Category: Wellness

Beauty /

CureDiva – Navigating the Beauty Aisle as a Breast Cancer Fighter

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  1.  Be gentle with your movements and your moisturizers – read the label:
    Use only hypoallergenic products, or those that don’t have harsh ingredients such as acids, emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, dyes or amines. You want happier, more comfortable skin, so scan your products for these ingredients and restock your supplies with organic, chemical-free and sensitive items. CureDiva.com has an entire line of facial natural and organic skin care.
  2.  Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize:
    To prevent dryness and cracked, uncomfortable skin, be sure to moisturize immediately after washing and toweling dry. This means for your body, apply moisturizer after the bath or shower; For your face, apply moisturizer in the morning and at night; For your hands, moisturize after washing many times during the day; For your lips, use a hydrating lip balm throughout the day.

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3.  Acne at our age?  Yes, some chemo treatments can cause acne on the face and scalp. Even if you suffered from acne before, take another look at your old acne ointments. They usually contain salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide and other harsh ingredients that further dry and irritate skin. Try more natural solutions like Acne Clarifying Serum by Nurture my Body and a mild, natural soap.

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4.  SPF should become more than just an afterthought:  Although SPF is used in the summer outdoors, it should become a priority when in treatment. Chemo skin is super sensitive, especially to sun exposure which can cause lasting damage even in the winter. Wear sunscreen whenever you go out, and protect your skin with UV-protective clothing (hats, gloves, long sleeves). With skincare and beauty products, choosing an SPF version is best.  While it can be overwhelming to find products that are safe on skin and look and smell great, asking your doctor or a friend who has been through treatment is the best way to receive a referral. Websites like CureDiva.com provide a great amount of information for those going through treatment to get the answers they need.

5.  Fingernail care:  Some chemo drugs can cause finger and toenail damage. They become dry, cracked and may start lifting up. Apply cuticle balm and lots of hand cream. Checking out the label is relevant here. Switch to water-based nail color like CureDiva’s water-based nail polish by Acquarella which is my favorite when I’m dressing up!

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center – Spa Week

It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in a good spa service. Life can get very busy and we often forget to take time out for ourselves!

Luckily, we can (all) visit the spa and still splurge on a new pair of pumps.  Spa Week is a great time to check out local wellness or beauty centers.  Anyone can sign up on the website and find discounted treatments.  A few of the $50 services include Eucalyptus Mint Massage, Cat-Eye Lash Extensions, Aloe Vera Jelly Pedicure, or Chemical Peel Treatment.

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I was invited to visit Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center.  The service I received was the Custom Lotus Bliss Massage.

Prior to starting my treatment, the owner (Nicole Stokes) shared a few facts:

  1. The center specializes in wellness and all of the products used are organic (bath salts, lotions, candles.)
  2. The services also include special enhancements such as sinus relief massage, scalp massage, thermal softening treatment, and custom aromatherapy.
  3. The practitioners have a medical or science background which enhances the total spa experience.

 

Lotus Bliss Spa Review – 

My massage started with selecting a few essentials oils, depending on my personal preference.  I made the selection based on relaxation.  From there, I was able to smell the aroma while Nicole created a special lotion. My treatment also included a stimulating face massage (infused with essential oils.)  The steam instantly relaxed my facial muscles and allowed for easier breathing.

Nicole also shared information about the Chronic Pain and Lymphatic Massage.  This particular treatment is encouraged (or suggested after doctor recommendation) for those suffering with specific illnesses such as fibromyalgia.

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The experience of visiting Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center was truly an educational session.  I learned a lot about aromatherapy and the health benefits associated with receiving a massage.  The center also sales products to their customers that will enhance their body treatment at home such as bath salts, essential oils, or massage balls.

Visit their website to learn more and book an appointment.

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How To /

Spa Week Spring 2016 Event – Wellness and Fitness

Technology gives us a wealth of opportunities to have a more comfortable life. We have become accustomed to tech indulgences such as shopping online, working on our tablets, posting to social media and binge watching Netflix anywhere. Everything we need to do or share is a call, text or post away. While all of these modern lifestyle techniques are extremely convenient, they are doing actual physical harm to our minds and bodies. From April 11th-17th, Spa Week is back to remind us about the importance of taking care of ourselves by treating technology-related injuries and stress. Spa Week has successfully spread this message for over a decade and their biannual events enable millions to lead a healthier lifestyle. Hundreds of spa, wellness, and fitness facilities will be offering premium full-service treatments at a major discount of $50 each. During Spa Week, set your favorite technology device aside and allow yourself the time to truly rebalance and heal your mind and body.

