New Year, New You?

Happy 2011!  Wow...I can't believe that we're at the start of another new year.  I had good intentions last month to do some "Best Of" type posts for 2010, but it never happened.  Life got a bit too busy for me, what with the holidays and all.  And now, a "Best of 2010" feels a bit past it's prime.  It's a new year; let's move forward.

So...today's my first day back at the office in two weeks.  It sucks.  I much prefer my time to myself, though I must admit: I do like getting back to my boring routines.  Routines help me stay on track.

That said, it's a good time to ask: did you make any New Year's Resolutions?  If so, leave me a comment.  I want to hear 'em!  I do not make resolutions....especially in the dead of Winter.  I don't make resolutions at the start of the New Year for this simple fact: it's cold, it's Winter, and the last thing I want to do at this time of year is make radical changes to my routine.  For me, I can take on new projects and challenges better with the light and warmth of Spring.  Weird, huh? 

Even though I am not making any resolutions, I am continuing on in my efforts to become healthier and tinier.  If you've read my blog for the past few months, you may have noticed that I have been undergoing some personal transformations.  In May 2010, I decided I was tired of being fat.  There's no nice way to put it, so there it is.  I was sick of hauling around too many extra pounds, and of being lazy and tired all the time.  For me the answer was simple: join Weight Watchers, stick to their plan with my eating, and increase the amount of exercise I do daily (I went from no exercise ever to at least 40 minutes 5 times a week). 

This plan has worked.  Since May, I've shed about 50 pounds and have gained a whole new outlook on things.  I don't feel depressed or woeful--I am anxious to see what's around the corner.  Losing weight and developing healthier habits have made me look better and feel better, both inside and out. 

So I ask you, what are you planning on doing or changing this year?  Leave me a comment--I'd love to hear what you're working on.

Holiday Excesses

My work office lunch is tomorrow...and that, thankfully, is the only big office celebration we have each year. I don't have to worry about getting drunk at the office party because, well, we just don't have one.  That doesn't mean I won't be overindulging this holiday season...far from it!

Holiday gatherings and New Year's parties often mean one thing: gluttony. Whether you've had too much to drink or you stuffed yourself with too much rich food, you're bound to feel far from fabulous the next morning.

While we all have our own "proven" methods for dealing with an alcohol induced hangover, a food hangover also requires a bit of care. If you find yourself saying "I can't believe I ate the whole thing" keep reading. Here are some ways to make yourself feel better after indulging in the wonderful sin of gluttony:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Before you go to bed and when you get up in the morning, be sure to drink plenty of water. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea agent, so sipping some ginger tea may help ward off any pending tummy troubles.
• Nourish yourself the day after. While you may feel like you never want to eat another bite of food ever again, you need to get back on the wagon and eat more sensibly the day after. Start with a light breakfast of gentle foods like fruit and yogurt to get yourself going.
• Avoid certain foods. Citrus fruits and overly caffeinated beverages can add to dehydration--not what you want when dealing with a food hangover. And (this is probably pretty obvious) avoid spicy and/or fatty food the day after overindulging.
• Take a walk. Go out and get some fresh air. Walk at a comfortable pace and don't try to push it. The cool winter air may feel great if you woke up feeling full and bloated.
• Dress comfortably the day after. Break out your "fat pants" and don't be too hard on yourself. Just try not to over do it again and you'll be all set!

A Few More for the Cure

Phew--what a week!  I don't know about you, but I am ready for the weekend to start.

To round up my second week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month info and products, here's a rundown of a few more products that are donating to BCA.

The following brands have pledged a portion of their proceeds with one goal in mind – to support breast cancer research and awareness. Take a moment to add some pink to your beauty routine and send a little love to your friends and family with a gift that gives back.

Go Straight While Giving Back
Keratin Complex “Think Pink” Flat Iron is a digitally controlled, high temperature flat iron is perfect for a gift with meaning. Keratin Complex partnered with Florida-based “Think Pink Rocks” organization to promote education pertaining to breast cancer awareness, treatment and testing. This adorable flat iron also comes with a convenient heat pouch so you can get great hair on-the-go!

• Price: $199
• Availability: www.KeratinComplex.com

Blushing for BCA
Celebrity makeup artist and NYC “Brow King”, Ramy, a cancer survivor himself, is showing his support with charitable contributions from the Shiksa Face Gloss – a vibrant, pink shade that delivers perfect and portable flawless color for eyes, cheeks and lips!

With the purchase of every Shiksa Face Gloss you too can look beautiful for a cause and reflect Ramy’s mantra of “minimum makeup, maximum impact” with 25% of proceeds during the month of October going directly to the “Young Survival Coalition” – the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

• Price: $18.50
• Availability: www.Ramy.com

Look Good, Feel Better
Give cancer the kiss off with the pink Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System! Feel even better about your daily beauty routine by snagging the ultimate in deeply cleansed, brighter skin—with every purchase of this fashionable Mia, Clarisonic will donate $4 (and $5 for every pink Classic Pro or Plus) to Look Good…Feel Better, a national public service program dedicated to helping women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment (60% of women who participate in Look Good…Feel Better have breast cancer).

