Showing posts with label Fitness and fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fitness and fashion. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

KEEP BLACK AHIR

One of the main factors that is going to determine how you need to properly care for your hair is the type of hair that you have. Black hair is often considered one of the most difficult types of hair to care for. Although everyone has different hair, here are some of the most basic things that you should know about black hair care. Avoid Washing Black Hair Too Frequently
Make sure that you do not over wash your hair. Once every week to a week and a half is an ideal time to wash your hair. Never wash it any sooner than that, however. If you wash your hair too frequently, it is likely that it will become brittle and difficult for you to manage because it will probably dry out. If you want to make your smell better throughout the week, you can consider spraying leave-in conditioner or body spray in it for the scent.
Be Sure to Keep Black Hair Moisturized
It is important for you to keep black hair moisturized. Be sure to use a moisturizing conditioner when washing your hair. Shampoos may dry out your hair, but it is a good idea to use a small amount of a water based one in order to make sure that the scalp is being cleansed. After you have finished washing it, you will want to make sure that you use a leave-in conditioner. You will probably want to use leave-in conditioner throughout the week when you brush or style your hair. Also consider using a hot oil treatment to deep condition your hair.
Don’t Use Heated Styling Tools Often
You will not want to use heated styling tools often. Be sure to limit how often you blow dry your hair or use a curling iron or flat iron on it. Heat is known to cause the hair to dry out. When you do decide to use it, be sure to use a protective hair serum to ensure that your hair will experience minimal to no damage. Don’t use heat styling tools any more than twice a week if you want to experience the least amount of damage to your hair. Look for various Black Hair Styles Ideas and pictures.
Consider Getting a Hair Relaxer
One of the main problems that you may have is that your hair seems to be uncontrollable at times. Probably the best way to make managing your hair easier is to get a hair relaxer. This is a great way to get your hair straighter, smoother and reduce frizz. Do keep in mind that you should always have a relaxer done at a salon for the best results. Don’t try it at home.
How to Make Black Hair Controllable Overnight
One of the biggest problems that many black women have is how uncontrollable their hair is when they wake up in the morning. In order to prevent your hair from becoming to messy and unmanageable by morning, you have several options. One is to wear a scarf or a hat at night. The easier (and probably more comfortable) option is to use a satin pillowcase, which will help in keeping your hair as smooth as possible while you sleep.

Herbal Benefits

Benefits of 79 Different Herbs

• Acidophilus: Rich source of Beta-Carotene, Fights cancer, Anti-inflammatory for mucous membranes, helps regulate hormones.

• Agrimony: Used for all digestive disorders.

• Alfalfa: Help with arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and an excellent appetite stimulant.

• Aloe Vera: Aloe supplements can be used for peptic ulcers and for gastrointestinal health. Aloe has a moisturizing effect on the skin and is a common remedy for sunburn and skin irritation.
• Angelic Root: Strengthens the heart. Regular users of Angelica Root supposedly develop distaste for alcoholic beverages.

• Astragalus . Used in traditional Chinese and East Indian medicine for its immune-enhancing and tonic properties. Research has indicated its usefulness as a supportive tool for a variety of chronic immune problems.


• Aveno Sativa Extract: Acts as a tonic to the heart, nerves, and thymus gland useful in treating depression, nervous exhaustion, shingles, herpes, menopausal symptoms.

• Barberry Bark: Promotes the secretion of bile. Has been used for bad breath, digestion, and sore throat.

• Bee pollen: This natural tonic food is a popular energy booster, strengthens the immune system and enhances vitality.

• Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus): contains nutrients needed to protect eyes from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes. Bilberry tea is administered to treat stomach problems and soothe the digestive tract.

• Bladderwrack: Seaweed high in iodine and trace elements, Great for obesity.

• Black Cohosh Extract (Cimicifuga Racemosa): Anti-inflammatory, Helps reduce anxiety Relieves coughing, Relieves fibrositis, headaches, hot flashes, hysteria, myalgia, PMS, arthritis, and uterine cramps.

• Blue Violet: Relieves severe headaches and congestion.

• Bromelain: Said to flush fat from the body by naturally stimulating your metabolism and ridding your body of excess fluids.v • Buchu Leaf: A diuretic. Used for acute and chronic bladder and kidney disorders.

• Buckthorn Bark: Keeps the bowels regular.

• Camellia Sinensus (Green Tea): Protects the body from cancer, Helps lower high level of cholesterol. May help with weight loss by burning fat and regulating blood sugar levels.

• Capsicum (Cayenne, hot pepper) internally, cayenne acts as a circulatory stimulant, induces perspiration, and is used to stimulate digestion.

• Cascara Sagrada: The bark is used as a stimulant laxative, especially in cases of chronic constipation.

• Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): Extracts are used in treatments for a variety of conditions, mostly gastrointestinal. Immuno-stimulant properties help the body fight off infection and protect against degenerative diseases.

• Chamomile: A popular remedy for indigestion, gastrointestinal spasms, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Chickweed: Purifies blood, Removes excess fat where toxins are retained, Soothes and protects damaged or inflamed skin, Effective for weight loss.