Using tablets, computers, and cell phones on a daily basis leads to issues such as back and neck pain, poor posture, muscle fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, facial sagging (phone face), vision damage, sore thumbs, anxiety, stress and more. Technology dependence has become a part of everyday life. To help alleviate these symptoms and reverse the damage caused by technology overload, spas have created treatments that specifically focus on and alleviate these technology-related conditions. During Spa Week, from April 11th-17th, signature treatments will be offered at a special rate of $50/treatment (normally $100-$500) at participating locations.

This spring, Spa Week has teamed up with spas across the country to deliver healing and therapeutic treatments to combat the effects of technology. Long hours hunched over a computer can create a myriad of problems. Haven Spa in New York City offers a unique Geek Massage (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50) that was created to address and relieve the ailments that are created from hours of computer usage. Having your phone connected to your face all day and texting leads to clogged pores and wrinkles from squinting your eyes. Holistic Touch in Virginia offers Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (Reg. $130, Spa Week $50). With this natural face-lift you will notice a great improvement in skin tightness, clarity and evenness of tone. Lines will show improvement and meditation exercises are taught during the session to help break the habits of expression that contribute to these. Anxiety brought on by our fast paced lifestyle can be healed through the power of water. The Elizabeth Adams Salon in Illinois touts their Spa Oceana Stress Relief Treatment (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50)– a water-based stress-relief body treatment. Long day at the office? KUR Skin Lab in New York City has created an Office Relief Massage (Reg. $125, Spa Week $50). This massage treatment with guided meditation will help heal you mentally by alleviating subconscious tension along with physical and mental strain. As we sit for hours a day, tight muscles and tense necks often occur. Red Door Spas nationwide are offering a De-Stress Body Treatment (Reg. $255, Spa Week $50) including exfoliation, an aromatherapeutic body wrap and a relaxing scalp massage to melt stress away and rebalance your spirit.

In order to receive exclusive information on participating spa and wellness locations and their $50 services, spa-goers should register on SpaWeek.com as early as possible. The complete list of treatments, available on March 21st, will allow consumers to begin booking their desired services. It is recommended that spa-goers sign up and book in advance on www.SpaWeek.com to ensure they reserve their top treatment choices. Visitors to SpaWeek.com also have the opportunity to spread the gift of wellness by conveniently purchasing the Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week®. Accepted at over 8,000 spas and wellness locations across North America, Spa & Wellness Gift Cards may be used during Spa Week or any time of the year without expiration. Recipients will have the freedom to choose from thousands of locations and services, all while knowing that you have their long-term health, balance and happiness in mind.

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Joining Spa Week for the Spring 2016 Event, sponsors include Exclusive Destination Sponsor: Sandals; Exclusive Cosmetics Sponsor: Hynt Beauty; Exclusive Apparel Sponsor: Yummie by Heather Thomson; and Exclusive Trade Association Partner: International Spa Association (ISPA). The event is co-sponsored by Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and a portion of the proceeds from the Spring and Fall Events is donated to CancerAndCareers.org

About Spa Week Media Group, Ltd.
Spa Week Media Group, Ltd. is the leading health, beauty and wellness marketing company across North America. Through its website SpaWeek.com, millions of consumers from coast to coast benefit from an abundance of resources necessary to experience a healthier, well-rounded lifestyle, 365 days a year. Since its inception in 2004, Spa Week has continued to revolutionize the industry with the success of its biannual Spring and Fall Events with signature $50 spa services, life-changing promotions and a robust gift card program. Spa Week continues its dedication of delivering the best in health and wellness year round with its Spa & Wellness Gift Card, the premier spa gift card of choice by consumers. This gift card is accepted at over 8,000 spa and wellness locations across North America and is sold in over 60,000 retail stores nationwide including Target, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and on SpaWeek.com. It’s never been more convenient to give and enjoy the gift of wellness.

