BE AN OBSERVER, NOT A JUDGE

BE AN OBSERVER, NOT A JUDGE

from "11 Ways to Feel Beautiful"
(And not one involves more makeup!)
By Jenny Bailly
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the January 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine


BE AN OBSERVER, NOT A JUDGE

Don't issue good/bad/pretty/ugly judgments when you look in the mirror. "If you have a scar, you can decide to see it as a flaw or simply as a memory of an injury," says Stacey Tantleff-Dunn, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of Central Florida and director of the Laboratory for the Study of Eating, Appearance & Health. Try to take in your physical attributes the way you would those of a child or beloved friend—with appreciation and acceptance, not criticism.

MY THOUGHTS

yes- why spend time obsessing about something that you cannot change. of course, everything can be changed now with money.  pure vanity.  but beneath the cosmetic surgery, or whatever slabs you put on your face, lies the true you.  if you cannot love yourself for who  you are, who would?

LOOK BEAUTIFUL BY STANDING TALL

BEAUTY WITH NO MAKE UP: STAND TALL

from the aricle "11 Ways to Feel Beautiful"
(And not one involves more makeup!)
By Jenny Bailly
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the January 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

STAND (AND SIT) TALL

"Your brain is constantly checking in with the rest of your body to find out how you're feeling," says Kelly McGonigal, PhD, a health psychologist at Stanford University. "When your posture is erect, the message it gets is: I feel good about myself. " One study, published last year in the European Journal of Social Psychology , found that subjects who sat up straight in their chairs instead of slouching were more confident about statements they wrote. Keeping your shoulders back and chest open also makes you look taller, slimmer, and radiantly self-assured.

MY THOUGHTS

hunched shoulders and drooping heads - they do (sometimes) mean sadness, lack of confidence, feeling lost.  even if you are physically beautiful, no amount of makeup can hide (not for long, anyway) how bad you are feeling.  so, straighten that back, hold that head up high, take the worry of your face and stop looking like the world has fallen on your shoulders.

EATING FOR HEALTHY BONES

EATING FOR HEALTHY BONES

from the article "Is Exercise Weakening Your Bones?"
By the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
Published January 24, 2011

Eating for Healthy Bones

Where can I get calcium and vitamin D? Dairy products are the primary food sources of calcium. Choose low-fat milk, yogurt, cheeses, ice cream or products made or served with these choices to fulfill your daily requirement.

Three servings of dairy products per day should give you at least 900 mg (milligrams) of calcium. Green vegetables are another source. A cup of broccoli, for example, has about 136 mg of calcium. Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D, but when the sun isn’t shining, turn to dietary sources of vitamin D.

Milk and dairy products. Many great snack and meal items contain calcium. With a little planning and know-how, you can make meals and snacks calcium-rich:

    * Milk: Wouldn’t a tall, cold glass of this refreshing thirst-quencher be great right now? If you’re concerned about fat and calories, choose reduced-fat or fat-free milk. You can drink it plain or with a low- or no-fat syrup or flavoring, such as chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, hazelnut flavoring or cinnamon.

    * Cheese: Again, you can choose the low- or no-fat varieties. Use all different types of cheese for sandwiches, bagels, omelets, vegetable dishes, pasta creations or as a snack by itself.

    * Pudding (prepared with milk): You can purchase (or make from a mix) pudding in a variety of flavors with little or no fat, such as chocolate fudge, lemon, butterscotch, vanilla and pistachio.

    * Yogurt: Add fruit. Eat it plain. Add a low- or no-fat sauce or syrup. No matter how you choose to eat this calcium-rich food, yogurt remains a quick, easy and convenient choice. It’s also available in a variety of flavors.

    * Frozen yogurt (or fat-free ice cream): Everybody loves ice cream. And now, without the unnecessary fat, you can enjoy it more often. Mix yogurt, milk and fruit to create a breakfast shake. Have a cone at lunchtime or as a snack. A scoop or two after dinner can be cool and refreshing.


