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Eye make-up

2009-07-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

BRING FOCUS TO YOUR EYES

Eyes are the windows to your soul. Enlightening your eyes with mascara helps to maximize your lashes and bring focus to your eyes. Here are a few secrets to help you sport great lashes.

• Clean your mascara wand at least once a month to get rid of clumps and prevent build up of bacteria on bristles. Coat the wand with a little Vaseline and gently wipe mascara from the bristles but don't damage the wand. Vaseline works best. Water won't remove the entire mascara residue and soap can irritate your eyes. Shelf life of mascara is 3 - 4 months.
• Always have a dampened Q-tip handy when applying your mascara to clean up any smudges before they dry!
• Use a lash conditioner to improve brittle, dry lashes, extend the life of the lash and to help mascara adhere better and longer. Look after your eyelashes just like your do your hair and skin. If necessary curl lashes using mascara curler before applying mascara.
• For best results, draw the mascara wand out of the tube and gently scrape off any clumps on the side or wipe with a tissue before applying.
• Start at the lash roots and gently sweep mascara to the ends.
• Allow lashes to dry between coats. Use lash comb or spiral brush to remove any clumps.
• Applying mascara to bottom lashes is not necessary and only draws attention to dark circles and wrinkles below the eye area. Try brown on bottom lashes for subtle definition.
• Always remove the mascara before bedtime with a gentle eye make up remover before going to bed.

BROWS THAT SAY WOW!

Ever wondered what makes Demi Moore look like a drop dead bombshell? Just shift your gaze neck upwards and the answer will bounce back. Yes, the petite lady has exquisitely carved eye brows that make her look great.

Most of us tend to ignore eyebrows and allow them to grow into unmanageable bushes. But did you know that eyebrows too need grooming? Here is how you can get the near-perfect pair:

• Try and maintain a natural curve as far as possible. Thin, arched types are out, they only give you that `perpetually surprised’ look!
• Castor oil works wonders for those with scanty brows worries. Massage in the oil before retiring for the day.
• To get the perfect curve hold a pencil against your nose and draw an imaginary line that reaches just above the inner corner of the eye. Where the pencil touches, is where your eyebrow should begin. Now hold the pencil diagonally from the base of the nose towards the outer corner of the eyes, going just past it. This is the point where it should end. The highest point of the brows should be just above the iris.
• Tidy the brows regularly by brushing them into shape. Pluck out stray hair between the brows and along the bottom of the brows. Never pluck hair from above them.

To redefine brows, use a sharp eyebrow pencil. Brush the brows into shape and then make short feathery strokes following the direction of hair growth. Avoid harsh black lines.

WHICH IS THE RIGHT EYE SHADOW?

When deciding which eye shadow to buy, first consider your priorities.
• If cost is on the top of the list, you should go in for powders.
• And if time is your primary concern, you will be better off with a stick.
• Not only are powders more economical, they usually come in one compact with a choice of colours and even highlighters.
• But if you’re in a rush, try an eye-shadow stick that is sliced in an angle.
• It will enable you to cover your lids in just a couple of strokes.

ADD GLAMOUR TO YOUR EYELASHES

If your lashes are thin and sparse, do not despair. You can make them appear thicker and darker with skillfully applied make-up. A little practice is what you need. But, first things first – take good care of your lashes to protect their natural beauty. Actually the main function of the lashes is to protect the eyes, but they also help to enhance their beauty.

• Remember to use a cleansing cream at night to remove eye make-up, with a gentle touch.
• Once a day, apply a little castor oil on the lashes. This is said to thicken and darken them. For eyelash make-up choose good quality mascara. Roll-on mascara is easy to apply. You should also have a small brush, to brush out the lashes, after applying mascara.
• Be sparing when you apply mascara - too much of it will make the lashes stick together.
• Use a hand mirror, looking downwards into it. Application is best this way.
• Apply it in two or three light coats, using upward strokes for the upper lashes and downward strokes for the lower ones.
• Brush out the lashes and then apply the second one.
• After applying the final coat and letting it dry, brush out the lashes to separate them.

Effects of dandruff and FAQ

2009-07-07T08:11:00.002-07:00

• Dandruff weakens the roots, and consequently hair starts falling off.
• Dandruff sticks on to the skin of the scalp in a cake form and blocks free flow of air to the roots.
• As a result, hair becomes weak at the roots and loosen their hold.

DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU GET DANDRUFF?

