Follow a systematic and advanced skin care regime for that angelic glow. Head to Balensi Spa for a deep cleansing treatment. It’s also a great time to treat yourself to an exotic Minosa Champagne Facial. After all V-Day and Champagne go hand in hand or  for an advanced facial treatment is also a good idea! But bear in mind that some of these treatments such as  chemical peels have some downtime involved. You don’t want to peel on your special day.

Along with your face you also need to address the needs of your crowning glory. Give your locks some TLC to get that healthy shine. You can head to your local salon for some deep conditioning treatments or you can try some recipes at home. You will be amazed at what all you can find in your kitchen. Did you know that a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and some honey mixed together can give you super shiny hair? Along with this always use a styling product before styling your hair for that super sleek and salon fresh look.

Your lips need to be V-kissable. Having chapped lips is a big no-no. To get kissable lips exfoliate your lips gently by applying a dollop of your favorite cream on your lips. Then gently rub your lips and get rid of all the dry skin. Follow up with a lip balm containing cocoa butter. You can also use honey to moisturize and nourish your lips.

Now all you need to do is get body beautiful with a Cocoa Body Scrub to get smooth and glowing skin all over exfoliation is an absolute must. After all V-Day Minosa Champane Facial and Cocoa Body Scrub go hand in hand! Do not forget to visit your Spa to get rid of all unwanted body hair and while you are at it why not indulge in a luxurious and nourishing body wrap?

What was your prep list for Valentine’s Day?

Thanksgiving is one week away, and you can bet that I’ve got holiday food on the brain. While the holidays are a boisterous time to enjoy great food, friends and family, it can be difficult not to eat everything in sight (it all looks so good!). Definitely indulge a little bit, but be mindful of what and how you’re eating, not just to spare some extra holiday pounds on the scale, but to keep wasting food to a minimum as well.

 Camp Shane recently shared some holiday eating tips that I’m taking to heart this holiday season, and hope that it will help all of you get through the holidays feeling healthy yet satisfied too, so come New Year’s, your resolution will be to continue eating mindfully while enjoying every bite.
 
Holiday Eating Tips:

• Don’t be overwhelmed! There might be a lot of food present, but remember that you, and only you, are in charge of what you eat.
• If it is a potluck party, bring a dish that you know is healthy, like a roasted veggie platter with low fat dip, and mainly eat off of that.
• When filling your plate the first time, get a very small amount of all the things you want to try. Then pick out the things that you want seconds of, but try to stick to just two plates!
• Eat slowly. The longer your plate stays full, the less likely you are to get more food. Also, it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full. If you eat fast, you will keep eating before you realize that you don’t need any more food.
• Don’t show up starving. If the party or family meal is at an odd time, have a snack beforehand. Being overly hungry can cause you to overeat.
• Help your children develop healthy eating habits by modeling them yourself. If you don’t inhale your food and go back to refill your plate 10 times, they are less likely to pick up these unhealthy eating habits.
• Don’t let others peer pressure you to eat more. Explain that you absolutely loved what they cooked, but are full. Keep emphasizing that you already ate more than you should and you will be uncomfortable if you eat more. Again, eating slow will avoid this.

And here’s a seasonal recipe .  

Spicy Peppered Sweet Potatoes ( Serves 8 )

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs sweet potatoes
½ small red onion, cut into wedges
2 tbsp light extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
 1 tsp light extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
¼ cup chopped almond slivers

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Line bake pan with foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Wash and cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks.
2. Combine sweet potato cubes, onion, olive oil, garlic and bell pepper in baking pan and toss to coat. Season with pepper and salt to taste. Sprinkle cumin and cayenne pepper over mixture to coat. Add 1 cup of water. Roast veggies on center rack of oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine olive oil, sage, and almonds in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and use to garnish vegetables.

Nutrition information per serving (3/4 cup): Calories 120, Total Fat 3.5g, Saturated fat 0g, Trans fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 30mg, Carbohydrate 23 g, Sugar 5g, Fiber 3g, Protein 2g

Between November and March, one of the most common questions faced by skin care professionals relates to the treatment of dry winter skin. After all, it’s a condition to which few who live in Northern climates are immune. In fact, according to a report from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a whopping 81 million Americans claim to experience dry, itchy or scaly skin during the winter months.

