Fave New Products

(New, as in new to me, having just discovered and purchased them.)





Aveeno's Positively Nourishing haircare product line, absolutely love it, cannot say enough good things about this line. I was in Walmart perusing all the products in the $3 Clearance cosmetic section and came across a 2-in-1 shampoo & hair gel-creme package. I'm familiar with the Aveeno brand (raves for the oatmeal lotion as a diaper rash cream) and I know it can be pricey, so to get a full-size bottle of shampoo PLUS the hair gel-creme was a real deal. Upon first use, I could feel the difference in my hair, it was incredible! And that was only using the shampoo. When I rinsed it out, even wet my hair felt stronger, sleek, and as crazy as this sounds, nourished (although maybe not considering the line is called Positively Nourishing, ha). As for the gel-creme, I will probably never use a different brand styling product again. Before, I would make my own 'mixture', consisting of a small dab of gel mixed with Aussie's 3-minute Miracle cream. My own sort of gel-creme. But this Aveeno version is wicked awesome! I put it in when my hair is towel-dried, part my hair and brush it, smoothing my bangs to the side, and my hair naturally dries into this beautifully soft, lush 'do that stays in place. I lovelovelove it!!! I had to go back and get a bottle of the conditioner, as well. If you go Walmart right now, they are having a sale on all the Aveeno Positively Nourishing shampoos & conditioners, each bottle is $5.97, go get yours today! 

  

 



The Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle line: love it! There are two more products in the line, I only bought these three: the cleansing lotion, light day cream, and the de-puffing eye roller. The cleansing lotion makes your skin feel utterly luxurious; the same sort of idea as using cold cream to wash your face but this product also works on wrinkles. The light day cream is fabulous, especially for people with oily skin (me!) as it doesn't feel heavy at all. I smooth it on after washing my face with the cleansing lotion, the product instantly absorbs and leaves your skin feeling fresh and moisturized. The de-puffing eye roller was an impulse buy, I thought 'what the hell', and I'm so glad I did. I use it as part of my face routine in the mornings, but also any time of day that my eyes feel puffy, sore, tired, etc. Instantly my eyes feel cool and refreshed and I like knowing its penetrating those fine lines there as well. I picked these three products up at Walmart a couple of months ago, they were on sale for about $10 each so I have no idea what they usually cost. 




Maybelline 'The Falsies' Volume Express mascara. At first I wasn't impressed because it seemed to be clumpy and was depositing excess lumps of mascara on my lashes. Then I clued in and wised up, and started giving the brush a little wipe on a piece of paper towel before I applied it. And then... magic! Drama! Flair! I felt like I had a beauty queen's lashes. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who suffers from short stumpy lashes like I do. (Why is it that only men and small children get the naturally long and lush lashes? Damn them!)




Pond's Cleansing and Exfoliating towelettes 'Morning Refresh'. On mornings when I don't have time to immediately jump into a shower (where I use the Nivea Q10 facewash lotion), I simply grab a Pond's wipe and wash my face that way. The towelettes are great, big enough that you can use the entire surface of the wipe on your face (if you tend to fall asleep wearing your makeup, like I do, it really helps) and the one side is covered with little orange exfoliating dots. Smells great, leaves skin soft, clean and refreshed. I bought two packs for $3 each, also from the Clearance rack in the cosmetic section of Walmart. 




The Dove GoFresh body spray/deodorant line. I have a slight obsession with these products (there is also a purple one, Plum and Sakura Blossom). They're great used together or you can mix & match scents. Also great to use as linen sprays and room fresheners. I've also added a few drops of the spray to melted Scentsy wax (when it starts losing its scent). 




Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Sanitizing Moisturizers, picked these up from Value Drug Mart the other day, in a clearance bin, for $2 each (regular $10 each). I am a self-confessed nut when it comes to hand sanitizer; we always have bottles of that stuff around and I make each kid pack their own small bottle in their school backpacks. Got some in my purse, in the vehicle, in the bathrooms and kitchen. The only problem with hand sanitizer is that it dries out your hands, and if you use it often you find your hands quickly get chapped, dry, sometimes cracking, etc. Its particularly worse for me and Lena, as we both have very sensitive-skinned hands; soon as the weather turns colder in the fall, our hands (especially the knuckle area) experience all those problems on a constant basis. We are always reminding each other to lotion up our hands. So this product solves both those problems! Pretty genius, actually. Hand-sanitizing lotion. Love it. If you're interested, better head over to Value Drug Mart here in Sylvan and check out that clearance bin in the makeup/perfume section, see if there's any left. Marked down to $2 from $10, that's a pretty amazing deal, and I picked up five.

Back in the Groove

Hello loveys, I'm back. I'm sure you've wondered what the heck was up with me. Damn, I was wondering that myself. I fielded a few concerned calls, "What's up with the blog? You okay?" The answer to that is, yes and no.

You ever just kind of fall into a weird funk where every day feels the same, nothing interesting or fun seems to happen, you can't even seem to work up any interest for things you used to enjoy? Life had just fallen into a rut of sorts. Not that that's bad, heck I'm sure many people only wish to have a safe, routine rut instead of worry, uncertainty, and upheaval. So in a way I'm thankful to have that rut, I do appreciate what I've been given in this life. But sometimes... I just have these little funks that I fall into. I would tell myself, I should work on the blog, but what was there to write about? The kids were all okay, hockey had ended (I did briefly consider doing a post on that but what was there to say besides, "Yay"), Ty was working at home and away. I was just in sort of this mental freeze. No motivation to eat healthy or work out or stop smoking, even though I'd done that post on resolutions. (I HAVE been an excellent wife though, I must admit, haha).

I remember at our Christmas get-together with the Kasha side, wearing a new shirt I'd bought and my jeans were loose, I felt great and healthy and proud. I did the resolution post and was hopeful for the new year, new beginnings. And then... I don't know. I just sort of lost that. The battery on my scale died and it was almost a relief, no weighing myself every morning and obsessing over every pound lost or gained. If I wanted to eat a few cookies at midnight, who cared. Working out became something that I'd do "tomorrow". And we all know how that always turns out. I put on that Christmas outfit a while back and the jeans were tight and the shirt felt uncomfortable and I was disgusted with myself but even that wasn't enough to break out of the rut.

Is that what you'd call a bout of depression? I know it runs in the family, I'm certain there are shades of it in there somewhere. Yet I don't feel like that term applies to me, at least not in the broader sense of my daily life. Sure some things bring me down, usually something that would be considered shallow, such as a skin breakout or the whole weight issue. Which is so ridiculous, really. Why should I deserve to feel depressed about something so stupid when there are people out there with legitimate reasons for feeling depressed, loss and pain and confusion of a deep level. Then again, my emotions and feelings are real to ME, therefore no less justified. Do you ever feel that you should have no right to feel a certain way? There's that 'forward this on' email that goes around from time to time about counting your blessings, "The next time you're angry at your boss, remember the person who's been unemployed and is desperate for work", etc. The same line of thinking as never having a fight with your spouse in case that's the last time you see them. But... then you're leading a half life, not allowing yourself to have those normal feelings of anger, frustration, grief, what have you, almost like by denying them you're being a better person. Maybe that's true to a degree. But a person should never deny themselves those moods or emotions because then you're not living in the moment. In denying yourself that full spectrum of emotion and feeling, its like you're putting a judgement on yourself. 'A good person wouldn't think this way', well dammit, who can be a 'good' person 100% of the time. And who would want to? We're not meant to be Pollyannas.

And so I had my big long funk, wallowing in that rut, and just let myself feel it and process those emotions. And then  a couple days ago, Wednesday actually, I woke up and it just felt different. The quality of light in my bedroom seemed different, brighter somehow. I could see dust motes floating in a ray of sunlight through the blinds and instead of thinking 'I need to clean my room, I'm a horrid housekeeper' and starting that whole circular depressive line of thinking, I just saw the simple beauty of it. Tiny specks floating in air, uncaring of where they landed, something sprung from ugliness (dust-mite poop, for gods sake), and yet it is what it is. There's a kind of simplistic lesson in there, I think. We are who we are, no more no less. Not to say we can't change and grow and become different, and there's nothing wrong with that. Change is great. Essential, really. But those moments of going-with-the-flow, allowing ourselves to live in the moment and really claim and embrace where we are right now, no guilt, no feelings of inadequacy or hopelessness, just living it... That is a true life-lesson as well.