Studies indicate that 50% of adults are affected by dandruff at some time or the other in their lives. More often than not, it is the result of a disturbance in the body’s metabolic process. Your scalp, like the rest of your skin, is constantly renewing and shedding itself. Old cells die out and give way to new ones. And when the natural balance in the metabolic process is upset, the new cells form faster than the old cells can be shed off. These then accumulate on the scalp in the form of flakes. The metabolic process can be disturbed by
• Drugs
• The onset of puberty
• Emotional stress and strain
• Sudden changes in the climate or your diet.
• It is also believed that dandruff is caused by a fungal infection of the scalp.

DO YOU REALLY HAVE DANDRUFF?

Before you start treating your hair for dandruff, make sure you really have dandruff. Sometimes a flaky scalp may be caused by too much sun, or excessive use of hair dryers. It can also be caused by the use of soaps on the hair, or harsh shampoos which do not wash out easily. But if you use a gentle shampoo plus conditioner like Sunsilk, you needn’t worry. Avoid home remedies as many of them can do more harm than good.

YOUR COMB /BRUSH AND DANDRUFF

Never use the brush or comb of the person suffering from dandruff as it is dangerous and contagious. Likewise, make sure that you wash your comb/brush after every shampoo if you have dandruff yourself! Many medicines, medicated soaps and shampoos are available to counter dandruff, but the most effective is cleanliness of hair. Brush your hair thrice a day and shampoo at least once a week. While washing your hair, take care the water does not trickle down your face. There are chances that you may get pimples.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF

• Add six spoonfuls water, two spoonfuls pure vinegar and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool before going to bed. Tie a towel around your head to protect the pillow. Wash your hair next morning. After shampooing, rinse again with vinegar water. Continue this once a week for at least three months.
• Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this.
• Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds in yogurt overnight and apply the curd on your scalp for half an hour before washing in the morning.
• Hair washed with methi seed paste prevents dandruff, falling hair, baldness and dandruff keeping the hair long, healthy and black. Just soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water to soften the seeds and grind in the morning to make paste. Before hairwash, apply this paste on scalp and hair and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo later.

EGG PACK FOR DANDRUFF WORRIES

Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it. Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair. Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then rinse the hair with lukewarm water. This will keep both dandruff and hairfall problem away from you.

Got dandruff? Jawed Habib Recommends…

Is the dandruff getting to you? Want to get your hair streaked? Need to prevent that hair fall?
Just email your query and Sunsilk Hair Expert Jawed Habib will clear all your doubts. Check out his advice for very common hair queries...

Q: I have lots of dandruff. Can you recommend a natural hair pack or home remedy for dandruff?
Sheela Sampat, Calcutta
A: Make a paste of methi with rose water apply for half an hour.

Q: My hair is thin, what haircut do I have?
Janice Diniz, Muscat
A: The haircut for thin hair has to be short as it can’t hold bounce or shape if they are long. So they should be below shoulder.

Q: Is it possible to align hair length without the use of a scissor?
Ameesha Singh, Delhi
A: Yes you could go for some hair extension.

Q: I have dandruff due to which I am getting small pimples on face. Also my hair has become very rough. Except for shampoo what else could be applied in order to make them soft & straight? Also does streaking the hair spoil texture of hair?
Shashikala, U.S.A
A: You may have oily dandruff. You can use henna every fortnight for half an hour’s time, and on top of it use serum on the hair. You could go ahead with streaks as it does not spoil the texture of hair.

Q: I had highlighted my hair six or seven months back. My hair has become dry and dull. I've tried all brands of shampoo but none of them suits me and after washing it becomes very rough.
Maya Sinha , Nashik
A: After highlighting the hair becomes slightly dry and dull. You need to regularly use conditioner or leave on conditioner like serum after every wash.

Strong +beautiful hair tips

2009-07-07T08:11:00.001-07:00

Even though natural texture and the rate at which your hair grows cannot be changed by what you eat, you can improve the way it looks and feels by switching over to a nutritious, well balanced, protein rich diet.

NORMAL HAIR
Eat: Low fat fish, chicken, pulses like dals and sprouts.

DRY HAIR
Increase intake of low cholesterol, polyunsaturated oils such as margarine, sunflower oil, fruits and foods rich in Vitamin B.
Eat: Foods rich in vitamin B, raw vegetables, pulses, wholemeal bread, brown rice, liver, bananas, nuts and oily fish. A supplement of Vitamin E capsules will also help.
Avoid: Salty and fatty cheeses.

OILY HAIR
This condition stems from over secretion of the sebaceous glands.
Eat: Lots of green leafy vegetables, salads, fresh fruits, yoghurt, baked and grilled dishes.
Avoid: Fried and greasy foods, milk products and red meat.