Event /

Alabama Gulf Coast Convention Joins Food Sport

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Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, known across the country as Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (www.orangebeach.com), has signed as the 2016 title sponsor of the World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com), making Orange Beach, Alabama the Official Host Site of this year’s ultimate food fight.

The arrangement ensures the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area capitalizes on the energy, excitement and economic impact of an anticipated 1,200 chefs, home cooks and competition teams who will compete for World Food Championships’ $350,000 prize purse and its industry-leading $100,000 grand prize.

The event, which last year attracted competitors from 45 states and 17 countries, will take place Nov. 9-15 at The Wharf (www.alwharf.com), a resort destination with a full-service marina, retail, dining and entertainment options anchored by a multi-use event center and a 10,000-seat amphitheater.

“Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and our Sports Commission are excited to step into the arena of competitive food sport with the World Food Championships coming to our beach destination,” says Vice President of Sales Beth Gendler. “Sports has truly diversified our destination, and this event helps us diversify even further.

“One of the focuses of the sports commission is to build shoulder season business, and the World Food Championships will be a very impactful event in both room nights and number of people visiting our community during the fall shoulder season,” Gendler said. “It is our pleasure to welcome these national and international food competitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast this November.”

All told, World Food Championships is expected to bring an estimated $2 million in direct local spending as it draws thousands of foodies and Food Sport enthusiasts to the Alabama Gulf coast, elevating hotel and vacation rental bookings, restaurant spending and other community revenue metrics that come with such signature events.

The deal also connects Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism with World Food Championships’ universe of marketing assets, including national media exposure which eclipsed 794 million impressions last year, as reported by independent media monitoring service BurrellesLuce.

The World Food Championships has experienced rapid growth since its creation in 2012 as the richest and largest Food Sport competition in the world. From a 30% annualized growth in competitors, to its second TV series scheduled to air summer 2016 on Destination America, the WFC has evolved into a year-long quest for thousands of competitors and foodies, as well as a marketing platform for innovative companies.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism welcomes more than 5.7 million individuals to the Alabama Gulf Coast each year for family reunions, vacations, meetings and sporting events. Marked by its sugar-white sand beaches, deep-sea fishing and countless family attractions, the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area is one of the world’s leading beach destinations, annually attracting more than 5 million visitors. Centrally located along the Gulf Coast, and a short drive from airports in Pensacola, Fla. and Mobile, Ala., Orange Beach’s lodging properties are ideal for beach-side access or inland retreats that are both convenient and affordable. A spectrum of local dining, upscale shopping, fishing, golf, nature and adventure-based excursions also contribute to a spectacular vacation, holiday or leisure experience.

The bulk of these Orange Beach-based food fights will occur in Kenmore Kitchen Arena, the largest outdoor kitchen in the world, measuring a full city block at 7,800-square feet. The competition space features $250,000 worth of Kenmore branded stoves, cooktops, countertops and cookware – enough for 50 chefs to cook simultaneously. An additional $100,000 worth of professional grills from Bull Outdoor Products affords open-flame grilling.

To learn more about the WFC and its qualifying events, tournament-style process or consumer experiences, visit www.worldfoodchampionships.com.

To learn more about Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, visit www.orangebeach.com

To learn more about The Wharf, visit www.alwharf.com.

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About the World Food Championships:
The World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com) features hundreds of competitors seeking food fame and fortune. The fifth annual event, scheduled for Nov. 9-15, 2016 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, invites the champions from the biggest and best food competitions around the world into a single highstakes culinary showdown for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Follow World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), and Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism:
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism serves as the official destination marketing organization for the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in addition to the unincorporated area of Fort Morgan. To learn more about the whole different state of discovery on Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, visit either www.GulfShores.com or www.OrangeBeach.com. This convention and visitors bureau is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization (2012-2016). Follow Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism on Twitter (@AlabamaBeaches), Instagram (@GulfShoresOrangeBeach) and Facebook (@AlabamaGulfCoast).

Beauty /

Glow Bio Cleanse – Healthier Lifestyle

Introduce yourself to fruits and veggies you never knew existed with the bountiful menu at Glow Bio! From Acai to Goji and everything in between, Glow Bio offers a lineup of beauty food rich smoothies and juices that will keep you satisfied AND taste good – all carefully curated by nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author, Kimberly Snyder!

