Sensibly Sensational

8 Do-It-Yourself Home Facials

2013-09-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Facials are a great way to keep your skin glowing, but they can be pricey. Here are 8 make-at-home face masks crafted from common household ingredients.

For All Skin Types

Brighten: Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. “The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish,” says Macan-Graves.

Exfoliate: Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. “The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize,” says Argenti.

Cleanse: “Believe it or not, I love to cleanse with oil,” says Argenti. For this facial, she combines 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. “You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel,” says Argenti. “You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area…[the mixture] tends to be very sticky.”

For Oil- and Blemish-Prone Skin

Lift & Tighten: Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. “This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone,” says Macan-Graves.

Tone: This toning eye treatment helps to “de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin,” says Argenti. “It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices.” After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. “You need to use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores. Alcohol is very detrimental, and tea works just as well,” adds Argenti.

For Dry Skin

Soothe: Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. “This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin,” says Macan-Graves. “Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.”

Moisturize: Macan-Graves recommends oatmeal and fennel to help moisturize dry skin. Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

Brighten: Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. “This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up,” says Macan-Graves.

Candy Corn Home Decor

2013-09-09T19:18:00.001-07:00

Have some empty wine bottles laying around and you are in need of some cute Halloween Home Decor? This is the perfect DIY Project for you. Super Simple, Easy & Cute all in one package.

Materials:

Empty Wine Bottles

Glossy Spray Paint – White, Orange & Yellow

Fall Foliage

Directions:

1. Make sure Wine Bottles are completely clean & dry.

2. Spray entire bottle with White Spray Paint.

3. Spray 3/4 way up with orange

4. Spray 1/2 way up with Yellow

5. Let dry completely.

6. Fill with Fall Foliage

7. Arrange on your mantle or as a centerpiece for your table!

Happy Fall!!!

http://fun2bfrugal.com/candy-corn-home-decor

Eat Your Way to Beautiful Skin

2013-09-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

A balanced diet is an essential prescription for healthy and vibrant skin. The good news is that the foods that happen to be good for your skin are also good for your overall health.

Many people find that the appearance of aging skin — wrinkles, thickening, discoloration, and decreased elasticity — is one of their biggest beauty concerns. While genetics largely determines when your skin starts to show these signs of aging, and the extent to which it shows them, environmental damage to your skin, as well as damage you cause yourself through lifestyle choices, can greatly accelerate this process.

Skin damage occurs as a result ofoxidation, a chemical process in which unstable molecules called free radicals steal electrons from healthy cells. The most damaging oxidative stressors that we expose ourselves to are smoking and sunlight.

Aside from staying away from cigarettes and using sunscreen when you go out, the next best thing you can do for your skin's health is to eat a diet rich inantioxidants. These are nutrients that work to defend your body's cells — including skin cells — against the damage of oxidative stress. You're probably familiar with some antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). Others, which you may be less familiar with, are collectively known asphytochemicals (there are hundreds of them), and they are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans.

To keep your skin well-protected and nourished, and to extend its youthful appearance, focus on the foods that are good sources of the following nutrients:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen (which keeps skin firm) and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Scientific studies have found that when lab animals eat vitamin C — fortified food, their skin is better able to fight oxidative damage. It's important, then, to replenish your skin's vitamin C stores every day by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Good sources include bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), broccoli, cantaloupe, mangoes, oranges, pineapple, snow peas, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps protect cell membranes and guards your skin against damage from the sun's UV radiation. Some research has suggested that vitamin E may work in combination with vitamin C to provide an extra degree of anti-aging skin protection. However, because recent studies have raised some questions about the safety of vitamin E supplements, this nutrient should come from your diet, not from high-dose pills. It's best to stick with food sources like wheat germ, fortified whole-grain cereals, nuts and seeds, olive oil, Swiss chard, and spinach, as well as the small amount of vitamin E found in a multivitamin.

Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene, another antioxidant that's critical for skin health, is converted to vitamin A in the body and is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues. It may also protect your skin against sun damage. In extremely high doses, however, pure vitamin A from supplements can be toxic, so be sure to avoid them unless a doctor has recommended them and is closely supervising you. Beta-carotene from foods like apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, red bell peppers, mangoes, pumpkin, and sweet potato is sufficient and entirely safe for your skin.

Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that helps protect the skin from sun damage; it also helps the skin maintain firmness and elasticity. Selenium obtained from food has been shown to reduce sun damage and even prevent some skin cancers in animals. Be sure to avoid selenium supplements, however. The Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial found that people with a high risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers who took selenium supplements actually had a 25 percent increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas. The best food sources for selenium are Brazil nuts (no more than 1 or 2 nuts a day because the selenium is so concentrated), tuna (canned, light), crab, oysters, whole-wheat pasta, lean beef, shrimp, whole-wheat bread, turkey, wheat germ, chicken breast, mushrooms, and eggs.

Omega–3 Fatty Acids
Although not classified as antioxidants, omega–3 fatty acids help maintain cell membranes so that they are effective barriers — allowing water and nutrients in but keeping toxins out. These healthy fats also reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may translate into fewer skin breakouts. Omega-3s also seem to offer the skin protection against sun damage. In a study of skin cancer, people who ate diets rich in fish oils and other omega-3 fats had a 29 percent lower risk of squamous cell skin cancer than those who got very little omega-3 fats from food. Good food sources include wild salmon, herring, mackerel (but not king), sardines, anchovies, flaxseed, walnuts, and soybeans.

This Smoothie makes a perfect breakfast!

Try this smoothie for a big blast of complexion-friendly nutrients — vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fats.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 cold oranges, peeled and cut into sections
1/2 chopped mango, chilled
1/2 cup sliced frozen (unsweetened) strawberries
1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
1/2 cup plain, nonfat yogurt, chilled
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Yields 2 1/4 cups
Nutrient Analysis (one serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Total fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 72 mg
Fiber: 9 g
Vitamin C: 126 mg (209% DV)
Vitamin A (all from beta-carotene): 5,839 IU (117% DV)
Vitamin E: 3.9 IU (13% DV)
+ Omega-3 fats

http://www.joybauer.com/healthy-living/food-for-beautiful-skin.aspx

7 Unexpected Uses for Hairspray Around the House

2013-09-05T11:02:00.002-07:00

The '80s gave hairspray a bad name, but it's a truly fantastic tool for styling. It comes in a variety of strengths, and newer formulations often include heat protection, shine, and/or UV filters to protect hair color. If hairstyling isn't enough, the polymers and solvents in hairspray make it a very versatile product. Don't throw away that can you bought for your last special event! From cleaning to crafting, there are a ton of uses for this wonder product. Click through the slideshow for 7 truly interesting, super practical uses for hairspray - beyond hair

1. Sidewalk Chalk Sealant

When your kids create a masterpiece or hopscotch board, help it last longer and prevent smudging with a coat of hairspray. This also works for chalk lines used during home improvement.

2. Index Card Protector

Are all of your recipes covered in grease and sauce stains? Give index cards a couple coats of hairspray to make them spill proof. This is a great solution for recipe cards.

3. Cut Flower Life Extender

I'm not sure I'd dare try this, but I'm told that adding a light coat to the underside of cut flowers help them to last longer by sealing in moisture.

4. Rub On Transfer Creator

Follow this tutorial to make your own rub-on transfers using hairspray. You can use the rub-on transfers for scrapbooking, cards, crafts, or for creating a cool design on your nails. Learn more here http://www.rubberstampingfun.com/rnapage.html

5. Run Stopper

We all know the clear nail polish trick for pantyhose runs, but hairspray will also do the trick. In fact, you can pre-treat pantyhose with a light coat of hairspray to strengthen fibers and prevent runs in the first place.

6. Zipper Stiffener

Have a zipper that keeps falling down? Spray it with hairspray to harden the teeth and prevent wardrobe malfunctions. This trick also works on loose screw and hinges.