• Price: $149
• Availability: www.Nordstrom.com

Tweeze For The Cure
To commemorate their commitment to the fight against Breast Cancer, Tweezerman introduces the new 2010 limited edition Slant® Tweezer – Precision in Pink. A cotton candy-pink background, adorned with the iconic BCA pink ribbon logo, is spangled with little flashy silver specks design. One dollar from the sale of each limited edition Precision in Pink will go to CancerCare as well as other Breast Cancer Awareness charities throughout the country.

• Price: $20
• Availability: www.Tweezerman.com

Blot For the Cure
Shine doesn’t stand a chance against boscia Rose Blotting Linens! Perfectly formulated to blot away excess oil, unwanted shine and perspiration without disturbing makeup, these conveniently sized linens are also infused with rose essence to soothe skin and uplift the psyche. What’s more— boscia donates 10% of sales of Rose Blotting Linens to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (www.dslrf.org) to support breast cancer research.

• Price: $10
• Availability: www.Sephora.com

Get Glowing and HelpNoodle and Boo’s beautiful Love Light Candle is the perfect way to give back. Give Love, Give Light, Give Help to those in need. 50% off proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the month of October.

• Price: $24
• Availability: www.NoodleandBoo.com

Sip PINK For the CureTalkingRain, brewers of fresh, fruity, all-natural alternatives to plain old water and sugar-saturated sodas, invite you to sip “PINK” for the cure and help the fight against breast cancer. In the spirit of TalkingRain’s never ending mission to develop functional, healthy, innovative beverages, .25 cents per case of PINK™ sales will go to support various national and local breast cancer research, screening, education and awareness programs.

• Price: $.69 or 2 for a $1.00
• Availability: www.TalkingRain.com

Bubbling Over with Love
Glowology’s beautiful and soothing Bubbling Exfoliant is a luxurious way to smooth your skin while sending love to breast cancer research. 50% of the sale of each product will go directly the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

• Price: $12
• Availability: www.GlowologySkincare.com

Sephora Gives Back

Quick show of hands: who reading this blog loves Sephora?  Yup...looks like most of you have your hand raised.  I adore Sephora--it's like a toy store for makeup addicts!  I'm happy to report that our favorite store is giving back to Breast Cancer causes this month.

Here are the deets:

This October, Sephora is honoring women affected by breast cancer by offering pretty pink products that bring hope and add color to their lives. In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sephora has created five exclusive items and will donate $1 from the sale of each to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF): an organization dedicated to breast cancer prevention by finding a cure during our lifetime through funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

“Supporting a cause that impacts the lives of so many women is an honor for Sephora,” says Margarita Arriagada, Senior Vice President of Merchandising. “Beauty is much more than what’s on the surface; it’s about inner strength, empowerment and courage, and we are privileged to join the fight against breast cancer.”

Feel empowered with the color pink:


Sephora Collection Pop Up Hair Brush ($8)-The Sephora Pop-Up Travel Brush in an exclusive pink for Breast Cancer is the on-the-go beauty essential. With a slim case and handy mirror, it’s the desired size and shape for your purse, carry-on or travel makeup bag.


Sephora Collection Pink Color-to-Go Palette ($15) - Sephora’s signature limited edition palette is perfectly portable. Complete with eight wearable eyeshadows, four lip glosses and a blush to match any skin tone, it’s an indispensible kit to create any look.


Sephora Collection Pink Eyelash Curler ($16) – This precision engineered, pinch proof eyelash curler in pink goes beyond the basic stainless steel construction and silicone rubber pads with advanced technology and superior design to create the ultimate tool for wide open, professional-looking lashes.


Sephora Collection Compact Mirror ($18) – A pink rhinestone studded mirror for beauty touch ups for a good cause. This beautifully crafted metallic pink mirror offers dual magnification and comes with a protective organza pouch.

Go to Beautiful Lengths for BCA

Women with breast cancer typically undergo chemotherapy to try to save their lives.  But did you know that  58% of women consider hair loss to be the worst side effect of chemotherapy?  In fact, 8% of these women will potentially avoid life-saving treatment altogether due to this hair loss fear.  Wow--that seems a little crazy to me, but it's darn near impossible to say what you are and are not willing to go through when faced with big things like cancer, chemo, etc.

For Breast Cancer Awareness month this month, Pantene wants to continue inspiring people to make the kindest cut of all by donating their healthy hair for women who need it most through Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign that helps provide free, real-hair wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. Since 2006, more than 220,000 ponytails (that’s around 1,760,000 inches of hair!) have been generously cut for this cause and 6,304 wigs have been distributed.

Pantene is proud to announce the new look of its collection, Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths. In honor of the launch of the new look, Pantene is supporting the cause by donating $500,000 directly to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign, actively taking part in the fight against breast cancer by helping to create more wigs for cancer patients.

