Celebrating womanhood ...

The Best diet for maximum health and prevent diabetes ,obesity , heart disease

2010-02-19T04:24:00.010-06:00

Here is the diet that can help prevent diabetes , obesity and heart diseases. It also helps to reduce weight and in maintaining a lean body.

1) Eat whole and natural foods only.
These include vegetables (raw or slightly cooked ) , fruits ,nuts ,fish ,eggs ,lean meat , yoghurt (curd) ,low fat milk etc.

2) Eat every 3 hours .Eat small portions at frequent regular intervals .
    This is very important in maintaining the blood sugar levels even.
Eating a heavy breakfast (idli/dosa w sambar , eggs w/fruits , apple & almond smoothie) will kickstart the body's metabolism and prevent obesity.

3) Eat plenty of good fats such as Omega 3 fats ie, eat fish and eggs (including the yolk).These are called Essential fatty Acids and they are very essential for our brains and nervous system .They are the building blocks of brain matter .

4) Curd (yoghurt) is a wonder .It has the good digestive bacteria (probiotic )that is naturally present in our intestines and vaginal tract.They are found to be very effective in boosting immunity and preventing diarrhea , irritable bowel syndrome , commom colds ,colon cancer ,vaginal yeast infection , etc.

5)Drink plenty of water (chlorine free ) to get rid of toxins from the body .Chlorine is known as a listed poison.Chlorine has adverse effects on our body systems.
Avoid juices including fruit juices and all soft drinks. Fruit juices do not give the benefits of the fresh fruits .

6) Brisk walk (walking very fast with swinging the arms widely ) daily for 30 minutes to get the heart pump blood into all the cells in our body.

7) Avoid white four (maida) ,white rice and sugar completely.Use brown rice ,whole wheat and Jaggery instead.Palm jaggery is very beneficial as it is an excellent source or iron and other nutrients
and is ideal for diabetics .Brown sugar is worse than white sugar .

8) Avoid processed foods like french fries , pizza and all the new generation fast foods that have zero nutrional value.Instead eat baked potatoes . Home cooked meals can guarantee a longer life span for us.

9) Eat fibre rich foods to keep that hunger cravings away.

10) Always combine protien rich foods like nuts with carbohydrate rich foods like fruits .
      A combo of fruits and nuts or a strawberry/badam milk smoothie are the healthiest snacks .

Following these simple but crucial steps will ensure us a healthy body and also in preventing a whole lot of lifestyle induced diseases like heart deseases ,diabetes , cancer etc.....

Wish you good health .Thank You .

Side effects of Vaccines (MMR and Triple )

2010-02-18T23:56:00.004-06:00

In immune-compromised babies and children (premature or underweight babies), vaccinations may overload their immune systems, resulting in toxic damage to their nervous system and brain. For this reason, more and more parents are demanding single vaccines instead of combination vaccines.

Combination Vaccines (MMR and Triple)

While no one yet knows the combined risks of having a number of vaccinations, two of the most common combination vaccinations – MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and DPT (diphtheria, pertussis or whooping cough, and tetanus) – were thoroughly investigated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In monitoring 500,000 American children after vaccination, 34 major side effects were identified, the most common being seizures. Researchers found that the day after a DPT shot, children were three times more likely to have a fit. After the MMR injection, fits were 2.7 times higher after four to seven days and 3.3 times higher after eight to fourteen days. And that’s just seizures. In some cases, DPT reactions have resulted in permanent neurological damage (1 in 30-50,000 children vaccinated) and even death
For example, in one survey of 825 parents whose children had symptoms that would classify them as autistic, 55 reported clear signs of regression following the MMR vaccine.

Consider the case of 9-year-old Hannah Polings, whose parents finally won a compensation case in March 2008 for the vaccine damage they believe caused their daughter’s autism. Before being vaccinated, Hannah was interactive, playful and communicative. Soon after receiving five jabs – containing nine different vaccines including MMR – at 19 months of age, she developed vaccine-induced varicella and was then diagnosed with encephalopathy (a brain disease causing delays in neurological and psychological development).
However, research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has shown that the risk of childhood asthma doubled when the first dose of diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus was given at the recommended time (ie two months old) versus being delayed by more than two months (ie at least four months old). In addition, the risk decreased with delays in giving all of the doses.

Alternatives to Vaccination
The best alternative to vaccination is to ensure that you and your baby has a fit immune system – and that’s what the advice in this book aims to achieve. For the first six months to a year, there is no better way to confer immunity than through breast-feeding. Once weaned, you can help to ensure immunity by providing an optimal intake of immune-boosting nutrients.
For example, vitamin A offers protection against measles and probably polio. In underdeveloped countries, deaths from measles have been virtually eliminated with adequate amounts of vitamin A.

Ensuring an optimum intake of nutrients can actually help to reduce risk of disease. For example, studies indicate that children infected with measles have lower levels of vitamin A. Consequently, eating a diet high in vitamin A, rich in fish, and its precursor beta-carotene, rich in green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange coloured fruit and vegetables, may reduce the risk of your child developing measles or its complications. Also supplementing a daily chewable multivitamin and mineral, plus essential fats.