7. Glitterizer

Yes, I just made that word up, but hairspray is a great way to coat your craft items with glitter! Coat the item with spray, sprinkle on glitter, shake off excess, and then seal with another coat of hairspray.

http://shine.yahoo.com/at-home/freeze-7-unexpected-uses-hairspray-around-house-145400778.html

10 Unbelievable Diet Rules Backed by Science

2013-09-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

When describing how you really feel about the latest miracle fix in the diet and fitness world, you'd probably like to drop an F-bomb-as in, what the fad? After all, how many times have you trusted logical sounding ideas or put all your faith in a diet strategy, only to find out that the time you invested was a waste--and you still haven't dropped the weight?

Consider this your F-bomb-free zone. No fads, no faking, and no frustration. You see, when you really dig into the research, most of what you assume is correct about dieting is actually wrong. Discover the truth here and the only f-words coming out of your mouth will be "Finally. Fat loss!"

1. Skip breakfast if you want. The one diet rule we've heard more than any other: A healthy diet begins with a great breakfast. There's just one problem: A good breakfast doesn't guarantee an overall healthy diet. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the NPD group, nearly 90 percent of Americans now eat breakfast, and yet nearly 50 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese. There are two things you should know about breakfast:

1. Timing isn't as important as you think.
You don't need to eat immediately (or even within one hour) after you wake up. Your metabolism won't be harmed.

2. Eating an early breakfast means you're creating a bigger eating window (you eat for more total hours during the day), which might lead to more fat storage and more health problems, according to scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. If you eat your first meal at 7 a.m. and eat a late-night snack at 10 p.m., that's 15 hours of eating-which might be more than your body wants.

The fad-free truth: No one meal is more important than any other. What matters most is total calorie intake, food selection (think salad versus Big Mac), and then how much time you spend eating each day. So if you don't love breakfast, skip it. If you do, enjoy your morning meal but keep an eye on your feeding window to make sure you're not eating more calories than you need.

2. It's OK to eat a big dinner.
We all know that dinner is the most popular meal to eat with friends and family, but most people think eating after dark is the cardinal sin of weight loss. Nothing could be more incorrect. Italian researchers compared eating earlier in the day (10 a.m.) to eating later in the day (6 p.m.) In that study, there was no difference in weight (pounds) lost, but the late eaters lost more fat. Several follow-up studies concluded the same thing-timing doesn't matter. This statement from University of Oregon researchers sums it up well: "Eating too many calories causes weight gain regardless of when you eat them."

The fad-free truth: Living in a world where you can't eat at night and can't enjoy food with your friends and family is restrictive and doesn't adhere to any science-backed rules of weight loss. You won't become fat by eating at night-that will only happen if you overeat at night. If you're aware of how much you should be eating within any given day, you can place those calories in whatever meal works best for your body.

3. Snacking does not affect metabolism.
We know that when you eat, you burn calories. So about 30 years ago, it was determined that if you eat more frequently, you must burn more calories overall, and thus the "grazing" method was formed and a nation of people began consuming four to six small meals per day. One small problem: French researchers found that there is "no evidence of improved weight loss" by eating more frequently. They even went one step further to show that when it comes to the number of calories you burn per day (i.e. your metabolism), it does not matter if you graze or gorge, assuming that you're eating the total number of calories you need to lose weight.

The fad-free truth: If you're told to eat 2,000 calories per day, it doesn't matter if it's separated into five 400-calorie meals or two 1000-calorie feasts. (However the composition of those meals does matter.) What works best for your schedule should determine the number of meals you eat. When Canadian researchers compared eating three meals per day to six meals per day, breaking the six into three main meals and three snacks, there was no significant difference in weight loss, but those who ate three meals were more satisfied and felt less hunger.

4. Eat carbs to get lean.
From Atkins to the Paleo movement, carbohydrates have been criticized more than all of the ladies on the Real Housewives shows-combined. Here's the real reason why carbs get such a bad reputation: Up to 50 percent of the carbohydrate intake in the typical American diet is in the form of highly processed carbs and sugar. So when people say carbs are bad, they're usually just talking about eating lots of sugar. But that's not really fair to every other food that also is labeled a carbohydrate.