Here's some info about the collection.  I received some samples of these products and will report back soon.  My husband has lovely, insanely long hair that he cuts about once a year.  He's given to Locks of Love in the past--this year I'll have him check out Pantene Beautiful Lengths.  It's good to spread the hair love from time to time!

Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Collection

The customized shampoo and conditioner systems contain targeted damage protection to help prevent breakage so you can grow your hair longer, ideal for those preparing to make a generous donation! The system work to restore three common signs of damaged hair: roughness, dullness, and unruly frizz.

• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Shine Enhance Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Like I said, I'll report back on these products soon, but I think this is a pretty cool BCA/hair product tie in.  Good for Pantene!

Breast Cancer Awareness...Continued!

Since it's October, I'm devoting another week to Breast Cancer Awareness.  (Don't worry--I'll be returning to my normal posting soon enough!)  This week, I'll be telling you about a bunch of products that are giving back with special BCA promotions.  You're going to be buying beauty products anyway, so why not buy products that support women's health?

Today I'm focusing on Avon. The Avon Foundation for Women Campaign is launching a new crusade with Reese Witherspoon to “Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer” during the month of October. As a new symbol of empowerment, Avon and Reese are unveiling “Lips” to give the quest a little lip service, including:

• Lips for Life tote (above) – With 100% of the proceeds going to support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
• Avon and Reese are asking women to “PassTheKissOn” through a fun, customizable online widget that lets users send personalized messages – spoken by a pair of talking lips – to family and friends. The widget can be accessed by visiting www.PassTheKissOn.org (I'll have the widget on my sidebar all week).

Avon  has a history of being involved and committed to womens' issues like Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer awareness.  They were also the first major cosmetic company to announce a permanent end to animal testing on all of their own manufactured products. Plus their products are very good and are a decent price.  Nice! 

Thanks, Avon, for continuing the great work for women!

Fight Like a Woman

I love that tagline!  This fall, China Glaze is offering three new pink nail lacquers inspired by the women who fight breast cancer everyday and those that support them in their battle.

The three colors in “Fight Like A Woman” include:

Encouragement – A baby pink shimmer that brings on the cheer
Endurance – Power through the punches with this raspberry shimmer
Empowerment – Stand up tall with this cotton-candy crème on your nails

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization dedicated to the science of cancer and promoting international collaboration in cancer research.

The “Fight Like A Woman” Collection is available at professional beauty supply stores and select salons.

An Ounce of Prevention

Did you know that nearly 70% of all breast cancers are found through a breast self exam?  That's pretty amazing, since early detection can mean a 5-year survival rate of 98%.  That's incredible!

So here's my question for you: are you doing monthly breast self exams?  I try to remember to do this monthly, but to be perfectly honest, I sometimes forget.  The best thing to do is to preform a self breast exam one week after your period begins.  I have an app on my iphone that let's me track my periods...it also has a little reminder (that I do, at times, ignore) to do a breast exam.

Here are some tips on how to do it, what to look for, etc.(info from WebMD):

To do a breast self-examination, remove all your clothes above the waist and lie down. The examination is done while lying down so your breast tissue spreads evenly over your chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all your breast tissue.

Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand-not your fingertips-to check your right breast. Move your fingers slowly in small coin-sized circles.

Use three different levels of pressure to feel all of your breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue close to the skin surface. Medium pressure is used to feel a little deeper, and firm pressure is used to feel your tissue close to your breastbone and ribs. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. Use each pressure level to feel your breast tissue before moving on to the next spot.

Check your entire breast using a lengthwise strip pattern. Feel all of the tissue from the collarbone to the bra line and from the armpit to the breastbone. Start in the armpit and work down to the bottom of the bra line. Move one finger-width toward the middle and work up to the collarbone. Repeat until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat this procedure for your left breast.

You also can examine your breasts using a spiral pattern. Again, use three different levels of pressure to examine all your breast tissue. Avoid lifting your fingers away from the skin as you feel for lumps, unusual thicknesses, or changes of any kind.

REMEMBER: Most breast tissue has some lumps or thick tissue. When in doubt about a particular lump, check your other breast. If you find the same kind of lump in the same area on the other breast, both breasts are probably normal. Pay attention to any lump that feels much harder than the rest of your breast.

If you find anything that concerns you, schedule a visit with your health professional. The important thing is to learn what is normal for you and to report any changes to your health professional. Remember that most changes you find are not breast cancer but should be checked. These changes may include:

* Any new lump. It may or may not be painful to touch.
* Unusual thick areas.
* Sticky or bloody discharge from your nipples.
* Any changes in the skin of your breasts or nipples, such as puckering or dimpling.
* An unusual increase in the size of one breast.
* One breast unusually lower than the other.

Beauty for the Cause

Tons of companies are going to offer Breast Cancer Awareness promotions this month.  Be on the lookout for pink-themed products, but before you buy, make sure you know how much money will be given to finding a cure for breast cancer.  I'll be highlighting several products that are running BCA promos in October.  Here's a few to get us started!

