Lip Care

How do you take care of your lips?

Here are some ways to do that...

• Drink plenty of water, thoroughly hydrate your skin, including lips.
• Avoid harsh weather. If this is impossible, make sure you always protect your lips by applying a lip balm.
• Try using the lip balms regularly. If you wait until you have chapped lips, the recovery will take longer.
• Try not to lick your lips or remove the skin with your fingers. It irritates the skin, and slows down any efforts we invest in lip care.
• Make sure you take vitamin supplements. Often, cracks in the corner of the mouth indicate a deficiency of Vitamin B2.

Start off with a lip scrub recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• Olive oil

Mix honey and baking ingredients until the mass resembles a paste.
Apply the mix on your lips and leave it on for a couple of minutes.
Gently rub the lips.
Wash of with lukewarm water

Let the lips dry out and then apply olive oil. It will help the lips hydrate.

Drinking Apple Juice will Make you Fat

Yes people, you read it right.

I was browsing the web when I stumble on this article saying that apple juice's will make you fat. How come you say, well I have thought of that too.

According to nutrition experts its real danger is to waistlines and children's teeth. It has few nutrients, lots of calories and in some cases, more sugar than soda has.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says juice can be part of a healthy diet, but its policy is blunt: "Fruit juice offers no nutritional benefit for infants younger than 6 months" and no benefits over whole fruit for older kids.

Drinking juice delivers a lot of calories quickly so you don't realize how much you've consumed, whereas you would have to eat a lot of apples to get the same amount, and "you would feel much, much more full from the apples," Ansel said.

"Whole fruits are much better for you," said Dr. Frank Greer, a University of Wisconsin, Madison, professor and former head of the pediatrics academy's nutrition committee. 

If you or your family drinks juice, here is some advice from nutrition experts:

• Choose a juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D-3.

• Give children only pasteurized juice — that's the only type safe from germs that can cause serious disease.

• Don't give juice before 6 months of age, and never put it in bottles or covered cups that allow babies and children to consume it throughout the day, which can cause tooth decay. For the same reason, don't give infants juice at bedtime.

• Limit juice to 4 to 6 ounces per day for children ages 1 to 6, and 8 to 12 ounces for those ages 7 to 18.

• Encourage kids to eat fruit.

• Don't be swayed by healthy-sounding label claims. "No sugar added" doesn't mean it isn't full of naturally occurring sugar. And "cholesterol-free" is silly — only animal products contain cholesterol. http://today.msnbc.msn.com

 

 

 

Causes and Remedies for Dark Circles

Looking  at the mirror I see not only zits but dark circles as well. I was saddened because it only proves that I'm getting older each day.

What causes dark circles anyway?

Age

Ageing is the main factor for the development of dark circles. As you age, the skin becomes dry and the dark circles become very prominent.

Stress

Stress is also considered to be another common cause of dark circles. Dark circles are developed due to stress which includes excessive workload, family problems, money problems and many more. Stress has become quite common also among the youth which in turn cause dark blemishes under their eyes.

Lack of proper sleep

People who do not get their share of 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis will develop dark under eye circles.

Dehydration

Sometimes, there may be an excessive loss of water from the body, which could make your skin dry and weak.

Nutrient Deficiency

Dark circles can also be formed due to lack of healthy diet. It is very important to consume a meal that is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals that are extremely essential for the body’s development. These nutrients should be consumed on a daily basis to avoid any kind of health related problems.

So you see, age has something to do with it. Uhmm... I guess I'm going through all of the above. haha!

And what are the remedies for dark circles?

1) Application of a thin sliced cucumber on top of each eye for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, relieves stress and cools down the eyes. 
2) A mixture of almond oil and honey should be applied on the affected area every night before bedtime. You will see a remarkable improvement in two to three weeks. 
3) Consume at least two to three liters of water on a daily basis. Water is a very essential remedy in this case and it flushes out the toxins present in the body.
4) Tea bags are known to be very effective in curing dark circles. A cold tea bag should be put on top of each eye for 10 to 15 minutes everyday. 
5) Make a paste of fresh mint leaves and add a few drops of lime juice in it. Apply the mixture on the eyes and the dark circles for 10 to 15 minutes everyday and see the difference in two to three weeks. 
6) Rose water is considered to be a natural coolant for the body and has been an old home remedy for generations. Apply two to three drops of rose water on a cotton ball and gently massage on the affected area of the eye for five to six minutes. You will see the result in two to three weeks. This method is considered to be one of the most effective cures for dark circles. 