MIXED-CONDITION HAIR
Eat: Plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits.
Avoid: Butter, cheese and deep fried foods.

DULL HAIR
Eat: Foods rich in minerals - green vegetables, nuts, lentils, wholegrain cereals, shrimps, oily fish and milk.

HAIR WITH DANDRUFF/FLAKY SCALP
Eat: Fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and vitamin A rich foods.
Avoid: Dairy products, spicy food, piping hot food and animal fat.

FOR SHINY TRESSES
Does your hair look unhealthy and lack luster?
• Start using conditioners regularly.
• It is Important that you also rinse off the conditioner thoroughly after wash.
• A easy way to get the shine back in your hair is to use tea-water as a rinse or use a mug or two of water to which you’ve added juice of half a lemon/or a table spoon of cooking white vinegar as a final rinse.
• You will feel the difference.

DIET for your Hair

2009-07-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

Long and beautiful hair has always been symbolic of a woman’s beauty. Every woman aspires for long, thick hair. But to flaunt a beautiful mane, a lot of regular hair care is required. Hair cannot be made beautiful by beauty aid alone. It requires a well balanced and nutritive diet too.

Here are a few simple yet useful tips on appropriate diets for your hair:
• If you want beautiful long hair, you will have to pay attention to your diet. The food you consume has a direct bearing on the health of your hair. The fresh items in the food certainly stimulate faster and healthy growth of hair.
• If you are one of those who take in a nutritive diet and consume plenty of water, there is no need for you to take in any additional vitamins. Your fibrous foods can include fruits and salads. Stay away from soups and juices.
• A balanced diet should include proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats. Absence of even one of these could cause damage to the hair. Your hair turning grey is the first signs that your diet lacks proteins. Inadequacy of vitamin A makes hair dry and rough. Lack of vitamin C results in retarding your hair growth.
• Vitamin B lends shine to the hair and increases their density. Make sure that your diet contains all these essential nutrients.

Listed below are few salad recipes you could use which could prove beneficial for hair growth.

Seasonal Fruit Salad
Take some seasonal fruits like watermelon, sweet melon, papaya, pomegranate, pineapple, banana and cherries. Cut their pulp into small pieces. Remove seeds. Sprinkle black salt and eat chilled.

Beetroot-Potato Salad
Cut beetroot, cucumber, boiled potato, paneer (cottage cheese) and tomato into small pieces. Mix them with grated cabbage. Add fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper to one’s taste and serve.

Germinated Salad
Soak some pulses like moong (yellow lentil) and black gram overnight. When germinated, add tomato, small bits of onion, coriander leaves, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

Permanent cosmetic makeup

2009-06-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent cosmetic makeup is cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as "micro-pigmentation" or "Intra-dermal cosmetics."

The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis to restore natural color and stimulate conventional makeup by machine method, which lasts about three to eight years or even a lifetime, depending on skin type, colors used and other factors which will de discussed at the consultation.

Lashes can be made to look darker and fuller. Missing/damaged and or badly shaped brows can be given a more youthful appearance. Finally, lips which have thinned or that have lost their blush color can be re-created to look fuller and more vibrant. On younger clients, permanent makeup adds a professional polish and aids in the dress for success look. On older clients, permanent makeup can take years off a face.

Eyebrows

Swim...

Loss of eyebrows or ill-shaped brows can make you look aged or drawn out. Permanent eyebrows look more natural than pencil and can give back youth and add definition to the face. Hair simulation can mimic the appearance of real brows. This is especially effective for alopecia sufferers. You can swim, play tennis, and wake up without having to re-do your eyebrows. Brows will be cleaned and penciled to the desired shape before the procedure.

Eyebrow Enhancement

Wake Up...

This application is great for sparse brows. Soft shadowing and hair strokes are applied under existing brows. It makes it easier for eyebrow tweezing and waxingand no FUSS with a pencil.

Eyeliner

Permanent eyeliner can bring out a more beautiful, defined eye by opening or lifting the eyes. You can go with a bold, defined line; a thin line; or even a smudged look. Ophthalmologists recommend permanent eyeliner to their patients who are allergic to conventional makeup. Say goodbye to runny eyeliner!

Eyelash Enhancement

This works for both men and woman. Achieve an enhanced look by shadowing with dots or mimicking eyelashes by implanting soft pigment in between the bed of lashes. The pigment is virtually undetectable. Eyelash enhancement makes lashes appear thicker and fuller. This procedure takes minutes after a short preparation time. Many movie stars have this procedure done such as Dustin Hoffmann, Al Pacino and Sylvester Stalone.