Mission Skincare Pink Lemonade Lip Balmer SPF 15
Formulated to nourish, protect and deliver long-lasting hydration, Mission Skincare will donate $1.00 from the sale of each preservative and paraben-free Pink Lemonade Lip Balmer SPF 15 to the Young Survival Coalition - the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

Price: $3.49
Availability: www.MISSIONSkincare.com

Red Flower Moisturizing Body Lotion in Japanese Peony
Rich in certified organic, biodynamic and wild-crafted ingredients, red flower’s moisturizing lotion in japanese peony is 100% biodegradable and free of all dyes, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals and synthetic preservatives. Throughout the month of October, 100% of the profits from the red flower moisturizing body lotion in japanese peony will be donated to Cancer & Careers.

Price: $24.00
Availability: www.redflower.com
 

Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Fragrance in Peonia, Gardenia & Rosa
Fill your home with a scent that gives back – Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Fragrance in Peonia Romantico. Throughout the month of October, 100% of the profits from this floral bouquet of fragrance will go to the Cancer Support Community for breast cancer research - a new non-profit organization which formed in 2009 when the Gilda’s Club joined forces with The Wellness Community. Enjoying the finer elements of life never felt (or smelled) so good.

Price: $62.00
Availability: www.AnticaFarmacista.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I would say that my blog has gone pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but honestly?  It's pink around here all the time!

To get the message out about Breast Cancer, I'll be providing a lot of info on promos that cosmetic/beauty companies are running this month along with some health tips and resources.  Don't worry--I'll have plenty of beauty news for you as well throughout October.  In the meantime, sit back, get reading, and be sure to leave any comments you might have!

To start off this month, here are some facts about breast cancer (from the National Breast Cancer website--visit their site for TONS of info!):

Q: What is breast cancer?
A: Breast cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Q: How many new cases of breast cancer were estimated in the United States in 2009?
A: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States last year. Approximately 1,910 new cases are expected in men. The ACS also reports that an estimated 40,610 breast cancer deaths are expected in 2009 (40,170 women, 440 men).

Q: How common is breast cancer in the United States?
A: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer.

Q: What are the breast cancer "risk factors"?
A: To predict when and in whom breast cancer will occur, scientists must often think like detectives, looking for clues to signal which women may be more likely than others to develop the disease. These clues are called "risk factors."

To identify risk factors, scientists continually examine various trends and patterns among women worldwide who are diagnosed with the disease. Age, individual and family medical history, reproductive history, genetic alterations, race, economic status, environmental exposures to pollutants, and lifestyle habits are all examples of the factors that can be evaluated. This information tells a scientific story that helps experts predict with some certainty a woman's odds for developing breast cancer. It's important to note, however, that this is not an exact science and that such predictions are not definite.

Having one or two of these risk factors doesn't mean a woman will develop breast cancer. But knowing her personal risk factor profile and understanding what it means will help her and her doctor plan a course of action that may reduce her chances of developing the disease or, at least, to detect it in its earliest, most treatable stages.

The most common risk factors:

* Sex. The highest risk factor for breast cancer is being female; the disease is about 100 times more common among women.
* Age. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than age 35, although it does occur. There is some evidence to suggest young African American women are at greater risk for breast cancer than young Caucasian women.
* Personal History. Women who have had breast cancer and women with a history of breast disease (not cancer, but a condition that may predispose them to cancer) may develop it again.
* Family History. The risk of developing breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. It is important to know how old they were at the time they were diagnosed.
* The Breast Cancer Genes. Some individuals, both women and men, may be born with an "alteration" (or change) in one of two genes that are important for regulating breast cell growth. Individuals who inherit an alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at an "inherited" higher risk for breast cancer. They also may pass this alteration on to their children. It is very rare. Scientists estimate that only about 5-10 percent of all breast cancers are due to genetic changes. One out of two women with these changes are likely to develop breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to speak to a genetics counselor to determine the pros and cons of genetic testing.

The next 5 risk factors all involve estrogen, a hormone that naturally occurs in men and women. However, at the time menstruation begins, women start to produce larger amounts of estrogen and will continue to do so until they reach menopause. Estrogen appears to play a key role in breast cancer. Although estrogen doesn't actually cause breast cancer, it may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Estrogen-related risk factors are:

* Having an early menarche (first period or menstrual bleeding). Women who begin menstruating before age 12 are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. The more menstrual cycles a woman has over her lifetime, the more likely she is to get the disease.
* Having a first pregnancy after age 25 or 35. Although early pregnancies may help lower the chances of getting breast cancer, particularly before the age of 25, these same hormonal changes after age 35 may contribute to the incidence of breast cancer.
* Having no children. Women who experience continuous menstrual cycles until menopause are at a higher than average risk.
* Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Based on the Women's Health Initiative Study (2002), women do appear to have an increased risk of breast cancer while they are on HRT and a short time thereafter, compared to those who have never used postmenopausal HRT. This is based on a study of 16,000 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 who were taking either estrogen plus progestin as HRT or a placebo (an inactive pill).
* Use of Oral Contraceptives (OCs) and Breast Cancer. Current or former use of OCs among women ages 35 to 64 did not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. The findings were similar for Caucasian and African-American women. Data also show that former OC use does not increase the risk of breast cancer later in life.