What are other sources of calcium? Many foods you already buy and eat may be calcium-fortified. Try calcium-fortified orange juice or cereal. Check food labels to see if some of your other favorite foods may be good sources of calcium. You also can take calcium supplements if you think you may not be getting enough from your diet.

Excerpted from “Exercise and Bone Health for Women: The Skeletal Risk of Overtraining” by the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, a service of the National Institutes of Health

MY THOUGHTS

i love cheese and yogurt.  milk - i tolerate.  but i should take this article seriously. because osteo is serious.

CAN YOU IMAGINE BRITTLE BONES?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR BONES BECOME BRITTLE

from the article "Is Exercise Weakening Your Bones?"
By the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
Published January 24, 2011

I’m still not convinced. If my bones become brittle, so what? What’s the worst thing that could happen to me?

Brittle bones may not sound as scary as a fatal or rare disease. The fact is that osteoporosis can lead to fractures. It can cause disability.

Imagine having so many spine fractures that you’ve lost inches in height and walk bent over. Imagine looking down at the ground everywhere you go because you can't straighten your back. Imagine not being able to find clothes that fit you. Imagine having difficulty breathing and eating because your lungs and stomach are compressed into a smaller space.

Imagine having difficulty walking, let alone exercising, because of pain and misshapen bones. Imagine constantly having to be aware of what you’re doing and having to do things so slowly and carefully because of a very real fear and dread of a fracture – which could lead to a drastic change in your life, including pain, loss of independence, mobility, freedom and more.

Osteoporosis isn’t just an older person’s disease. Young women also experience fractures. Imagine being sidelined because of a broken bone and not being able to get those good feelings you get from regular activity.

MY THOUGHTS

if you can imagine it, i can!  how can you be beautiful when you have brittle bones? i'm going to read the next article soon - it's all about healthy eating to avoid "osteo'.

LOOK YOUNGER

Look Younger

Most women want to look younger. Some women go to expensive and sometimes risky procedures to hide their real age. Here are some tips that may help you look younger - without draining your wallet.

USING SUNSCREEN

UV rays are harmful. Constant exposure to the sun can actually speed up aging.  Use sunscreen, avoid tanning.  This will DELAY the appearance of those unwanted wrinkles.

FOLLOW A SKIN CARE ROUTINE

A skin care routine becomes even more necessary as women age.  Cleansing and moisturizing should continue but the use of masks and anti-wrinkle creams should now be part of the routine. Experts advise the use of creams that contain oils and ceramides that soften skin. Look for creams that can smooth visible lines with its 'mattifying effect'.

FOCUS ON YOUR EYE MAKE-UP

Make-up gurus claim this can take way 7 years off your face! "Apply a soft line using an eyeliner at the base of the upper eyelashes. Next, use an eyelash curler in order to add a youthful touch and then apply mascara for volume". A gentle coat of natural eyeshadow will pit sparkle into your eyes.

GO FOR PINK BLUSH

Pink brings a natural, fresh look. Use in moderation and it just might take away 5 years off your face. Use a light foundation as base.

BE CAREFUL WITH THAT HAIRSTYLE

Choose a simple but flattering hairstyle.  This is something you you spend on.  Leave it to the experts.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

What we take in will eventually show. A balanced, healthy diet will make your skin glow.  As you age, water becomes your best friend.  Avoid "sugar as it dries the skin and causes wrinkles". Go for "foods rich in proteins, fatty acids and Omega 3" and food that act as antioxidants.

FIND TIME FOR SLEEP AND RELAXATION

Get enough sleep and schedule time to relax.  Dark eye circles due to lack of sleep actually makes you look older.  "Relax and meditate for at least 10 minutes every day".

SMILE OFTEN, LAUGH ALL THE TIME

Enjoy life and stop thinking about getting old.  Stay optimistic. Think of the happy memories of your youth.  Those memories will make you smile.  Spend time with close friends and laugh until your sides ache.  Laugh about anything - including how you keep on getting older each day.