Environmental impact on the stratum corneum

For the stratum corneum to properly protect the body, it must be elastic and flexible, which is only possible when the skin is properly hydrated. Normal, healthy skin is 20–35% water. Each day, it loses approximately a pint of water through transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the continuous process by which water leaves the body and enters the atmosphere via evaporation and diffusion. However, when humidity drops, as it does in cold-weather months, there’s a dramatic increase in TEWL as the dry air pulls moisture from the skin. When the skin’s water content drops below 10%, it begins drying and brings discomfort characterized by redness, itchiness and flakiness. With less water in the skin, the production of NMFs becomes impaired and lipid levels fall, setting in motion a vicious cycle that is hard to remedy.

Add to the mix ongoing or prolonged exposure to irritants, such as soap and even water, and you have a far worse situation. This exposure causes the skin’s acid mantle to disintegrate, which further increases the rate of TEWL and decreases lipid levels. The result is even drier skin that may crack and even become infected.

With less water and fewer lipids to lubricate and protect it, skin no longer exfoliates properly. This is what results in the excessive buildup of dead cells on the skin’s surface, giving it an ashy appearance. It also results in an overall degradation of skin health; skin can no longer properly heal itself. In order to address the discomfort caused by these conditions, following are a variety of solutions that can be recommended by skin care professionals in order to help remedy winter itch.

Moisturizers

Of course, the primary objective in treating dry skin is to first minimize discomfort. Lotions and moisturizers can bring temporary relief; however, contrary to popular belief, these products do not add moisture to the skin. Rather, they help to restore the barrier function of the stratum corneum and cover fissures in the skin.

Aloe vera. This is one of the few natural substances scientifically proven to benefit the body. Recent research has helped support the idea that it is beneficial in improving skin hydration due to its humectant properties.

Dry winter skin is best treated with a moisturizer that is rich in humectants. Formulations of this type tend to be heavier and are often marketed as night moisturizers. Regardless of the label, dry skin will benefit from their use throughout the day. Remind  that it’s essential  to reapply moisturizer every few hours when fighting dry skin. An alternative option is to supplement their morning and evening skin care routine with repeated use of a spray toner rich in humectants throughout the day.

Exfoliation

Although exfoliation is a necessary skin care step year-round, and is one that may be implemented daily with use of a chemical exfoliant safe for at-home use, it’s especially vital for those with dry skin. Remember that the diminished water content and reduced lipid levels associated with dry skin interrupt the normal desquamation process. Daily use of an effective chemical exfoliant will encourage the proper shedding of dead skin cells. Not only will this result in skin that looks better, but it will also improve the skin’s overall health.

Traditional recommendations

A number of age-old recommendations still hold a good deal of value and should continue to be provided to clients. These include the following.

• Take fewer and/or shorter showers and baths, and reduce water temperatures. This is an essential step for those with dry skin, but should be followed by those with healthy skin, as well. As mentioned previously, water leaches NMFs from the skin and affects its lipid content.
• Avoid the use of harsh soaps and detergents, as well as the frequent use of hand sanitizers. These ingredients remove the skin’s acid mantle, thus increasing the rate of TEWL. Instead, alcohol-free hand sanitizer and glycerin soap are recommended.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in the home and office to maintain proper humidity levels. This will help skin maintain hydration by slowing the rate of TEWL.

The best course of treatment

Although most skin care professionals have a standard list of effective recommendations in the fight against dry winter skin and dry skin at large, it’s beneficial to stay abreast of the latest research relative to skin hydration and the ingredients that support it. After all, the scientific gains being made in the field of skin care are many and are leading to the constant development of increasingly effective formulations. By staying aware of research into the condition and the science behind it, skin care professionals are best prepared to give  clienteles the very best course of treatment. And that, no doubt, will lead to a strong and long-lasting professional relationship.

Facial peels offer benefits for aged and photo-damaged skin, acne, hyper pigmentation (brown spots or age spots) and scar reduction. Glycolic acid peels have been a popular way to achieve resurfacing; however, pumpkin peels have gained more in popularity. Both offer advantages and deserve consideration based on your skin and desired results.

Glycolic Acid Peel

Physicians and estheticians use glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar, as their most popular grade of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It works by removing the top layer of dead cells on the skin to achieve a new layer, and it helps minimize fine lines and hyper pigmentation. Benefits include treating acne and scar reduction. Dr. Eric Bernstein from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine explains that this type of peel stimulates the growth of collagen, which is lost due to aging and sun exposure and results in the formation of lines and winkles.

Glycolic peels appeal to people who want to have measurable results without lengthy recuperation time. Glycolic peels, at a cost of up to $100 per treatement, can be done up to once a week. Patients typically require three to six treatments. You should avoid glycolic peels should if your skin is sensitive or reactive. You can perform a test patch before a peel to determine if you will have an adverse reaction to the treatment. One way to do this is to apply a small amount glycolic acid to the inside of your arm or other relatively hairless part of of your body, cover it with a bandage, leave it on overnight and examine the results. Slight redness is common after treatment and may last up to a few days.