Other risk factors - and lifestyle choices to avoid them
Common to all women are daily lifestyle decisions that may affect breast cancer risk. These day-to-day choices involve factors such as poor diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking. Besides possibly reducing breast cancer risk, lifestyle improvements represent smart steps for a healthier life, since they can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and many other chronic, life-threatening conditions.

* Decrease your daily fat intake - especially saturated or hydrogenated fats. Eat leaner meats and limit red meat. Reducing your fat intake helps prevent other health problems such as heart disease and stroke and may reduce your chance of developing breast and colon cancers.
* Increase fiber in your diet. Fiber is found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This type of diet is beneficial for your heart and can help prevent other cancers such as colon cancer.
* Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to their fiber content, fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties and micronutrients that may help prevent some cancers.
* Limit alcohol. Evidence suggests that a small increase in risk exists for women who average two or more drinks per day (beer, wine, and distilled liquor).
* Stay active. The U.S. Surgeon General has recently reported that you can help prevent many health problems by engaging in a moderate amount of physical activity (such as taking a brisk, 30-minute walk) on most days of the week. Strive to maintain the body weight recommended by a health professional, since excess fat may stimulate estrogen production.
* Don't smoke. Although smoking doesn't cause breast cancer, it can increase the chance of blood clots, heart disease, and other cancers that may spread to the breast.

Getting Health, Another Update

Me, Sept. 2010

In August, I mentioned that I'm currently on a health kick.  Although, to be honest, I am not sure I'd call it a "health kick."  That seems to imply that I'm just making temporary changes, and that's not the case. I've been working very hard on making changes, and in doing so I've noticed that I'm overhauling major aspects of my life.

I said I'd check in monthly to tell you how I've been doing on my quest to get healthy...to lose weight, to eat better, exercise, and adopt healthier habits.  Here's my latest update.  Since my August getting healthy update, I...

• Lost another 15+ pounds
• Have had to buy a lot of new clothes--my pants were falling off and almost everything in my closet is too big.  Go me!
• Continue to love exercise.  I generally exercise 5 to 6 times a week and I credit exercise to major changes in the shape of my body.  I can see the muscles in my arms bulking up (in a good way) and my leg muscles seem longer and leaner.

I feel good and eager to get out and do new things.  I'm still following the Weight Watchers program because...well...it works.  And I like that you can eat "normal" food and still lose.  My portion sizes have come way down and I don't feel like I'm deprived of anything.

I'm glad I'm finally waking up and paying more attention to food, to exercise, to how I respond to stress...to life in general.  It's amazing for me to look back on myself before committing to getting healthy--I feel like I was sleepwalking through my life.  Now that I am waking up and making changes, every day is an adventure...a chance to learn, to improve, to grow.  It's nice!

I'll give you another update next month.  Like I said, doing so makes me a little bit more accountable.  Also, if any of you are fighting the battle of the bulge or if you're also on a quest to get healthy, leave me a comment.  What's working for you?  What are your setbacks?  Leave me a comment and let me know--maybe we can all help each other in this journey!

Getting Health, Update...

I mentioned last month that I'm on something of a health kick lately.  I don't really like to talk about personal stuff like this online, but lately, my new healthier habits are in the forefront of almost every aspect of my life.  Since good health is the biggest building block for looking good--and since, as I said, my new habits are a major event in my life at the moment--I thought I'd do a once-a-month health kick update.  This will help keep me honest, and if you're going through any of the same things I am, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

So..getting healthy for me means losing weight, eating better, and exercising more.  I officially started this journey back in May, and so far I have committed to:

• Joining Weight Watchers and following their plan faithfully
• Exercising 5+ times a week 
• Making weekly goals for myself
• Logging all my food and exercise and journaling any significant thoughts along the way

Since May, I have:

• Lost over 20 pounds (!)
• Discovered that I actually LIKE exercise

I haven't yet joined a gym (and I am trying to avoid doing so!)--instead I've been using exercise DVDs to get my fitness in.  I've tried a ton of different videos (thanks to Comcast's In Demand Exercise TV), and so far my favorites are:

Jillian's scary, tough, and slightly insane...but I love her workouts!

No More Trouble Zones--Jillian Michaels (55 minutes of circuit training with hand weights)

Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism--Jillian Michaels (55 killer minutes of circuit training with nothing but cardio--so bad, but so good)

A variety of walk at home (power walk) DVDs from Leslie Sansone (she's totally annoying, but you get a good sweat.  My favorite is a 5 mile walk using power bands)

Beginner Yoga--Yoga Works (good explanations; relaxing but good)

I also made a big financial investment over the weekend and bought myself an awesome and cute bike.  It's called a Townie 21d from Electra Bikes.  It's such a fun bike to ride.  I've tentatively named my bike Trixie, because all good sidekicks need a name.