Lip Liner

Play Tennis...

As one ages, there is loss of color and definition in the lips. Or you might think your lips are too small. With permanent lip liner, lips can be redefined, made slightly larger, and with a more attractive shape. Your lipstick will not bleed anymore. You can swim, play tennis, and wake up with the custom blend of color that is right for you. An anesthetic (dental) block is optional and given by a plastic surgeon on the premises.

Full Lip Color

Fill in your lips with full lip color highlighting a more solid natural appearance. Soft pink gives you the soft child-like color for something less noticeable but still adds more color and definition. For men, this application can camouflage scars or give more color back.

Scar Camouflage

Unwanted scars can be camouflaged by filling in the area with a close match to the surrounding skin. This will diminish the appearance of scars, but not completely get rid of it. This takes a few sessions and is not good for keyloided or raised scars. (i.e. face lift scar, skin graft from skin cancer etc).

Small bald Spots or Slightly Receding Hair Line

This application is performed by adding color between hair strands with shadowing and hair strokes. This color lasts less time due to constant washing of hair. Maintenance is required.

Areola Restoration/Re-pigmentation

Areolas and nipple can be created or restored for breast cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy. Very realistic areolas can be created. Surrounding scars from surgery can also be camouflaged after breast augmentation (reduction or lift) and missing or ill shaped nipples can be reformed or created. Some clients add a little color enhancement to make the areolas appear larger.

There is little or no down time and after care instructions are given the day of the procedure.

Health Advantages of Dual Action Green Tea Diet

2009-06-05T21:44:00.003-07:00

There are many health advantages to be obtained from Dual Action Green Tea Diet. If you want to increase the efficiency of your weight loss program then reading up about Dual Action Green Tea Diet, should be one of your priorities.

It seems that Dual Action Green Tea Diet is able to assist, even when you cannot find time to attend the gym as often as you might like. It is a recommended dietary supplement that can assist with transforming body fats into energy, that in turn can help with muscle building.

There are many people who want to exercise greater control over their appetites and this is something that Dual Action Green Tea Diet can help with. Apparently it contains antioxidants that are useful as appetite suppressants. This is something that can offset hunger spasms and thereby assist with controlling calories.

As Dual Action Green Tea Diet has a lower caffeine content that many other diet drinks, side effects associated with caffeine are largely avoided. There seems little doubt that it can assist in supporting a healthy lifestyle. If you want to learn more about this valuable health supplement,

Green Tea Is A Remarkable Beverage

2009-06-05T21:44:00.002-07:00

It is not always the case that dieting includes your favorite beverage, such as green tea, but it can happen.

For thousands of years green tea has been a preferred beverage for many Asians, who also cherish its reported health advantages. More recently, studies were undertaken by Swiss and American scientists at the University of Geneva. They concluded that antioxidants, present in green tea, were able to stimulate thermo genesis, or fat metabolism, as it is otherwise known. Consequently diets that included sufficient green tea were considered to be useful in reducing weight.

Further studies were undertaken in China, to substantiate green teas weight reducing capabilities. They also wanted to find out whether green tea could assist with reducing cholesterol. Their tests confirmed that green tea could significantly reduce cholesterol levels, which further enhanced its reputation in natural health circles.

From the above studies, it can be assumed that green tea is useful for treating obesity. Green tea also contains catechin polyphenols that are believed to impede the reaction of gastric and pancreatic lipases. These enzymes are concerned with the storing of calories into fats in the body. Through its reaction with such enzymes, green tea may reduce fat concentration, which may support its use in preventing obesity.

Green tea is a remarkable beverage that is considered to benefit health in a number of ways. More recently it has been discovered that it can also help in preventing damage due to ultraviolet light radiation. There are many people who have switched from more traditional teas and other beverages to green tea. It may be something of an acquired taste but when you consider its reported health advantages there is everything to gain from giving it a try, and seemingly nothing to lose.

Smoking Is Not Natural

2009-06-05T21:44:00.001-07:00

Continuing the theme, on our anti smoking month, it is true that smoking can damage your looks as well as causing serious internal diseases.

The following image, from the Want To Stop Smoking web site, suggests how quickly your good looks can deteriorate if you continue to smoke. Of course, the real health problems associated with smoking are a range of serious diseases, but there are many people who will be more inclined to want to stop smoking, if they are made aware of how it may affect their looks. It seems that it could virtually turn their lives upside down!