• Comfrey: (Symphytum officinale): Useful for varicose ulcers and a compress for varicose veins. Also it is good for chest colds.

• Cornsilk: Useful for trouble with the prostate gland.

• Cranberry: Helps prevent urinary tract infections caused by E. coli bacteria, particularly in people with a history of recurrent infections.

• Damiana Leaf: Helps with sexual impotency and fertility for both male and female.

• Dandelion Leaf & Root: Detoxifies any poisons in the liver.

• Don Quai (Angelica sinensis): It is used to restore balance to a woman’s hormones and cycles and is helpful in restoring menstrual regularity and for conditions of the reproductive system.

• Dong Shen: Helps reduce high blood pressure; Helps adjust blood sugar levels, Useful in increasing energy, Aids in anemia and poor digestion.

• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolio): Used as a general nonspecific stimulant to the immune system, supporting and stabilizing cellular immunity and cleansing the blood, for the prevention and treatment of infections.

• Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Topically for infections, inflammations and swelling. As a tea to sooth sore throats, speed recovery from cold and flu and relieve respiratory distress.

• Fennel Seed: Remedy for gas, acid stomach, gout, cramps and spasms.

• Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) Its most popular use is for the prevention of migraine headaches and associated symptoms. Pregnant women should not use the herb.

• Garcinia (Garcinia Cambogia Extract): Helps Decreases appetite, Balances sugar metabolism, Stops synthesis of fat.

• Garlic (Allium sativum): Good for virtually any disease or infection. Improves circulation, maintains healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. A natural antibiotic and immune system stimulant.

• Ginger Root: Everyone is familiar with this spice, but few realize it can make us healthier. Stimulates the circulatory system; a remedy for a sore throat; has a cleansing effect on the kidneys and bowels.

• Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba Leaf): Has been shown to be nutritional support for mental alertness, enhanced vitality level, circulatory health and blood vessel health. Its high antioxidant activity is valuable for fighting age related conditions.




Ginseng (Panax ginseng): One of the most popular healing herbs used today throughout the world. It increases mental and physical efficiency and resistance to stress and disease. Ginseng’s adaptogenic qualities help balance the body. It is known to normalize blood pressure, increase blood circulation and aid in the prevention of heart disease.

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadenis): Treatment of any infection, inflammation and congestion of lungs, throat and sinuses. Famous for use in treatment of cold and flu. A potent remedy for disorders of the stomach and intestines such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, ulcers, and gastritis and internal
parasites.

• Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Prevention of mental fatigue and enhanced concentration and memory. Increases energy and relaxes the body. Stimulates the central nervous system, aids circulation especially in the legs, and is a mild diuretic. Aids in many types of wound healing. Used for rheumatism, blood diseases, mental disorders, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, sore throat, and hepatitis.

• Guar Gum: Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels, Binds to toxic
substances and carries them out of the body, curbs appetite.

• Hops Flower: Valuable for those with insomnia.

• Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacanthas): Helps treat heart disease and related symptoms. Used for beginning heart disease, mild heart-muscle weakness, angina, and arrhythmia. Hawthorn promotes healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels by relaxing blood vessels, increasing metabolism in the heart muscle, and improving blood supply to the heart.

• Horsetail Herb: Strengthens hair, nails, and bones, Increases calcium absorption, Used to treat kidney stones.

• Jasmine Green Tea: Stimulates the nervous system and gives energy, provides strong antioxidant protection.

• Kava Kava (Piper methysticum): Primarily used as a natural sedative and sleep enhancement. Traditionally used it as a remedy for nervousness and insomnia. Kava kava is an effective relaxant able to induce a feeling of relaxation, peace and contentment, along with a sharpening of the senses. As a sleep aid it promotes deep and restful sleep. It is also a muscle relaxant that can help relieve cramping due to spasms.

• Kelp: Beneficial to sensory nerves and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, Good for thyroid and obesity.

• Lecithin: Known to break up cholesterol, allowing it to pass through arterial walls. Lecithin promotes a healthy nervous system.

• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): It is an ingredient in many cough medicines and a popular and well-known remedy for bronchial distress.

• Ma Huang: Strong stimulant, Excellent for asthma, bronchitis, coughing

• Melatonin: Antioxidant, Induces sleep, Helps reduce insomnia, Antidepressant

• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianus): Helps the liver detoxification process. For all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Fights pollutants and prevents free radical damage by action as antioxidant. Protects the liver and stimulates the production of new liver cells. Helps common skin conditions related to poor liver function.

• Mullein Leaf: High in iron, magnesium and potassium. Good for the entire respiratory system.

• Myrrh Gum: Cleans the colon and digestive system. Has been called the herbal breath freshener.

• Nettle Leaf: This herb, in combination with seawrack, is said to bring results in weight loss. Also enhances the natural color of hair.

• Parsley: Very nutritious herb that is excellent for goiter, thyroid and obesity. Good for the urinary tract and is a diuretic

• Passion Flower: Pure and natural mild sedative. Calms nerves and blood pressure.