So I sprung out of bed, went through the same morning routine, making lunches and breakfast and laundry. But I could feel a lightness in my step, a feeling of wanting to move forward, shake myself up a bit. And when Ryder went for his nap that day, I popped in my Turbo Jam, and I was ready for that workout, man. I gave it 110% and though I was red and sweaty and huffing, I felt great and energized. And surprisingly, thanks to that amazing thing called muscle memory, it wasn't the ordeal I'd been dreading and expecting. I made it through the entire 45 minutes without having to stop (though that 2-minute Turbo was a killer). And I was friggin' proud of myself. Felt great. So while there may be more moments of funk in my future, just knowing that I can move forward and I have, gives me motivation.

So here I am. Back in the land of the living. I've missed you guys and I'll be seeing you again soon.

(PS. I will admit that Thursday I was a stiff, sore mess of knotted back muscles and strained triceps, but even that pain was a badge of honor I suffered through happily. Well, maybe not happily, I had to take a muscle-relaxant that night, but you know what I mean, lol.)

Plato's Cl-OMG! GIMME!

You guys have heard of Plato's Closet in Red Deer, right? (If not, click the link there.) Its sort of the same idea as Once Upon a Child, only for teens and young adults. My cousin Kim mentioned to me that I should take Gunnar there to look for clothes. So last Saturday, we decided to go.

Its right beside Once Upon a Child (and thank god I listened to Kim's directions how to get there because my GPS told me it was a block north, on the left, stupid GPS). In we went; Gunnar headed straight to the back where the guy section was, but my eyes were immediately pulled to the rows upon rows of shoes, on shelves above the clothes racks. But one pair in particular had me gasping and hauling ass to grab them before the girl browsing that section could spot them. PURPLE patent leather spike heels! ZOMG. And whaddaya know --- size 8! Price? $8. Ya. I know.

WELL. Then I was on a mission, to find every cool pair of shoes in my size and nab them before the sweet young things wandering the store could. Picked up another pair of gold-trimmed brown suede T-strap wedge heels, $5. Checked out the boots, unfortunately the only pair in my size had a wicked-high arch and looked just uncomfortable -- though they were cute.

On to the purses. Found a wicked black leather purse with two huge zipper pockets on the front, very rocker-ish, $6. A hot-pink and black checkered patent leather clasp wallet, $2. I know, right?

Checked out their hats; found a gray small-print hounds-tooth newsboy with two big buttons on either side of the brim, and a black thick canvas-feel hat with buckles and straps on the sides, similar in look to my old favorite black Rbk hat. $4 each. Ya. I know.

Handed off my findings to a poor salesgirl, "Take these and hold them for me, must...continue...shopping..."

I figured I would check out the clothes, see if there were any in my size. The amount of stuff in there is simply staggering and I had no idea where to start. A good pair of well-fitting jeans is always hard to find (especially for my body shape) but I thought I'd see what was available. Rifled through about twenty pairs in my size, found several that looked promising. Added them to my 'try-on-later' pile at the checkout desk.

On to shirts; found about twenty, as well as a beautiful gray button front sweater with 3/4 length bell sleeves. Added them to the pile.

Then it was time to try everything on. Quite the process, as I'm sure you can relate. (Meanwhile, Gunnar had amassed quite the pile of his own and was also ready to try his stuff on.) So there we were, side by side in our changing rooms, me going "Omg Gunnar, I love this shirt, you should see it!" and he's going "You wouldn't believe the stuff I found!" We were like two excited giddy peas in a pod.

So of all the shirts I found, I only kept about eight (most were around $5-6 though two were only $3), and the gray sweater. Oh! And I got a beautiful halter-style black and white dress with a black satin ribbon that ties around the waist, so pretty, $10.

Then it was time to try on the jeans. (And keep in mind that we were only allowed six items at a time in the dressing room, so I had to keep getting redressed to go out and exchange my stuff for more. To top it off, I was wearing a hat --bad hair day-- so had to keep it on AND I had to keep putting my coat back on because I was wearing an ugly shirt that day, doh!)

So I'm trying on pair after pair of jeans and none of them were fitting well. They were all either too long, the legs were too roomy, or the waist was loose. Then I realized... I'd went down a size! YESSS!! What a sweet feeling that was. But that meant having to go back to the jean section and browse through all those sizes. So I did and headed back to the change room with several pairs, two of which ended up being keepers, at $8 each.

You guys, do you know how long its been since I bought a pair of jeans? AGES. And they're nice. Tight enough in the waist to hold everything in but not too tight that I have a muffin top. Legs are closely fitted but not the 'skinny' style. And they're name brand (like I really care but it does make you feel a bit more cool to NOT be wearing jeans from Walmart, haha), not a name brand I recognize but Gunnar told me he knows people who wear that brand. You hear that? Sweet affirmation that I'm not a style dud.

We walked out of the store $200 poorer, but soooo much richer, style-wise. Gunnar picked up somewhere between 10-15 shirts, all the name brands that he likes, at about $5 each; a gray zip-up Adidas hoody that looks brand new for $13; and two pairs of jeans, $8 each. I got my two pairs of shoes, the purse and wallet, the two pairs of jeans, the two hats, the dress, and all those shirts. One of which is a wrap-style purple print silky material that fits (and looks) just right. Can wear it with my new purple spike heels!

We got a 20% off coupon for our next visit (seeing as how we spent so much) and we'll definitely be back. Their stock is constantly coming and going so I'm excited to see what's there next time.

Yay! I finally have cool clothes in my closet!

Health Matters: Holiday Edition

Smart Holiday Snacking Tips

Go easy on the sides. Stuffing and mashed potatoes can be loaded with hidden butter and cream — all of which can aggravate breakouts and make it harder to fit into your jeans. Try to take just a bite or two, and pile on the salad and veggies to help keep your skin clear and your figure sleek.

Watch your liquid calories. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, and warm, creamy eggnog definitely hit the spot when it’s cold outside. However, they add hidden calories without making you feel full, so be careful how much you drink and go easy on the toppings. The same goes for sweet alcoholic drinks.

Go ahead — eat dessert. Depriving yourself will only make you crave it more — and you may offend your hosts if you refuse to have any. Take one small piece of cheesecake or one small slice of pie (not one of each). For a smarter choice, choose pumpkin pie (which contains fiber and vitamin A) over shortbread or cupcakes (carbs + sugar = more wrinkles).


Holiday Cookies You Won't Feel Guilty About

Holiday Pretzels
Ingredients:
pretzel rods
chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, whatever you like
variety of sprinkles

(Now, granted chocolate chips aren’t exactly heart healthy, but it’s better than those calorie-intense options and you don’t really use very much ... so I will continue ...)

Melt the chocolate chips in a double-boiler. Using a spoon, coat about 1/3 of the pretzel rod with chocolate - allow the excess chocolate to drip a few seconds. Roll the chocolate portion in sprinkles of your choice ... we particularly like to use the peppermint sprinkles. Place on parchment paper to set. When completely cooled, place in a rectangular cookie tin, laying a piece of waxed or parchment paper between the layers.


Gingerbread Men
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter, softened
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg (or egg replacer)
⅓ cup dark molasses
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp. allspice
¼ tsp. ground cloves

Preparation:
1) In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar and applesauce until smooth. Add egg and molasses and mix well. In another large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices.
2) Add to sugar and molasses mixture, stirring well.
3) Divide dough in two; cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough to 1/4 or 1/8-inch thickness.
4) Cut gingerbread men with a cookie cutter.
5) Add candies or raisins to decorate.
6) Place 1-2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7) Bake 10-12 minutes.
8) Add frosting or more decorations when cool.

Makes 30 cookies.
Per serving: Calories 94, Calories from Fat 16, Fat 1.8g (sat 1g), Cholesterol 11mg, Sodium 48mg, Carbohydrate 18g, Fiber 0.4g, Protein 1.5g


How to Avoid Alcohol 'Red-Face'
Alcohol may get the party going, but it doesn’t agree with everyone. Many people experience flushing, redness, and breakouts when they drink. Alcohol can also aggravate rosacea and cause permanently enlarged veins on the face, especially on the nose, cheeks, and chin.

