiful or joyful
32. Envy is a waste of time, you already have the things you need
33. The best is yet to come
34. No matter how you feel, GET UP, DRESS UP and SHOW UP
35. ALWAYS do the right thing
36. Call your family often, or email them to death! 😉
37. Each night before bedtime, complete the following statements, “I am thankful for ___________. Today I accomplished _____________”.
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed. (even in the simplest form, you are able to read this on a computer when many people in the world cannot afford a computer, or electricity!)
39. Remember this is not Disney World and you definitely do not want a “Fast Pass”. You only have one life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. When feeling overwhelmed, stressed or depressed, look at something beautiful and take a deep breath and just think how beautiful is it to be alive.

The Benefits of an Avocado

Walking through the food store with  my 6 year old, she came upon a basket of avocados and asked me what they were.  At first the simple answer of avocados came to mind and of course thats what I told  my 6 year old.  But that night when I relayed the story to my brother, who happens to be a acupuncturist in Seattle, he said I should have told her the truth.  not sure what he meant he elaborated and said, that I should have said that they were the world’s most complete food.  He said that in certain parts of the world babies are weaned onto mashed avocados as their first solid food.

Avocados are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, fiber, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, copper and potassium and have been used in treating a ton of skin ailments.  They are known to have a anti-fungal, anti-bacterial flesh that has been used for centuries.  Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol.  They may also regulate blood pressure due their concentration of Potassium.  They can also guard against stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure.  

Avocados are often used in beauty as well.  Creating an avocado hair mask will strengthen and fortify your hair.  They are rich in fatty acids that are a real must in your daily diet, especially when it come to your hair.  Your hair will go from brittle to being soft and shiny.  

Avocado Hair Mask

 

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 Tbsp. yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp rosemary oil
• 1 Tbsp. jojoba oil

 

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.  Work into your scalp starting from the nape of your neck working your way to the crown in circular motions.  Massage scalp and hair.  Leave in for 20 minutes.  Rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

Avocados are also ideal as a facial mask as well.  Facial masks made with this wonderful ingredients tend to be highly hydrating for dry sensitive skin and can be used for all types of skin.  An Avocado facial mask will leave skin, soft, fresh, smooth and healthy.

Avocado Facial Mask

 

• 1 ripe avocado
• 3-4 drops of almond oil (or other essential fatty oil)

 

Peel and mash avocado and add the oil until the mass is smooth.  Apply to the face while gently massaging into the skin.  Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with luke warm water.

The benefits of using avocado are numerous, so much so that touching on only these two do not do the avocado justice.  Do you have any uses of an avocado, other then eating it, that you would like to share. 😉

7 Benefits of Pineapples

The pineapple is one of my favorite fruits in the world. I used to not like it because it kind of stings in the mouth and can be very sour. But as I grew up I learned to appreciate its tangy and sour to sweet taste, especially when I think of all its health benefits that the adults keep informing me about.

I’m pleased that these days we always seem to have slices of fresh pineapple in the refrigerator and that I can indulge in a slice or two anytime I want. But I still think my knowledge on the benefits of pineapple is limited, that’s why I thought of researching more about it on the web. Read on to know just seven of the many perks of eating pineapples that I’ve found out.

1.It lessens risk of hypertension. Hypertension occurs when too much force is exerted on the artery walls while the blood circulates. One of the best ways to combat this is to infuse a high amount of potassium plus a small amount of sodium in your diet to lower blood pressure. Pineapples are the perfect for hypertension because a cup of pineapple contains about 1 mg of sodium and 195 mg of potassium.

2.It helps you lose weight! Eating pineapple can highly cut down your sweet cravings because of its natural sweetness, saving you from a lot of sugar-induced calories. Incorporating a lot of pineapple in your meals will also help a lot in weight loss because pineapples can make you feel full without giving you an ounce of fat.

3.It maintains good eye health. Time and again, studies have found that pineapples protect against age-related eye problems because it is rich in antioxidants.

4.It fights a lot of diseases, being rich in Vitamin C. Pineapples are known to be a very good source of vitamin C, which protects our bodies from free radicals that attack our healthy cells. Lots of free radicals in the body can lead to major diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. Vitamin C is considered the most important water-soluble anti-oxidant that fights against disease-inducing substances within the body. It is also an excellent fighter against flu and a great enhancer of the immune system.

5. It prevents plaque and keeps teeth healthy. Another benefit of the high amount of vitamin C in pineapples is that it prevents formation of plaque and gum diseases.

6. It cures constipation and irregular bowel movement. Pineapple is rich in fiber, making it effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement.

7. It keeps your skin beautiful! Pineapple contains enzymes that make skin elastic, improve skin hydration, and remove damaged and dead cells. Thus, it helps us achieve a clear and glowing complexion. The enzymes in pineapples also fight free-radical damage and can reduce age spots and fine lines.

Do you want to get all the health benefits of eating pineapple along with the best nutritional supplements out there?  Its used by thousands of medical professionals in the USA.  You have to check this out.

The new eye cream…butter!

Well the idea of using butter as an eye cream in a pinch is not so new. Women in Ethiopia have been using butter as a beautifying agent for years. Ethiopian women have cherished pure organic butter for its skin smoothing capabilities.