• Psyllium: A major source of fiber. The primary use of psyllium seed and/or psyllium seed husks is a bulk laxative, especially for cases of chronic constipation. The tiny seeds contain a coating of gelatinous material, which swells upon contact with moisture. This increases the movement (motility) within the colon thus producing a bowel movement. Psyllium husk is an approved over the counter laxative

• Pycnogenol: Improves joint flexibility, and fights joint inflammation and pain from arthritis, low back and neck problems and sports injuries. Improves skin smoothness and elasticity, relieves ADD/ADHD. Improves circulation and enhances cell vitality. Reduces the effects of stress.

• Red Clover: Purifies the blood.

• Sage Extract: Helps dissolve toxins, Stimulates hair growth, Helps improve memory

• Sarsaparilla Root: Acts as a diuretic. Helps to balance both male and female hormones.

• Sassafras Leaf & Root: Helps skin disorders, especially ailments such as acne.

• Saw Palmetto (Sabal Serrulata) : The berries have long held a reputation as sexual stimulants and aphrodisiacs. The largest use today is as a supplement for reducing enlarged prostate glands, treating urinary tract problems and for improving body strength.

• Scullcap: A nerve sedative. Said to be a great hangover remedy.

• Seawrack: Supposed to be one of the best herbs to combat obesity.

• Slippery Elm Bark: Used to normalize bowel movement, and has been used beneficially to treat hemorrhoids and constipation.

• Spikenard: Herb for skin ailments such as acne and rashes.

• St. John’s Wort: Has been used traditionally as an herbal treatment for anxiety and depression. It is an effective astringent that promotes wound healing and has antiviral properties that can counter herpes simplex, flu viruses and is being investigated as a treatment for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

• Thyme Leaf: Removes mucus from the head, lungs and respiratory passages. Fights infection. Brings pain relief to migraine headaches.

• Valerian: is an effective and reliable sedative and sleep aid. It is effective in conditions of anxiety, insomnia and nervous irritability. Unlike prescription or OTC sleep and anxiety medication, it is not habit forming, nor does it produce a hang-over-like side effect.

• Vanadium: Inhibits cholesterol synthesis in blood vessels, Helps the formation of bones and teeth, Important in cellular metabolism.

• Vervain: Remedy for fevers. Said to clear a cold overnight.

• White Oak Bark: Strong astringent. One of the best herbs for piles and hemorrhoids.

• Wild Yam Root: Very relaxing and soothing to the nerves.

• Yarrow Root: Said to be unsurpassed for flu and fever reduction.

• Yerba Maté: Appetite controller and diuretic, Stimulates production of cortisone and helps depression.

• Yohimbe Bark: The herb has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac for men, and has similar effects with women. Recent studies suggest the drug may be effective in the treatment of male impotence especially that associated with diabetes.

• Yucca Root (Yucca spp): Its primary uses are in pain relieving combinations for arthritic and joint pain, and sediment caused by inflammation such as gout, rheumatism, and cystitis.

Lips care tips

The moist and smooth lips not only look healthy but also contribute in enhancing your looks. No doubt the lips are an integral part of your make up. The moist lips hold the lipstick color best and also look beautiful. The make up of the lips keeps changing with the mood of the time and occasion. Here are few guidelines in this regard:

Morning Lips
Make your lips soft and smooth by giving dry, flaky lips the brush-off. Every morning ‘brush your lips ‘ with a soft baby toothbrush and then apply some lip balm to your lips.

Bed Time Lips
Before going to bed you should apply the moisturizing cream on your lips. Do so regularly every night and you will wake up every morning with softer lips.


Every Day Lips
You should try to avoid over exposure to the sunrays as they can absorb moisture of your lips and make them dry. If you have to spend a lot of time outdoors, then you should go for ‘triple lipstick ‘, with moisturizers and sunscreen built right in.

Party Lips
Time for party means time for high profile lips, which are possible through those fruit-flavored lip-glosses. For that ultra-gloss look you should apply a dash of metallic lip-gloss over the lipstick in the center of your lips.

Shimmer Lips
The application of shimmer lip colors in golden shades and iced pastels make your lips look sweet along with the moisturizing lipsticks or glosses in pearly nude, candy pink, lilac, silver and gold shades.

Glossy Baby Lips
The lip-gloss is more fashionable as compared to the lipstick. And it is applicable at all the occasions. It can help you get those baby lips with a hint of pink and a natural shine.


Kissable Lips
Only soft and smooth lips could be pretty enough and inviting to kiss. So if you want to be owner of those lips then make your lips kissable by applying lip balm to them every day.