For an added bonus, many of your favorite smoothies are found in a number of the Glow Bio Cleanses. These help rebuild your digestive system and help you achieve sustainable results by getting on track to a healthier lifestyle! With three options to select, durations ranging from 1 to 5 days, each cleanse consists of four unique components:

1) The world famous and fiber-filled Glowing Green Smoothie to start and end your day with.

2) Cold-Pressed Juices enhanced with probiotics to aid digestion.

3) Powerful benefit-driven boosters.

4) A specific order of consumption to maximize the nutritional benefits and get your body back to harmony.

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All of which help to achieve renewed energy, a more svelte and toned physique and glowing, radiant skin!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

BJs Cherry Berry Smoothie – American Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health Month and BJs Wholesale Club has some delicious produce (and recipes) to help us live a healthy lifestyle.  Personally, I am a huge fan of smoothies!  They’re easy to make and the perfect breakfast option for families.

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

Smoothies can be made in a variety of ways depending on your health needs.  For example, if you’re having digestive issues, add a teaspoon of Flaxseed into your mixture.  Drinking a smoothie  provides ease into your morning routine and allows breakfast on the go.  It can also serve as a filling afternoon snack instead of drinking a soda or eating potato chips.

Homemade Cherry Berry Recipe

2 containers (5 oz each) Yoplait Greek Cherry or Strawberry Blended Yogurt

1 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Sweet Cherries

1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Strawberries

1 cup Milk

Make It:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender
  2. Cover & blend on high speed, about 1 minute or until smooth
  3. Pour into 3 glasses
  4. Serve immediately

 

For my smoothie recipe, I like to include a small amount of water and 2 teaspoons of Wellsley Farms Pure Honey.  Also, if your schedule will be hectic the next morning, take frozen fruit out of the freezer (the night before.)  This will help ingredients blend faster and more consistently.  Pour the smoothie into your tumblr and go!

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Ingredients are from BJs Wholesale Club
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Cute Tumblr from Dollar Store

follow my Snapchat @kwest1908 to see more behind the scenes at BJs Wholesale Club

Sponsored Post

Accessories /

Burlington Stores in honor of American Heart Month – Free Heart Screenings

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Did you know that over 43 million women are currently living with heart disease– the leading cause of death of American women? In the spirit of American Heart Month, Burlington Stores, a national off-price retailer, has teamed up with WomenHeart, The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, for the fifth consecutive year to launch their campaign to raise awareness and combat heart disease.

This Friday on February 5th (National Wear Red Day), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., your local Burlington in Baltimore will host free women’s heart health screenings to raise awareness. At the screenings, blood pressure will be checked, BMI will be screened, and fun but easy heart help tips will be provided.

The address is:

Burlington Stores
6500 Reistertown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 764-3338

To find out more information head to www.BurlingtonStores.com/HeartHealth.

Beauty /

Desiree Stordahl Skincare Expert Interview and Book

Desiree Stordahl is a best-selling beauty co-author, alongside legendary skincare expert Paula Begoun, dedicated to using her years of expertise to help people solve their skincare woes, from acne to wrinkles and everything in between. Desiree’s passion for all things beauty carries over to makeup with game-changing trends, tips, and tricks for flawless skin. Whether you need to know how to treat crow’s feet or under-eye circles, Desiree is your expert.