If you really want to stop smoking - you can. The Want To Stop Smoking web site is there to help you and you will find some helpful advice within the web pages from which an extract is printed below:

Methods to Stop Smoking

There all sorts of ways to stop smoking and they differ in success rates depending on the people involved. There are some who prefer to reduce the amount they smoke before they stop smoking completely, while others are adamant that "cold turkey" is the only successful route. Many smokers are helped with nicotine replacement products such as patches, lozenges, inhalers, and gum. Some of these aids may be available on prescription, depending on whereabouts in the world you live.

Additionally, there are lots of alternative methods to help you to stop smoking, such as aromatherapy to promote feelings of tranquility and peace, acupuncture (insertion of special needles into meridian centers of the body), meditation to induce feelings of calmness and peace, programs like Nicotine Anonymous (comparable to the better known and highly regarded Alcoholics Anonymous), and hypnotism to strengthen your resolve to stop smoking.

There are so many choices, that it is difficult to know the best method to suit you, which depends on several factors. If you think about it, you know yourself better than anybody. So consider what is the most difficult obstacle in your desire to stop smoking. It could be overcoming your emotional dependence on tobacco products. On the other hand it might be beating withdrawal symptoms, or just coming to terms with a bad habit that your are now determined to see off once and for all.

Natural Health - Nothing Worse Than Smoking!

2009-06-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more alien to a natural health lifestyle than smoking. However, there are many natural health enthusiasts who are ex smokers. Similarly, there are those who may have friends or relatives who still smoke, but would like to stop to pursue a healthier life.

The 'Want To Stop Smoking' web site has lots of useful information for people, guess what, who want to stop smoking! The web site is continuously being expanded, and is a good source of information, as you can see from the following extract.

"Smoking Can Also Affect Your Looks

Is it possible that anybody can read this and not want to stop smoking? Well, you are not always aware about what is going on inside you, so what about the damage smoking can do externally - to your looks!

Smokers have paler skin and more wrinkles. This is because smoking decreases the blood supply to the skin and lowers levels of vitamin A. In fact smokers begin to look old before their time so consider the animated graphic and..............."

Readers of this blog who have family, friends, or acquaintances, who are trying to stop smoking, may wish to recommend the Want To Stop Smoking web site. Please be forewarned, that in some instances shock tactics have been used. Unfortunately, there are times when such an approach is necessary, because after all smoking really is a shocking habit, and one of the biggest health hazards around.

Natural Health and Blackberries

2009-06-05T21:43:00.002-07:00

One of the great joys, for families in late summer in Great Britain, is to go blackberrying. It may not be quite so popular as it once was, but that is a pity because blackberries are a wonderful source of natural health.

Blackberries are among the best sources of antioxidants of any fruits, and that alone makes a blackberry picking expedition more than just worthwhile. Moreover, these delicious berries are also rich in vitamin C, and about a half a cupful, provides the recommended daily requirement.

Natural Health Is Common Sense

2009-06-05T21:43:00.001-07:00

Natural health and common sense are essential components of a happy life. The ingredients are good food, plenty of fresh air, enjoyable exercise and enough sleep. If you only concentrate on these four requirements you will soon score quite highly in the natural health league.

Good food doesn't have to be expensive. If you make sure that you are getting sufficient fruit and vegetables, a minimum of five helpings per day, you will be on the right track. You should incorporate a modicum of healthy exercise into your sensible diet by growing some of your own food. Fruit and vegetables are not difficult to grow but can be so much more satisfying than those you purchase from the supermarket.

You may have a decent sized garden that allows you to develop a vegetable plot, but if you haven't you could think about trying to get an allotment. Where there's a will there's a way, as they say, and your endeavours could pay huge natural health dividends.

Some people may not sleep very well, but a bit of digging and forking is conducive to helping out in this respect. Its not only an excellent way of relaxing exercise but a great way of getting away from the stresses of working days. In fact it is tiring without being tiresome, helping to ensure that when you retire sleep is assured.

Green Tea Diet Appraisal

2009-06-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Green tea diet has been popular, for many thousands of years in Asia, where it is highly regarded for its health benefits. More recently it has become popular in many other parts of the world, including Western nations although some of its claimed health advantages have not been fully validated.

There is no doubt that green tea diet contains powerful antioxidants, and that in itself might be sufficient reason for many people to consume it. Many others believe that it has assisted them with their weight loss programs, and if that is the case it is easy to monitor insofar as individual progress is concerned. In fact as far as losing weight is concerned the scientific evidence for green tea diet is good,

As with any diet, the best way forward is not to rely entirely on a single supplement as a sort of magic bullet, but to include green tea diet as part of a total fitness schedule. Surely the idea of a diet is not just to be slimmer but to be fitter as well.