 I've had fun moving my body and, even though it can be hard at times, making the commitment to lose weight has sooooooo many rewards.  I'll probably do another update in early Sept.   In the meantime, if you're trying to lose weight/get more active, let me know what's working for you!

Health Kick!

I'm on something of a health kick these days. I'm trying to eat better, take my vitamins and exercise very regularly. And so far, things are going great: I've lost weight and am discovering new muscles on a daily basis (thanks, Jillian Michaels and your crazy 30 Day Shred!)

I've mentioned several times that we need vitamins and minerals to keep our skin looking great and our bodies doing what they're supposed to (click here for an older post about this topic). The list of things we need to ingest to look great seems huge--almost daunting. That's why vitamin packs are so convenient.

I recently received a Nutritional Supplement Pack from iQ Derma Firmaceuticals along with their Firmaceuticals Body Firming Gel. The box contains 30 daily pouches of vitamins and minerals designed to promote total skin and body wellness. The vitamins work in conjunction with the firming gel to help sustain a healthy metabolism.

Each pack contains one each of the following:

Multi-Vitamin Supplement - to provide essential metabolic functions and antioxidant protection

Mineral Supplement - to aid metabolism and boost skin's overall health

Vitamin E - to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants and condition the skin from the inside out

Thermogenic Supplement - to aid in the processing of proteins, carbohydrates and fats

I usually take a women's one-a-day with my breakfast, followed by calcium and Vitamin D at lunch and dinner, but I am willing to go a month with the iQ Derma vitamin pack. I plan to start it in July and will report back on my experience.

Have you ever used vitamin packs? What do you think of them? Do you see any improvements or do you think you just end up with expensive urine?

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

It's Mid-May and I'm just now getting to this. Geesh--where is this month going?

Anyway, if you've read my blog for awhile, you know that I am serious about skin cancer. Being fair skinned, skin cancer is a huge risk factor for me. Because of my fear of skin cancer, I am diligent when it comes to sun protection. And I like to take some time on my blog to remind you all to be sun safe.

I know I've said it a million times, but the best way to keep yourself cancer free is to limit your exposure to the sun. You should get in the habit NOW to wear sunscreen every single day--no matter what season it is, no matter what the weather is...apply sunscreen daily, at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Another important thing to do: avoid excess sun exposure. Yes, we all need Vitamin D, but you really shouldn't be spending hours soaking in the sun or, even worse, lying in a tanning booth. Eek!

Here are some more important things I need to remind you about when it comes to skin cancer:

• If you love the way your skin looks when you tan, consider this: UV expose leads to premature aging--wrinkles, brown spots, etc. If skin cancer won't scare you off a tanning bed, maybe looking 50 when you're 30 will. Seriously--don't you want to fight the signs of aging?
• When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is a lifesaver....and detection begins at home! Just like you should be doing a month breast self-exam, it's good to also check your skin for strange moles or markings that could spell trouble. Click here for more info on self exams.
• When applying sunblock (because you ARE using a daily sunblock, right?!) don't forget your neck, your ears, your chest, and your hands. Those annoying "liver spots" on your hands? They have nothing to do with your liver and everything to do with sun damage. It's easy to forget these areas, and they need just as much protection as your face.
• If you have any bald men in your life, remind them to apply sunblock to the top of their head. How often do you see bald men with sunburned scalps in the summer? Quite frequently--a sad fact since more men are diagnosed with (and die from) melanoma than women.
• If you still want a "healthy glow" but you don't want to increase your UV exposure, you can go with a fake tan. The goal is to apply the product correctly to avoid looking orange or streaky. Click here for tips on a decent Fake Bake.
  

Spring: Love It or Hate It?

We're smack in the middle of spring, and I don't know about you, but for me, spring means sneezing, watery eyes, and the constant battle with allergies. Pollen is not my friend! It's coating my car and making me cranky.

No matter how many doses of Flonase or Claritin, I still have issues with itchy eyes. Add to that hours in front of the computer screen at work, and by the end of the day my eyes are tired. To help get my baby blues feeling better, I've been known to use eye drops for allergy eyes or to lie down with a wet washcloth over my face.

I recently tried something new....something better: Eye Slices. These suckers are made of something called Cryogel, and you store them in the fridge so they're nice and cold when you're ready to use them. You simply pull them out of the fridge, slap a slice over each eye, and sit back and relax for five minutes. The Eye Slices are designed to help de-puff, refresh, and renew your eyes. They sure make my irritated, tired, itchy eyes feel much better after a long day.

Eye Slices are available online, for $15 for a pair (one pair will last for 10 uses). Check 'em out!

More About Rosacea

As I mentioned in today's earlier post, April is rosacea awareness month. And in an effort to help spread the word about this disorder, I thought I'd include some handy-dandy info, courtesy of The National Rosacea Society.

What is rosacea?
It is a common disorder that affects facial skin. Over 16 millions of Americans have rosacea, and though it's hard to ignore, it's easy to dismiss. Rosacea makes facial skin look red, almost acne-prone, and has adverse effects on sufferers' self-esteem.