These symptoms can be especially severe if your body is unable to metabolize alcohol properly. Up to 50 percent of Asians lack the enzymes necessary to metabolize alcohol; it’s common, therefore, for Asians to experience very red, swollen faces and a racing heartbeat, even after very small amounts of alcohol. It has been estimated that 20 to 30 percent of Caucasians also have a flushing response, although it doesn’t tend to be as severe as it is in Asians.

The best way to avoid symptoms is to abstain from alcohol altogether. Stick to club soda, or ask the bartender to mix in some cranberry juice for a spritzer. No one will notice what you’re drinking, but they WILL notice if you’re not drinking anything at all, so play along.

If you want to enjoy a drink or two, here’s how to minimize the damage:

Drink water. Be sure to have one glass of water between each glass of alcohol to avoid dehydration. Remember, dehydration can make wrinkles more apparent and it contributes to hangovers. Rehydrate by drinking plenty of fluids the next morning.

Avoid the worst offenders. Beer and wine — especially red wine — contain compounds that cause flushing, so go for mixed drinks made with distilled alcohol, such as gin, vodka, or whisky.

Go sulfite-free. If you must drink wine, look for sulfite-free wines — there should be an indication on the label. Sulfites, which act as preservatives, can cause flushing and redness. White wines tend to have fewer sulfites than reds. Also look for organic or biodynamic wines because they won’t contain sulfites.

Keep cool. People with rosacea are sensitive to heat as well as alcohol, so stay away from hot Irish coffee and steaming cups of hot cider (with or without alcohol) — or at least let it cool before you drink it.

Health Matters: Top Foods Edition

Top 10 High Fiber Foods
Dietary fiber fills you up (without weighing you down), keeps blood sugar levels in check, and helps prevent chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. But even though fiber is widely available in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole unprocessed grains, most Americans get very little of the stuff — a paltry 14 grams a day, compared with the recommended 25 to 35 grams.

APPLE
Apples and their skin pack twice as much fiber as other common fruits, like peaches, grapes, and grapefruit. "Plus, for someone who has high cholesterol, the soluble fiber in an apple helps regulate cholesterol," says Sari Greaves, R.D. a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Just don't peel the skin. A whole medium apple has almost 3.5 grams of fiber, but if you peel the skin, the fiber content drops to 1.7 grams. Apple juice is even lower, with a negligible 0.2 gram. Another reason to keep the skin on: Research shows that apple skin contains significantly more disease-fighting polyphenols than does the flesh.

ARTICHOKE
A medium artichoke contains 10 grams of fiber but just 120 calories. "Artichokes are a good source of silymarin, which is one of the most liver-friendly nutrients in the world," says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth (Fair Winds Press). "They also have more potassium than a banana." Try steaming them with a little olive oil, garlic, and rosemary; eat with a little bit of butter, or add hearts to salads and pizzas.

AVOCADO
The avocado was vilified during the fat-phobic 1980s. And while this delectable fruit is high in fat, it's time to banish the bad rap. "Most of the fat in avocados is monounsaturated fat, the same heart-healthy kind found in olive oil and macadamia nut oil," says Bowden. Even more important, the fat from an avocado isn't likely to stick to your hips, because the fruit is packed with fiber (between 11 and 17 grams per avocado). Eat avocados whole right out of the skin. With a couple of hundred calories, tons of heart-healthy fat, and half a day's fiber, you'll be full for at least a few hours.

BARLEY
"Unlike many grains, which contain fiber only in the outer bran layer, barley contains fiber throughout the entire kernel," says Greaves. "So even highly processed barley products that are missing the bran have significant amounts of fiber." A half-cup serving of cooked barley contains about 4 grams of total dietary fiber and 95 calories. Compare that with the 1.75 grams of dietary fiber in long-grain brown rice (white rice has even less fiber — under 1 gram). Plus, barley's soluble fiber binds to fatty substances and ferries them out of the body, regulates cholesterol, and helps keep blood sugar levels in check, staving off future snack attacks.

BEANS (NAVY, KIDNEY, GARBANZO)
Beans are one of the best sources of fiber on the planet. Just half a cup of navy beans has almost 10 grams of fiber. Baked beans, lentils, black beans, pinto beans, and garbanzos aren't far behind, all boasting between 7.5 and 9 grams of fiber for half a cup. "Beans are low in calories and high in fiber, and they're a great plant source of protein," says Greaves. "Whether you're throwing beans into a salad, adding them to soup, or making a base for salsa, they're a great addition to a meal." But they can also double as the main event — think lentil soup, bean burritos, and rice and beans.

BROCCOLI
You'd be hard pressed to find a nutritionist who wouldn't put broccoli at the top of his or her "healthiest foods" list. Beyond the 2-plus grams of fiber in a single cup, broccoli also contains 2 grams of protein, 288 mg of potassium, and 43 mg of calcium, to say nothing of the vegetable's powerful disease-fighting chemicals. "Broccoli contains plant compounds called indoles, which act as traffic cops for estrogen, shuttling estrogen down more benign metabolic pathways," says Bowden. The result: a reduced risk of hormone-related cancers like breast cancer and cervical cancer.

OATMEAL AND HIGH FIBER CEREALS
Start the day with oatmeal or a whole-grain cereal that contains at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. "Just make sure the first ingredient on the label is 'whole,' which means all three layers of the grain are intact," says Greaves. A lot of products look like whole grains (some brands of instant oatmeal, for example, and some bran cereals), but the first ingredient listed on their labels is enriched rather than whole flour. If the grain is whole, the product has more fiber. Want to boost the fiber content of your breakfast even higher? Top it with wheat germ, raisins, bananas, or berries, all of which are good sources of fiber.

PAPAYA
A cup of cubed papaya has only 55 calories and 2.5 grams of fiber, and it's chock-full of important nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and vitamins C and A. What's more, since papaya is loaded with digestive enzymes, it helps break down protein. Fish tacos with papaya salsa, anyone?

BERRIES (ESPECIALLY RASPBERRIES)
All berries are disease-fighting superstars — and most are low in calories and high in fiber. Raspberries, for example, have a measly 64 calories per cup but 8 grams of fiber. Berries also contain polyphenols and anthocyanins, powerful plant chemicals that help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and ease the symptoms of arthritis.

PUMPKIN
Don't restrict this nutritional powerhouse to fall holiday fare. With only 49 calories per cup and 2.5 grams of fiber, it's a great vegetable to enjoy all year long. What's more, pumpkins are loaded with potassium (565 mg per cup), a mineral that has been shown to build strong bones and dramatically reduce the risk of stroke. Need another reason to scoop out the orange stuff? Per cup, pumpkin has more than 2,400 mcg of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.

 
10 Scrumptious Food That Fight Cancer 
GARLIC
Several large studies have found that those who eat more garlic are less likely to develop various kinds of cancer, especially in digestive organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Ingredients in the pungent bulbs may keep cancer-causing substances in your body from working, or they may keep cancer cells from multiplying. Experts don’t know how much you need to eat to prevent cancer, but a clove a day may be helpful.

BERRIES
As a tasty treat, berries are hard to beat. But their juicy goodness also may make them one of the foods to fight cancer. Berries contain particularly powerful antioxidants, meaning they can halt a naturally occurring process in the body that creates free radicals that can damage your cells. Compounds in berries may also help keep cancers from growing or spreading. So, as part of your anti-cancer diet, pick up a handful of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or any other favorite berries today.

TOMATOES
Some research has found that eating tomatoes may help protect men from prostate cancer. The juicy red orbs can help guard the DNA in your cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Tomatoes contain a particularly high concentration of an effective antioxidant called lycopene. Your body may absorb lycopene better from processed tomato foods such as sauce, which means that whole-wheat pasta with marinara sauce could be a delicious way to help lower your risk of this disease.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES
Cruciferous vegetables — the group containing broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower — may be particularly helpful in protecting you from cancer. Researchers have found that components in these veggies can protect you from the free radicals that can damage your cells' DNA. They may also shield you from cancer-causing chemicals, help slow the growth of tumors, and encourage cancer cells to die. They’re a tasty and healthy addition to your anti-cancer diet.