There is also logic in avoiding the most common allergens, wheat and dairy products, for a few days after a vaccination (especially MMR), as the immune system becomes activated.

Another excellent way of supporting your child’s immune system is by breastfeeding. UNICEF estimates that the lives of 1.3 million children worldwide would be saved and many others greatly improved if they were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. And although solids should be introduced at this stage, it is best to keep breastfeeding as well for at least a year.

Another way to minimise risk in babies, whose immune systems are particularly immature, is to restrict their exposure to large numbers of other potentially-infected infants. If possible, it is recommended that you avoid placing your child in day care with many other children or involving them in large playgroups, especially in the first couple of years, until their immune systems are much stronger.

Natural skin care

2007-06-25T14:23:00.045-06:00

Get a healthy glowing radiant face naturally.
A healthy glowing and radiant face is every woman's dream. But beware of using skin care products by seeing their incredible ads.All cosmetic companies pay the ad agencies to make movie like ad to lure people to buy their products which can do our skin more harm than good.
Anyone can get a glowing skin by following a simple skin care routine at home.You don't have to visit a beauty salon or burn your pockets to do this.
Following these simple routines on a daily basis will get you that lovely skin you dream of. Skin nourishment comes from within our body not from the creams we slather on .Eat whole foods only and avoid Sugar ,Maida(all purpose flour )and white rice .Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and pulses and whole grain foods will ensure a healthy skin.Taking Vitamin E tablets is very good too.
Night time routine:Skin repairs itself between 10pm and 2 am.
1)Cleanse your face with the natural cleanser/ or scrub or plain tap water .Do not apply any cream or moisturizer and let the pores open for the skin to breathe .
Daytime routine:
1) Cleanse your face with the natural cleanser like milk or turmeric or green gram flour or plain tap water.
2)Always carry an umbrella or a wide brimmed hat to protect our face from sun-burn .Apply only a chemical free sunscreen (zinc oxide)if at all you want to .Avoid sunscreens if you are prone to pimples
Once a week :A good facial exfoliator can be used to remove outer layer of dead cells and sun-damaged skin to reveal fresh younger looking skin.
How good are the dozens of beatuy products which we see in everyday commercials ?
Read on to find the facts before spending on these costly creams and lotions and repair serums..

Moisturizers

Even normal skin needs protection from these effects of simple living. Aging, the sun, the general environment, all take their toll.

If the skin is to remain smooth and supple, it needs to maintain an adequate moisture level. It is constantly losing its natural moisture, however, through the epidermis(outermost layer of skin) by:

exposure to the elements - sun, wind, cold .
excessive use of degreasing products(soaps,cleansers) on the skin
central heating and air conditioning
sebum flow slowing down with age.

The best facial moisturizer is honey that hydrates the skin, and/or protects the skin from dehydration.Click here to find out the best Moisturizer

Cleansers:
Cleansers are meant to clean the pores of the dirt ,dust and oil accumulated inside .Before buying any cleanser ,check the ingredient to see if there is Soduim Laureth Sulphate .It is used as a foaming agent in workshops to get rid of the grease.
And we pay a handsome amount to buy a reputed brand cleanser in which the main ingredient is Sodium Laureth Sulphate ! How much harm are we doing to our skin ?

Facials : which one works best?

Exfoliation(removal of the outer layer of skin) is the engine of skin renewal. It releases dulling surface flakes to reveal clearer, smoother skin-perfectly prepped for moisture. Optimizes cell turnover. Uncovers skin's natural radiance.
In normal skin, it takes about 30 days for a cell produced by the basal layer(innermost layer) to move through the epidermis to the surface. When the outer layer of skin is lost quickly -perhaps after sunburn - they are replaced more quickly from below.
Artificially removing the outer layers by the cosmetic process of peeling (facials) also tends to speed up replacement.That's the reason we feel a fresh glow to or face 2 or 3 days after getting a facial. It doesn't make any difference if we pay a 100 for an ordinary facial or a 1000 for a gold or pearl facial.Essentially all the benefit lies in the removal of dead skin layer by the 15 minute massage while getting a facial.
Next time you go for a facial ,go for the ordinary one with a good facial massage to improve the blood circulation ! Don't waste money on gold and pearls ....

Get rid of dark circles in 6 weeks
Eye cream ingredients have become increasingly high-tech, as you've probably seen from the eye candy ads . Read a few labels and you'll see ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids and more.
Retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, copper, and vitamin C actually work under the skin to stimulate collagen growth. Because collagen supports the skin from within, stimulating its growth may, over time, firm the skin and smooth lines and wrinkles.We may try the costliest of under eye creams/gels for months without any desirable results.
The best thing to do to get rid of dark circles is to have a daily dose of Vitamin C through lemon juice or gooseberries or a Vitamin C tablet and going to bed before midnight and getting 6 - 8 hours of continous sleep.

Acne home remedy and pimple skin careAcne usually begins with blackheads.
Blackheads are formed when oil and dead cells get trapped in a pore.
They then turn black when exposed to air.
When blackheads become inflamed, they become red (pimples).
They multiply when touched with dirty hands.

Here are some easy and effective acne home remedies that you can do while doing your household chores.