When compared to a typical American diet, a low-carb diet looks like the undisputed champ. However when compared to a good carb-based diet that is low in sugar, refined foods, and gluten (like the "Japanese Diet"), the results are very different. Before 1991, when Japan was considered a carb-dominate society, diabetes and obesity rates were never greater than three percent of the population. If carbs in general were the enemy, with their high starch intake via rice and sweet potatoes, the Japanese would be the fattest, most diabetic, and unhealthy population on the planet. However this was not the case, and their levels of obesity are a "problem" people in the United States wish they had.

The fad-free truth: Your body needs carbohydrates. If you completely remove this essential nutrient from your diet, you could experience a down-regulation of the hormones that control fat loss, making it harder to have the lean, sexy body you want. A good general rule: Eat more carbs on the days you're active and fewer carbs on the days you're sedentary. And make sure most of your carbs come from whole foods such as fruits and vegetables.

5. There is a weight-loss pill worth buying. Most miracle "fat-burning supplements" are about as effective as an hour of Prancercizing. But if you want to take a pill to help promote fat loss, your best bet is a vitamin that you associate with the sun. Researchers from Canada found that people with higher levels of vitamin D also have lower levels of body fat. The connection isn't a coincidence. Vitamin D helps you feel fuller because, according to Australian researchers, it releases more leptin, a hormone essential to weight loss. It also helps you store less fat by decreasing parathyroid hormone, which makes you hold on to your love handles. Best of all, vitamin D literally burns more fat by reducing production of the stress hormone cortisol.

The fad-free truth: Buying supplements to help you lose weight is not the best use of your hard-earned money. Your foundation is a healthy diet and exercise. But some supplements can help fill nutritional gaps that will help your body function more efficiently. Supplementing with 2,000 to 3,000 IU of Vitamin D3 is a smart investment for your overall health and fat-loss goals.

6. Exercise on an empty stomach.
If you exercise with a high intensity, there's nothing worse than feeling sick to your stomach because you felt forced to eat before you hit the gym or pavement. There's a lot of science that shows eating before a workout is important, but "before a workout" is a much wider time range than you might think.

In the simplest sense, your digestive process is very complicated. When you eat, the food does not go directly to your muscles or your gut. It takes time-a lot of time, in fact. So if you eat many hours before you train, there's still plenty of fuel to help you perform and feel great.

The fad-free truth: Research published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that the protein you eat digests anywhere between one gram per hour and 10 grams per hour. So if you have a meal consisting of 25 grams of protein, that meal could last in your system for up to 25 hours. Hydration level and sleep patterns also play a significant role in performance, so make sure you're well rested and have plenty to drink, and then eat when it feels best for your body, even if it means a small meal or no meal at all.

7. Eat saturated fat.
Books like The China Study and movies like Forks Over Knives have pointed the finger at saturated fats-and all animal fats-as the reason for countless health problems. Yet all the research used to support this hypothesis took a very slanted bias and completely ignored populations that were incredibly healthy despite diets based on saturated fats. For example, people who live in Tokelau (a territory off of New Zealand) eat a diet that is 50 percent saturated fats, and they have cardiovascular health that is superior to any other group of people. Even Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard, has publicly stated (after a 20-year review of research) that fats-and more specifically saturated fats-are not the cause of the obesity crisis and are not the cause of heart disease.

The fad-free truth: Cholesterol actually acts as an antioxidant against dangerous free radicals within the blood. When there are high levels of undesirable substances in the blood (caused by inflammation in your arteries from eating highly processed foods and large quantities of sugars), cholesterol levels rise in order to combat these substances. Cholesterol is also necessary for the production of a number of hormones, some of which help fight against heart disease. Plus, research shows diets higher in saturated fats are often lower in total calories consumed.

8. Consider fasting for better health.
Any diet that has you not eat at all is not a diet-it's starvation. But there's a difference between withholding what your body needs and reprogramming your body so that you can control your hunger and let your body recharge. The idea of fasting is nothing crazy. You do it every night when you sleep, which is a time that that is essential for optimal health. Yet the idea of going several hours without eating during daytime is frowned upon.

When done correctly, fasting can actually help your body burn fat, recharge, and stay healthy. You've probably heard of cleanse diets that supposedly rid your body of toxins, improve the functioning of your internal organs, and help you age better. Most of these don't work as advertised. The only real cleanse occurs at the cellular level. It's called autophagy, and it's your body's ability to regenerate and become better. Autophagy makes your brain function a little better, helps with fat loss, and even assists in your ability to walk and breathe. But the more time you spend eating-as in actual hours during the day eating-the less time you spend in the autophagic process, which is why fasting isn't a bad thing.