Home Remedies for Zits

I guess this dilemma wont stop. 

Zits.

I'm almost tired and depressed too looking at my face covered with tiny but irritating zits. How can I get rid of them.

I made a post regarding this, I guess as long as I'm still getting them, searching for solutions wont end too.

I should try these remedies, who knows.

• Ice: This remedy is excellent for reducing acne, caused by infections or inflamed skin. Apply a few cubes of ice directly on the zit-affected skin for a few minutes, around 3 or 4 times a day. Ice can also prevent the inflammation and zits from spreading to other areas. 

• Aloe Vera: Apply some fresh Aloe Vera gel on to the affected skin at night, and leave it on for a while, before washing it off. Although Aloe Vera gel is available at most health stores, it is best to extract fresh gel from an Aloe leaf and apply it directly on the face. 

• Steam: Hot steam has an excellent effect on the skin and can kill the bacteria present in the pores. In a large and clean pot, boil some fresh water, for around 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the water to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, before bending your face over the pot. Cover your head with a thick towel, so that the steam is trapped within and does not escape. Allow the steam from the pot to treat the acne for as long as is bearable. Carry on the exercise for at least 5 minutes or preferably more. 

• Yogurt and Oatmeal: Prepare a mixture by adding some plain oatmeal to some unflavored yogurt to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the affected part of the skin and leave it on to dry. Then, rinse the skin with some cool water and pat it dry. 

And there is also a diet for the prevention of zits.

Given below are some foods that should be strictly avoided in a diet for zits:

• Processed food like bagels, muffins, bread and pasta

• Junk food like burgers, pizzas, French fries and chips

• Fast foods that are high in saturated fats

• Sugar and other sweet foods, like chocolate, cookies, puddings and so on

• Oily and greasy foods like butter, mayonnaise and sandwich spreads

• Alcohol and caffeinated beverages

At the same time, it is believed that healthy and nutritious foods can help reduce the risks of acne formation. Given below are some of the foods that are recommended in a diet for zits:

• Whole wheat and whole grain products like brown rice, multigrain bread and wheat pasta

• Natural sources of protein, such as lean meat, beans, legumes and nuts

• Foods high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, like citrus fruits, spinach, carrots and broccoli.

• Liquids that flush out the toxins from the body, especially water and fresh fruit or vegetable juice, without any sugar or preservatives.

Suggestions for zits are the following:

• Get an adequate amount of sleep and rest during the day, to maintain hormonal levels 

• Follow an exercise routine, as this increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your skin, keeping it healthier 

• Take a shower after you exercise or engage in any activity that has caused you to perspire

• Wear loose-fitting clothing, made from cool and comfortable fabrics like cotton. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight 

• Do not wear makeup that is not from a trusted brand and make sure that you remove your makeup before you go to sleep. 

 

House Paint

This would help in the near(?) future, when we already have to buy or build our own house.

House paint, what do I know about it really?

Aside from my favorite color pink, I seldom know what color goes well with other color. I could go care less to as long as I painted my wall pink, haha!

Seriously, here are some tips to spruce up the bedroom or the entire home.

1. Your Baby's Nursery

 You don't want your baby gagging and hacking to the whiff of fresh paint, so if it's a nursery you're preparing, skip the hazardous odors of oil based tints and go for something mild and water-based instead! Low-VOC (that means volatile organic compound) paints are eco-friendly, and do not let off toxic gases into the atmosphere- your young one can now sleep soundly and not have to wake up with lung cancer in the next twenty years!

 EYP Recommends: Flugger Paint

Flugger paints from Denmark have been hailed as one of the most environmentally friendly paints on the market, and was introduced in the Philippines in 2009. With a wide selection of latex interior and exterior painting options, Flugger will ensure that your home is not only eco-friendly, but toxic free as well!