So, it seems that green tea diet is certainly a supplement to consider because some of its health benefits have stood the test of time. It is a natural product, and its growing international popularity may be due to its lack of the harmful side effects, associated with some contemporary products.

Food Allergy Sufferers

2009-06-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

The number of people suffering from food allergies is increasing on a worldwide basis.

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There are so many people who have to be careful what they eat, as just one bite of something they are allergic to, could have serious implications and in the worst-case scenario, could be fatal.

The most common allergens are peanuts, other nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy and fish, but even some fruits and vegetables can trigger reactions in some people. Food additives may also be responsible for creating problems for others.

Of course people are not always aware that they may be allergic to a particular food, until after they become ill. Therefore, it is essential that sufferers find out as much as they can about their own allergy in particular and the whole subject of allergies in general.

There are many good sources of information about allergies. A recent article in the Canadian GlobeLife Health is informative and up to date.

Food Allergies On The Increase In US Children

2009-06-05T21:41:00.001-07:00

Recent reports confirm that the number of children suffering from food allergies in the US is increasing. There are a whopping 3 million kids affected which accounts for about 1:26 of the child population.

The number of children with Peanut allergy, which is one of the most common allergies, has doubled in recent years. It is not known why such significant increases have occurred but one reason may be that parents are more alert to allergy related problems.

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Research suggests that between 2 and 3 percent of Americans will contract a milk allergy at some time in their lives and that a lower percentage will have a problem with eggs. It is fortunate that many young allergy sufferers do not carry the problem through to adulthood.

It has been discovered that children who have food allergies are more prone to other allergy related conditions, including respiratory problems, eczema and asthma. There has also been a dramatic increase in the number of children hospitalized with allergic disorders, with more than three times the number of cases reported in the last decade.

Reports are not clear about the reason for food allergy increases, but it is good to know that research is continuing, and that many parents have become better at recognizing the symptoms, that enables them to seek specialized advice.

De-stress With Aromatherapy

2009-06-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Stress related illnesses are a scourge of modern society and are responsible for many days absence from work. In fact stress is very difficult to avoid, and in a competitive world a small amount may even be necessary. However, when stress becomes excessive, it may become unbearable, and manifest itself in other physical and mental afflictions.

One excellent method of de-stressing is us, which relies on the use of essential oils. These oils are concentrated extracts from numerous plant sources, and as natural as a walk in the garden or through a pine forest. The aromatic oils are so convenient and transportable because a little goes a long way.

It is the easiest thing in the world, to sprinkle a few drops of the essential oils of aromatherapy, onto a tissue or inhaler, and then sit back and enjoy the vapors. This is a wonderful way to relax, and if you do it sufficiently often, it will recharge the batteries, that have become stressed out.

Stress is brought about in a variety of ways. It may mean that sufferers are not taking enough time to recover from their daily exertions. Close concentration as required by people who work on computers and the like, can drain the system. It is unwise not to inter-disperse periods of can be so helpful.

If possible take your breaks some place where there is a little peace. Sit down with your tissue at the ready; add a few drops essential oil and drift away from the perils of continued and intense concentration. There are so many oils to choose from that your are sure to find one, or even a few, that are particularly suited to you. If you get used to doing this you will look forward to such times, which of itself will reduce workday stresses. Once you have identified your own favorites you will be surprised at how quickly they can help you to relax.

A relaxed worker is usually more efficient than a stressed worker, and it should not be long before you are thanking aromatherapy for helping you to balance and enjoy your days.

Relax With Lavender

2009-06-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

It has been reported that there are more working days lost through stress related conditions than anything else. There are so many people, in so many occupations, who for one reason or another can't relax, or may suffer from sleep deprivation.

There are various ways of combating stress, but perhaps a gentler approach is more sensible than trying to fight it, and what could be more gentle than lavender? This aromatic plant has been used for ages past, and lavender has gained a sound reputation as an aid to relaxation and inducing sleep.

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Aromatherapy is the art and science of using aromatic herbs and plants therapeutically. Plants such as lavender are considered to induce a state of relaxation, craved by those who have become stressed out, often due to the pressures of modern life. Many people have to commute to work, by public transport, or by private car. At peak periods that is not only stressful, but also exceedingly demanding in terms of the extra time it requires.

By the time they arrive home some people are understandably agitated, which may lead to restlessness and difficulty in sleeping. When they arrive home, they could find that a warm bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil added to their bath water, assists in dispelling the cares of the day. It might just allow them to unwind sufficiently to enjoy the rest of the evening.