Acne home remedy :acne solution in just 3 days

Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.
Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.
Apply fresh mint juice over face every night for pimples or acneprevention.

click here for a dozen home-made-remedies for pimples and acne….

Sunscreen Lotions - beware of them !

UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin.

UVA (aging) rays cause most wrinkles.
UVB (burning) rays are the main cause for sunburns and skin cancer.

Always carry an umbrella or wear a wide brimmed hat .Infact exposure of our body to 20 minutes of sun is very beneficial to our bodies as it is essential for making Vitamin D in our body.
The only sunblock is zinc oxide cream which is white in color that blocks the harmful rays.All other chemical sunscreens have very harmful chemicals that are shown to have it's presence enen in the breast milk of women who use them.Beware of chemical sunscreens that are mostly carcinogenic.
Find out the truths about sunscreen lotions..

Face acne products;
Skin care products that are specifically meant for acne-prone skin and acne treatment are available .The ingredients in these can be extremely drying and can irritate the skin badly.
Acne is caused due to a deficiency in B Vtamins and Zinc. So correcting the deficiency by taking a good multivitamin tablet will help prevent acne.Avoiding sugary and fried foods and chocolate helps in preventing them. Keep yourself clean and drink plenty of water to get rid of the toxins.

Skin care products for smooth silky skin

2007-06-25T08:02:00.023-06:00

skin care products for healthy glowing radiant skin

All natural exfoliators for bright even skin tone

Exfoliation is the engine of skin renewal. It releases dulling surface flakes to reveal clearer, smoother skin-perfectly prepped for moisture. Optimizes cell turnover. Uncovers skin's natural radiance. A gentle "tingle" tells you it's working.
Always follow with a good moisturizer after exfoliating.

Natural exfoliators :here's a list of some of the natural exfoliators which works wonders

Tamarind fruit acid,Alchemilla and Raspberry extracts intensively eliminates dead skin and brightens the complexion.

Raspberry, Grapefruit and Strawberry leave skin clean and the complexion bright.

Burdock, Elder, Kaolin, Marshmallaw and natural Clay.this exfoliator is ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Tanaka powder and Pink Clay: gently absorb impurities and excess oil, remove dead skin cells.

Alpine Willow Herb, Zinc and Vitamin B6: regulate oil production, tighten pores.

Some of the best exfoliators can be made yourself using ingredients you might already have in the house.

Try these natural and home made exfoliators to keep your skin looking healthy.

A paste of oatmeal and water makes a good facial scrub.
Sea salt can be rubbed on skin.
Make up a mixture of baking soda and water, using the same amount of each. Rub into your skin.
Mix some sugar into some olive oil.

Anti aging treatments at home

2007-06-21T15:07:00.004-06:00

Anti aging treatments at home for smooth babysoft skin

glycolic acid products

Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acid as Exfoliators (peels)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids have been used for thousands of years as a skin rejuvenating product. Cleopatra is reported to have bathed in sour mild (lactic acid) to improve her complexion. Now hydroxy acids are a common additive to numerous skin care products including moisturizers, cleanser, toners, and masks.
Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from fruit and milk sugars. The most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid and lactic acid because they have a special ability to penetrate the skin.

These are the 5 major types of alpha hydroxy acids found in skin-care products and their sources:

glycolic acid - sugar cane
lactic acid - milk
malic acid - apples and pears
citric acid - oranges and lemons
tartaric acid - grapes

Beta Hydroxy Acid ( salicylic acid)

There is only one beta hydroxy acid - salicylic acid. The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid is their lipid (oil) solubility.

Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only, while beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble.
This means that beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore.

Because of this difference in properties,

beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads.
Alpha hydroxy acids are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem.

More about alpha hydroxy acids

How Alpha Hydroxy Acids Work

Alpha hydroxy acids work mainly as an exfoliant.
They cause the cells of the epidermis(outer layer) to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for regrowth of new skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after months of daily application.
Alpha hydroxy acids found in skin-care products work best in a concentration of 5% to 8% and at a pH of 3 to 4.

Side Effects of Alpha Hydroxy Acids

The two major side effects of alpha hydroxy acids are irritation and sun sensitivity.

Symptoms of irritation include redness, burning, itching, pain, and possibly scarring. People with darker colored skin are at a higher risk of scarring pigment changes with alpha hydroxy acids.
The use of alpha hydroxy acids can increase sun sensitivity by 50% causing an interesting dilemma. It appears that alpha hydroxy acids may be able to reverse some of the damage caused by photoaging, but at the same time they make the skin more susceptible to photoaging. It is clear that anyone using alpha hydroxy acids must use a good sunscreen that contains UVA and UVB protection.

FDA Guidelines on Alpha Hydroxy Acids

The AHA concentration is 10% or less .
The final product has a pH of 3.5 or higher
The final product must have an effective sunscreen in the formulation or warn people to use sunscreen products

Treating Wrinkles with Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Chemical PeelsAlpha hydroxy acids in various concentrations are used in chemical peels. These chemical peels give results that are similar to microdermabrasion - erasing fine lines and giving the skin a smoother appearance with 1 to 3 applications. However, these treatments must be repeated every 3 to 6 months to maintain this skin appearance.