What causes rosacea and is there a cure?
The cause is unknown and there are no cures, though there are many ways to deal with rosacea.

What does rosacea look like?
Any one of the following warning signs is a signal to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe:

• Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.
• Small visible blood vessels on the face.
• Bumps or pimples on the face.
• Watery or irritated eyes.

How is rosacea treated?
If you have rosacea, your doctor can help you determine what's right for you. Some options include oral antibiotics, topical therapies, and even laser treatment. Patients with rosacea are encouraged to use gentle, non-abrasive facial cleansers, and to avoid things like loofahs and sponges. People with rosacea should also use SPF to avoid additional sun damage.

For more information about rosacea, please visit this site.

How Safe Are Your Cosmetics?

I don't watch Dr. Oz, mostly because I really, really, really dislike Oprah and all things Orpah (including Dr. Oz). Anyway, apparently on a recent Dr. Oz show, he was talking about how unsafe cosmetics are.

Here are my thoughts on the subject:

1. This whole thing gives me a headache. I intellectually know that I should care deeply about this. I understand that I should be very concerned with the amount of chemicals and toxins in beauty products, but for some reason, I just don't think about it. I should care, yet I don't lose any sleep over it. What's up with that?
2. Daytime TV always seems to hype up the dangers in common, everyday things to get ratings. Does Dr. Oz really care about chemicals and toxins in our cosmetic products? Maybe, but I bet he cares more about having women tune in to watch what deadly products are lying around our homes. TV is the land of shock-journalism, so you have to calm down a bit after watching segments about deadly products.
3. If you are concerned about what's in your cosmetics, you should go to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Database to check out what you're putting on your skin. They analyze ingredients and provide a great deal of information about your favorite products.

The bottom line: you need to be an informed consumer. Yes, there are probably some ingredients you should avoid. And yes, some products may be harmful. But you also need to balance out common sense. Only take risks you're comfortable with, but don't go through life being afraid.

So tell me: do you worry about this topic? Let me know what you do to educate yourself.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Apparently the Super Bowl is this weekend. I say apparently because I don't really care about football. In fact, I don't think I've ever watched a football game in its entirety and I know for certain that I have never in my life watched the Super Bowl. It's just not my thing.

However, many of you will be parked in front of the TV this weekend, watching football and commercials, and eating. And to help you get your grub on without gaining unwanted pounds, I have a post full of hints for eating well during the big game over at my food blog, Deliciousness of Yum. Click here to check it out!

I'll be back Monday with plenty of makeup news.

Resolution #3: Take Your Vitamins (and Minerals!)

Vitamins and minerals are important for your overall health. It's not news that nutrients you put into your body have an effect on the way you look on the outside. Even though we may not have the hard data to back us, we often relate eating bad foods (fried/greasy foods) with bad skin. And we also know that smoking ages the skin and leads to wrinkles and find lines around the mouth.

So, if you want a more radiant, youthful appearance, what should you be doing? According to those in the know in the beauty and health world, you need to take your vitamins. Here's a quick guide to what vitamins are beneficial to your look and why:

• Vitamin A is a familiar weapon in the battle for acne-free, well hydrated skin. For year, we've used Retin-A to help keep our skin clear and supple. Vitamin A should be applied topically to the skin to keep it flake-free, help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and to prevent acne. Look for anti-aging creams containing retinols to get Vitamin A's benefits, notably MD Formulation's Vit A Plus Clearing Complex.
• Vitamin B Complex, or biotin, is an important foundation in building healthy skin, hair, and nails. Though we usually produce enough biotin on our own, a lack of it may lead to itchy skin or hair loss in extreme cases. Get your B from bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice or look for it lotions or creams like L'Occitane's Shea Butter Lotion.
  
• Along with keeping your immune system strong, Vitamin C aids in repairing sun damaged skin when used topically. There are tons of microderm kits containing a topical version of Vitamin C, including Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel. But don't think rubbing Vitamin C all over your face will allow you to bake in the sun without worry of a burn or skin damage. Nothing can promise that! Be sure you get enough Vitamin C in your diet from yummy citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens, or take a supplement--about 500 to 100 milligrams a day will do it.
  
• Vitamin E, long know for its ability to flight free radicals (that sounds a tad political!) is also effective at decreasing the look of lines and wrinkles, and can even out your skin's surface. Used in combination with Vitamin C, Vitamin E can protect collagen from bad things like pollution and smoke. Vitamin E is found in olives, nuts, and asparagus, though getting your 400 IUs a day is easier through a supplement.
• Vitamin K causes blood to clot, and though that may not sound like a beauty benefit, it can reduce the look of undereye circles and bruises, especially when combined with Vitamin A in a cream form. Try Skyn Iceland's Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Biospheric Complex.