The fad-free truth: Researchers at the University of Utah found that people who fasted just one day per month were 40 percent less likely to suffer from clogged arteries. While there are many ways to fast, the important point is that you shouldn't feel forced to eat if you're not hungry. Short daily fasts (for 12 to 16 hours) or a once-per-week daily fast can have health benefits, and it will teach you to separate boredom or thirst from genuine hunger.

9. Going organic won't help with weight loss.
I love my local farmer's market, and I always do my best to purchase products from the best sources. That said, slapping "organic" on a label does not mean it will help you lose weight, and in some instances it won't even guarantee that a food is healthy. Research published in the Annal of Internal Medicine reviewed 200 studies that compared the health benefits of organic foods to conventional foods and the results were surprising: There were no clearly distinguishable benefits of eating organic foods, whether measured by preventing disease or an assessment of overall health. Specific to weight loss, a random comparison of organic to non-organic foods found no significant difference in nutritional information, including calories.

The fad-free truth: More research on organic foods needs to be conducted. There's no doubt organic foods have fewer pesticides and toxins, the real question is if the sometimes-small difference in toxins makes any scientifically significant difference on your health. More importantly, labeling a food as organic does not mean its weight-loss friendly. Organic sources of sugar are still sugar. And organic products loaded with 1,000 calories are still 1,000 calories. If you want to reduce the potential of anything bad entering your body, feel free to purchase organic products but still keep an eye on the label.

10. There's no such thing as too much protein.
You may have heard that eating lots of protein can cause all sorts of health problems, including kidney stones and gallstones, but this is a moot point for most people. Why? Because there's no research showing any relationship between eating a lot of protein and developing kidney problems. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research tested eating up to 400 grams of protein per day without any negative consequences.

If you have a preexisting kidney problem, it's possible that a higher protein diet could be hard on your body. But if you have a kidney problem, you should be talking to your doctor about your diet anyway.

The fad-free truth: If you're healthy, you are clear to eat protein and not worry about any health problems-because there are none. What's more, protein is one of the most metabolic macronutrients, meaning that the more protein you eat, the more calories you burn. Just remember that calories are still calories so the rules of total intake still apply.

Tia Bold

2013-08-07T12:38:00.001-07:00

The Caribbean comes alive on your wrist with the Tia bangle in gold vermeil with shimmering waves of pave crystals in bold hues. The bangles fit together and stack to make a colorful mosaic of jewels.
- Vermeil, pave faceted crystals
- 3.25" diameter
- Each color is sold separately
- Avaialble in navy, lilac, fuschia, and teal

^$25 ~~$35~~

Sensibly Sensational

10 Foods You Should be Eating

2012-08-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

When it comes to weight loss or maintaining a healthy body weight, exercise alone is not enough. A balanced diet made up of real, unprocessed foods like lean protein, vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats are an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. With all of the time that goes into preparing healthy meals and energy spent at the gym, wouldn't it be nice if you could burn more calories just by choosing the right foods? Well there is good news in the battle against an expanding waistline. Consuming certain foods can actually boost your metabolism just by eating! So, grab a fork and any one of these 10 foods to get more bang for your bite.

Cayenne Pepper.
As well as other peppers like jalapenos and habaneros, cayenne peppers produce body heat and increase the heart rate, increasing lipid oxidation resulting in the burning of fat for energy. Studies have shown that these peppers can also decrease appetite and slows the growth of fat cells.

Cinnamon.
Adding this spice to your coffee, tea, or snacks adds flavor and has been found to lower blood sugar levels.

Ginger.
Best in its raw form, ginger is known to increase metabolic function, suppress the appetite, and improve digestion by relieving an upset stomach.

Citrus Fruits.
Lemons, limes, and citrus fruits add fiber, flavor, and vitamin C to your diet without extra calories. You'll feel fuller longer and your blood sugar will be better regulated throughout the day.