Pumpkin Peel

Some people respond better pumpkin peels than to glycolic peels. Pumpkin peels use the enzyme of the pumpkin to exfoliate and introduce vitamins and nutrients into the skin. In many cases, pumpkin peels result in immediate clarity and smoothness in the skin. People with sensitive skin and acne benefit from the pumpkin peel because it is less intrusive than a glycolic peel. It is full of beta carotene and vitamin A, which help to stimulate circulation and promote healing. Pumpkin peels are more successful at surface retexturizing; they do not reduce hyper pigmentation.

Benefits of Pumpkin

There is no down time with a pumpkin peel and the treatment is not as harsh on sensitive skin as a glycolic peel. A pumpkin peel treatment costs a little less than a glycolic peel treatment. The number of treatments depends on skin type and the goals of the patient.

Considerations

Consult a certified esthetician or physician for a glycolic or pumpkin peel to avoid side effects based on your skin. Physicians offer glycolic acid peels at a higher concentration but may be more costly. To increase effectiveness of any peel it may be recommended that you combine the treatment with microdermabrasion, which removes the top micro-layer of the skin, or use a professional product at home to maintain the benefits of the peel.

Calm, peace and tranquility are rare words in my vernacular, or current mother’s tongue.  But that doesn’t deter me from embracing life with immeasurable gratitude and a sense of blessing for those I love and their powerful love for me.

Every day we make a choice about how we will experience the day. It’s easy to view the next 12 hours as something to get through instead of consciously deciding not to squander a moment of precious time. When crushing responsibility and too much work in our deadline-filled world become the norm it's time to stop and reevaluate how we are living life.

Postponing happiness is a dangerous proposition because that rescheduled joy and suspended fun will never come back to our lives. Instead, we must reframe our thinking and see the essence of happiness and grace in all the nooks and crannies of the day. It just might pull many out of their dangerous nosedive and shatter the illusion that life will wait for anyone.

There is peace, joy and love in the smallest details of life. Lurking in the mounds of laundry, stealing in the early morning rush and sandwiched between the lunches and cleaning is the love and happiness we seek. There’s a tremendous sense of purpose in giving to others in our life. It inspires us to take action, to lead with generosity, and our willingness to do so, no matter the inconvenience, makes life richer and sweetens our experiences.

In the midst of all that giving we will encounter a sense of grace. But take heed, anyone unfamiliar with being touched by grace might let it whiz right past, blink and it’s gone. A subtle moment of silent prayer in everyday life of thanks and appreciation becomes a sacred exchange with grace. It’s divine proof that we are all part of something bigger in the universe, delivering a wave of gratitude and happiness. The sheer force of grace reminds us to embrace chance and take a ride on fate each time we give of ourselves. The very best giving happens when we don’t ask why; we just act no matter the risk. It can’t be measured but the impact of giving is tangible when more than a glance is taken. Take the time to receive the miraculous gift it brings to you.

There will always be work and challenging circumstances in our everyday life but they should never control our level of happiness. Counted blessings bring awareness to a plentiful supply of joy in the daily rush of life. Trust that all your effort and the energy you give in service to others will be repaid many times over in gratitude and the reverence that comes with acknowledging grace in the smallest moments of life.

Mesoeclat is a skin peel system specifically designed to fight the effects of aging caused by genetic and environmental factors. The Mesoeclat method ensures excellent anti-aging results giving the skin a firmer, clearer appearance with less fine lines and wrinkles. Improvement is visible almost immediately, and continues through the course of five sessions.

The National Enquirer claims the Madonna has been getting regular anti-aging Mesoeclat, a new alternative to traditional Botox . The costs approximately $500 to $1,000 per session.
“Madonna is a regular customer. Although she’s known to be frugal with her money, the one thing she won’t skimp on is her appearance.”
“Madonna get Mesoeclat at a time to keep her complexion smooth and young looking,” an Enquirer source claims. “Madonna swears by it.”
“The Mesoeclat method ensures excellent results, leaving your skin firmer and with a clearer appearance.” “What other almost fifty year old mother of three looks like that? Her skin looks better than most twenty year olds.”

September 2011- Promo -

Permanent Makeup Eyeliner for Just $99

Whether you desire a soft, natural eyelash enhancement or a bold definitive line, permanent eyeliner can be either a dramatic or subtle enhancement making the eyelashes appear full and lush. Pigment is placed between the lashes building to the clients desired thickness. Eyeliner enhances & defines your eyes making lashes appear thick and lush.