STOP FIGHTING

Literally,stop fighting with anyone.  Anger saps you of your energy.  Even if you win, you'll feel 'beaten-up'.  And stop fighting the cycle of life.  Everyone will grow old.  Unless you have "the curious case of Benjamin Button" .  It's a movie.  Benjamin was born old and looked younger and younger as he got older.  Benjamin lived long but died a "baby".  You don't want that!

FROZEN TEA BAGS for Tired Eyes

Tea Bags for Tired Eyes

from the article "Quick Remedies for Tired Eyes"
becomegorgeous.com

# Frozen Tea Bags are yet another remedy to experiment with if you struggle with tired eyes. Choose chamomile or mint tea bags and place them in the fridge. Leave them overnight and in the morning place them on your lids. 5-6 minutes will be enough to refresh your complexion and reduce the redness as well as the puffy condition of your skin. Experiment with the various types of herbal teas to find the one that best suits your complexion and preferences.

MY THOUGHTS

i'm sure you've heard,probably tried, the tea bags already. i have.  and i didn't know it's supposed to be frozen and should be chamomile or mint.  worth a try.

STRAWBERRIES for Tired Eyes?

STRAWBERRIES FOR TIRED EYES

from the article "Quick Remedies for Tired Eyes"
becomegorgeous.com

# Strawberries as surprising as it may seem are used as some of the most efficient remedies against baggy eyes. This remedy can be used both during the colder and also warm season. Put a strawberry into the fridge and leave it on overnight. In the morning you can place it on your eyelids and keep these on while embedding a quick relax session in your morning routine. Strawberries have a strong anti-oxidant effect therefore these would serve as the best means to fight swelling and puffiness.

MY THOUGHTS

well, it's something new.  the article didn't mention anything about cutting-up the strawberry.  which means it's safe to eat afterwards?  i prefer this delicious fruit in my tummy, not my eyes. i can taste the creaminess of a stawberry smoothie already.  

MILK for tired eyes?

MILK for Tired Eyes?

from the article "Quick Remedies for Tired Eyes"
becomegorgeous.com

# Milk is also a secret weapon to treat puffy eyes. Those who wish to guarantee their flawless complexion for the next morning should pour some milk into a bowl and dip a cotton pad in it.

Then position the pad onto your lids and keep it there for at least 5-6 minutes. The milk has a natural soothing effect and would secure the silky soft complexion even after an exhausting night. Make sure the milk is cold, finally rinse it off with tepid water.

MY THOUGHTS

i don't know. i'm not to keen on this one.  i can already feel how sticky this is going to be.  will probably drip, too.  yucky!

CUCUMBER FOR TIRED EYES

Cucumber for tired Eyes

from the article "Quick Remedies for Tired Eyes"
becomegorgeous.com

# Cucumber is yet another remedy to try if you wish to appeal to some of the green methods to treat tired eyes. Place two slices of cucumber on your eyelids and enjoy the soothing effect of this spa treatment.

Indeed this veggie is used as the most common anti-oxidant to treat some of the most stubborn skin problems as acne and wrinkles. Leave the slices on for at least 4-5 minutes then rinse off your eyes with cold water.

MY THOUGHTS

i can almost feel the freshness!  cucumber is all freshness, right? makes me think of showers and drizzles, of summer mornings and of feeling light all over. i guess, i won't be having salad today.  my eyes will take priority.

COLD SPOON FOR TIRED EYES

COLD SPOON FOR TIRED EYES

from the article "Quick Remedies for Tired Eyes"
becomegorgeous.com

# One of the first tricks to fight the puffiness of the skin is to place two cold spoons into the fridge and leave these there overnight. In the morning these would have the perfect temperature to be placed on the eyes and reduce the puffiness visibly. Make sure these spoons are cold not ice cold as it might affect the spotless condition of a sensitive complexion. Try your hand at this trick to see whether it works for you.