All too soon it is time to go to bed and recharge, to prepare for the labor of the following day. Some people sleep more readily than others, but there those who sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil onto a tissue and place that near to their pillow so that they may inhale the vapors as they drop off to sleep. Lavender essential oil is highly concentrated and it is not recommended that it be allowed to come into direct contact with the skin, or near the eyes. However, placed near your pillow it could just instill a feeling of well-being that is a useful precursor to a good nights sleep.

Lavender essential oil is readily available and it is not expensive. There are lots of people who would testify to its effectiveness, in helping to ease the burden of stress. A sensible amount of care is required, because direct application to the skin or ingestion could be harmful, but is quite unnecessary for relaxation purposes.

Chocolate Antioxidants

2009-06-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Chocolate can be good for you but choose wisely because the darker it is the more will it contain. So as a rule of thumb, plain chocolate contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate and white chocolate contains hardly any.

Of course, even with dark chocolate, moderation is the key. However, that is true of most healthy foods. Just because they are rich in antioxidants doesn't mean that you should gorge yourself! Nevertheless, it is good to know that something as delicious as chocolate can actually do you good, when sweets in general are not so highly thought of.

Antioxidants are known to assist in preventing a range of serious diseases, so it is a good idea to include foods that contain them in a healthy diet. There are many berry fruits that are rich in antioxidants and again a similar rule seems to apply as with chocolate. Generally speaking the darker the color of the berry the more antioxidants they contain. So blueberries, blackberries and the like are ideal. They could perhaps be combined with a little grated dark chocolate to form the basis of an interesting sweet course!

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Try to choose dark chocolate that has a minimum of 40% cocoa bean content and you won't go far wrong. All too often some people consider sensible healthy diets to be dull and boring, but of course they couldn't be more wrong.

All chocolate lovers need to remember is that a small amount consumed on most days could do you good. Try to avoid the blended kinds, such as milk chocolate, and stick to the antioxidant rich darker varieties. Just don't forget that dark chocolate is the real thing that can be safely included in a naturally healthy diet.

Vegetarian Diet Best For Unhealthy Americans

2009-06-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

The high cost of health care, particularly company-sponsored health care, is one of the reasons for the USA's current economic crises. It has been suggested, in some quarters, that a move towards a lifestyle, with less dependence on meat, including burgers and the like, could stop the rot.

It has recently been announced, that the American automobile industry is to get an injection of more than $17 billion, to help them stay in business. President George Bush has publicly stated that it would be unthinkable to allow the industry to collapse. General Motors have suggested that one reason the company is in trouble is the high cost of employee health care. They have intimated that the enormous cost of doctor's bills, and hospitalization, together with prescription drug costs is prohibitive. Apparently, it all adds up to require loading around $1,500, on to the cost of each vehicle produced.

The problem is that the work force is so unhealthy, due to some considerable extent to poor diet. It could help if the advantages of vegetarian style food were better promoted. Around two thirds of the population are overweight and about 24 million suffer from diabetes, and there are many other preventable afflictions. Associated health care costs are phenomenal, and it seems apparent that if the nation as a whole could be persuaded to get involved in healthier lifestyles, people would be happier, and their employers more globally competitive.

A few individuals have come to realize the benefits of a vegetarian based diet. If they haven't done so already it is to be hoped that top managers will follow their example. They are in a unique position, to influence those who work for them to embark on healthy lifestyles, and a good place to start would be with their diets. They don't need to be too severe to start with, because a few vegetarian meals are better than none. It should not be too difficult to demonstrate that people who eat sensibly are less liable to fall ill.

It is all a matter of how these things are put across, but communication is supposed to be the thing that top managers are good at. If they were encouraged to think about it, most people would prefer to stay healthy, and in the process help the organizations they work for remain viable. The trouble is they are not often encouraged to think about it, so they don't, and they put on weight instead. They may foolishly believe that vegetarian food is no sort of alternative to a 'proper' meal. For many, it is only a matter of time before they succumb to one of the many illnesses that are related to poor diet and lack of enjoyable exercise. Unfortunately the companies they work for suffer too, as they strive to meet the upward spiral of health care costs.

The captains of industry would have a much better chance of staying afloat if they concentrated a bit more on the health and well being of their employees. A move towards a lifestyle, at least in part, would seem a good place to start to improve the well being of their workers, and possibly company balance sheets at the same time. There may seem to be not a great deal you can do in times of economic downturn. But if a new way of thinking about eating produced a healthier workforce and vibrant company, it should be worth a try.

