Beauty tips for Winter

One of winters biggest beauty challenges is dealing with dry, static-y conditions created by the combination of very low moisture in the air and cold outdoor temperatures. Typically worst from November through February, static is the culprit behind clinging trousers, flyaway hair and the snap-crackle-pops that occur when you take off your winter coat and scarf.

When the outside temperatures dip and the inside heat cranks up, its vital to have a few tricks up your static-free sleeves. The makers of Static Guard anti-static spray, who created the Static Index to help consumers recognize and prepare for high static conditions in their area, offer the following tips on how to stay stylish during the harsh winter months.

Women on the go should consider keeping a multiple use lip/eye/cheek pencil in their purse for touch-ups during the day. And always keep a tube of lip balm handy in your pocket to ward off chapped, dry lips.

Stop hair from frizzing by spraying combs or brushes with Static Guard then running it lightly through hair after styling and before hairspray. The versatile product is essential for cutting static on the inside of hats and jacket hoods, too. For a one-two punch, spritz the inside of your pants legs and skirts to further prevent static cling. Be sure to keep a handy tote-size can in the purse or car for static emergencies.

For a dewy, youthful look, mix cream or liquid blush with a dab of petroleum jelly and apply to dry cheeks.

Dont forget your hands! Lock in moisture by slathering on a good hydrating lotion before bed and after the mornings shower.

Water works: Drink lots of water to moisturize from the inside out, and lightly mist facial skin with distilled water in a small spray bottle after applying makeup to keep it fresh throughout the day.

Source: http://www.jurgita.com/articles-id133.html

Laughter Is Hazardous To Your Illness

Intuitively we know that laughter is good for us. Out body feels relieved, warm, whole, free, and light hearted when we laugh. Laughter and happiness really do offer medicinal therapeutic response.

Medical Research: It is possible for all 400 muscles of the body to move during laughter- thus labeled internal aerobics. A joy full belly- laugh can exercise thoroughly our main torso. If you were able to belly-laugh for 1 hour you would laugh off as many as 500 calories.

When ever we laugh we release a wave of chemicals through the body including the the endorphin hormone which is also released during healthy exercise. Endorphins (‘of morphine’) are the body’s natural pain relaxant. They stimulate feelings of well being, joy and high. Enough laughter will produce enough endorphins to guarantee “high impact” internal aerobic work out.

This is particularly evident when two people involved in a project such as before / after a reflexology session, shared laughter. A unity is formed. People feel welcome and free to open up and think out loud. Release.

Research at the University of Maryland has shown for the first time that laughter is linked to healthy function of blood vessels. In an organized group, laughter caused the inner lining of the vessels to dilate or expand. When this group was shown a movie that produced mental stress the blood vessel produced a potentially in healthy positive response which reduced blood flow. That confirmed the link between mental stress and the narrowing of blood vessels. The magnitude of change when this group watched a humorous movie that generated laughter was a blood flow increase. Similar to the benefits of an aerobic exercise, without the muscle tension, ache & pain. A good reason to add 15 minutes of laughter to your day / exercise program.

The study was not able to determine the source of laughter benefits. Does it come from the movement of the diaphragm muscles as we chuckle and guffaw? Does it come from a chemical release of endorphins? The study was funded by the National Institute(s) of Health and presented this year (2007) (2007) at the Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology.

The concept that laughter improves health makes sense and now ‘medical sense’.

Anger, depression, pessimism, impairs our immune response, increase wound and surgery recovery time and can contribute to higher death rates. Laughter invokes feelings of happiness and joy. Under conditions of merriment it is much easier to think creatively around a problem. Laughter opens that door. It also cuts through the endless loop of systems characterized by chronic illness. We may be stuck in one mode; fight or flight, anxiety, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, depression to name a few.

Inspired and provoked laughter is potent therapy for chronic and fixed states. “ Laughter and distressing emotion can not occupy the same psychological space” says Stephen Sultanaff, clinical psychologist.

