Filed under Wellbeing by on Sep 1st, 2010. 
Life isn’t the sweetest candy. Sometimes, when I feel like the world is just too heavy, I look around and find people who continued to live fascinating and wonderful lives. And then thoughts come popping into my mind like bubbles from nowhere – “How did their life become so adorably sweet? How come they still can manage to laugh and play around despite a busy stressful life?” Then I pause and observe for awhile. I figured out that maybe, they start to work on a place called ‘self’.Read more on Real Happiness Comes From Within…
Filed under Wellbeing by on Aug 29th, 2010.
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is experienced by an estimated 85 percent of all women at some point during their lives. PMS is an umbrella term used to describe a number of physical and emotional changes that women undergo in the days between ovulation and the onset of the monthly period. These changes are attributed to changing hormone levels in the body.Read more on PMS…
Filed under Wellbeing by on Aug 26th, 2010.
As summer draws to a close it’s always tempting to ignore our skin as it’s going to be hidden under layers and layers of clothing until beach time rolls around again. But resist the urge and not only will you feel better under those layers but you’ll be ready to bare if you win the lottery and whizz off to the caribbean for some winter sun.
For most of us winter brings dry skin, partly due to seasonal changes but mostly it’s down to keeping the windows closed and turning up the thermostat.
Adding a few drops of a sweet smelling essential oil to a bottle of carrier oil (available from most pharmacies) and using this as an alternative to expensive (and often drying) bath treats. Adding a handful of epsom salts to your bath is very cleansing as well.
Some people may find that using this bath oil is enough to keep their skin soft, but most of us will need a little more moisturising.
Try slathering yourself with a body butter after your bath or shower and see how fast your skin absorbs it. If your skin is really dry try using a body oil before your normal skin cream. You can also help by patting dry after your shower rather than scrubbing away with your towel. The slight dampness that remains on your skin will be trapped by the oil or lotion and help to keep your skin hydrated.
There’s no need to use expensive lotions and potions, often the cheaper brands may be better for your skin. I’m sure that some of the expensive creams with alpha-this and hydroxy-that can be beneficial but having looked closely at the skin of many older ladies (and men) who have used a variety of products I honest think that taking a basic cream and massaging it well in every day will keep your skin looking and feeling supple and glowing.
I do recommend though that you put some effort into finding a cream that has minimum additives and scents – especially if you have sensitive skin, or eczema-prone skin.
Another thing that many of us just can’t be bothered with is exfoliating. You can do this by body brushing, using a loofah or using a scrub. My personal favourite is to mix a big handful of either sugar or salt with a glug of oil and a few drops of essential oil. Then just slap it on, gently but vigorously rub rubbing in small circles and paying special attention to knees, elbows and heels. It’s best to stand in the shower or in your bath to do this as it can get messy! I like to run my bath to about 10cm or so first and then I top it up and soak in the residue.
One bonus of making your own oils is that you can choose your own favourite smells – look at some of my posts about essential oils and aromatherapy for some good ideas about which oils to use. Some of them will help you to sleep, others are ideal for waking you up in the morning.
Happy smooth Autumn!
Filed under Health & Healing by on Aug 23rd, 2010.
I’ve just come across Jim Creagh who took up Tai Chi when he retired at 60.
So many people see retirement as a chance to take it easy and find themselves sinking
into old age and/or depression.
Jim really is an inspiration, Read more on It’s Never Too Late…….
Filed under Health & Healing by on Aug 20th, 2010.
Detox, short for detoxification, is the body’s natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins are chemically changed into less harmful compounds and flushed out of the body through stools or urine.
Detox diet is the method of taking in certain food and drinks with the end purpose of getting rid of toxins from the body for finest health.
In short, it is ‘a diet which detoxifies the body’. Detox diets may vary in forms and the substances to ingest. In most cases, the food selections are very strict. In others, the food options are more lenient but certain drugs are then prescribed in addition in order to assist in the detoxification.
Detoxification is good for the body if done properly and with professional guidance. It is highly recommended that a person who wishes to undertake a detox diet must first consult a physician or dietician. This is because detoxification may be harmful to the body if not conducted properly. Sometimes the misuse of a detox diet may produce certain diseases or even malnutrition. But with the proper guidance, detox diets can make a body healthier and stronger.
When a body is detoxified, the toxins are removed from the body through the urine or the stools. When there are less toxins in the body, blood circulation gets better, respiration is stronger, stamina is improved, stress is decreased, and the person himself will feel better. But the most popular reason why people go for a detox diet is that it is the quickest and safest way to lose weight.
Most detox diets comprise of only fruits, vegetables, and water. Since this sort of diet is very strict, meat, dairy, alcohol, and bread are big no-nos. This allows the body to absorb less calories and carbohydrates. Detoxification can also lessen harmful substances in the body like fat and cholesterol.
However, since a detox diet is very strict, it is highly advisable that it only be used for a short period of time. Detox diets are generally short-term only and it is not recommended to continue them for a longer period of time as this may cause malnutrition. A detox diet is usually low in protein and carbohydrates. Without these, muscle growth and energy is easily diminished.