Bodybuilding Nutrition & Diet

A good bodybuilding diet and nutrition are key components that will determine how successful you are in your bodybuilding program. Training without proper nutrition is like rowing against the current. At best, you would remain on the same place or even move forward a little bit, but in the end, you get nowhere. A Definition of Diet
Usually people associate the word diet with days of starvation and pain. However that is not the correct definition of a diet. The word diet refers to the food choices that we make on a daily basis. Even if you don’t think you that you are on a diet, guess what?! You already are following a diet. Whether you eat candy all day everyday, or oatmeal, that is your diet.
You Don’t Have to Starve When You Diet
A good bodybuilding diet needs to follow 3 rules:


  1. It should favor smaller and frequent feedings throughout the day instead of smaller ones.
  2. Every meal should have carbohydrates, protein and fat in the correct ratios: 40% carbs, 40% protein, 20 % good fats.
  3. The calories should be cycled to prevent the metabolism from getting used to a certain caloric level.
While my article on Bodybuilding Nutrition Basics further elaborates on the reasons why the rules above need to be followed, in addition to a discussion on carbohydrates, proteins and fats, I’ll move now to present you with two examples of good bodybuilding diets.
Sample Bodybuilding Diet For Men
Meal 1 (7 AM)
1 cup of dry oats mixed with water
1 cup of egg beaters
Meal 2 (9 AM)
Meal replacement packet like Prolab’s Lean Mass Complex (which has a 40/40/20 nutrient ratio) mixed with water or a protein powder (with around 40 grams of protein) mixed with 40 grams of carbs from cream of rice, grits, or oatmeal.
1 Tablespoon of Flaxseed Oil (Spectrum brand is best)
Meal 3 (12 Noon)
1 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable
6-8 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish
Meal 4 (3 PM)
Same as Meal 2
Meal 5 (6 PM)
1 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable
6-8 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish
Meal 6 (8 PM)
Same as Meal 2
Recommended Basic Bodybuilding Supplements For Men
(Essential to take)
Definitely make sure that you cover at least the basics of supplementation which are a Multiple Vitamin and Mineral formula, 3 grams of Vitamin C split in 3 equal servings throughout the day, 200mcg of Chromium Picolinate, and essential fatty acids coming from either fish oils, flaxseed oil or extra virgin olive oil. Also, for convenience purposes a good meal replacement or protein powder is a great way to add valuable calories and nutrients to your diet. For more information on this subject please refer to my article on Bodybuilding Supplementation Basics.
Note: For recipes on protein shakes and protein bars, please visit the Healthy Bodybuilding Recipes page.
Performance Enhancing Supplementation
(Recommended for hard training bodybuilders who want to get the most out of their program}
In addition to those basic supplements, I would also recommend Creatine (please refer to my Creatine Basics article) and Glutamine (please refer to my Glutamine Basics article) as these two supplements offer many of the same properties as anabolic steroids (such as increased recovery, increased strength, increased glycogen levels, enhanced immune system and higher nitrogen synthesis) without the side effects as they are not hormones.
Testosterone Boosting Supplementation
(Optional)
Also, if you are training hard and are a male over 25 years old, assuming that your budget allows for it, I would recommend some natural testosterone boosters like the ones I talk about in my Testosterone Boosting Supplements article.
Bonus: Bodybuilding Supplements To Aid Fat Burning
(Optional)
Are there any bodybuilding supplements that can help a bodybuilder burn fat? If the advice provided above is not followed, then no supplements that you take may help you in your quest for burning fat. However, assuming that you are following all of the advice provided above, there are a few supplement stacks that may indeed improve your metabolism and help you in your quest for better definition.

Anytime Tips For a Healthy looking skin

The old adage “you are what you eat” not only applies to our overall health and nutrition, but how our skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, our skin can benefit from the same nutrition we get from foods that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs. In fact, new research suggests that eating foods rich in protein and certain vitamins and minerals might provide valuable anti-aging effects. Read on…

Eat a well-balanced diet:
To remain healthy, your skin needs a regular and well-balanced supply of nutrients. You may not need any supplements, provided you look after your skin and you are generally healthy. Try to eat at least five portions of fresh vegetables or fruits every day: this should be quite easy if you have three pieces of fruit as deserts or snacks, plus a salad or vegetable dish with two meals.

Bad skin is not generally caused by any one food, unless it is an allergic reaction, but particular foods can aggravate poor skin.

The myth that chocolate, sweets and other fatty and sugary foods cause spots is not entirely unfounded: an eating pattern high in these foods and low in fresh, vegetables and other constituents of a healthy diet means that your skin is unlikely to be getting all the nutrients it needs. Women who would rather eat a bar of chocolate or a bag of crisps than an orange, for example, may lack vitamin C. This can make your immune system less able to fight infections, including those on the skin-spots.

In addition, women often eat more chocolate at times when they are feeling down, whether emotionally, hormonally or physically, which also has a negative effect on the skin. If you already have spots, a diet that is high in sugar or fat may make your system even more susceptible to bacterial infections, which may further aggravate spots and other skin conditions.

Drink plenty of water:
In our society, where many of us have central heating and lead active lives, one of the commonest causes of tired-looking skin is dehydration, both on the surface and throughout the body. Aim to re-hydrate your body by drinking two to three litres (four to five pints) of water a day. This should ideally be taken as plain or lightly flavoured, unsweetened water and not tea, coffee or other caffeine-containing or sugary drinks.

Cut down on tea and coffee
Women who drink a lot of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cola-type drinks are more likely to have tired-looking skin and to suffer from conditions such as greasy skin and spots. This is because these drinks contain caffeine, which prevents your body from making good use of the vitamins and minerals from your food. Try to drink no more than three cups of coffee, tea or other caffeine containing drinks a day.