GREEN TEA
Tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which may help prevent cancer in a variety of ways, including keeping free radicals from damaging cells. Lab studies have found that catechins in tea can shrink tumors and reduce tumor cell growth. Some — but not all — studies in humans have also linked drinking tea to a lower risk of cancer. Both green and black teas contain catechins, but you’ll get more antioxidants from green tea, so you may want to consider a cup or more in your anti-cancer diet.

WHOLE GRAINS
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, whole grains contain many components that might lower your risk of cancer, including fiber and antioxidants. A large study including nearly half a million people found that eating more whole grains might lower the risk of colorectal cancer, making them a top item in the category of foods to fight cancer. Oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread and pasta are all examples of whole grains.

TURMERIC
This orange-colored spice, a staple in Indian curries, contains an ingredient called curcumin (not the same as cumin) that might be useful in reducing cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society, curcumin can inhibit some kinds of cancer cells in laboratory studies and slow the spread of cancer or shrink tumors in some animals. Turmeric is easy to find in grocery stores, and you can use it in a variety of recipes.

LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES
Leafy green vegetables like spinach and lettuce are good sources of the antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein. You’ll also find these nutrients in vegetables that are more traditionally eaten cooked, like collard greens, mustard greens, and kale. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, some lab studies have found that chemicals in these foods may limit the growth of some kinds of cancer cells.

GRAPES
The skin of red grapes is a particularly rich source of an antioxidant called resveratrol. Grape juice and red wine also contain this antioxidant. According to the National Cancer Institute, resveratrol may be useful in keeping cancer from beginning or spreading. Lab studies have found that it limits the growth of many kinds of cancer cells; in men, moderate amounts of red wine have been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer.

BEANS
Certain fruits and vegetables and other plant foods get plenty of recognition for being good sources of antioxidants, but beans often are unfairly left out of the picture. Some beans, particularly pinto and red kidney beans, are outstanding sources of antioxidants and should be included in your anti-cancer diet. Beans also contain fiber, and eating a high-fiber diet may also help reduce your risk of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.


Sneaky High-Sodium Foods
If you’ve been in a grocery store lately, you’ve probably noticed more and more low-sodium foods on shelves, from cheese to crackers. There’s good reason for the change: Consuming salty foods can increase your risk for serious health conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The obvious fix is to cut some of the salt from your diet, but sodium is sneaky — it can lurk in many seemingly healthy foods. Here are some of the worst offenders.

BEWARE OF CERTAIN BREADS
You probably don’t think of bread as salty food, but some types can contain fairly high amounts of sodium. A six-and-a-half-inch pita, for example, contains more than 300 milligrams of salt. That doesn’t sound like much, but it can add up when you consider that most adults are advised to keep their salt intake below 2,000 mg of sodium per day, says Kelly O’Connor, RD, a nutritionist and certified diabetes educator at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. The next time you’re craving a sandwich, reach for low-sodium rye bread — the reduced-calorie version contains only 93 mg per slice, significantly less than the 170 mg in the average slice of white bread. Another good choice is whole-grain bread, which has about 127 mg per slice.

FORGET FROZEN MEALS
Packaged low-calorie frozen meals may seem like the easy way to control portions and watch your weight, but most of them contain way too much salt. “Although many brands now offer low-sodium alternatives, the meals still contain significant amounts,” O’Connor says. “Some of them contain more than 500 mg per meal, which is one-third of your recommended daily intake if you are following a low-sodium diet.” A leftover meal made from last night’s healthier homemade dinner can serve as a low-sodium, quick-lunch alternative to lower your salt intake, O’Connor adds.

DITCH THE SALAD DRESSING
You may feel virtuous opting for a salad over a hamburger, but pay attention to the condiments that you add to your greens. One tablespoon of commercially prepared French dressing, for example, has 214 mg of sodium. “This is not a red-flag amount of sodium per serving, but think of how many people pour the salad dressing on their salads directly from the bottle, serving themselves several tablespoons and maybe 800 to 1,000 mg of sodium,” O’Connor says. The next time you reach for a salad, try using oil and vinegar, which won’t add to your salt intake.

CURB CEREALS
You probably don’t think of breakfast cereal as a salty food, but many of the “healthier” cereals on the market, like corn flakes and toasted-oat cereals, have almost 300 mg of sodium per cup. Again, the problem isn’t the sodium per serving, but the small amount that counts as a serving size. “A typical cereal bowl can hold one and a half to two cups of cereal, if not more,” O’Connor says. To control your salt intake at breakfast time, watch your portion size, and try shredded-wheat-type cereals, which are low-sodium foods. A one-cup serving of frosted miniature-wheat cereal, for example, has only 3 mg of salt.

BE CAUTIOUS OF CANNED BEANS
Some people opt for beans as a way to get protein while controlling their fat and cholesterol intakes, but the canned versions often have too much salt. One cup of plain baked beans has a whopping 1,008 mg of sodium, which is half of an adult’s recommended daily salt intake. “A roasted chicken breast [without the skin] would be an all-around better choice, with less than 100 mg of sodium and minimal fat and cholesterol content,” O’Connor says. If you’re a vegetarian, try cooking dried beans — one cup of boiled navy beans has only 2 mg of sodium.

JUNK THE JARRED SPAGHETTI SAUCE
Be prudent the next time you serve pasta: On average, one cup of ready-to-serve marinara or spaghetti sauce weighs in at over 1,000 mg of sodium. If you still want the convenience of jarred sauce, look for lower-sodium versions, some of which contain just 100 mg of salt per serving. Better yet, curb your salt intake by making your own sauce with fresh tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers; these vegetables have very low amounts of sodium, and the finished sauce can easily be frozen for convenience.

DROP THE DIET COLA
While diet colas don’t have the sugar and calories of regular cola, they actually have more sodium — 28 mg for a 12-ounce can compared to 15 mg for regular. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but again, O’Connor says, the key is frequency of consumption — several cans of diet cola over the course of a day can add up to too much salt. The next time you’re feeling thirsty, skip the soda in favor of decaf herbal tea or fruit juice, both of which are very low in sodium. “But of course, the best choice would be water,” O’Connor says. The average cup of municipal tap water comes in at about 5 mg of sodium.

CAN THE CANNED SOUP
Those cans of minestrone and tomato soup may make for a comforting meal, but they’re veritable salt-fests. One cup of canned chicken noodle soup contains 1,106 milligrams of sodium. If you don’t have time to make soup from scratch, limit your salt intake by choosing canned soups labeled “healthy” or “low-sodium.” While not free of salt, they usually contain much less than regular versions. (Check the nutrition labels to be sure.) Or try the ready-made soup selections in your grocery store’s deli department, which tend to be lower in sodium than shelf-stable products.


10 Foods That Make You Beautiful
You eat a healthy diet, regularly choosing natural foods, so why not follow suit with your beauty routine? Many foods that are healthy to eat also offer powerful benefits for your skin and hair — and they've found their way into a wide variety of beauty products. “A lot of chemicals can cause irritation, while natural ingredients tend to be absorbed well and contain actual antioxidants and enzymes in their purest, most potent form,” says Deborah Longwill, MD, a dermatologist at the Miami Center for Dermatology. Check out these natural ingredients that can aid your beauty regimen.

OLIVE OIL
Olive oil has been revered for centuries as a natural moisturizer, and with good reason. “Olive oil is ultrahydrating,” says Dr. Longwill. It creates a barrier that protects dry skin and is particularly helpful for people who have psoriasis or eczema. Use it straight from the bottle — yes, the same olive oil you use to make healthy salad dressings — to slather on after a shower. Or try it as a homemade hair treatment for split ends. “Hair follicles absorb olive oil nicely,” says Longwill. You can find olive oil in numerous skin and hair care products, including soaps, facial washes, moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners.