After following a detox diet many people report having more energy and losing weight quickly. Given that the diet is so restrictive, it is hardly surprising that you will have lost a few pounds. However, detoxing is not a weight management solution. Following the detox program will not teach you anything about basic weight management strategies such as portion control or a healthy meal pattern. As a result most people gain weight again and feel just as sluggish as usual once they stop the diet and return to their old eating habits. The real reason that detox diets work in the short-term is because people make a special effort to change their eating habits for a few days. It stands to reason that if you swap chips and fizzy drinks for fruit and water you will loose weight. Also, if you’re not eating lots of high fat meals, which slow your body down as it tries to digest them, you will have more energy.
Detox Diets- Great for the short-term!
Filed under Health & Healing, Nutrition by on Aug 17th, 2010.
You see some people who seem to sail through life with very few hitches, and you wonder why it’s so difficult for others of us to get our lives on track. Just when we think we’re moving forward, some unexpected event throws us off track.
You are enrolled in college and are making good grades when the economy goes sour, and your family is not able to support you any longer. You complete a degree in a field you love and have all kinds of dreams of the career you’ll have only to get out into the job market and find that there are no jobs that require your expertise.
First of all, don’t decide that setting goals is not worthwhile. Your goals are probably the best thing you have going for you. Just shift gears and begin to reconstruct your aims, at least for the short run. However, once that/those goals have been set, it’s useful to anticipate what obstacles will get in the way of their realisation.
For example, if your goal was to complete a degree and that goal was thwarted because your parents can no longer foot the bill, it’s easier to deal with if you’ve anticipated it. Talk first to the financial aid officer in your college. You may be surprised at what funds, scholarships, and student aid are out there that may at least keep you in school for this year and possibly until the end of your degree program. At the same time, get online and google student aid for possible sources of support. Ask around. You may be surprised at the students who are gaining their degrees without parental support. You may have to do what millions of other students have done to stay in school—you may have to find part-time employment to make up the difference in what student aid will cover and what you will still need, such as books.
Secondly, set priorities. Perhaps you can take longer to finish your degree—instead of four years, perhaps five or six. Also, by then the financial crisis may have turned around and your parents will be able to help you again. Also, the job market may also be more favorable and you may have a better chance of starting the career you want by then.
Don’t fall apart. Keep yourself organised and on track. Your self-composure will be your most valuable tool in times of crisis. Apply organisational principles to your planning right now. If you’ve rearranged your priorities and have decided to take longer to get your degree and are planning to take a job that will keep you going for the time being, then plan what kind of job, how many hours you’ll tackle per semester, what your living arrangements will be, etc. Establish a budget and stick to it. This is not a time to spend on non-essentials. Just keep your eye on your goal and stick to your organizational plan.
Don’t give up on your goal. It’s discouraging, even frightening to be confronted with obstacles that threaten that goal. The worst thing you can do is give up on it. Confront your situation with grit and determination and a plan that will lead to your goal. By staying focused and allowing some built-in flexibility when necessary, you can work around the obstacle and get where you wanted to go in the first place.
Filed under Lifestyle by on Aug 14th, 2010.
Puffy eyes, dark circles, and shadows under your eyes?
When you get older it happens more often. It is just one of the many things that happen with age. However, there are products that help reduce the signs of aging other than having to rely on expensive surgery.
One of the first things you will need to do is reduce your consumption for sodium. Add Vitamins A, C, and E to your diet. Make sure you are getting enough sleep as well.
There are many methods that grandma used and swears works. Some of the popular ways to remove the puffiness and darkness are to apply tea bags, fresh cut cucumbers, and Preparation H. The tea bags and cucumbers to work but stay away from the Preparation H since it will cause eye damage.
When locating products for puffy eyes, look for ingredients with Horse Chestnut (as it promotes micro-circulation), Aloe (as it soothes and hydrates), Ivy (to decongest and eliminate excess water), Caffeine (to decrease the swelling), Green or white tea (to soothe the redness and inflammation), Cucumber (to reduce the inflammation) and Liquorice (to reduce the puffiness and soothe irritation).
When you are seeking a longer fix there are injectable wrinkle fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane used by experts. The filler is injected around the puffy area to remove the indentation as the result of the puffiness. There is also Botox that is commonly used to smooth out the fine lines and wrinkles. They all have the same effect of creating a younger appearance to the eyes. The methods last about nine months and you need to have the procedure repeated for the cost of several thousand pounds each time.
Some people have the daily morning darkness referred to as raccoon eyes that is near the underside of their eyes making the person appear tired, older or ‘drugged out’. The fact that some people have it, regardless of sleep patterns or lifestyle choices, leads them to seek alternative products to remove the dark circles. Look for products with Vitamin K to stimulate the blood flow and repair the broken capillary walls near the eyes, Vitamin A, C, and E to reduce the free radicals and to increase the antioxidant protectors, Peptide technology to promote collagen synthesis to firm the eye tissue and Hesperidin to strengthen the capillaries and reduce the leaking and blood pooling as well as improving the micro-circulation in the eye region. Also Konica Acid to lighten the skin areas from discoloration and Eyebright, pearls and light diffuser to visually filter light and to brighten and illuminate the eye regions.