 2. Your bedroom/ DIY studio apartment/ tiny space to call your own

 Assuming that this is the one room you've got all to yourself, and you just can't wait to move in, you're probably too excited to wait for all that paint to dry. Quick-drying water-based paints are easy to use, and clean up with warm soapy water. Pre-mixed varieties are available at any hardware store, so you've got loads of time to spare while skipping the wait of mixing your paint and waiting for your walls to dry. Some water-based paints are also anti-microbial, meaning germs and mold won't be growing and crawling all over your walls-- this is perfect for messy homeowners!

 EYP Recommends: Boysen Healthy Home with Microban

Boysen's Healthy Home line specializes in low-VOC, acrylic interior paint that is also odorless and antibacterial! WHAT? Yup, it's true- these paints come with Microban, an ingredient that provides antibacterial protection from things like E. Coli, Salmonella, mold, mildew and fungus by preventing its growth! Boysen also claims that it doesn't wash or wear off, meaning your interiors will remain microbe-free for as long as your walls are covered in this new paint.

3. Floors and Ceilings

 Floors and ceilings require much more elbow grease than the rest of your house, just because they're prone to water stains from the roof or are the victims of messy house guests and children who love to spill things everywhere. Epoxy paint is an interior-only industrial paint that's so strong it's literally resistant to gasoline, acids, cleaners, salt water and several chemicals.  Yup, try it on your ceiling, your indoor pool, or a sauna if you please because nothing will destroy this baby. 

4. Home Exterior

So if epoxy paint is the Superman of all interior surfaces, meet its exterior counterpart! Elastomeric paint has all the durable qualities of epoxy paint, but is used on exterior surfaces, especially stucco and concrete. It seals cracks, keeps out water and is practically impervious to sun and wind. Other exterior friendly paints include air cleaning varieties that literally convert pollution into harmless refuse!

EYP Recommends: Boysen KnoXout Air Cleaning Paint

This one is an absolute favorite- paint that claims to transform air pollutants like nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide into harmless gases like calcium nitrate, which can then be washed away by the rain. Ever notice the awesome artwork by Tence Ruiz near the Magallanes MRT station on the south bound side of EDSA? That was Boysen KNOxOUT's anti-pollution campaign using their amazing new paint! Watch our for more awe-inspiring urban renewal projects by Boysen and artists like Baby Imperial, Coco Anne, Virgilio Aviado, Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Neil Oshima, Erika Tan, Tapio Snellman and even the entire TBWA Art Department!

5. Gate

Enamel paint is used on most metallic surfaces and comes in matte and gloss varieties. However, more often than not, they aren't environmentally friendly. Using a water based paint on metal will, obviously, cause it to rust-- you don't want any burglars breaking through now do you? 

6. Decorative Painting: wood trims, furniture

Oil based paint is the oldest type of paint in the business. It's shiny, stands wear and tear, seals up a lot of stuff pretty good and is almost stain resistant. It's called oil because it was made with oil, hence the glossy sheen you get once it dries. The downside? Oil paint should be used in moderation because of its high VOC levels, which practically rape the atmosphere. Also, they take ages to dry and if used outside, they WILL fade and become brittle under the sun. Using oil paint on corniche, wood trims and furniture is fine though, just because it looks really, really good and is easy to clean once it gets stained!

(source)

The Refrigerator Rules

1. Temperature Keep your refrigerator's temperature set to at least 40 degrees. Bacteria loves to grow between 40 and 140 degrees.

2. Cleaning Make sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Clean your fridge with a thorough wipe down every week. Use a solution of half-and-half water and distilled vinegar.

3. Storing Store leftovers in containers with lids. This will prevent spills and cross contamination with other foods that might soon be spoiling or are already spoiled. All leftovers should be stored within 2 hours of cooking or 1 hour on hot summer days.

4. Chilling To chill hot leftovers, place them in shallow covered containers and immerse them in a bath of ice water to cool rapidly.

5. Discarding Toss any leftovers that have sat in the fridge for more than 4 days. Do not rely on smell, taste or sight. But if something is growing on your leftovers, it's definitely a sign to toss.

6. Reheating When you want to eat leftovers that need reheating, be sure to heat them to a temperature higher than 140 degrees.


*www.kitchendaily.com

The Perfect Sauce for Every Noodle

I love pasta.
And did you know that every noodle has its best pair of sauce?

Read on...