OATMEAL
The buzz about this popular breakfast food usually focuses on its cholesterol-lowering effects, though if you stop there, you’re selling this “superfood” short. Oatmeal can also soothe rashes and irritations caused by poisonous plants, such as poison ivy and oak, as well as pain and itching caused by chicken pox and sunburn. Simply sprinkle some dry oatmeal into a lukewarm bath and soak for 10 minutes. Because of its grainy texture, oatmeal is also ideal for gentle skin exfoliation: Mix with warm water, apply to your face with circular motions, let dry for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off.

TURMERIC
This fragrant herb, most commonly used in Indian curries, is also prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has long been used to treat eczema and is known to speed wound healing. Recent research suggests that turmeric may also help firm aging skin, and it's the star ingredient in some natural skin creams. A rich golden yellow, turmeric is also used as a fabric dye, but don’t worry — the hue won’t transfer to your skin.

HONEY
Known as nature’s sweetener, honey is also Mother Nature’s antiseptic — it has been proven to help speed the healing of wounds and superficial burns. Because it kills bacteria, Longwill recommends products that contain honey to her patients with acne. In addition, honey is an effective skin moisturizer. Look for honey in lip balms, soaps, and moisturizers, among other skin care products.

PUMPKIN
“As we progress into our forties, fifties, and beyond, our skin cells turn over less frequently, causing a duller appearance,” says Longwill. That’s where pumpkin can help. It contains an enzyme that gently peels away dead skin, speeding the production of new cells. In addition, pumpkin is rich in essential fatty acids, which hydrate the skin, and the antioxidant vitamins A and C, which fight free radicals that can age skin. Look for pumpkin products in facial and body peels and in treatments for the hair and scalp.

SALMON
While you would never apply salmon directly to your face or body, cold-water fish like salmon contain DMAE, short for dimethylaminoethanol, a compound that helps rejuvenate skin. You can get the benefits of DMAE by eating cold-water fish or by applying it to your skin by means of creams and moisturizers, says Longwill. Products that contain DMAE are thought to help firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

SEAWEED
Seaweed is a popular skin care ingredient across the globe, especially in Japan and France. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and is thought to have a host of cosmetic benefits, including reducing inflammation and irritation, cleansing, firming, and softening. Because seaweed is also thought to help improve circulation, it’s a key ingredient in many cellulite-reducing creams and is used in detoxifying body wraps at spas. Several varieties of seaweed are used in skin care products.

GREEN TEA
The many health benefits of drinking green tea are widely known — it can help reduce cholesterol and may protect against certain cancers and glaucoma. When applied to your skin, green tea is a potent antioxidant that helps skin retain moisture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, says Longwill. Look for green tea in facial and body washes, masks, and moisturizers. For a refreshing treat, apply green tea bags dampened with cold water to your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.

ALOE
Aloe, which is instantly cooling and soothing, has been used medicinally for years to heal light burns, including those caused by the sun and certain chemicals. Its gel provides a barrier that protects against irritants and bacteria, and it hydrates and reduces inflammation, says Longwill. For the most potent burn relief, break a piece straight from a plant and squeeze the gel directly onto the burn. Moisturizers and other products that contain aloe are generally nonirritating, so they are a good choice for people with sensitive skin.

ACAI
The benefits of this trendy berry are not just hype. Acai berries, found in the Amazon jungle, contain a high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. When this super-food is added to moisturizers, it may help neutralize oxidative stress and protect skin against signs of sun damage. In addition, acai is known to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and to even out skin tone.


8 Yummy Tension-Taming Foods
When you're feeling tense, there are many ways to manage and, in fact, reduce stress levels. Your diet and nutrition choices can make your stress levels go up or down. Certain foods provide comfort and actually increase levels of hormones in the body that naturally fight stress. Other types of foods and beverages can reduce stress by lowering the levels of hormones that trigger it.

HAVE A CUP OF SOOTHING COMFORT
Sometimes, it's the effect of a food or drink that can help reduce stress, not necessarily its nutrients. A warm cup of tea can actually calm many people, says Sandra Meyerowitz, MPH, RD, LD, online nutrition coach and owner of Nutrition Works in Louisville, Ky. There's the soothing effect of sipping a warm drink, regardless of the flavor — but certain herbs, like lavender and chamomile, have been shown to have a relaxing effect on their own, Meyerowitz says.

INDULGE IN DARK CHOCOLATE
Dark chocolate in the diet can reduce stress in two ways — its chemical impact and its emotional impact. Chocolate feels like such an indulgence that it can be a real treat to simply savor a piece of it, and that feeling alone can help to reduce stress, says Meyerowitz. Dark chocolate, which is also rich in antioxidants, can also help to reduce stress by lowering levels of stress hormones in the body, according to a Swiss study in which participants ate about 1.5 ounces per day for two weeks. Just avoid excess calories in your diet by not overindulging in chocolate, advises Meyerowitz.

CHOOSE CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates have been found to increase levels of serotonin, a chemical in the body that can boost mood and reduce stress. Once serotonin levels are increased, people under stress experience improved cognitive function, meaning they can concentrate and work better. Meyerowitz notes the comforting effect of carbohydrates in the diet that can reduce stress — savoring a bowl of pasta or macaroni and cheese feels soothing and can help you to relax. Just make sure to choose healthy carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and whole-grains for better nutrition, and limit fat-laden, calorie-dense toppings.

ENJOY AVOCADOS
Avocados are not only delicious mashed into guacamole or sliced onto a salad — they're also packed with omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy essential acids are known to reduce stress and anxiety, boost concentration, and improve mood. Meyerowitz emphasizes the importance of getting the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet for overall health, in addition to the benefit of helping to reduce stress.

EAT FATTY FISH
Fatty fish are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and an excellent way to use diet and nutrition to reduce stress because they also offer a major benefit to cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids and fatty fish have also been found to ease depression, because the chemicals improve communication between nerve cells. Fatty fish include tuna, halibut, salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, and lake trout.

MAKE A MUG OF WARM MILK
A centuries-old home remedy for getting a better night’s sleep, warm milk helps because it has a relaxing effect on the body. Calcium-rich foods are an essential part of a healthy diet for bone health, but they also help with stress reduction. Milk and other dairy foods with calcium and added vitamin D can help muscles relax and stabilize mood — one study even found that they can also ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

GRAB A HANDFUL OF NUTS
(Beau says: I reaallllly want to make a comment here...)
Nuts are full of vitamins, including B vitamins, and healthy fatty acids as well. According to Meyerowitz, B vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and can help to reduce stress. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts can even help lower blood pressure levels. According to one study, pistachios in particular were found to have a role in reducing stress levels. Just remember to limit servings to just a handful a day to avoid excess calories.

GET MORE VITAMIN C
Some studies have found that high levels of vitamin C help ease stress levels. One double-blind study reported on the value of taking 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C in a slow-release formula to reduce stress and levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol. Another study looked at the stress reduction effects of taking a supplement containing 1,000 mg of C, plus B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. Eating citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries is a good start, but you would need a supplement to reach such high levels of these nutrients.


**All articles found at http://www.everydayhealth.com/

Hey, you got something on your... oh, nevermind

So lucky, lucky me. Had to be in Eckville by 8:45 for Ardan's 9:15am game, driving on those hellish slippery roads, and to add insult to injury, I have a big old red zit on my nose.

Damn AcneFree not doing its job!

Why today of all days? If I'd gotten it a couple days before it would at least be faded enough to cover with makeup. But noooooo. The makeup I slathered on just made it worse, like 'Look at me! This poor bitch thinks she can get rid of me but I am red and angry!'

So just call me Rudolph the Red-fuckin-Nosed Reindeer!

Health Matters: Skin Edition by Dr Jessica Wu

Rejuvenate Your Skin With Retinoids
Sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles can sometimes be treated best with retinoids. Here's how to find a retinoid treatment that addresses your skin's needs.