To camouflage the darkness use a peach or salmon coloured concealer. For the puffiness use nylon concealer brush to add a thin layer of a product in the creases below the puffy area. Afterwards you add a concealer a few shades darker than your foundation. )Apply the foundation before the concealer.)
Filed under Wellbeing by on Aug 11th, 2010.
People have been using essential oils to nourish and soothe their skin since the time of the Ancient Egyptians. For a while, chemical products took over the market and the of essential oils was almost completely discontinued. In recent years, however, it seems that they’re back.
With the resurgence of the use of essential oils, people are finding ancient answers to common problems. Several different essential oils have been used for simple cleansing. Some of these are sweet basil, lemon, lemongrass, neroli, juniper, and peppermint. Any of these oils can be used by adding a few drops to soap.
Acne is a distressing skin condition that is related to the overproduction of sebum in the facial skin cells. Essential oils have long been used to help the condition. Geranium, chamomile, tea tree, and lavender oils are among those employed. These essential oils can be combined with a light carrier oil and applied directly to the skin. However, the extra oil of the carrier may seem to be too much. In this case, the essential oils can be dropped into fragrance-free lotion or cream and rubbed into the affected area.
The biggest single factor causing skin to age is the fact that skin loses the ability to hang onto moisture. Thus, it dries out and becomes more fragile. Skin can also age because of exposure to sun or pollutants such as smoking. Essential oils supply a variety of remedies for aged and wrinkled skin. Frankincense, neroli, or rose oils are excellent oils to use for this purpose. Put them in carrier oils or in fragrance-free lotions to rub on the face. Sandalwood oil, carrot root oil, and many others can be used.
Dandruff can be a bothersome ailment. There are all kinds of chemical remedies in your local stores to treat it. However, there are many essential oils that can help the condition in a more natural way. Cedarwood, geranium, lavender, lemongrass or rosemary essential oils can be used. There are many other oils and combination of essential oils that have been used successfully. Any of these can be dropped into hair oil, or added to a water and vinegar mixture to rinse the hair with.
Chamomile and lavender oils are the two best essential oils to use for sunburn. One method is to put a few drops into a cool bath and soak until the heat goes away. The other way to use them is to drop a few drops into a carrier oil and rub gently onto the burnt skin. For severe burns, see your doctor.
It seems counterintuitive that essential oils can help to clear oily skin. However, people have been getting good results with these treatments for years upon end. Juniper berry, chamomile, cedarwood and lavender oils -to name a few- have worked wonders. Add them to water to make a rinse for your face after you wash it.
Skin problems aren’t new to the world. Using essential oils to treat them isn’t new either. However, because these treatments were ignored for so long, they are new to many people now.
Filed under Health & Healing by on Aug 8th, 2010.
So you’ve found someone who’s just perfect for you and want to make sure you don’t mess it up! Just the fact that you’re looking for tips at this early stage is a good sign. For a new relationship, advice on building a solid foundation can have a major impact on your future as a couple.
Be yourself
This is probably the oldest advice in the book, but there’s a reason for that. Think about it this way: do you really want waste months or years of time and energy pretending to be someone you’re not? Even if your partner thinks the world of you, in reality, they don’t even know who you are. So go ahead and show your true colors right from the start.
Take it slow
One of the fastest ways to kill a budding relationship is to jump into bed too soon or live like you’re attached at the hip. Go slow with physical affection, starting with simple hand holding and building up from there. No matter how crazy you are about each other, try not to spend every waking minute together. Now and then go out with some other friends or just by yourself. It helps you preserve your own sense of identity and keeps you from wearing each other out.
Stay friends
Ultimately, friendship is the foundation of any happy, long-term relationship. Romance and passion are great, but friendship is what keeps you together. Unfortunately, when we get used to a person, there’s a tendency to take the other person for granted or give yourself permission to nit pick their behavior. Don’t fall into that trap. Even when you disagree, show your partner the same respect you’d show any other close friend. Remember, in a new relationship, staying friends can help keep the passion alive, too.
Learn to handle conflict
While it may not be very comfortable, conflict is not only inevitable, it is also an opportunity for growth. When you handle differences and disagreements in a healthy way, you actually gain from the experience. After all, it may just be that your partner really does have a better way of doing something.
The trick is not to let irritations build up. If something your partner does seriously bothers, bring it up kindly and gently. It may be easier to solve than you expect. In any case, trying to ignore a problem while letting resentment brew is a recipe for disaster. That’s why, for a new relationship, resolving conflicts can be a huge help.
Learn what makes relationships work
If you’re hoping to find your true love some day, you’ve probably already read a few of those interviews with couples who’ve been married 50 years or more. Read more of those and while you’re at it, read anything you can find on the secrets of successful long-term relationships. Sure, no two relationships are the same, but the ones that last do have certain things in common. Knowing what those are gives your relationship a better chance of staying the course.
Creating lasting love last isn’t always easy, but starting off the right way helps you build the strong foundation a long-term commitment depends on.
Filed under Lifestyle by on Aug 5th, 2010.