Choosing an Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Alpha hydroxy acids are found in a variety of skin care products including moisturizers, cleansers, eye cream, sunscreen, and foundations.

Here are some guidelines to use when trying to decide which alpha hydroxy acid formulation to use:

It is best to pick one product that contains the proper formulation of alpha hydroxy acid to use as your exfoliant.
and then choose other skin care products or cosmetics that don't contain alpha hydroxy acids to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
Using an alpha hydroxy acid in a moisturizer base may be the best combination of products.
Cleansers containing alpha hydroxy acids are not very effective because the alpha hydroxy acid must be absorbed in the skin to work. Cleansers are washed off before this absorption occurs.
Sunscreen MUST be applied liberally when using an alpha hydroxy acid product.
The Sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 for UVB protection and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for UVA protection.
Alpha hydroxy acids work best in a concentration of 5% to 8% and at a pH of 3 to 4.
As a general rule of thumb, having the alpha hydroxy acid listed as the second or third ingredient on the list makes it more likely it contains the proper concentration.

Treating Wrinkles With Beta Hydroxy Acid - Salicylic Acid
How Beta Hydroxy Acid Works

Beta hydroxy acid works mainly as an exfoliant. It causes the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for regrowth of new skin.
Beta hydroxy acid is reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after at least 6 months of daily application.
Beta hydroxy acid found in skin-care products works best in a concentration of 1% to 2% and at a pH of 3 to 4.
Beta Hydroxy Acid and Sun SensitivityThe use of beta hydroxy acid can increase sun sensitivity by 50% causing an interesting dilemma. It appears that beta hydroxy acid may be able to reverse some of the damage caused by photoaging, but at the same time it makes the skin more susceptible to photoaging. It is clear that anyone using beta hydroxy acid must use a good sunscreen that contains UVA andUVB protection.

Beta Hydroxy Acid and Irritation

Beta hydroxy acid appears to be less irritating than alpha hydroxy acid even though it penetrates deeper into the pore.This occurs because salicylic acid is derived from acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, and salicylic acid retains many of these anti-inflammatory properties.

Despite this fact, beta hydroxy acid can still cause skin irritation. Symptoms of irritation include redness, burning, itching, pain, and possibly scarring. People with darker colored skin are at a higher risk of scarring pigment changes with beta hydroxy acid.
Using a Beta Hydroxy AcidBeta hydroxy acid is found in a variety of skin care products including moisturizers, cleansers, eye cream, sunscreen, and foundations.

Here are some guidelines to use when trying to decide which hydroxy acid formulation to use:

It is best to pick one product that contains the proper formulation of beta hydroxy acid to use as your exfoliant, and then choose other skin care products or cosmetics that don't contain hydroxy acids to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
Using beta hydroxy acid in a moisturizer base may be the best combination of products.
Cleansers containing beta hydroxy acid are not very effective because the beta hydroxy acid must be absorbed in the skin to work. Cleansers are washed off before this absorption occurs.
Beta hydroxy acid works best in a concentration of 1% to 2% and at a pH of 3 to 4.
Unlike alpha hydroxy acid that must be listed in the top 3 ingredients to indicate the appropriate concentration, beta hydroxy acid can be listed in the middle or even towards the bottom of the ingredient list because it is effective at lower concentrations.

Sun and wrinkles

2007-06-18T12:59:00.041-06:00

Protect the delicate facial skin from harmful sun rays to prevent wrinkles and age spots.
UV Radiation and Wrinkles :Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin.
UVA (aging) rays cause most wrinkles,
UVB (burning) rays are the main cause for sunburns and skin cancer.

Sun Protection
Sunblocks
Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as natural Sunblocks — Occurring naturally , these substances are used chiefly as a white pigment and as an opacifier. It reflects light, so can be considered a natural sun block.It forms an immediate physical sun block by sitting on top of your skin.It reflects UVA and UVB rays away from your skin, as soon as it's applied.Diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide.Cricketers and sports persons use them (a white paste applied to bowler's nose and chin)

Say No to Sunscreen lotions
In chemical sunscreens,
there are some chemicals that pose potential human health risks (carcinogens)including benzophenone, octinoxate, octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC), and oxybenzone.

These chemicals can seep into your skin, potentially altering how your body processes the sun's rays and could upset your body's normal hormone balance.
Chemical sunscreens to absorb into your skin to be effective -which can be harmful.
chemicals found in most sunscreens are not biodegradable and may have damaging environmental effects in the water. By using natural ingredients instead, keep both you and the environment safe.

Always choose a chemical-free sunscreen with zinc oxide or Titanium Dioxide as main ingredients.
Avoid chemical sunscreens as they can be very harmful.
Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure between 12 and 4 pm.
Use an umbrella with UV protective fabric Or a wide brimmed hat and Sunglasses to protect eyes from cateract.

Looking good naturally

2007-06-15T16:53:00.054-06:00

How to look young and beautiful naturally

Skin gets the best nourishment from our diet and not from externally applied creams or lotions.
B Vitamins especially Vitamin B5, Vitamin E ,Vitamin C etc help in hydrating the skin and also in repairing and regenerating the skin. These are the essential Vitamins for a healthy skin.
If you check the label of the costliest skin care product ,you will notice it starts with water ,glycerin etc etc and some vitamins like the above mentioned.