What are retinoids, and why should you care about them? Retinoids are a class of ingredients that were originally developed to treat acne in the 1960s. More recently, they’ve been shown to be effective at treating signs of aging and sun damage. In fact, there are only two prescription ingredients that are approved by the FDA for treating fine wrinkles, roughness, and the blotchy pigmentation associated with photodamage (sun damage). Both are retinoids: tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin-A, Renova, and generic creams) and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac). Here’s how to figure out which one suits your needs:

If you have sun damage: Ask your doctor if either tretinoin or tazarotene would be right for you. Tretinoin has been shown to soften fine lines by slowing the breakdown of collagen in your skin and stimulating the production of new collagen. In addition, tretinoin has been shown to fade dark discoloration and blotchy pigmentation. Tazarotene typically works faster than tretinoin, but after a few months its results are similar. However, for some people it’s more irritating than tretinoin. I often recommend that patients start a retinoid two or three times a week and then gradually working up to every night, as tolerated.



If you have fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes: Consider asking your doctor about tretinoin of a milder strength, such as Renova, which comes in a moisturizing base. Many of my patients are worried that the retinoid with make their skin thinner. In fact, with proper use, retinoids have been proven to make the skin thicker and plumper.


If you’re new to retinoids or if you have sensitive skin: Try an over-the-counter retinol product, like Olay ProX Deep Wrinkle Treatment ($17) or RoC Retinol Correxion ($11). Retinol is converted into tretinoin in the skin, though it’s only about 1/20 the strength of the tretinoin in Retin-A. However, because it’s less irritating than prescription products, it’s a good place to start.


Facial Masks for Different Skin Types
If a crazy schedule has derailed your skin care routine, try a facial mask to get your skin back on track. Masks contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, so you may see results faster than you would with a cream alone. Set aside 10 minutes a week to bring dull, tired, angry skin back to life — and take a well-deserved catnap at the same time. (Just make sure you warn your spouse or roommate before applying the mask so you don't scare him or her!) Here's how to choose a mask that will work best for your skin type:

For oily skin and skin with blemishes and large pores: look for ingredients like kaolin clay and silica, which absorb oil and reduce shine. Kaolin also helps calm breakouts by fighting inflammation and redness. Try Clinique's Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask or Neutrogena's Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask.


If you have dry, flaky patches: look for a hydrating mask with oils and emollient ingredients. Try Origins' Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask with avocado and apricot kernel oils or Laura Mercier's Intensive Moisture Mask, which contains sweet almond and sunflower seed oils as well as sodium hyaluronate, which helps hold moisture in your skin. For maximum hydration, leave the mask on at least 20 minutes or even overnight.

Those with rosacea and sensitive skin: look for water-based gel masks that contain natural skin soothers like cucumber and aloe. These masks cool your skin as they dry, helping to reduce redness and irritation. For best results, store the mask in the fridge. Try Yes to Cucumbers Calm Care Soothing Facial Mask or Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque.


For anti-aging benefits: look for a mask that contains collagen-building retinol — try Shiseido's Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask.



Get Clear Pores: 3 Simple Ways to Banish Blackheads
Sometimes no matter how diligent you are about washing your face every day, blackheads can rear their ugly heads, especially on and around the nose. Clogged pores are often to blame. Pores are openings to oil glands, which are concentrated on the nose, chin, and forehead (often called the T zone). When the oil, or sebum, gets trapped inside the pores and then comes into contact with the air, it turns dark, creating blackheads. Dead skin cells also get trapped in the pores and build up, eventually stretching out the pores and making them look huge. While it’s difficult to shrink pores permanently, here is what you can do to help minimize blackheads:
 
1. Be sure to exfoliate to help keep pores from getting clogged. If your skin is very oily, try Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub, which contains salicylic acid to unclog pores. If you have sensitive skin, try Alba Hawaiian Pineapple Enzyme Facial Scrub or Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, which contain natural fruit enzymes to gently loosen dead skin cells. Avoid scrubbing if your skin is irritated or sunburned.

2. Try Bioré Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips to temporarily remove surface oil and dirt from your pores. Wet your skin and place a strip on your nose until it dries (about 15 minutes), then peel it off. You'll be able to see tiny plugs of dead skin that have come off on the tape. While these can help temporarily, don’t use them more than once or twice a week or if you’re using a retinoid or have sensitive skin, because overuse can lead to irritated skin.

3. A primer (either under makeup or on its own) can help blackheads look smaller by smoothing out the surface of your skin and soaking up oil. Try Philosophy's On a Clear Day Acne Clarifying Primer, which also contains salicylic acid.




Eating for Clear Skin
You know how your mother used to nag you to stop eating french fries and cookies because they'd make you break out? Well, she may have been onto something.

It's not that greasy food makes your skin produce more oil but that certain foods — especially simple carbohydrates, such as potatoes, cookies, and bread — raise your blood sugar. When blood sugar rises, your body produces insulin, which has several effects, one of which is to stimulate your skin's oil glands. Several studies have shown that a diet high in these types of foods can aggravate acne.


And it's not just carbs. Dairy products, including milk, have also been associated with breakouts because they contain hormones that affect pores and oil glands, leading to pimples and acne cysts. Some of my patients notice worse breakouts just three days after they binge on dairy, sugar, or baked goods. As a dermatologist, I recommend limiting the amount of simple carbs and dairy in your diet.

Just remember that if you're cutting down on dairy, you must make sure that you're getting adequate calcium from other sources. My favorite skin-friendly snacks are Kashi GOLEAN Crunchy! Bars (approximately $1.72 each, or $18.44 for a 12-pack at select supermarkets, natural food stores, or kashi.com). They contain fiber and protein, but they're dairy-free, and the carbohydrates are released slowly into your bloodstream to minimize spikes in blood sugar that can aggravate acne. Best of all, they taste like Rice Krispies bars!



How Can I Erase Acne Scars?
There are several ways to improve the appearance of your acne scars, depending on their color, texture, and size. Dark, discolored acne scars can be lightened with prescription-strength fading creams, such as Tri-Luma and EpiQuin Micro. These are especially helpful in individuals with darker skin tones, who, because they have more melanin in their skin, are more likely to develop dark blemishes even after their pimples heal, a condition called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. If the fading creams don't lighten the scars, a dermatologist can perform a chemical peel to help even out the skin tone.

If your scars have left you with uneven skin texture, new devices such as the Affirm and Fraxel lasers can help smooth the skin's surface. These minimally invasive lasers can reduce shallow scars, and treatment necessitates only a few days of recovery time.


Depressed scars can also be treated with "fillers," such as Restylane, Juvederm, and CosmoPlast, which are injected underneath the skin to lift up the scar's surface. While these treatments require little to no recovery time, they generally wear off in four to six months and must be repeated to maintain the results.

Deep or extensive scarring may require more invasive procedures, such as carbon dioxide resurfacing lasers or dermabrasion. Because these treatments are more aggressive and remove several layers of skin, they require a minimum of two to three weeks of recovery time. There is a risk of persistent redness and discoloration, which can last several months, depending on the area treated and your skin type.

Very large or deep acne pits may require a visit to a plastic surgeon who performs scar revision. In this type of surgery, the scars are cut out and the healthy skin is sewn back together to allow the area to heal more smoothly.


If you take Accutane or other forms of isotretinoin for your acne, it's important to discontinue use and wait at least six months to a year before undergoing any invasive procedures. Such drugs can impair the skin's ability to heal properly and may lead to more scarring. I would recommend a visit to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who can evaluate your scars and recommend the best treatment for your skin type.


Skin-Soothing Cocktails
(a summer article but liquor is timeless, right? lol)

Sangria
Perhaps the most celebratory drink of backyard parties and outdoor dining, sangria is also one of the healthiest alcoholic beverages you can order. Wine is packed with flavonoids and resveratrol, antioxidants that have antiaging effects — they help prevent and reduce the damage of "free radicals" on the skin. You also reap the health benefits of the fruit you choose to use! While red wine does have a higher antioxidant content, white also has these properties, and it's a lighter option for summer nights (or days … we won't judge). A rule of thumb for selecting fruit: Go with cool colors for white wine (green apples, green grapes, oranges, and pineapples) and warm for red wine (red apples, red grapes, raspberries, and strawberries). Slice fruit into a pitcher, add wine, and refrigerate overnight — the longer it marinates, the stronger the fruit flavor!