MY THOUGHTS

yeah!  why not? seems harmless enough.  be sure to wash the spoons before you eat.i mean, before putting them in the fridge.

TIRED EYES?

Remedies for Tired Eyes (Intro)

from the article "Quick Remedies for Tired Eyes"
becomegorgeous.com

If in the morning the mirror shows your worst look after a long night, make sure you find out more on the quick remedies for tired eyes. These would teach you how to get back your spotless complexion and look fresh each time you had to attend an all-night party or had to complete a serious project and sleeping was the last thing on your mind. These homemade and quick remedies will show you how to use some common ingredients and embed them into your daily skin care routine.

In order to combat the unpleasant look of puffy eyes it would be wise to have all the helpful and efficient skin care tricks in your pocket. Those who work or study a lot, still have to look spotless in the morning might need a few quick remedies for tired eyes. Using these homemade treatments and common ingredients to treat the redness and puffy condition of the skin will keep chemicals away of the complexion preventing the appearance of harsh skin problems. In order to achieve the best results it is important to practice these cool methods and rituals and embed them into our daily skin care routine. Learn from the best and find out the best treatments recommended by professionals who are aware of the fact that homemade and easy remedies have a greater value than cosmetic or medical ones.

MY THOUGHTS

as usual, i divided this article into several parts for easier reading. here's a rundown of the tips:

# two cold spoons(yes, that's no typo)

# Cucumber ( this we know)

# Milk (i'm surprised, too)

# Strawberries (even more surprised!)

# Frozen Tea Bags (been doing this)

so, just wait for the next blogs.

TO SHAVE OR NOT TO SHAVE

TO SHAVE OR NOT TO SHAVE
from the Article "Pros And Cons Of Shaving Your Legs"
becomegorgeous.com

What is Shaving

Shaving is the easiest and the most commonly used method for hair removal.

The classic and well-known method of hair removal, shaving, is probably the cheapest, the oldest and at the same time the most popular method used by women to obtain wonderful, soft legs.

Shaving consists of running a razor on the surface of the skin, meaning that you practically cut off the hair from the surface of your skin, the hair roots being left behind.

Benefits:

# Shaving is simple, quick and easy.

# As compared to waxing, it is a painless epilation method.

# Shaving is affordable to anyone.

# It is a great timesaving method, needs no previous preparation.

# As opposed to waxing, shaving leaves no sticky spots on your legs or hands.

Drawbacks

# Gives only short term results.

# Cutting off the hair causes quick hair regrowth.

# If you shave with an improper blade, or if you do not use a shaving cream or body wash, the blade will not glide on your skin. As a result, you can even cut yourself easily, leaving scars on your skin.

# Frequent shaving can leave irritations on your skin.

# Shaving can result in ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs appear when hair curls back or grows inwards. It is a commonly met problem among those who shave their legs. As a result you can end up with pimples and bumps or inflamations. Therefore it is advisable to avoid shaving too close to the skin and if this is a constant problem, ask a dermatologist for advice and treatment.

# As compared to other hair removal methods, shaving thickens the hair, making it even stronger and more dense.

MY THOUGHTS

i've tried waxing.
didn't find it painful.
found it to be very expensive. 
i'm actually a shaver.
i've experienced cuts
and yes, ingrown hairs.
these happen when you're not careful.
use sharp razors,
lotion or soap or body wash to lubricate the skin.
and never, never do this in a rush.

WHAT TO DO WITH OVER PLUCKED EYEBROWS

WHAT TO DO WITH OVER PLUCKED EYEBROWS
from article "Over Plucked Eyebrows Remedies"
becomegorgeous.com

# Brow Pencil:

Purchase a shade that is at most one shade darker or lighter than the natural tones of the eyebrows. Finding the golden middle way is the secret to create a natural effect. Follow the direction of hair growth and proceed with small and gentle strokes.