• Do you have allergies or have frequent eye infections?
• Would you like the freedom of never having to worry about your eyeliner disappearing over the course of the day (especially on one eye)? You can always add more traditional eyeliner for a dramatic look.
• Do you have muscle problems, arthritis or other issues that prevent you from making a smooth line?

“It’s totally possible to rediscover that zest and optimism you felt when you were younger,” says Caroline Adams Miller, author of “Creating Your Best Life.”

“In fact, recapturing those qualities is essential to leading a healthier, happier life in the long run.”

Take these simple measures to turn back your internal clock and make the date on your driver’s license feel like a big fat lie.

Turn in earlier

Getting your zzz’s is the simplest way to feel younger right now.

“The only time your body can truly restore itself is when you’re asleep,” explains Henry Lodge, M.D., co-author of “Younger Next Year for Women.”

“It helps build a more vibrant body and brain.”

Chances are, you’re not getting as much as you need. Make up for your sleep debt by turning in early enough to get eight hours of shut-eye for six weeks straight. (Skip “The Daily Show” and leave the dishes in the sink!)

After six weeks, the time it takes to form a lasting healthy snooze habit, you’ll feel the difference (more energy, fewer dark circles).

Eat revitalizing food

While you’re turning that sleep deficit into a surplus, age-proof your meals, too.

“Front-load the healthy stuff,” Lodge advises. “Start every meal with a fruit or vegetable and a tall glass of water.”

Loading up on the vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and veggies will make you feel refreshed, recharged, and reenergized. And no need to always skip dessert:

“As long as 90% of your food choices are healthy, allow yourself to indulge in that remaining 10%,” Lodge says. “When you have an ice cream cone, really, truly enjoy it!” Just like you did when you were a kid.

Pump some iron

The right kind of strength-training can help you feel 10, 20, even 30 years younger, says Bob Greene, trainer and author of “20 Years Younger.”

“When done properly, weight-training makes microtears in the muscles, which leads your body to generate thicker, stronger muscle fiber.”

Strengthening your muscles in this way leaves you less vulnerable to injuries and builds your stamina. Greene advises focusing on your lower body and core:

Use a set of dumbbells and do a combination of squats, lunges, and calf-raises — two to three sets of 10 reps two to three times a week. It won’t be long before you’ll be giving those 20-year-olds at the gym a run for their money.

Be (a little!) vain

True, getting nipped and tucked is not the golden ticket to eternal youth. But don’t underestimate the power of taking care of your looks (covering your grays, buying a fancy face cream).

“There’s a big difference between going crazy trying to look 10 years younger and trying to look your best at whatever age you are,” says Vivian Diller, Ph.D., author of Face It. “Prolonging the vitality of your skin, your hair, and your body will make you feel more confident and youthful.”

So enjoy that salon visit, guilt-free!

Mix it up

Even if you eat right, pump iron, and apply that fab face cream, doing these things in the same order every day is going to start feeling, well, old.

“The brain craves novelty,” Miller says. “To feel younger, you have to stimulate it with new associations and new things.”

Miller calls it electro­shock therapy for your behavior, but it’s not as painful as it sounds. Just make little, out-of-the-ordinary changes like stopping at a different café for your morning latte or trying out a new running route in your nabe.

Step back in time

Did you love punk rock music in college? Load some Sex Pistols tracks on your iPod. You might think that being so nostalgic would make you feel ancient, but research shows it can have the opposite effect.

In one study at Harvard University, people who were placed in an environment that resembled their youth — with movies, music, and memorabilia from the past — experienced marked improvements in their memory, vision, happiness level, and overall health.

“It shows that our mind-set is what limits us,” says lead researcher Ellen Langer, Ph.D., author of “Counterclockwise.”

So do something that really takes you back (like re-reading your Anne Rice paperbacks!).

Play up the positive

It’s natural to be a bit more gloomy than you were at 18, since time often exposes just how cruel (natural disasters, divorces, job losses) the world can be. That’s why the final step to feeling younger is nixing your inner naysayer.

“The goal is not to deny the less-than-pleasant stuff that is happening, but rather to focus on what’s going well,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of “A Happy You.”

If the flight for your romantic vacation gets delayed, remind yourself that you’re on your way to a great destination with your mate.

“Cultivating a greater sense of optimism will provide you with more positive energy to motivate you to do youthful things,” Lombardo explains.

You know, like sneaking kisses while you wait for that next flight.