Mango Mojito
Few things are as refreshing as a crisp, minty mojito on a hot summer day. The cocktail already has low-calorie benefits, so why not up the health factor and make it with mangoes? The fruit is loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant (and a form of vitamin A) that protects skin from sun damage and is essential to soft, healthy skin. It also has doses of vitamins A, C and E, which keep the skin firm and glowing and help reduce acne scarring. Start by squeezing half a lime into a glass, add mint, and crush. Add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup, 3 tablespoons rum, 1 tablespoon mango nectar, and top with club soda. For even more vitamin A, add in a few slices of fresh mango and eat them when you're done! (Note: The health benefits of this cocktail are best reaped at home. If you order it out, chances are they will use mango rum, which does not have the beta-carotene.)

Bloody Mary
If you're a fan of Bloody Marys, you'll be happy to know that your skin is too. The perfect accent to a Sunday brunch, this drink's tomato juice base is filled with lycopene, an antioxidant that keeps skin looking younger by protecting it from sun damage (it blocks UV light), fighting free radicals, and preserving healthy skin cells. Add two parts tomato juice, one part vodka, and ½ oz. lemon juice to a glass of ice. Mix in a dash of Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, and ground pepper, and garnish with a celery stick and a lime wedge. If you're suffering from rosacea, Dr. Jessica Wu suggests avoiding triggers like alcohol and spicy foods, which render the Bloody Mary a one-two punch. Drink at your own risk — especially if you're piling on the Tabasco.

Green Tea Martini
You most likely know that green tea boasts many health benefits — among them better skin. The catechins in green tea help to rejuvenate skin cells, protect against skin cancer, and soothe acne. What you probably didn't know is that green tea can be consumed as a scrumptious cocktail. For a refreshing (and skin boosting!) summer drink, add green tea, vodka, and simple syrup to a shaker of ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Add an extra summer kick with orange and lime wedges, which enhance the flavor of the tea and bring in a few extra vitamins!

H20 Spritzer
Okay, so we're cheating a little on this one. But let's face it: Water is the number- one drink when it comes to your skin. We all know that hydration (which is so important during the sweltering heat of summer!) flushes toxins from our body and reduces under- eye circles, resulting in a radiant, glowing complexion. What we fail to recognize is that consuming your recommended 8 glasses doesn't have to be a chore. Turn your water into a fun, fruity beverage that tastes yummy and keeps your skin bright and youthful. Pick your favorite fruit (lemons, limes, apples, and oranges all work great) and herbs (mint is an obvious choice, but basil can work wonders too!), slice them up, and let them soak in a pitcher of ice water overnight. In the morning you'll have water infused with a hint of the fruit or herb of your choice. We also love the idea of adding berries to seltzer or sparkling water. Crush a handful of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries at the bottom of a glass, add some crushed ice, and top with carbonated water. The fizz reminds us of a fun carbonated cocktail (minus the alcohol and calories), and it couldn't be more refreshing on a hot summer day.


And now for my own tidbit of advice...
Polysporin on pimples, it works! Of course, you have to pop the sucker first (screw those dermatologists with their "don't pop!" warnings). But then just dab a bit of Poly on, the antibacterial ingredients prevent it from reforming and the healing agents soothe redness and reduce scarring.

Health Matters

I subscribe to a variety of health-related newsletters that tend to clutter up my inbox, so I put them in a folder to read at a later date. I have so many that I've decided to a weekly 'Health Matters' post and pass along some of this interesting and valuable information. Here ya go...

4 Supplements You Should Know About

Fish Oil

Studies show fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, has many good benefits, including promoting heart health and preventing inflammatory diseases, as well as a wide-range of health benefits, including healthy development of the fetus during pregnancy, joint health, cognition and mood

Vitamin D3

Also known as the "sunshine vitamin", vitamin D3 is important for strong bones and teeth. In addition, recent findings show that it also plays a major role in the immune system and healthy cell development, heart health, muscle strength, and colon, breast and prostate health.

Magnesium

This mineral helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and is essential in the formation of bones and teeth. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Magnesium has been shown to help with effects of stress and PMS.

Selenium

Primarily used for antioxidant support and immune enhancement, selenium alters the metabolism of damaging substances and prevents an accumulation of free radicals. Selenium also works with Vitamin E and C in the body's natural antioxidant defense system.


9 Bad Habits That Can Cause Pimples
Bad Habit No. 1: Washing your skin too often
Though it's important to keep your skin clean, washing it too often will only make acne worse. Instead, wash your face in the morning when you wake and at night before bed.
Bad Habit No. 2: Vigorously scrubbing your skin
Scrubbing your skin with a washcloth, loofah, or harsh exfoliant will cause significant irritation — and may worsen your acne-prone skin. To prevent acne, always wash with only lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
Bad Habit No. 3: Not cleaning sweaty skin
After you've had a tough workout or been outside in the hot sun, your skin may be covered with sweat. Don't let it dry on your skin — instead, always bathe or wash your skin promptly after sweating.
Bad Habit No. 4: Picking at your skin and popping your pimples
While it may be irresistible to pick or pop pimples, these behaviors can cause increased redness from squeezing the pus deeper into the skin and sometimes even scarring. Instead, keep your hands off your face and let pimples go back down to size with the help of an anti-acne lotion or cream.
Bad Habit No. 5: Skipping the shampoo
If you've got oily hair, that oil can seep down onto your face — and cause pimples. Make sure you wash your hair each day to keep excess oil off of your forehead, face, and back to help prevent acne.
Bad Habit No. 6: Getting hair products on your face
It's important to keep hair spray, gel, mousse, or other hair products off your face to prevent them from clogging up your pores. Cover your face when applying these products to keep them on your hair and off your skin.
Bad Habit No. 7: Eating greasy foods
While the food that you eat doesn't cause acne, greasy foods can make acne-prone skin worse because of the excess oil and grease that can get on the skin from the food itself. So stick to a healthy diet without greasy, fried foods to spare your skin — and your health.
Bad Habit No. 8: Using cosmetics that contain oil
If you've got acne-prone skin, the last thing you want to do is introduce even more oil. When you buy makeup and other skin products, look for oil-free options labeled with the terms "non-acnegenic" or "non-comedogenic" to help prevent acne.
Bad Habit No. 9: Stopping your acne treatment
If you're using prescription acne medications for your pimples, it's great news when your skin starts to clear up. But that doesn't mean you're free to stop using your medication. To keep a recurrent breakout at bay, finish all of your prescription acne medications as recommended by your doctor unless directed otherwise.


6 Steps to Concealing a Pesky Pimple
1) Hands off! No matter how tempting it seems, don't squeeze or pick at the pimple because you'll just end up with scabs and crusts that are impossible to hide with makeup. And worse — you could turn a whitehead into an angry red cyst.
2) Hold a cool washcloth against the pimple to help reduce redness and swelling.
3) Apply moisturizer or primer. This will control any flaking and provide a smooth surface for concealer. If you wear foundation, apply it first, before the concealer.
4) Find a stick concealer that's close to your skin tone. Sticks give you better coverage than liquid concealers, and they're portable, allowing for touchups during the day. I like Clé de Peau, Physicians Formula Powder Finish Concealer Stick, and Maybelline's Pure Concealer with 2 percent salicylic acid. Avoid green concealers — they'll end up making your pimple look green and drawing more attention to it.
5) Dab on the cover-up with your fourth finger, which has the softest skin. A warm finger helps the concealer melt into your skin better than a brush. Dab a bit at a time, let it set, and add more layers until the pimple is hidden.
6) Dust with loose translucent powder to set the concealer. For best results, use a fluffy powder brush to avoid disturbing your work.