• Farfalle: Also known as bow tie pasta, the cinched middles of this shape keep it from overcooking and are ideal for catching bits of sauce. Farfalle goes well with light, vegetable-based sauces like primavera.

• Linguini: This pasta shape translates to "little tongues." Its flat shape helps sauces adhere to it, so it’s excellent with delicate, olive oil–based sauces.

• Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta works great in soups and salads. It can also be used to make a faster version of risotto.

• Pappardelle: This wide, velvety egg noodle has a relatively soft texture. It’s wonderful with chunky, ragu-style sauces, which usually contain ground meat, tomatoes, and onions. For a vegetarian dish, pappardelle goes nicely with gremolata—a topping of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest.

• Penne: This tubular pasta comes in both a smooth and ridged (rigate) variety. The slanted ends of the penne help pull sauce up into the tubes, and the ridges on the rigate-style noodles help to grab even more sauce. Serve penne with rustic tomato sauces, such as puttanesca and marinara.

• Spaghetti: The most popular pasta shape in the world, this long noodle goes well with any thick tomato-based sauce.


*source

10 Small but Effective Ways to Go Green

OPT FOR A WRAPERLESS LUNCH

Make your baon environment-friendly by going for wrapping-free food. This article from Medical News Todaypromotes “naturally packaged lunches” such as fruits and vegetables.  They're perfect for moms who are looking for healthy lunch staples for their kids, as well as those who are going on a diet.

GIVE TREES A BREAK

This article from Ecology.comdiscloses that around 4 billion trees worldwide are cut down to make paper. Lessen that statistic by making a conscious effort to cut down paper use. Thinking of making reviewers for finals? Type those on a portable media device instead of using pad paper.  Making a to-do list for work? Jot it down on a small whiteboard instead. Are you a bookworm? Think about it this way: portable e-readers like the Amazon Kindleor Barnes and Noble Nook, computer applications likeMobiPocket Reader or Microsoft Reader, and audio books could be the best thing for trees since God made fresh water.  

USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

The rainy season’s in full swing, and it’s important to stock up on batteries for emergency use. Stick with the rechargeable ones that you can repeatedly use. G Online reports that a 2007 study on rechargeable batteries found that rechargeable batteries have up to 32 times less impact on the environment than their single-charge counterparts. 

SAY NO TO INDIVIDUALLY-WRAPPED PRODUCTS
Do a household check and zero in on products that are individually wrapped. Take note of these the next time you head over the grocery and choose their bigger counterparts instead—shampoo bottles instead of sachets, a pack of laundry detergent as opposed to buying them in single pack, or a big tub of yogurt instead of single-serve cups. You can always transfer these to small reusable containers once you get home.  

USE COMPACT FLOURESCENT BULBS AS OPPOSED TO INCANDESCENT ONES
Leave the dark side by saying no to incandescent light bulbs.Energy Star recommends compact fluorescent light bulbs instead. Those that have the Energy Star seal use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs and are known to last 10 times longer as well.

CUT DOWN UNNECESSARY WATER USE

GMANews.tv reports that the water level in Angat Dam, the major water supply in Metro Manila, is currently below critical level. As such, it is important to conserve water in every way that we can. Start with simple tasks such as turning the faucet off when you’re brushing your teeth or scrubbing the dishes. Also, avoid using the washing machine every other day when you only need to wash three to four articles of clothing. It will be better to wait for your laundry to pile up a bit so you can maximize your water use.  

DON'T STAND BY AN OPEN FRIDGE DOOR

We are all guilty of this at one point or another. Not only is it burning holes in your wallet by contributing to your electricity bill, it also leads to unnecessary bingeing as well. Ditch this habit by avoiding the fridge unless you really need to get food for meals.   

PAY YOUR BILLS ONLINE

A lot of paper goes to sending billing statements through snail mail. Opt to go the electronic route by paying utilities and credit card bills online. Pay a visit to your bank to inquire about their online payment options. Once you get into the habit of paying electronically, you’ll not only be saving trees, you’ll also be helping to save our supply of fossil fuels: since you never need to leave the comforts or home or office, that cuts down fuel burned for transporting you to and from these basic errands.