Keep your alcohol intake low
Excessive alcohol intakes may lead to skin problems such as split veins. Try not to drink more than the recommended 21 units a week (a unit is the equivalent of a glass of wine, a standard measure of spirits or half a pint of beer, larger or cider of ordinary strength).

Some women have a skin allergy to some alcoholic drinks, which usually manifests itself as hives. Hives are little itchy red spots that appear under the surface of the skin and make it feel hot and sensitive; they are sometimes known as nettle rash. The most common allergic reaction is to Salicylates, substances that occur naturally in some foods, such as grapes, banana, beans, strawberries and other berry fruits. If you get, a rash after eating some of these foods, beers may affect you in the same way, since they are often high in Salicylates. Instead, choose wine, gin, vodka or whisky.

Try to give up smoking
Nicotine does not help you keep a healthy skin. It attacks the blood vessels that feed the skin with nutrients and oxygen, as well as those that drain away the waste products from the skin. Your skin therefore becomes poor at ridding itself of unwanted substances and in severe cases also starts to lack oxygen. Other substances produced by smoke can age the skin greatly and affect the nail beds and hair follicles, which nestle in the epidermis. If you want to have a youthful, healthy appearance, try to give up smoking.



Count on nutrients for gook skin
Vitamins A and C and the mineral zinc are all strongly linked with good skin. They are considered part of a healthy balanced diet, and there is usually no need to take them in supplement form. Both vitamins should be provided from your regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in Vitamin A include carrots, spinach, watercress, broccoli, yellow-fleshed sweet potato and melons such as cantaloupe. Good sources of Vitamin C are peppers, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, kiwi fruit, oranges and grapefruit.




Zinc is excellent for problem skin. It helps reduce the inflammatory processes within the body and aids healing. The body is more efficient at absorbing the zinc from foods such as beans and other pulses, shellfish and fish, wholegrain foods, nuts and dairy foods, rather than from tablets. If you feel your diet does not include some of these foods most days, you may wish to take a daily 15 mg supplement. Do not exceed this dose as high zinc levels make your body more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.



Another nutrient that seems to be perfect “skin food” is biotin, a member of the vitamin B complex (although it is also known as vitamin H). It is mainly synthesized by bacteria in your gut, but is also found in some foods. Women who are on long-term antibiotics, which adversely affect the bacteria within the gut, or who suffer from any sort of gut mal-absorption condition such as Cohn’s disease or severe irritable bowel syndrome, could be rather low in biotin. A deficiency of this vitamin causes, dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), loss of hair and, in my experience, brittle nails.



Biotin-rich foods include eggs, peanut butter, wholegrain foods (especially oats) and liver. Note: Those raw eggs bind biotin in the gut and therefore will not help if you are looking to boost your biotin intake.



Warning: Although some doctors prescribe Vitamin A based creams for skin complaints such as acne, there is no benefit to be gained from taking additional vitamin A in the form of a supplement. It is potentially dangerous to take a Vitamin A in the form of a supplement without the supervision of your doctor, as it is stored in the liver and an excess can cause severe liver damage. Vitamin A supplements taken while a woman is pregnant may lead to birth defects.




Supplement your diet with acidophilus and bifidus
I suggest you eat a small pot of ‘live’ yogurt containing bifidus and acidophilus bacteria everyday. These will help to rebalance the bacteria in your gut, and will particularly help those of you who take antibiotics to control skin problems. I see many women who have been taking antibiotics for anything from a few weeks to years. In doing so, their bodies suffer from side effects such as thrush and irritable bowels.



The antibiotics kill the bacteria that exist within the healthy gut, which under normal circumstances produce anti-inflammatory substances, anti-cancer substances, vitamin K and energy. A good balance of bacteria needs to be re-established in order to protect the skin against inflammation and the body against other problems. The yogurt can be eaten on its own, flavored with chopped or pureed fruit, poured on to fruit or cereal, or swirled into soup or casseroles.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

How to Lighten Dark Spots on Skin

There are many men and women who suffer from dark spots on skin. These spots are usually seen on the face, hands, chest and shoulders. While the dark spots on skin are not necessarily an indication of any serious condition, they could cause a lot of embarrassment. Hence, it is common for people to use different commercial skincare product, mainly for getting rid of dark spots on skin. However, not all these products are effective in treating the dark spots on skin; moreover, some of them contain harsh chemicals, which could in fact have an adverse effect on the skin.