Organic butter contain lactic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid that draws water from the slower level of the skin into the top layer of the skin. This locks in the moisture and boosts cell production to keep skin looking healthy, refreshed and glowing.

Americas top models have used this method of eye cream when in a pinch and needing to freshen up. So next time you are out dining in a restaurant and feel an urge to freshen up, go to the restroom, and don’t forget the butter! 😉

Health and Lifestyle

Over this past weekend, some was talking to me about choices we have in life. They said that the choices we make are rather a forethought that we simply let happen. The analogy they made was that our lives resemble water, it rolls down a hill and takes the path of least resistance where it puddles up at the end. It is in that puddle where we actually stop for a mere second to think about the choice we just made. However when we actually take the time to think about our decision before we meander down the hill (like the water), the results of our choices can be dramatic.

Physical well being is a matter of concern to everyone I know, and if it is not it should be. The level of health we enjoy largely depends on the lifestyles we lead. Insufficient activity and poor eating habits can, and often do, lead to to a variety of health issues, making our lifestyle change, usually not for the better. The key to not allowing this to happen lies in us actually taking the time to make those small everyday decisions and making good healthy choices, knowing that they will indeed impact our lives down the road, if not today.

Ways of making a difference in your life and getting yourself on the track may be adding more physical activity into your life, eating foods that are good for you, and eating them more often, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Getting more physical

If you are anything like me, you barely have enough time to run to the bathroom when you need too, so squeezing physical activity into your daily routine may seem unlikely. Taking advantage of small opportunities can make a big difference.

• Park farther back in a parking lot so you have to walk further.
• Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator in the mall or at the office.
• Standing at your desk for short periods instead of sitting helps increase circulation in the lower part of your body.
• Invest in a pedometer. A pedometer measures the the number of steps you take during your day. Take a count each day of how many steps you take each day and mark it on your calendar and then try to increase that each day.
• Aerobic exercise gets your heart pumping and increases your blood oxygen level. It also will help you control your weight. Studies have shown that all you need is 30 minutes per day to provide amazing health results. Walking, biking, dancing, swimming and gardening are great choices.
• Change your thought pattern, housework/yardwork = exercise. Think about the calories you burn pushing around that vacuum cleaner or lawn mower.

Eating better

Eating healthier has so many benefits that I can hardly touch on them in this short post. Eating better will make you feel healthier, fuller faster, and increase years to your life! There are so many healthy options now for those of us on the run that really is no excuse to grab that bag of chips.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the USA. Eating healthier can help lower your chance of being part of those statistics. For an easy guideline to a healthy diet follow the USDA’s guidelines or the American Cancer Societies Diet. They are both quite similar to one another and they focus on a balanced diet loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables. These diet guidelines limit fats, sodium and high calorie foods.

While going “cold turkey” on a diet filled with healthy choices is probably not the best way to go, substitute foods that are unhealthy for better choices, but do it slowly. While we have been trained over the years of our lives on how to eat, we cannot expect to change our entire daily menu overnight. The results in health and weight loss and healthy lifestyle will come. From all my research, when we do go “cold turkey” from all those “bad” foods we eat and convert to a better diet we tend to cheat more often and eat more of the bad foods, because we fell we are forbidding ourselves from those foods. If we incorporate those healthy foods slowly, our diets will last longer and we will start feeling better and even shed those unwanted pounds.

Some helpful links and what you may find there

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

• guide for behavioral changes in lifestyle on their website.
• BMI calculator that calculates how much fat your body has on it and where you should be based on your age and height.
• Portion Distortion, how food portions have changed in 20 years.
• Guide to physical activity, what works and how much of it do you have to do.
• Educational tutorials, topics include heart and vascular, cholesterol, heart attack, high blood pressure, overweight and physical activities, and sleep disorders
• Recipe collections, find lots of heart healthy recipes including special collections for Latino cooking, homestyle African American cooking, and the DASH Eating Plan for lowering high blood pressure.

American Heart Association

• Food Certification Program, build your grocery list online as well as view lists of products screened and proven to meet the AHA’s certification criteria for being low in saturated fat and cholesterol for healthy people over age 2.
• Children’s health, information about keeping your child healthy, games and activities for kids to learn more about how their heart works, and resources for children’s exercise and nutrition.
• Shake your Salt habit, sodium recommendations to help reduce or avoid high blood pressure.
• Use seasoning instead of table salt, guide to using spices and herbs.

Mayo Clinic

• Healthy Living, a collection of individual centers addressing the health of babies, children, teens, men, women and seniors, additional canters on pregnancy, stress, fitness, food and nutrition, and weight loss.
• Healthy recipe Center
• Dietary Supplements, using Vitamin and mineral supplements wisely.
• Ingredient substitution, make a switch for healthier eating
• Fast food, 6 ways to healthier eating and information on how to fit fast into a healthy diet.

American Academy of Pediatrics

• How common behaviors affect your health.
• What you can do to keep your health

Across the board, a multifaceted approach is needed in your life to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a manageable weight. Adopting all, or part, of these suggested items will improve the quality of life overall.