Take for example the Olay Total effects 7 in 1 antiageing cream ...
It has a patented VitaNiacin: The multi-talented ingredient
" VitaNiacin excels at more than just one thing. A combination of 3 of nature’s miracle ingredients Vitamin E, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), it improves your skin’s exfoliation rate, increases collagen levels, strengthens its moisture barrier and boosts its energy levels. All this leaves your skin looking fresher, firmer and younger. "

Instead of buying an Olay Total effects jar og 50grams for 850 Rs , just apply a mixture of honey and glycerine and lemonjuice. And for the Vitamin part taking a good Multivitamin Supplement - especially Vitamin B ,C ,E daily will be extremely beneficial in maintaing a healthy glowing skin.(Or a diet rich in all these nutrients ie, nuts ,fruits ,pulses etc )
You have all the ingredients of the Olay thing and it costed you nothing.

As a person who has tried and tested almost all the brands from Olay to Neutrogena (in the process I ended up having a very bad acne flare up as all these creams and lotions clog our skin's pores), I can boldly that these Cosmetic giants are there to extract our money by showing us dream like ads and make us believe that these poducts can do miracles .

No cream or gel can make much of a difference than taking a well nourished nutrionally balanced diet with 6-8 hours of regular sleep and a stress free life!

Have a healthy glowing skin .Thank You.

Dandruff causes and treatment

2007-06-08T08:13:00.004-06:00

Natural dandruff treatment

Dandruff can be caused by many reasons.

Excessive dryness of scalp ,
deficiency of Zinc and BVitamins .

These are the 2 main reasons .
Taking Zinc and Vitamin B Complex tablets and Vitamin E capsules ( good brand ) will certainly help to get rid of dandruff.

Warm oil massage can provide relief for itchiness.

Most Anti -dandruff shampoos have zinc in it. But it also has Sodium Lauryl Sulphate which can dry out the scalp and promote dandruff formation.Moreover topical application has little effect if our body has a zinc deficiency.

So dandruff can be best treated with a diet rich in zinc and B Vitamins ie, liver ,nuts ,eggs etc or taking a good multivitamin supplement.

skin care - manicure

2007-06-03T23:34:00.001-06:00

How to get a manicure done at home.

There are a wide variety of barielle nail products available. Ranging from barielle natural french manicure kit ,barielle nail strenghtener cream ,barielle cuticle replenisher, barielle toenail softening cream ,barielle restorative nail serum ,barielle nail rebuilding protien ,barielle nail brightener, natural nail growth activator ,barielle intensive nail renewal oil etc etc , the barielle nail products are there for you to pamper your nails.

1) The first step in a manicure is to shape or file the nails. You should never use a file on wet finger nails.

Just as your hair is weaker and requires more care when it is wet, the same holds true for fingernails. Although there are four basic nail shapes: square, round, oval and pointed, the oval shape works well for most hands.
Those who do a lot of work with their hands, may prefer to wear their nails shorter and more rounded to avoid nail breakage.

2) File each nail from the corner to the center, going from left to right and then right to left.

Don't slide the file back and forth over the tip of your nail and don't over file the sides of the nail, this will lead to weakening and breaking

3). Soak hands in a bowl of soapy water to soften any dry skin or rough cuticles. Soak hands for 5-10 minutes, depending on your preference and the condition of the hands. If you have dry skin, you should soak your hands in a thick hand cream or Vaseline instead of the water solution. Apply a thick coat of the cream or Vaseline over your hands, wrap your hands in gloves or saran wrap, and allow them to set for 10-15 minutes.

4) Apply a combination of soap and salt or sugar to exfoliate the hands. You can pour the salt or sugar over your soapy hands or make a mixture of soap and salt/sugar in a bowl. The mixture should be of a thick consistency. An exfoliating cream can be used in place of the salt/sugar mixture, if you would prefer.

The exfoliating mixture will remove any old, dry skin cells and leave your hands feeling softer. This step is best done at a sink to minimize the mess. Generously rub the exfoliating mixture over hands and around nails for several minutes. Rinse hands.

5) Gently dry hands with a clean towel. Rub the cuticle area of each finger with the edge of the towel.

6) Gently push back the cuticle of each nail with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick.

Never cut your cuticles, this can cause pain and infection. If you have any hangnails or loose pieces of skin around the nails or cuticles, you may trim them very carefully with cuticle trimmers or fingernail clippers. Use the cuticle pusher to clean underneath each nail.

7) Apply a good amount of hand lotion to each hand and massage it into your skin. Using one hand, massage the palm of the other hand, working the lotion into your skin. Using the thumb of the opposing hand, massage around each cuticle and nail. Slowly rotate each finger, and then rotate the wrist. Gently twist the fingers of the opposing hand up and down each finger. Work the lotion up to the elbow, massaging the arm. Switch to the other hand.

8) Wipe any extra lotion off of the hands with a clean, dry towel. Rub towel gently over each nail and around each cuticle to remove any excess lotion.

9) Apply polish or clear coat. Let the polish dry, then apply the second coat.