Home Remedies for Dark Spots on Skin

Hence, many men and women have now stared opting for home remedies for dark spots on the face and body. First of all, these home remedies are a lot safer than commercial products and moreover, they cost a lot less. Some of the most effective remedies for dark spots on the skin are:
•    Citrus Fruits: Most citrus fruits like oranges and lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, which have natural bleaching properties. The juice of a citrus fruit should be applied on to the skin with a piece of cotton and the affected skin should be massaged gently.
•    Honey: This natural ingredient contains properties that help rejuvenate and renew the skin. Hence, some honey should be applied on to the darkened are and left on for around 20 minutes, before being rinsed off. Adding wheat germ to the honey can enhance the effects of this home remedy.
•    Milk: The skin on the face is usually very sensitive and delicate, which is why only those ingredients should be used, which do not lead to any irritation. Milk has a soothing effect and can lighten the dark spots on the skin. The milk should be applied on the skin with some cotton and left on for a few minutes, before being rinsed off.
•    Vitamin E Oil: This remedy has an excellent affect on the skin. A small amount of Vitamin E oil should be applied directly on the affected area of the skin and should be left on for a while, so that it can penetrate the skin properly. It is best to leave the oil on for as long as possible and therefore, most people apply it just before bed time, so that it can stay on the skin all night long.
Before using any of the tips on dark spots and blackheads treatment, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

Simple Way To Curl Your Hair




Tips For Beautiful & Long Hair

Hair Lightener
To lighten hair, use 1/4 cup chopped fresh rhubarb to 2 cups boiling water. Cool, strain, and apply as a rinse.

Gum In Hair
Soak the gum-coated hair in Coke® and it should wipe out easily.

Hair Spray
Hairsprays belong to a class of personal care products that help hair to hold a desired style.Hairsprays have since become an important part of the hair care market.Hairsprays work by coating the hair with polymers, which are long chain chemical compounds.Once hair spray is applied to the hair, the liquid drops run down the hair shaft until they reach the intersection of two hair fibers. When the drops dry at this fiber intersection, they create an invisible film that bonds hairs together.


Damaged & Dry Hair
A nourishing conditioner for dry or damaged hair, which can be used for all hair types: Separate the white of an egg from the yolk, whip it to a peak. Add 1 Tbsp. water to the yolk and blend until the mixture is creamy. Then mix the white and yolk together. Wet your hair with warm water, remove the excess moisture, and apply the mixture to your scalp with your fingertips. Massage gently until the froth is worked into your scalp, and then rinse the hair with cool water. Keep applying the mixture until it is used up and then rinsed until all of the egg is washed away.

Hair loss
Here are many possible causes of hair loss, including stressful events like surgery, serious illness, and childbirth; thyroid gland imbalances; and various medicines such as blood thinners, birth control pills, and chemotherapy drugs hair loss often follows childbirth without causing actual baldness. In this situation, the hair is actually thicker during pregnancy due to increased circulating oestrogens. After the baby is born, the oestrogen levels fall back to normal pre-pregnancy levels and the additional hair foliage drops out.These drugs may slow hair loss or help grow limited quantities of new hair. Minoxodil is a topical solution and only works on certain people. Propecia is a tablet for men only and seems to be more effective than minoxodil.

Hair Style guide
Knowing the shape of your face will help you choose the short hair cut style that is right for you and will also help you to communicate better with your hair stylist. And good communication is key to a successful outcome at the salon.Suited styles are like chin or shoulder-length cuts with a fringe that can disguises the long forehead.Please remember that this face shape concept is only a simple hair cut guide and there are exceptions. Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish two face shapes from each other and you may not get an exact match. But usually these classifications of face shapes will help you select a better style for your face

Shampoo guide
Here are some tips on oily hair prevention and resolution: The most important thing you can do to prevent or resolve oily hair is to shampoo your hair daily. For people who tend to have a problem with oily hair.The non-polar oily materials on the hair shaft are solubilised into the surfactant micelle structures of the shampoo and are removed during rinsing. There is also considerable removal through a surfactant and oil "roll up" effect.

Source: Beautytipsuk.com

Get Radiant Skin With Eating The Right Foods

Fluids
We all know that eating a healthy, varied and balanced diet is essential for your health. Water acts as a natural remedy to head your way towards achieving healthy and glowing skin. Water benefits can be attributed to the fact that it acts as a body purifier, by removing toxins and waste from your body. You should drink at least 1.5 liter of water daily. Forget about the soft drinks, alcohol and coffee. Fluids helps your skin keep well hydrated, cleanse your body from the toxins and is the only way to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Antioxidants
The antioxidants freshen your skin and make it more youthful. They help protect your skin from the sun damage and play crucial role in keeping skin healthy. Antioxidants are vitamin A, C, E, B complex and minerals such as magnesium, zinc. You can find antioxidants in blueberries, raisins, carrots, strawberries, nuts, apricots, spinach, and tomatoes.



Iron
How To Achieve Radiant Skin With Eating The Right Foods spinach body The iron helps your organism produce hemoglobin. The iron deficiency in your organism may cause anemia and on your skin yellowish spots may appear. You can find iron in meat, fish, eggs, spinach.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A produces new skin cells that keep your skin soft and elastic. If your body doesn’t have enough Vitamin A your skin will appear dull and loosen. Sources of vitamin A are milk, oil, margarine, eggs, liver and fish.

Vitamin C
How To Achieve Radiant Skin With Eating The Right Foods carrots body Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen. The collagen is the one that helps you stop the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C combats the effects of free radicals in your body and on your skin, reduces the look of wrinkles and improves your skin’s quality. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits, carrots,tomatoes, potatoes, kiwi, oranges, and strawberries.