Add some definition and density to your eyebrows by filling in the blank sections with a similar beauty tool. Repeat the procedure every time you need it, make sure you eliminate the traces of the pencil when you remove your makeup before heading to bed.

# Brow Powder: This is one of the revolutionary solutions that would help you to fake a perfectly proportionate and spotless eyebrow shape. This product was specially designed to add some volume and definition to the brows.

Apply a thin layer of the powder to the affected area, it is crucial that its tone complements your natural features. Cover the area where you filled in the empty spots in order to offer your complexion a uniform look. Restrict the application to the eyebrows and make sure you won't extend it over the limits of the shape. Use brow powders with great care, be precise and use only a moderate amount of it for the desired effect.

# Hairspray: It might seem surprising that hairspray can help you correct the damages of an inappropriate tweezing. However due to its strong effect it will efficiently set the brows on the desired position to maintain the natural impression. Use a worn-out toothbrush and spay a little hairspray on it, apply it to the eyebrow slowly and in a decent proportion. Always use a brush or your fingers to enhance the application. This tiny trick will keep the eyebrows in the ideal shape and would also prevent the eyebrow pencil and powder from smudging and melting down.

Keep tweezers away while growing out your eyebrows, this is a further remedy that can save the flawless condition of your look. Though it might take some time it is still advisable to cut back on tweezing for a longer period of time since your brows might become more prone to damage.

MY THOUGHTS

yes! i'm surprised!  hairspray? it's worth a try.  if you happen to have the misfortune of over plucking. you can always wash off the hairspray. make sure it's the reliable hairspray type.  you don't want to lose all your eyebrows.

LIPS TOO PLUMP?

Top Most Common Makeup Mistakes (Plump Lips)
from becomegorgeous.com

# Plumper lips seem to be every woman's dream. When wanting to get pouty lips we usually use a lip liner. Or, one might even say we overuse it, without thinking of the clown-looking effect we get. The first mistake we make is when choosing the color of the lip liner as we often tend to go for a too dark shade. Second, we sometimes make a thick line going up, maybe too far. Make sure you choose a color that matches your lips or your lipstick as this needs to flawlessly blend without being noticed.

MY THOUGHTS

it's not my dream. never was and never will be. maybe i like my lips just the way they are. or i'm simply not the lipstick type of person.

WRONG GLITTERS

Top Most Common Makeup Mistakes (Glitters and Shimmers)
from becomegorgeous.com

# Whenever using glittery and shimmery products, the “less is more” makeup rule should be 100% followed. Unless, of course, you are going to a children's party and you are the good, innocent fairy. In this case everything stands in the quantity you use. In consequence, try to avoid over-shimmering the eyes, your cheekbones and the mouth, all in the same time. For a more discreet, yet glamorous makeup, choose one part and apply a shimmery product.

MY THOUGHTS

never really liked the glittery and the shimmery make-up products. i may have used them once or twice. really can't remember. what i can remember is staring at faces that look like christmas lights.  horrifying. so, take the author's advice. unless it's halloween.

WRONG MAKE-UP BLUSH

Top Most Common Makeup Mistakes (Blush)
from becomegorgeous.com

# Two other common makeup mistakes are the wrong use of blush and that of the eyeliner. Therefore, we all know that blush adds a healthy touch to your look. However, when going for the less appropriate color and apply it wrongly without blending the result might be rather funny and more circus-appropriate. Moreover, when wanting to make the eyes look larger, we often exaggerate with the eyeliner, going to extremes and the only thing we obtain is the unwanted raccoon effect. Remember that a simple line on the top lash line extended at the corners of the eyes can totally do the trick.

MY THOUGHTS

another make-up that i hardly ever use- the blush. not because i don't like it but because i can't seem to get it right. rather than get frustrated, i opted to do away with it.