Giving yourself a manicure once a week will keep your hands looking healthier and younger.

hair care - long and silky hair naturally

2007-06-02T14:41:00.006-06:00

How to have long and silky hair

Use only chemical free Shampoo and Conditioners.
Most shampoos contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate ,a chemical used in wokshops to remove grease.
It can cause severe irritation to our skin and make the scalp extremely dry leading to dandruff or eczema.
Read the ingredients label and if it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate , do not buy it.
Use natural cleansers like green gram flour , shikakai or any herbal product.
Follow some simple hair care routine as below

1)Use only all Natural / herbal shampoo and Conditioners.

2)Massage oil(coconut ,olive,almond or any vegetable oil)into scalp and hair and keep for 1 hour. Use natural hair wash powder. Do not use shampoo without oiling your hair.

3)Do not blow dry hair !
(may sound too hard but it damages hair very badly)

4)Eat a diet rich in calcium and iron. (that is include egg,milk or youghrt and leafy vegetables and fruits in daily diet)

5)Keep hair clean and nourished.

5)Trim hair upto half inches every month to avoid split ends.

6)Giving a henna treatment once a month can be very rejuvenating for hair.

At home skin care -Pedicure

2007-05-30T14:19:00.003-06:00

Perfect Pedicure at home

The Perfect Pedicure
There are two great reasons to give yourself a pedicure,the first is to give your feet a well-deserved, pampering deep cleaning. The second reason is to get your toes looking sexy for your summer sandals.

Barielle nail products brings you an array of creams and lotions for pedicure like Barielle 60 second pedicure , Barielle total foot care cream ,Barielle rejuvenating foot treatment cream , Barielle cucumber foot soother ,Barielle foot restoration scrub ,Barielle heel treatment cream ,Barielle toenail softening cream etc etc. Barielle nail products lets you pamper your feet to any extent you wish.

Preparation

Position a chair behind a clean, wide bucket filled with hot water.
Fold a bath towel into a square and place it at the bottom of the bucket. "This will give your feet a comfortable surface to rest on when you soak them," says Bialo.

Add half a cup of Epsom salt, a natural disinfectant.

A few capfuls of Johnson& Johnson Soothing Vapor Bath for Colds contains rosemary, eucalyptus and menthol -- three therapeutic, cleansing herbs that make the room you're in smell just like a spa.

Method

Use a cotton pad soaked with nail-polish remover to take off old polish. If your cuticles are dry, add a drop of olive oil to the pad before using it on your nails.

Clip your toenails straight across with clippers.

Use a nail file to smooth the edges, including the sides. Best shape: square with rounded edges.

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Hair color -how to choose the right hair colour and how to take care of coloured hair

2007-05-30T13:54:00.001-06:00

Hair coloring-how to choose the right hair colour and how to take care of coloured hair

How Do I Choose the Right Hair Color --
and the Right Product -- for Me?

The all-important strand test (always explained in home coloring packages) will ensure that you've chosen the right color -- and product -- and will give you a chance to change your mind.
It works like this: ·
Mix one teaspoon of color and one teaspoon of developer (peroxide) in a glass bowl.
· Apply the mixture to the roots or ends to determine the outcome. You can protect the test strand from the other hair by wrapping a piece of tin foil around the strand and securing it with a clip.
· Time the process according to package directions, then rinse and dry the strand.
· Look at it in different types of light to see if you like it.

Revlon, L'oreal, Garnier,Aveda and Clairol are the widely used products. You can go to Clairol .com or L'oreal.com and try different colors with your pic.That way you can choose the best color that suits you.

How Do I Take Care of My Newly Colored Hair?

Color treated hair has special needs. Follow these tips to keep your hair looking great:
· Use a shampoo created especially for color-treated hair
(Revlon, L'oreal, Aveda and Clairol all make them)
· Wear hats or hair products with sunscreens to prevent your color from fading and drying in the sun
· Dampen your hair with bottled spring water before getting into a chlorine pool (it will help dilute the chlorine)
· Condition regularly
· Don't brush hair when wet -- use a wide-toothed comb
· Blot your hair dry -- don't wrap it or roughly dry it with a towel
· Avoid overdrying -- blow dry until hair is almost, but not entirely, dry.

What are the ingredients of a hair color product?

The two main chemical ingredients involved in any coloring process that lasts longer than 12 shampoos are:

· Hydrogen peroxide (also known as the developer or oxidizing agent) -- This ingredient, in varying forms and strengths, helps initiate the color-forming process and creates longer-lasting color. The larger the volume of the developer, the greater the amount of sulfur is removed from the hair. Loss of sulfur causes hair to harden and lose weight. This is why, for the majority of hair coloring, the developer is maintained at 30% volume or less.
· Ammonia -- This alkaline allows for lightening by acting as a catalyst when the permanent hair color comes together with the peroxide. Like all alkalines, ammonia tends to separate the cuticle and allow the hair color to penetrate the cortex of the hair.

How Do Hair Coloring Products Work?