    ‘The best time to laugh is anytime you can!’
    Phyllis A. Garvey


Copyright Phyllis A Garvey. Phyllis A. Garvey is a full time certified Reflexologist. She continued her education in complementary health care and now practices 5 methods of Reflexology. http://themeadow.byregion.net

10 Tips for Healthy Manicure

1. Make sure your hands and nails are clean : The most important way to make sure you get a healthy manicure is to ALWAYS wash and dry your hands before doing your own manicure, or before having it done at a salon.

2. Make sure the tools are clean : Make sure your nail clippers and other tools and clean. If you get a manicure at a salon, watch to make sure the tools are thoroughly disinfected between uses.

3. Use fresh polish : Throw out your old nail polish at least every few months. Old polish will contain nasty bacteria, and will be too clumpy to use anyway!

4. Use a bottom coat : A bottom coat will make your manicure last longer, and it will add another layer of protection for your nails.

5. Change polish often : Take off all nail polish at least once a week, and let your naked nails air out for at least a few hours. You’ll notice if you go too long without doing this that your nails will be yellow and brittle.

6. Don’t bite your nails : Biting your nails not only makes them look bad and feel rough, it spreads germs. Any germs on your hands will go into your mouth, and any germs in your mouth will get on your hands.

7. Don’t share : Don’t share your manicure tools, including nail polish, with anyone else.

8. Don’t manicure with boo-boos : If you have broken or torn cuticles, wait until they heal to do have a manicure. The chemicals will sting, and irritate your skin even more.

9. Make sure your manicurist is clean : Most manicurists are meticulous about cleanliness, but some aren’t. Look at his or her hands and nails and make sure they’re clean before they do your manicure.

10. Avoid acrylics : Acrylic nails may look nice, and require little maintenance, but they are hotbeds for germs and bacteria and encourage all kinds of gross infections.

Source: allwomenstalk.com

How Pimples Are Formed - 10 Facts

Honestly, you may think the universe is punishing you when you get those pimples on your face, but its really not, I promise you. There is really some biological reasons as to why you get pimples on your face. Here is 10 facts on how pimples are formed…


1. Hormones : As I read a lot of information, I am finding that hormones have a tendency to be the number one reason behind pimples.

2. Oil and Dead Skin Gets Trapped : Pimples form when oil and dead skin gets trapped in the pores. The buildup continues deep inside of your pore with the secretion of sebum. This is a oil that is actually used to protect and waterproof hair.

3. Stress : Stress not only has a mental effect on people, but it also has a physical effect on the body. When your body is stressed, it activated those adrenal glands and produces adrenal. Adrenaline causes those sebaceous glands to create extra sebum.

4. Genetics : Different people have different pore structures and skin cell makeup. The genetic trains has a big thing to do with the makeup and structure. Conditions such as oily skin or dry skin can affect how frequently you get pimples.

5. Hygiene : Many overlook hygiene and say that it does not cause pimples. Well, if you do not wash your face daily, then you could get pimples. Washing your face each day helps regulate the sebum and oil that is produced.

6. Digestive Tracks : When reading how pimples are formed, I learnt that it starts in the digestive tracks.

7. Oil, Bacteria and Dead Cells : Pimples form when a collection of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria are trapped in the pores. The lining of the hair follicle is known for shedding a layer of skin each day!

8. Rubbing Your Face : Did you know that rubbing your face when you are washing it can cause pimples to form? This is another thing that I learnt when I read how pimples are formed.

9. Touching Your Face : When you touch your face, you could cause pimples to form. It is best to refrain from touching your face during the day with your fingertips. When you apply your foundation, use a makeup pad.

10. Makeup : There are certain types of makeup and other skin products that cause me to have pimples. Your skin is different, so I’m not able to tell you exactly which products do this to you.

How pimples are formed sometimes is out of our control as pimples can sometimes be found in our genes. If you have a problem with pimples, then you can find many products that can help you out. I know just how frustrating the problem can be. Maybe this list will also tell you some things that you should avoid. How many of you out there have had a problem with pimples?

Source: http://allwomenstalk.com/10-facts-on-how-pimples-are-formed/