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1. How did you get started in the beauty industry?
The only way I can explain it is fate! Growing up I had my fair share of skin struggles, and my family was on a very limited budget so I needed products that I could buy over-the-counter that would really work.
Unfortunately, nothing seemed to do the trick so I turned to makeup to at least camouflage my breakouts. I got pretty good at doing makeup on myself and others, and my passion for all things beauty carried over into my school work…I still have a report from 8th grade called “Beauty by the Buck” where I analyzed whether or not expensive cosmetic products were better formulated than their drugstore competitors.
Fast-forward to the college years, I graduated with a degree in Communication Studies and went on to work in sales and marketing. All the meanwhile my struggles with acne didn’t let up… nor did my passion for skincare and makeup fizzle out. It was my dream to somehow work in the beauty industry, but I didn’t yet know how that would play out.
One fateful day I saw an ad to work for a “Paula’s Choice Skincare and Cosmetics Company” and several interviews with the legendary Paula Begoun later I KNEW this is where I belonged. Paula took me under her wing, trained me how to interpret cosmetic studies, made me promise to never tan again or she’d fire me  (true story) and taught me why so many skincare products didn’t work like they said they would and what to do instead. Once I got my skin under control I wanted to share that same life-changing info with others, and the rest, as they say, is history! Several years and two books later, here I am.
It feels so serendipitous that everything fell into place at the right time, but really, when I reflect back it’s clear that actually my whole life had been preparing me for this role. God had my plan in motion from the get-go—I just didn’t know it!
 2. What are some of the best beauty products to have radiant skin?
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) leave-on exfoliants are game changers. By gently getting rid of the built up layer of dead skin cells, BHA and AHA exfoliants help smooth wrinkles and reveal the radiant skin hiding under a dull complexion. And don’t let the “acid” part of their names scare you… they’re actually gentler on your skin than using a scrub!
In the realm of makeup, a good highlighter works wonders for a youthful glow. Becca Cosmetics makes some of the best luminizing products out there, and just a couple strategically placed highlights can really liven up a drab complexion.
For the days I go without makeup but want a hint of luminosity, I love the Resist Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment from Paula’s Choice. It’s formulated with ingredients that fade discolorations for a more even skin tone + it contains mineral pigments that instantly revitalize and brighten the complexion.
3. Share with us the appropriate age for women to start using anti-aging products?
There isn’t a hard and fast rule, but if you want to keep your skin looking as young and healthy as possible, it pays to start using anti-aging products from the moment you earn your own money to buy them! Think of it like a healthy diet. You wouldn’t prolong eating nutritious, antioxidant-rich foods until you’re in your 40s, right? The same should go for skin. The earlier you start using products loaded with anti-aging ingredients such as antioxidants, retinol, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, etc., the better off your skin is going to be in the long run.
Above all else, start wearing sunscreen on a daily basis no matter what your age. That’s the #1 way to halt the signs of aging!
 4. What are the top 5 wrinkle creams and skin tighteners?  
It’s hard to pick the top five when there are so many great formulas out there, but here are some great wrinkle-fighting and skin-firming options based on the research behind their ingredients:
In terms of traditional “skin tighteners”, the tightening effect of many of these types of products comes from a high amount of film-forming ingredients, which make skin feel tighter temporarily, but skin “feeling” tighter is not the same as making a real change for the long run. However, with products like those mentioned above, you can create healthier, younger-looking skin, and in some cases, increase firmness.
5. In your book, you mentioned natural ingredients that are bad for the skin.  Could you share a few here?
There are many natural ingredients that are brilliant for skin, but there are also many that do much more harm than good. For instance, despite their popularity essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and jasmine contain volatile, fragrant compounds that incite pro-aging inflammation to the skin. Citrus extracts, such as lemon, grapefruit and orange, should also be avoided due to their sensitizing/irritating effect that impairs the skin’s immune response. Other natural ingredients to watch out for include witch hazel, ylang ylang, arnica, and balm mint oil, just to name a few.
If you’ve ever used products with these kinds of ingredients and wonder why they don’t appear to be problematic for you, keep in mind that research has demonstrated that you don’t need to see or feel irritation for it to be causing damage below the surface layer of skin. They’re sneaky in that way—speeding up the signs of aging without you knowing it.
6. How can readers learn more about your expertise and wonderful book?
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Fitness /

Hyleys Slim Tea Lifestyle Option – Product Review

Hyleys Slim Teas –

Hyleys Slim Teas are 100% natural Green teas made with Senna leaves, and fruit flavoring that promote body cleansing, detoxification, and a healthy digestive system, all in a delicious cup of hot tea! Mild and pleasant in both taste and texture,the weight-loss enhancing properties of the Slim Teas offer consumers a safe, pound-shedding alternative to risky pills and surgery. 

Using only the highest quality ingredients, Hyleys Slim Teas are available in flavorful options like Acai Berry, Blueberry, Goji Berry, Pomegranate and Raspberry as well as a Five-Flavor Assortment. MSRP $5.99 for 1-pack of 25 foil envelope tea bags.

See www.hyleysteaonline.com for their entire collection of 100% herb- and fruit-infused, wellness teas along with Wooden Gift Boxes and Gift Tins perfect for holiday gifting.