Vitamin E
How To Achieve Radiant Skin With Eating The Right Foods nuts body Vitamin E keeps the moisture in your skin and is responsible for the elasticity of your skin. It prevents cell damage from free radicals and protects the skin barrier’s oil balance during the cleansing process. Sources of vitamin E are olive oil, nuts, oat flakes, and avocados.

Fatty acids
Omega 3 and Omega 6 are your best friends with the battle against prematurely aging. They regulate cholesterol transport and metabolism, maintain the impermeability barrier of the skin, maintain resilience and lubrication to your skin and hair. You can find them in meat, fish, nuts, olive oil, soya.

HOW TO USE WAX STRIPS TO REMOVE UPPER LIP HAIR

The wax strips do a great job to remove the unwanted upper lip hair. They not only save time and money but they also remove the unwanted hair perfectly. The waxing strips come in different sizes – there are waxing strips for the upper lip, for the legs, arms, for the bikini-line. They work on short hair, providing hair removal results that last up to two/ three weeks.
Most of the packs include specially designed wipes (towelettes) that calm, soothe, moisturize the skin and remove any wax residue.


Common ingredients in the wax strips are: Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Titanium Dioxide, BHA, Silica, Microcrystalline Wax, Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E.

HOW TO USE WAX STRIPS TO REMOVE UPPER LIP HAIR:

Step One. Make sure your skin is dry and clean. Don’t apply moisturizer, lotion or foundation if you are going to wax your upper lip. Your skin should be free of oil, cream or foundation before use.

Step Two. You should heat the strips for better removal of the unwanted hair. To warm the wax, hold the strip in your palms for a few seconds.

Step Three. Separate the two strips very slowly and carefully.

Step Five. Apply the strip to the upper lip area. Make the strip adhere perfectly by running the palm of your hand over it several times. Don’t leave the strip on the skin for more than a few seconds, otherwise it will be very difficult to remove it.

Step Six. Hold your skin taut and remove the wax strip swiftly – pulling the strip sharply away in the opposite direction of hair growth. Repeat again using the second strip is necessary until the unwanted hair is completely removed.

Step Seven. Use the moisturizing wipe included in the pack and gently wipe your skin.

Useful Tips:

* Always do a patch test before usage.
* Always pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth.
* You can use the strip for several times.
* Always warm the wax with your palms before applying them to the skin.
* The skin may become a little red after waxing the upper lip hair, because this area is very sensitive but it will disappear after approximately 30 minutes.
* Never wax your upper lip after a bath.
* Never wax if your skin is irritated, broken or has wounds.
* Never use a lotion, soap or alcohol to remove the wax residue – use the moisturizing wipes for this aim.
* Avoid exposure to the sun immediately after use.
* Use baby oil, olive oil mineral oil to remove any wax residue.
* To relieve any discomfort, apply a cold compress.
* Wax should not be used by people suffering from diabetes or varicose veins, moles or warts.

Source: Beauty-Adance

Makeup For Those Who Wear Glasses



Kelly Brooks Fitness and Diet


Kelly Brook is without doubt one the UK’s most attractive and fittest celebrities. She is also one the the most energetic, bouncy and fun loving celebrities, according to Health & Fitness magazine.
Kelly Brook has in the past made tongue-in-cheek claims that her fitness is due to having lots of “special cuddles” with her partner. However, she now reveals that her love of dancing is the true key to her success, as well as more traditional aerobic exercises.

Kelly Brooks Early Career

Kelly started her show business career over a decade ago. When she was just 16 she became a model after her mum entered her into a competition.
Since then she modelled for various companies including Foster’s Lager, Renault Megane and Walkers crisps. She then modelled lingerie for Bravissimo, which led to her career as a page three model after being spotted by the Daily Star editorial team.

Kelly Voted Britain’s Sexiest Woman

In 2005 she was FHM’s sexiest woman. In 2007 Kelly danced in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show, and put in some great performances. Last night (Sat 16th May) she appeared as a special guest judge on Britain’s Got Talent.

How does Kelly Brook workout?

So, how does she stay in such great shape? What does Kelly Brook eat? Kelly’s first tips for staying in shape is to be realistic. She told Health & Fitness that as she approaches 30, she realises that she has to do much more to continue to look great.
When she was younger, it was relatively easy, but now diet and exercise are essential. Her main method of staying in shape is dancing now, although she used to do a lot of walking and Pilates. But she says that dancing actually built more muscle and better definition that any of her previous exercise regimes, and that she felt a lot better mentally as well as physically for being dance fit.
Kelly Brook says that variety is the key to staying motivated. She soon gets bored, so mixing up workouts really helps. She does a lot of dancing and dance workouts, and adds dumbbells and exercise balls to her dance workouts. She also runs, hula hoops, does aqua aerobics or traditional circuit training outside. She gains a lot of inspiration and advice from her personal fitness coach Tamayah Ahmad, who is Rebook’s UK master trainer.
Kelly is also happy to do some weight training. She says that women who avoid weight training for fear of bulking up are “living in a dream world” or just using it as an excuse to avoid exercise. Her advice for people that cannot afford a personal trainer is to find a friend that they can exercise with, as this is also a great way to stay motivated.