The good news is that most hair color products today have nicer smells and most color can be applied easily: some to wet hair, others to dry hair, worked into a shampoo-like lather, left to process (some formulas call for covering with a plastic cap during processing; others do not) and then rinsed and conditioned.
The down side is still that chemicals in hair coloring can be harsh and harmful to your hair if you don't know what you're doing or if you color or perm too often. How peroxide and ammonia react with your hair is directly related to the level and kind of product you're using. Here are basic descriptions of the three major hair coloring product levels used by Clairol, L'oreal and others:
· Level 1, semi-permanent color -- This product adds color without changing natural color dramatically. The hair color contains tiny color molecules that enter the hair's cuticle, or outer layer, and go into your hair's cortex. They don't interact with your natural pigments. And since the molecules are small, they eventually exit the hair shaft after several shampoos, leaving the hair as it was before treatment. This level generally lasts for 6 to 12 shampoos, covers up to 50 percent gray, enhances your natural color and leaves no roots. This hair coloring won't lighten your hair color because it contains no ammonia or peroxide.
· Level 2, demi-permanent color -- This product level lasts longer, through 24 to 26 shampoos. In this process, pre-color molecules penetrate the cuticle and enter the cortex where they then partner to create medium-sized color molecules. Their larger size means they take longer to wash out. These products do not contain ammonia so the natural pigment can't be lightened. However, it contains a small amount of peroxide, which allows for a subtle, but noticeable, color enhancement. It also blends and covers gray. (Both semi- and demi-permanent colors can become permanent on permed or already-colored hair!)
· Level 3, permanent color -- This is what you need for a more significant color change (to go from black to blond, you'll still need to go with a process called double process blonding and it'd be wise to get this it done professionally). In this level, both ammonia and peroxide are used. Tiny molecules enter all the way into the cortex, where they react and expand to a size that cannot be washed out. Your hair actually has to grow out over time. This product acts to lighten the hair's natural pigment to form a new base and then to add a new permanent color. The end result is a combination of your natural hair pigment and the new shade you chose. That means the color may appear different on you than on someone else using the same color. (That's why the "strand test" is so important -- more about that later.) Regular touch-ups of 4 to 6 weeks are generally needed to eliminate roots -- hair with your natural color growing at half an inch per month from your scalp.

There are also hair coloring products known as "special effect" hair colors. These are the kits you buy to add highlights or streaks to your hair. They are available in varying strengths. Some are for adding highlights to natural, uncolored hair while others are made for adding highlights to already-colored hair. Double process hair color, or bleaching and toning to achieve drastic color changes, falls into this category. Most professionals recommend you don't try this one at home unless you're really adventurous and love to experiment! Newer products on the market include color-enhancing shampoos and mousses and shampoos that keep your color vivid longer.

Now that we've reviewed the different product levels used in hair coloring, let's look at what actually happens to your hair. For example, if you're blonde and are going darker -- to brown -- permanent hair color uses the interaction between the ammonia and the peroxide to create a new color base in your hair shafts. If you go in the opposite direction -- from black or brown to blonde -- the hair goes through an additional step. First, bleach is used to strip the color from the hair. Then the ammonia-peroxide reaction creates the new color and deposits it in the hair shaft. If you use a semi-permanent color, the hair is coated with color, rather than deposited into the hair shaft.

By now you must have got a fair idea about how to choose the right hair colour and to take care of those lustrous locks.

Natural skin care for Sensitive skin

2007-05-30T13:35:00.007-06:00

Natural Organic skin care
Simple natural ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing
Below are some simple natural ways that you can use in your daily life if you do not want to spend huge amounts on cosmetics.They will give you good results on a long term basis without any side-effects.
·

Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and limejuice. Apply it to the face (after washing) overnight, and wash it in the morning. It clears the complexion of the skin and keeps it healthy.
Grape Cleanser Recipe - Grape juice makes an excellent cleanser for any skin type. Simply split one or two large grapes, remove pips and rub the flesh over face and neck. Rinse off with cool water.
Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk, and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of limejuice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
Take 50 ml. of tomato juice, and mix some one teaspoonful of lemon juice in it. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour, and make paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face. It helps to remove the unwanted hair of the face.
Take some juice of orange, and apply it to the face with the help of a cotton piece. It makes the skin smooth and soft.
Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoonful of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
Make a paste of raw carrots, and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour and experience a wonderful glowing skin.
Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, lemon juice and rose water. Applying this lotion to the face makes the face glowing.
Mix equal quantities of limejuice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bedtime is very useful to remove the pimples, blackheads and other blemishes. It makes the skin soft, and can be applied to other parts (hands, feet etc.)
Yogurt Face Mask - 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat), 1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften hardened honey) Combine mixture, then apply to face. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wash face with steaming washcloth. For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey. Oily skin? Add a few drops of fresh limejuice.
To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply to eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Massaging with essential oils on the affected areas having stretch marks offers as the best home remedy treatment for elimination of stretch marks. One can use flaxseed oil, olive oil, cod liver oil or vitamin E oil for the massage.
Mayonnaise is a great conditioner for dry hair. Depending on the length of your hair, apply approximately 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to your dry hair. Work into hair really well and then cover your hair with a plastic bag, allowing to set for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then shampoo as usual

Natural remedies for acne and pimples.

2007-05-30T13:27:00.008-06:00

Acne home remedy and pimple skin care

Here are some easy and effective acne home remedies that you can do while doing your household chores.