10 Easy Ways to get Shiny, Healthy Hair
1. Say yes to hair serum.
Shine serums are available that have been specially formulated to give frizzy or unruly hair a sleek sheen. Find some great options at your local drugstore, beauty supply store, or hair salon. These products moisturize your hair with a light concentration of oils or silicone. To apply, use a pea-sized amount to start. Start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up, rubbing it into wet hair with your hands. It’s important not to use too much serum, because it can weigh hair down, but if you feel you need more moisture, go ahead and add a bit more.
2. Use a leave-in conditioner.
Regular conditioners are great, but if you really want to pump up the shine, add a leave-in conditioner to your routine. These come in both spray-on and lotion forms. Apply them the same way you do shine serum (see tip No. 1).
3. Wash with cool water.
Beware of hot water! It can dry out your hair and leave it dull. Instead, after shampooing and conditioning, rinse with cool water. It closes the cuticle and that allows light to reflect off the hair, producing lots of shine.
4. Be smart about blow-drying.
As you’re blow-drying your hair, direct the dryer's nozzle down the hair shafts as you hold each section of hair with a round brush. Finish by pressing the “cool” button on your hair dryer — the cool air produces a reflective effect similar to that of a cool-water rinse after shampooing.
5. Spray on the shine.
When your hair is dry, finish your look with a spray-on shine product, such as spray mists made by Ojon and Pantene. Whether it comes in a pump bottle or aerosol can, a shine spray can be misted onto dry hair — no matter what texture it is — to give it an extra glistening effect.

6. Switch to a silicone flat-iron.
A flat-iron can help straighten hair, which usually looks shinier than wavy hair. But avoid overusing a flat-iron — all that heat-styling can be drying! There is a new type of flat-iron made by Bio Ionic, with silicone built into the plates rather than the typical ceramic or metal. The heated silicone glides right over the hair and straightens it in one pass. Silicone cuts the straightening time in half, which means less damage.
7. Get a glossing treatment.
If you really want to get your shine on, consider having a professional glossing treatment. These are often performed after a hair-coloring treatment, but you can get one without the dye job. It's designed to give you richer hair color with more depth, but it doesn’t actually have any pigment to it. A glossing is usually temporary, lasting about four to six shampoos, and glossing kits are available at some drugstores, so you can even try it out without hitting the salon.
8. Hydrate your body.
Drinking plenty of water will ensure that your hair is properly moisturized from the inside out. About eight glasses a day is ideal. Keep a bottle by your side and sip from it often!
9. Eat nutritious foods. 
Get your daily recommended allowances of vitamins A and E for shiny, healthy hair. Also, be sure you’re eating plenty of protein, which promotes hair growth. Eggs and nuts are excellent sources of protein.
10. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Shiny hair is healthy hair — so don’t abuse it! Limit your hair’s exposure to harsh chemicals, like the chlorine in pools, and lye-based hair-relaxing creams. Use heat-styling as infrequently as you can get away with, and avoid products that contain alcohol, which can dry out your hair and strip its shine.

Five Question Friday

1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?

The Pitt-Jolie wall, the Travolta wall (oh those crazy Scientologists and John with his spa escapades), the Playboy Mansion walls, Adam Lambert's wall.

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?

Budget, always. It doesn't necessarily stop us from overspending, though. When you've got four kids to buy for, all the stocking stuffers and gifts from Santa, gifts for both sides of the family, it really adds up. In recent years Hubs and I have stopped getting gifts for each other because it just gets to be too much. I am SO glad that Becky and Amber came up with our family just giving each other 'hugs' for Christmas instead of the $50 gift exchange. Helps out a lot.

3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?

Christine will remember this. In high school, probably grade 7 or 8 (is that right Chris?) I was desperate to lose 20 pounds I'd somehow gained without noticing, and went on an apple-and-water diet. Yes, that's right. I ate one apple a day and then just drank water. I became very adept at hiding this from my parents, would ask to take meals up to my room (then feed them to the dogs), say I wasn't hungry at mealtimes and that I'd just eat later, give my school lunches away to other kids. Looking back, I mean obviously that's such a horrible thing to do to oneself, but what I'm amazed at (and yes I know its shallow and wrong, priority-wise) is the willpower I had. If I tried to do that now, at age 30 rather than 13, I'd probably last half a day before I started snacking. And the sad thing is, is that it worked! The 20 pounds dropped off in like a week and I was able to start eating normally again. Well, somewhat normally. I was always very body-conscious after that and if I felt I was getting "fat" again, I'd fast for a couple of days. So sad, the things that go through young girls' minds and the pressure they feel to be 'thin'.

BUT-- things happen for a reason. Because I've been there and done that, I know the symptoms and signs to look for. And I know that if a healthy, active lifestyle, proper nutrition, and positive self-esteem are encouraged before a girl-child hits that age, there's a much better chance that she'll be able to resist that social pressure. Not saying that my childhood didn't encourage those things but back then, parents didn't even think about that. The media and societal onslaught of 'lose weight', 'look younger', plastic surgery, boob jobs, size zero models, Paris-Hilton-itis... none of that was what it is now. I only have one daughter to guide through that mess, poor Chrissy has THREE. Heaven help us.

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?
The Office, Modern Family, Friends, Vampire Diaries, Melrose Place (okay so I missed the very first season but that one sucked anyways), Deadwood.

 5. What one song always pulls at your heart?

Wavin' Flag by Young Artists for Haiti (original song by K'naan). I'll be singing along and all of a sudden my throat gets tight, my voice warbles, and I get a tear in my eye. Its a very powerful song. Also, Turn the Page by Bob Seeger (or the Metallica version) because that was Dad's song, Hold On by Sarah McLachlan, and Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us by Allison Krauss and Robert Plant (thanks for introducing me to such a truly, truly beautiful song, Mom. I chose that particular video just for you).

My new fave beauty products

So there's three new products that I've recently purchased and I am in love with them all!

I found this product in the pharmacy section at the Red Deer Superstore. I got the last box, too! Its just like ProActiv and actually claims to be "significantly BETTER than" it. The problem areas on my face are around my mouth and chin, my hairline, and I get whiteheads on my cheekbone area. Also, I've always had very large and noticeable (at least to me) pores on my nose and they always look dirty. Like freckles, only NOT. They're not blackheads, but they are annoying and embarrassing. No matter what cleanser I used, be it Olay or Aveeno or Clean & Clear, I could never get rid of them.

WELL. I've been using AcneFree for about five days now, every morning and night... results?  Hairline pimples GONE, mouth and chin pimples GONE (well, except for a teensy breakout along my jawline but I'm premenstrual right now so I was expecting something to pop up, at least its not in the chin area). And the nose "freckles"? GONE. The pores are tight and tiny, but more importantly, completely cleaned out. So I'm sold on this product. I will DEFINITELY be buying it again. In case you're wondering about price... I paid $29.99 for it and I consider it money very well-spent. With ProActiv, you get your first order for $25 but then it goes up to $50. Plus you have to pay shipping. To buy the three products (cleanser, toner, lotion) from other brands -- such as Olay -- you'd be looking at about the same price, if not more. (Although, to be fair, you'd also get much bigger bottles but whatever.) So yeah. If you have problem skin, go out and get this product. Just try to leave a box on the shelf for me.

Have you seen the commercials for this with Jessica Biel? I'm not much of a fan of hers but I sure am for this product! I've used the Revlon lipstain before but the one complaint I had about it was that my lips would get so dry. So what did Revlon do? Came out with a better version that has the lip balm included right on the bottom of the stick! LOVE. IT. The lip balm actually seals in the color as well as moisturizing, so you don't leave lipstick marks on everything. Also found this product at Superstore and unfortunately the color I wanted was sold out ('Twilight', of course! Hah. Stupid Twihards). I ended up getting the 'Beloved' color, sort of a deep pinky-red (2nd from the right in the pic). Its gorgeous, cannot give enough praise for this brand's product. If you like a color that's not in the red spectrum, there's two colors that are more brown-y (4th and 5th from the left, in the picture they come off as dark reddish-orange but in real life, its sort of browny-orange).

Another of Revlon's ad campaign with Miss Biel. I was curious about this product because from the name, you assume it actually helps your lashes to grow thicker and longer. And Lord knows I need all the help I can get when it comes to that. I have short stubby lashes, they're like 5mm long I swear! Mascara is my #1 when it comes to must-have products. #2 is mineral powder to cover all my blemishes (hopefully AcneFree will eliminate that necessity!). But I digress.

This product is AWESOME. On the package it says "96% saw instantly longer, more lush lashes". And its true, it works! Right away I had femme-fatale lashes. The jury's still out on whether it will actually make a difference in the long run regarding lash-growth. So I guess I'll just wait and see. But I'm optimistic!

So there you have it: fall's three new must-have products. IMO.