Natural Exercise Outdoors

However, more than anything Kelly enjoys being outdoors. She lives on a farm in Kent and enjoys riding her bike, walking in the countryside with her dog and swimming also. She also says that she enjoys gardening, which she finds relaxing as well as a good gentle exercise.

What is Kelly Brook’s Diet?

In 2010 Kelly Brook told the Daily Mail that she does not bother with diet, or at least, she does not follow any specific diet plans and does not “go on a diet”. She just eats a healthy diet and stays active.

She does take a woman’s supplement, although as she has a healthy diet she may not need it. Some women do benefit from additional iron and folate supplements though.
She did follow the macrobiotic diet once (the same diet that Gwyneth Paltrow has done) when she was feeling tired and lacking energy but it caused her to gain weight so she stopped. She also found that the macrobiotic diet was too strict and she got bored with having to follow the rules all the time.

So, what are the keys to Kelly Brook’s great figure?

  • Stability Ball exercises to strengthen the core muscles, including pikes and dorsal raises.
  • Running for endurance and cardiovascular fitness
  • Bodyweight circuit training for full body workouts and muscle toning
  • Dancing for cardio, flexibility and lots of fun!


orignaly published at motley health

Makeup Tips for Different Eye Shapes

Eyes are the most expressive feature of your face, so why not play them up for an incredible effect? While, we all have our own desires and needs when it comes to makeup, even so makeup and beauty applications can do wonders. Eyes hold the intensity of captivating others’ souls, with merely a glance. If eyes, as they say, are the window to the soul, then they require our immediate attention first, before we can steal others.
Here’s a piece of advice:
when applying makeup to your eyes, choose shades and ways of applying makeup depending on the shape of your eyes. This way you can easily make your eyes look any way you want!
We all want beautiful, long eyelashes, well-groomed brows, and eyes that make the heart skip a beat. Follow our lead and educate yourself on how to makeup your eyes, depending on their shape.

Eye Makeup for Deep Set Eyes

For deep set eyes, always go for luminous and lustrous shades. This way, your eyes will appear appealingly bigger. Apply pale eyeshadows, starting from your eyelid from the inner corner of your eye, stretching it till outer corner. Use lighter colors in the middle of the lid, and darker colors on and just above the socket line. Blend the darker shade up and out. Eureka! There you have it – dazzling eyes to bedazzle the crowd!

Eye Makeup for Wide Set Eyes

If your eyes are wide, makeup can amazingly reduce the distance between them, giving them look.  This is what to do: apply a darker shade, starting from the outer corner of your eye till the middle of your eyelid.
Use a lighter eye shadow from the middle of your eyelid to the inner corner of your eye.
Finally, blend in different shades in the middle of the eyelid and get amazing results.

Eye Makeup for Close Set Eyes

Those with close set eyes (narrower than one eye width) should no longer frown, because help is at hand! Simple, apply some corrector on the inner corners of both eyes. Then, with help of an eyeliner, draw a very thin line edging along the upper eyelashes, so that it appears thicker near the outer corner of your eyes. Following that, apply a very thin layer of light eye-shades, from the inner corner of your eyes till the middle of the eyelids.
Apply darker shades, neatly starting from the middle of your eyelid to the outer corner.
In the end, blend the colors properly. Also, make sure to use more mascara on the outer corners.

Eye Makeup for Down Turned Eyes

Down-turned eyes? No more worries! To make down-turned eyes look sensational and appealing, the trick is to apply your eye shadow upwards and outwards. Apply eyeliner, edging it closer along the upper lash line, blend in the shade along the length of the socket line in the outer two thirds of the eyes. For a dramatic glaze, apply dense mascara.

Eye Makeup for Asian Eyes

For upward-pointing Asian eyes, remember to use light eye shades along the length of your eyelids. Draw a thick smoky line along upper eyelashes with an eye pencil. Make sure that the line is thick enough to be seen well when your eyes are open. Beneath the lower eyelashes draw a thinner line.
To make them appear strikingly wider and beautiful, apply brown eyeshadow on your eyebrows.
Two or three coats of dense mascara would make you resemble a calendar model. That’s a promise!

Eye Makeup for Those Wearing Spectacles

If you worry that your spectacles will cover your eyes, then today would be the last day of that misery. After reading this tip, you will surely reach out for your make up and perk up your looks!
If the frame of your spectacles is bright, it is better to pay attention to your eyelashes and put the accent on them, rather using too bright eye shades. If you usually prefer brown mascara, how about try a black one for a change.
To enhance your eyelashes, giving them more volume and curl, apply a coat of dense mascara, from the roots to the tips.
Those among you, who wear tortoise-shaped or horn-rimmed spectacles, concentrate on the shape of eyebrows. Coloring is also a good idea.
Now you would believe that, creating the large, wide-eyed illusion isn’t all that difficult, after all. Whether big or small, just remember you all beautiful the way you have been made. With a few tricks, you can perk up your looks and look ‘the most gorgeous women on the block!’

www.styleablaze.com