Acne usually begins with blackheads.
Blackheads are formed when oil and dead cells get trapped in a pore.
They then turn black when exposed to air.
When blackheads become inflamed, they become red (pimples).
They multiply when touched with dirty hands.

So to get rid of acne, you should try to keep your face and hands clean.
Acne home remedy

Grind nutmeg (jaiphal) with unboiled milk and apply on acne for 1-2 hours. This works as a magic. Pimples should disappear without leaving a mark.
Make a paste by mixing honey and cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.
Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder. Note that this remedy is not for sensitive skin.
Make orange peel paste by grinding it in some water. Apply on and around pimples.

Acne home remedy :acne solution in just 3 days

Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.
Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .
Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.
Ground drumstick pods and leaves and mix mixed with fresh lime juice, and apply on pimples. This is also good for blackheads and dark spots.
Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.
Mix groundnut oil with an equal amtount of fresh lime juice and apply on face. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash. It may be applied daily to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples (acne).
Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling pimples.
Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples, blackheads, and cracked skin.
Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Apply ripe tomatoes pulp on acne pimples and keep upto 1 hour, then wash.
Apply grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles,
boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads , etc.
Make a paste of sandalwood with rose water. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Make a paste of ground radish seeds with water and apply on face to remove blackheads.
Apply a paste of ground seasame seeds with water as poultice for
inflammation of the skin due to allergies, skin rashes, and pimples -
acne.
Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves in water over the face every night and washed with warm water in the morning for preventing pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, dryness, and wrinkles.
Make a paste of ground orange peel with water and apply on the
affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Make a paste of salt in vinegar. Rub it on the pimples. Wash it off
after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Make a paste of turmeric powder in mint juice. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric powder. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Apply fresh mint juice over face every night for pimples or acne
prevention.

So what are you waiting for ? Your acne solutions are right in your kitchen and not in any salon!!!

Feel good Naturally - natural mood elevators

2007-05-23T15:15:00.009-06:00

Foods we eat can make us feel happy naturally!

What we eat affects our mood , our appetite and our cravings.
The three neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—have been studied in relation to food, and this research has shown that neurotransmitters are produced in the brain from components of certain foods.
When our body has enough Dopamine we're blessed with feelings of bliss and pleasure, euphoric, appetite control, controlled motor movements, and we feel focused.
When we are low in Dopamine we feel no pleasure, our world looks colorless, we have an inability to "love", and we have no remorse about personal behavior.

10 Foods that help promote feelings of bliss and pleasure Naturally!

Apples: A compound found in apples called "quercetin' is an antioxidant that studies have shown may not only help in the prevention of cancer but may also play an important role in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
There may be something to that old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away . . ."

Banana: A banana is a good source of tyrosine. Tyrosine is the amino acid neurons turn into norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine and dopamine are excitatory neurotransmitters that are important in motivation, alertness, concentration and memory.

Beets: Betaine, an amino acid naturally present in certain vegetables, particularly beetroot (beets), is an antidepressant of the first order. Betaine acts as a stimulant for the production of SAM-e (S-adenoslmethionine). The body cannot do without SAM-e, which it produces.
SAM-e is directly related to the production of certain hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of well-being and pleasure.

Chicken: Chicken, like eggs, contains complete protein that increases levels of the excitatory neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Chicken is also a good source of coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10), which increases the energy generating potential of neurons.

Cheese: Cheese is a well known protein food . . . Protein provides amino acids, which help produce dopamine and norepinephrine.

Cottage Cheese: One of the “must eat” foods on every expert’s list, cottage cheese is recommended as a substitute for other soft cheeses and dairy products. Cottage cheese provides the protein that can help boost mood and energy levels, without some of the fat of hard cheeses.

Eggs: Research from the University of California, Berkeley suggests that people who suffer from depression have low amount of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in their brains. One natural antidepressant is to increase dopamine by eating protein-rich foods. such as eggs for this purpose, because they are versatile and appeal to some people who choose not to eat meat.

Fish: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in seafood, especially mackerel, salmon, striped bass, rainbow trout, halibut, tuna, and sardines.
These fatty acids may have many jobs in the body, including a possible role in the production of neurotransmitters. Fish have easily digestible protein, many trace nutrients, high quality essential fatty acids, low cholesterol levels and low saturated fat levels.
French scientists have shown that rats deficient in omega-3 fatty acids had more receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin and a corresponding decrease in dopamine in the frontal cortex.

Watermelon: Watermelon juice is fat free and loaded with vitamins A, B6, and C! Vitamin B6 is used by the body to manufacture neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Vitamin C also enhances the immune system while protecting the body from free radicals.

Wheat Germ: Wheat Germ is a good source of Phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid found in the brain and blood plasma that can convert in the body to tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize dopamine.

A healthly, balanced diet is rich in whole “natural” and unprocessed foods. It is especially high in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds and nuts. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants that protect the body cells from damaging. They also help raise serotonin levels in the brain.
Beans and legumes are rich in protein and are healthful boosters of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Also, Protein Meat, Milk, Eggs, Cheese, fish and other seafood are very healthy, high-protein, dopamine-and-norepinephrine-booster food.