CHOOSE BIODEGRADABLE OPTIONS WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Some household staples such as detergents and cleaning products contain chemicals that do damage to our environment. Thanks to the growing “going green” movement, companies are offering products that are made up of biodegradable ingredients. Scour the supermarket for these alternatives instead. Even face, hair, and body care is going green, if you know where to look.  

GO FOR THE REAL THING

Trade in your disposable spoons, forks, and table napkins for the real thing. Cutlery and table napkins made of cloth are not only reusable, but they also look better than their use-and-toss counterparts. Are you a to-go girl, someone who consumes a lot of fastfood and lives part of her life in the take-out lane? Try your hand at cooking instead. Not only will it minimize garbage, but you might discover a latent talent for culinary arts as well!Yummy.ph offers recipes for novice and advanced cooks, and everyone in between! www.femalenetwork.com

 

Foot Scrub

Don't you just love Watson's?

I do.  Because the store seems to have everything or every girl needs when it comes to beauty essentials and it also has pharmacy that makes it like a one-stop shop already.

And what I want more is when the store is on sale. I feel like grabbing everything, hehe! Especially if their promo is buy one take one, oh boy! I will definitely go home with a bag-full of stuffs from Watson's.

Anyway, here's what I got the last time I visited their store here in the province. Since I don't have the time to go to salon for foot spa, I bought a foot scrub instead. So whenever I feel like scrubbing my feet, I can do it anytime I want. And I just love the effects on my feet  after applying it. It becomes smooth and soft to feel... You must try it too.. :)

Related to the topic, don't you know we can actually use sugar as scrub? Of course I'm sure majority of you heard about it already.

Anyway, instead of buying products for foot scrub why not try brown sugar as substitute and enjoy the many benefits it offers...

Skin Moisturizer

• Unlike a salt scrub, sugar scrubs do not dry the skin. A sugar scrub is alpha-hydroxy rich. Alpha-hydroxy is an active substance with exfoliating and emollient properties.

Will Not Clog Pores

• Sugar scrubs will not clog the pores and are safe to use on children. They are healing for individuals who suffer from eczema and psoriasis.

Gentle Brown Sugar

• Brown sugar scrubs are especially gentle and can even be used on the face or on individuals who have particularly sensitive skin.

Non-abrasive

• Sugar scrubs are non-abrasive and can be used frequently. They help to restore and moisturize the skin. Sugar is a humectant, which means it cannot draw moisture out of the skin like a salt scrub can.

Get An Even Tan

• When tanning, sugar scrubs help remove flaky skin on elbows, knees, and feet, giving a more even, all-over tan, especially when using a tanning service.

Purchase or Make Your Own

• Sugar scrubs are found readily in department and health-food stores. They may also be prepared from scratch at home. www.ehow.com

5 Tips to Oil Free Skin

Glistening skin is my number one dilemma. I don't know how to get rid of it anymore. I have tried several products for oily skin but it seem as though its not working. Of course I have only tried those than I can afford. It pisses me off every time I look in the mirror, wow too shiny! Haha! And then I have to reapply face powder frequently.

OK, maybe I have to try another set of tips on how to tame my oil-glazed face.

STEP 1: CLEANSEProper washing will free pores from oil. Use a mild, hypoallergenic soap or facial cleanser and tap water. Never rinse with hot water, which can lead to dryness and irritation, although warm water is fine. Gently pat dry.

STEP 2: PREVENT Prone to breakouts? After cleansing and toning, use an acne-preventing gel daily for one month then apply every other day thereafter. If your problem is shine, use an oil-absorbing moisturizer which leaves an oil-free finish. 

STEP 3: PROTECTOily skin also needs sun protection too. Harmful UV rays cause skin to age. Get coverage from sunscreen, moisturizer, and makeup packed with SPF. 

STEP 4: CONTROLA water-based, fragrance-free face powder that allows your skin to breathe is your secret to glowing yet matte skin and is great for touch-ups throughout the day. But before applying, use oil-blotting paper first to erase oil.

STEP 5: MIDDAY CHECKStop and assess your face. With a cotton ball, apply an astringent, cleansing cloth, or antibiotic (the choice depends on the amount of oil your skin secretes) to keep the dirt and grime from going deep into your skin.

www.femalenetwork.com 

Hope it will work this time *sigh*