Vitamins are important, but minerals also pay a vital role in keeping your skin, nails, and hair looking their best. While it's probably easiest, cheapest, and best to just take a multivitamin each day (therefore getting all the vitamins and minerals you'd ever need, and then some), here's a quick overview of which minerals you need and why:

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: This super-powerful antioxidant works much like Vitamins C and E in that it attacks free radicals and diminishes skin damage. Some even say that it can rebuild damaged skin cells. You can get alpha-lipoic acid in a supplement or find it in some products like Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel.
  
• Copper: When combined topically with Vitamin C, copper has been shown to improve the skin's appearance by developing elastins. Those who use creams containing copper report fewer lines and wrinkles, better elasticity, and increased firmness. Copper should not be taken in a supplement form since copper deficiencies are rare and taking too much copper internally can be dangerous. Try Neutrogena's Visibly Firm Night Cream with Copper.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Balancing out Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help heal dehydrated, inflamed, or blackhead-prone skin. Take a supplement containing both Omegas or eating poultry, flaxseed oil, or cold-water fish (like salmon) to get the proper balance.
  
• Selenium: In the 1990s, scientific journals reported that skin cancer patients who increased their intake of Selenium had fewer malignancies and a reduced risk of death. Scientists are still studying possible beneficial links between Selenium and cancer and a host of other conditions. Though toxic in large doses, Selenium occurs naturally in Brazil nuts, whole grain foods, seafood, garlic and eggs so deficiencies are rare. The recommended allowance of this antioxidant for adults is 55 micrograms a day.
• Zinc: I'm a firm believer that zinc helps shorten the duration of a cold. Whether I'm right or wrong is up in the air, but zinc is good for those who suffer from acne. Apparently, in some cases acne is a result of a zinc deficiency (who knew?). You can ingest zinc or apply it topically--either way it helps control the skin's oil production. Eat your zinc with lean meat, poultry, oysters, nuts, and seeds (pumpkin and sunflower). Or, apply zinc to your skin with Dr. Brandt's Poreless Essentials Kit.

While we all should be getting proper nutrients through our diets, we all know that doesn't always happen. In order to have beautiful skin, try adding a daily supplement and see what happens.

Tomorrow: save money!

Resolution #2: Get Organized

I am an organized person in my professional life. At home, I tend to go for a more relaxed system of making piles and dealing with things later. And because of my makeup blog, I have tons of beauty products stuffed in what seems like a mountain of cosmetic cases.

The start of the new year is a great time to do things we overlook, like throwing out old makeup, cleaning brushes, and reorganizing our cases. Here are some pointers that will help.

1. Store your goods correctly. While it may be convenient, the worst place to store makeup is on your bathroom counter. Bathrooms have warm, humid air that can destroy all those minerals, oils, powders, and other crucial ingredients in your favorite products. Instead, keep your cosmetics in a makeup case or some place cool and dark and keep it out of extreme environments.
   
2. Keep it clean. To extend the life of your tools, you should clean them regularly. Experts recommend cleaning synthetic bristle brushes every couple of days and natural bristle brushes once a month. (Yikes! I am so guilty of having dirty brushes--I only do mine every few months. Oops!) To clean your brushes, apply a makeup remover, brush cleaner, or baby shampoo to the bristles, wipe the brush on a paper towel, run the brush under water to clean it out, reshape the bristles, and let it air dry. Viola! All clean and ready to go.
3. Keep it sharp. If you really love your current eyeliner or lipliner, invest in a good quality sharpener to keep your pencils from getting gnawed. If the tip of your product is really soft, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before you sharpen it.
4. When in doubt, throw it out. Makeup is perishable, and if you think your stuff is past its prime (i.e., if your nail color is milky, if your foundation smells off), the best bet is to throw it out and buy new stuff. See below for more tips on this...
   

How old is too old?
Ok, here's a confession: I keep beauty products forever. I don't know why, but I always feel guilty throwing out unused make-up. Consequently, my makeup kit is always littered with old products I'll never (or should never) use again. I think I still have a few tubes of discontinued lipstick lying around--eek!

If you're like me, you need to read this handy-dandy reference to help figure out when you should toss out your old cosmetics. Here are the shelf life guidelines for your favorite products:

• Mascara: 3 to 6 months. Mascara can easily get contaminated with bacteria, so it's best to buy this staple several times a year.
• Moisturizer: 3 months to a year. Manufacturers often include an expiration date on moisturizer, so it's best to heed their recommendations.
• Foundation: one year. If liquid foundation starts to change color or if it takes on an "off" smell (yuck!), throw it!
• Powder: two years. It can last longer, but it tends to dry out.
• Eyeshadow: powered shadow can last up to three years; cream shadows only last about a year.
• Eyeliner and lipliner: up to two years. Sharpening these products helps to discourage bacterial growth.
• Lipstick: two years. If it dries out, it's time for a new shade!
• Lipgloss: 18 months to 2 years.
• Perfume: up to 2 years. To keep them lasting longer, store them in the fridge or away from direct sunlight.

For all products, be sure you don't share with your friends, use on broken or infected skin (ick!), and make sure you take good care of your brushes.

I don't know about you, but I think I have a lot of purging to do. Oh well!

Tomorrow: Take your vitamins (and minerals!).