Berries and Apples.
Packed with pectin, quercetin, vitamin C, and malic acid, these fruits regulate energy levels. Because they are water based and high in fiber they also help satisfy your appetite.

Wild Salmon.
Fresh wild salmon--not farmed raised--contain essential fatty acids, a key nutrient for overall health.

Garlic.
Adding a few cloves of garlic to your meal has been linked to lower blood sugar levels.

Green Tea.
EGCG, a chemical in green tea revs, up the heart, metabolism, and fat-burning abilities. Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to increase metabolism.

Raw Almonds.
Snacking on a handful of raw almonds will help build muscle and keep you full with loads of protein, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium.
Eggs. Full of vitamin B12, protein, and animo acids, eggs help build muscle and burn fat.

When trying to lose weight the worst thing you can do is starve yourself. Eating less and working out more will result in an energy crash and overeating. Shed any unwanted pounds by eating more fat burning foods that will fuel your body and energize your life.

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/the-10-foods-you-should-definitely-be-eating.html

Healthy Late Night Snacks

2012-08-30T20:42:00.002-07:00

Healthy snacks must be included in your daily eating habits if you want to stick to a healthy eating plan. You may not notice it but your healthy eating plan may be jeopardized when it comes to choosing your late night snacks.

You may stay up most nights because your work demands it or because of a good book or a television program. Whatever the reason may be, staying up late may also mean that you will get a craving for a late night snack once you hear your stomach growling.

Reasons For Late Night Food Cravings

There are many reasons why you may get a food craving in the middle of the night.

Dehydration is one of the main reasons of late night food cravings and hunger
It could derive from boredom
You could be genuinely hungry because of an early dinner
You suffer from low salt or sugar levels
Lack of protein in your body
For any of the reasons stated, your hunger needs to be satisfied nonetheless and a healthy snack is what you should grab instead of unhealthy junk foods.

Choose Healthy Snacks

Try to think about what you should eat rather than what you want to eat on your way to the kitchen. Junk foods tend to make you feel guilty afterward because you consume unwanted calories. It may satisfy your craving for the time being, but it will leave you feeling remorseful. Late night snacking may contribute to weight gain. Furthermore, junk foods may prevent you from getting proper sleep.

Since dehydration is one of the main reasons for food cravings, drink some water first when you feel hungry in the middle of the night. If you are dehydrated then the water will satisfy the hunger you are feeling. Avoid drinking coffee or any beverages that contain caffeine. If drinking water still leaves you hungry, go to the kitchen and prepare yourself some healthy snacks.

Protein-Rich Late Night Snacks

Choosing protein-rich foods for late night snacks is better for you than foods that have high contents of carbohydrates. Small servings of protein-rich foods will make you feel full longer. Some of the protein-rich snacks you may consider are:

Protein or granola bars
Egg rolls
A mixture of fresh fruits
A cup of yogurt
Crackers and cheese
Other great late night snacks ideas are:

Veggie sticks with yogurt dips
A bowl of cereal with skimmed milk
A cup of hot chocolate
A nutritious sandwich

One way to be prepared for late night hunger or food cravings is to set up a small space in your kitchen or refrigerator specifically for late night snacks. You can prepare in advance your healthy snacks during the day so that when your cravings for snacks kick in late at night, it is a sure bet that what you will grab is a healthy snack.

Clean Towels

2012-08-27T21:49:00.002-07:00

Over time, and with many washes, your bath towels will build up detergent and fabric softener residue,

leaving them both unable to absorb as much water and smelling kinda funky when they do. Rather than give

Target another lump sum, run them through the wash once with hot water and a cup of vinegar, then again

with hot water and a half-cup of baking soda. That strips the residue from them, leaves them smelling fairly

fresh again.

Fly Control

2012-08-27T21:46:00.001-07:00

Outdoor use.

Flies HATE pine-sol.

Mix it with water, about 50/50 and put it in a spray bottle.

Use to wipe counters or spray on the porch and patio table and furniture.

Drive them away!

Alcohol Bug Killer

2012-08-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Use alcohol in a spray bottle to kill bugs in your home instead of the toxic stuff in the can.