WRONG MASCARA

Top Most Common Makeup Mistakes (Mascara)
from becomegorgeous.com

# When it comes to eye makeup, mascara is great when wanting to obtain a mysterious, feminine look. However, when overusing it, the result might not be the one we wanted as this might affect not just your overall aspect, but also the health of your lashes. Therefore, the only thing you'll get will be an artificial, smudgy look. First of all, mascara might flake or smear, while your lashes will appear hard and spiked. Moreover, tons of mascara can break the lashes.

MY THOUGHTS

a vampire!  that's what comes to mind.  try the l'oreal volume shocking mascara. but like everything else, don't overdo it.  or you would look like a monster instead of an angel.

WRONG EYE AND LIP MAKE-UP

Top Most Common Makeup Mistakes (Eye and Lip)
from becomegorgeous.com

# There is one mistake that we often make, sometimes even without realizing. Emphasizing both eyes and lips, using an intense makeup, at the same time can be a major “crime”. Therefore, if you want to bring out your eyes, try a lighter lipstick color for the lips, or, you can even try a lip gloss. Well, since we are speaking about lip gloss, you should know that lip gloss abuse is a major makeup mistake. We all agree that one soft coat looks incredibly hot and sexy, creating the illusion of plumper lips, while too much lip gloss should be avoided.

MY THOUGHTS

i find this a little difficult to agree to.  i tend to think that it's best to make the eye and lip make up go together. i mean, intense eye make-up with intense lip make-up. light eye make-up with light lip make-up.  i don't know.  try it anyway.  then let me know what really works.

Make-up Mistakes: WRONG FOUNDATION

Make-Up Mistakes;  Wrong Foundation
Top Most Common Makeup Mistakes
from becomegorgeous.com

# The first and probably on of the most common makeup mistakes is opting for a foundation darker than your skin complexion. It has already been proved that the mask effect looks terrible and this is what we get whenever choosing a foundation or powder that don't work for our skin color. This way you just manage to create an unaesthetic aspect with darker face and lighter neck and neckline. However, if you want to obtain a nice sun-kissed skin, yet still look natural, purchase a foundation appropriate for your skin complexion and then apply some bronzing powder on your nose, cheekbones, chin, forehead, and neckline.

MY THOUGHTS

personally, i find it hard to look for that perfect make-up foundation.  i think this is an area where we need professional help.  when hunting for that perfect blend, look for the product maker who employs make-up professionals.  those ladies (or gays) behind the counter who can provide expert advise.  choose that counter where they have the lighted mirrors so you can test how the make-up will look in certain kinds of lighting. 

lighting is very important when putting on make-up.  have you ever experienced looking at your mirror inside the house and congratulating yourself for a perfect make-up only to feel horrified when you step outside  a and you find that your make-up is not so perfect after all? well, i have.  and i know how it feels to have to erase the make-up completely. foundation is called foundation for a reason.  you make a mistake here and everything else will have to be taken off.  that is, if you have the time.  if you don't, well you just have to go through your day looking like a ghost.or a zombie.

MOST COMMON MAKE-UP MISTAKES

Top Most Common Makeup Mistakes (Introduction)
from becomegorgeous.com

Despite all this makeup arsenal available, there are certain mistakes that seem impossible to avoid. We want to look fabulous and flawless, making the most of what we have, yet we often manage to get a real makeup disaster. Take a look to these top most common makeup mistakes and try to avoid them if you want a maximum impact.

Moderation and good sense are two important things to take into consideration whenever applying makeup. With so many different products in stores it is more than easy to make mistakes even after spending hours covering up all unwanted flaws. In these circumstances, it is crucial to know what works best for you, how to use makeup in order to enhance your natural beauty and what are top most common makeup mistakes you need to stay away from. Since preparing your face is the It-rule when applying makeup, remember that not using moisturizer before starting the makeup process is one essential mistake.

MY THOUGHTS

this is quite a long article so i've divided them into parts. the next blogs will deal with make-up mistakes in

- use of foundation
- intense eye and lip make-up
- mascara
- glittery and shimmery products
- lip liner overuse
- blush

wait for these tips