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Product Review: 

Let’s be honest, I enjoyed too much comfort (and fast) food during the summer months.  After facing this harsh reality, I had to actively start my weight loss program.  Number one, I take pride in being healthy and monitoring my diet.  Number two, I’m petite and must be mindful of those “few extra pounds.”  Number three, it’s the holiday season and my wardrobe requires fitted a dress.

I received the assortment of Hyleys Slim Tea in the mail and honestly, didn’t know what to expect.  I am proud to share (with the use of moderate exercise) I have seen results from drinking the Slim Tea.  Yes, I lost a few pounds!

I would suggest reading the directions on the box which indicates the best time frame to drink the tea along with consumption.  This tea not only helps you lose weight but it also has a nice flavor.  I could taste the fruit infusion in each bag.

Remember, the tea also serves as a mild laxative but if you’re eating “clean” you should not have severe stomach cramps.  I am pleased with the results of the tea and encourage everyone to try it.  This is a great option if you’re seeking to lose weight without extreme measures.  Hyleys Slim Tea is affordable and can also be purchased online.  If you decide to try the tea and see results, please share in the comments box below!

Lean Diet

Moderate Exercise

Drink One Cup of Hyleys Slim Tea Before Bedtime

Beauty /

Beauty Regimen in Winter Months – Editor Talk and Products

Yesterday was the first day of December and that means we are officially in the cold weather season.  Not only does the seasons change but our beauty regimen alters with the weather.  The reason we must change our beauty routine is because the external environment can damage our skin, hair, and nails.

Every year I look in the mirror (around the month of November) and my skin is excessively dry.  My first instinct is to panic but then I realize it’s time to visit the drugstore or cosmetics counter.  I have a few beauty products that I am actively using from foundation to nail polish remover pads.

Beauty Regimen

To begin, let’s talk about foundation.  We often forget to change our foundation because it’s our favorite shade or brand.  Here’s what I learned, foundation in the winter months should have hydrating and moisturizing functions. This helps to counter-act dryness and use a lighter press powder.  Also, if you tend to look a shade darker (or tan) in the summer months, you may consider a foundation that’s lighter.  The foundation color should match the exact shade of your face and neckline.

In terms of face lotion, it is suggested that we stay away from light-weight lotions and use a cream.  Lotions are not heavy enough to protect the skin from the dry air.  I suffer from dry skin due to eczema and prefer a cream lotion whether in the winter or summer months.

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Always opt for a deep hydrating mask to use on your hair in the winter.  The cold air can create brittleness no matter the hair type or texture.  If you can’t afford an expensive hair mask, visit your local drugstore or Pinterest.com to create a DIY hair mask at home.  Either way, your hair can not afford to be shampooed with a leave – in conditioner alone.  The result will be breakage and frizz!

An additional beauty product that I’m actively using are nail polish remover pads.  Surprisingly, my mom (the other contributor) introduced me to this product last summer.  You can purchase a box for about $2 at the drugstore and they serve two functions.  Nail polish remover pads will remove polish quickly while also conditioning the cuticle and nails.  I was relieved to discover this product and since that time disposed of liquid remover (and cotton balls.)

I’m always searching for beauty tools to make my life easier because I’m managing my brand and have mommy duties.  The ultimate makeup tool the everyone should own in their bag is a Beauty Blender.  I have to admit that I own three because they serve a different function (and if I lose one there’s always an extra.) The Beauty Blender surfaced several years ago but has recently become available to beauty enthusiasts.  This is not your normal sponge due to the shape, texture, and use of the blender.  The Beauty Blender can be used to apply foundation, bb cream, tanner, bronzer, and concealer.  It can also be used for highlighting, contouring, and strobing.

Fall 2015 Lipstick

Lastly, with so much dryness in the air and having a hectic holiday schedule, we need an at home facial in between our spa treatments.  Purchasing a Sonic Face and Body Polisher can be an investment.  I am totally in love with my system and received it as a product review.  This little hand-held machine exfoliates and softens the skin while tightening my pores.  I love makeup but I’m a huge advocate for natural, glowing skin and we must take care of it!

I hope the tips I provided will help your winter beauty routine.  Also, stay connected to the site because I will be visiting a few local wellness spas very soon!

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