Alcohol dries clean with no oily residue and is more effective than the bug sprays you'd buy in the store.

Try it, you'll be amazed.

Natural Spider Prevention

2012-08-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Keep this in mind if you start seeing lots of spiders around your place.

Natural spider killer or preventer...

one cup of vingar
one cup of pepper
a teaspoon of oil
liquid soap.

Put it into a spray bottle and spray along the outside of your outside door and along windows

BAKING SODA BLACKHEAD REMOVER

2012-08-21T14:55:00.004-07:00

Why It Works:

This gentle, quick facial uses baking soda’s acid-neutralizing alkalinity and milk’s lactic acid to clear out pores and lightly exfoliate.

After years of store-bought lotions and potions, this seemed almost too simple to work — but it did.

You’ll Need:

- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup milk

What to Do:

Mix all the ingredients together. Rub into blackhead-prone areas using a soft makeup sponge. Rinse and repeat if needed.

CHOCOLATE FACE MASK

2012-08-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

Why It Works:

Cocoa’s natural antioxidants help clear out skin stressors that can make skin look older.

You Have Been Warned:

It smells so good you may want to eat the leftovers.

You’ll Need:

- 1/3 cup natural cocoa powder (no sugar added)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tsp cottage cheese
- 3 tsp honey

What to Do:

Mix everything together in a large bowl.

Apply to dampened skin and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Rinse with warm water. Can be used once a week.

COFFEE SCRUB

2012-08-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

Why It Works:

Most pricey cellulite treatments use caffeine to promote circulation, deep-cleanse pores and act as a diuretic by removing excess water from your dermis. Our version uses the same stimulators — but with ingredients usually reserved for your morning cup of joe.

You Have Been Warned:

Like the store-bought potions, this is not a scientifically vetted treatment. But the stimulating massage should help soften skin and could smooth out fatty areas.

You’ll Need:

- 1 cup fresh-ground coffee
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil

What to Do:

Mix all the ingredients.

Massage into thighs, butt and other areas prone to, sigh, the cottage cheese effect for five minutes in a circular motion.

Rinse when finished. Repeat three to five times per week.

BEER HAIR RINSE

2012-08-21T10:20:00.002-07:00

Why It Works: The nutrients in hops add strength and shine to hair.

You Have Been Warned: Don’t try this treatment before a big event — Does not have the best smell.

You’ll Need:

- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup beer

What to Do: Mix together and use as a final rinse after conditioning, rinsing completely with warm water. Repeat every seven to 10 days.

AVOCADO FOOT SCRUB

2012-08-21T10:19:00.002-07:00

Why It Works: A ground avocado pit is abrasive enough to break down calluses, while the fruit’s rich flesh contains essential oils that nourish skin.

You’ve Been Warned: This recipe takes time to prepare, but the results are worth it.

What You’ll Need:

- 2 avocados (one for pit, and one ripe one for fruit)
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tbsp sea salt

What to Do: Dry out an avocado pit for a few days, then break it into several pieces with a hammer or cooking mallet. In a spice mill, coffee grinder or food processor, grind down the pit to make a gritty meal.

Scoop out second avocado and place skin aside. Mash the avocado fruit with the cornmeal, 1/4 cup of ground avocado pit and sea salt.

Gently massage the mixture into your feet in a circular motion, starting with the toes and working up to the ankles. Rinse with warm water.

Finally, take the inside of the avocado skin and rub the heel and any other callused areas. Your skin will look green at first (don’t worry, it won’t stain). Keep massaging for five to 10 minutes or until it no longer feels abrasive. Do not rinse off until your next shower.

HONEY LEMON MASK

2012-08-21T10:18:00.001-07:00

Why It Works: Lemon’s citric acid closes pores and keeps skin’s PH levels in check, while honey’s enzymes and nutrients add an antibacterial factor to zap zits and moisturize.

You’ve been warned: There’s a serious sticky factor, so make sure your hair is tightly pulled back.

What You’ll Need:

- 1 tbsp organic honey
- 1 fresh lemon

What To Do: Squeeze the juice from the lemon and remove any seeds. Mix in honey and apply to damp face. Massage into skin for several minutes, then rinse with warm water.