2009-06-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Just Beet It			If 10,000 NY Biters eat just one meal with locally grown veggies instead of ones shipped from afar, we'll avert the same amount of CO2 generated by close to 64,000 Yellow Taxis in 1 day.
	Don't wanna be defeated by complicated warm weather recipes? Show your funky, strong cooking skills when you serve up this light and yummy roasted beet and pistachio salad recipe from Spring Street Natural's head chef Craig Meltzer. Get your ingredients at Union Square Greenmarket and show 'em who's bad.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Tossed with Pistachio Vinaigrette
Serves four

Ingredients:
(local and organic whenever possible)

1 lb of beets
2 oz pistachio oil
1 oz apple cider vinegar
5 sprigs, chopped, fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
8 arugula leaves
1/4 lb goat cheese
2-inch ring mold (optional)
2 oz shelled pistachios

Directions:

Wash beets and roast them at approximately 375 degrees for 1 hour or until done. Cool. While beets are cooling, make vinaigrette by combining pistachio oil, cider vinegar, thyme, and salt and pepper.

Peel cooled beets and cut into bite-size pieces. Cut arugula into (fine julienne; think thin stripes). Cut goat cheese into four discs. Toss beets with vinaigrette.

Place beet salad into the on a medium plate and gently slide the mold off. Repeat on all four plates. Place a disc of goat cheese on top of each beet salad. Garnish on top with arugula and around the plate with sprinkled pistachios.

Rain Water and Allergy and more

2009-06-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite so refreshing as rain, and although it can be a bit of a nuisance at times, it is more often a blessing, and not in disguise, and not just for Rain is wonderful for reducing dust and pollens in the air. It is invigorating not just because it helps so many things to grow, but also because it freshens everything to the extent that many airborne allergens are neutralized.

It may be that where there is no rain there is only desert, and that allergens can't exist where there are no pollens, but don't bet on it. There are many allergens, other than pollen allergens that are just waiting to attack those who are susceptible. Just about the most essential of the modern worlds requirements, is oil, which paradoxically is also just about the worlds biggest pollutant. Unfortunately, oil and other airborne gasses are not only pollutants, but they produce allergens, ready to strike down those whose immune systems have been compromised.

Rain is not just a cleanser but also the source of the greatest human necessity, which is water. Without water everything dries up withers, and dies. Of course water is not just a necessity to but to all living things. How often do you hear people say, 'Oh it's raining again', when that rain is the very essence of their existence.

So, let us all be thankful for rain. Of course, when the heavens occ\asionally open and apply too much, disasters can occur. But there are far more disasters caused by a lack of rain than too much. All over the world people are grateful for rain. For allergy sufferers, there is perhaps nothing that is quite so refreshing and healing, as when a shower of rain cleanses the atmosphere, to make the seemingly simple process of breathing the life sustaining force that nature intended.

2009-06-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

Blog featured on Finest Foodies Friday
At the moment, I am getting ready to attend a wedding. I have 10 to 15 minutes until my biore strip is ready (Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. Guys, it's not important.) Just enough time to check my email. To my surprise, this blog was featured on the Foodie's Blogroll's Finest Foodies Friday. Yay! Here is what Jenn from the Blogroll had to say:

"As always here is what the FFF is all about. Finest Foodies Friday! FFF is a Friday post featuring favorites from The Foodie Blogroll! We do this so we can share in the rich diversity of what The Foodie weekly Blogroll has to offer by featuring some of our favorites yours!...Natasha of Healthy and Gourmet: I must admit I have a natural love for these kinds of blogs because my food outlook is healthy and gourmet, so I usually find a lot of great ideas on blogs that have a similar outlook. Especially when those blogs do as great of a job as Natasha’s by showing how healthy does not mean tasteless! Here’s a quote: “Food should make us happy and healthy, energized and euphoric. Not guilty, tired or self-loathing”. You said it! "

Thank you Jenn and to all of my visitors!

Sauteed Spinach with Whole Garlic and Raisins

2009-06-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be staying in tonight. You see, for the past two weeks we had been eating out every night. As much I enjoy the Minneapolis restaurant scene and eating out in general- especially now that it's almost summer and outdoor dining is the rave- the comfort of my apartment and my little kitchen is more appealing right now. On the menu tonight: sauteed spinach with whole garlic and raisins. Not very alluring, I know, but very simple and delicious. Just what I want after a slew of large and involved meals.

2009-06-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Zucchini Almond Flatbread

Serves four

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 tsp active dry yeast

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup warm water

1/4 tsp salt

2 zucchini, sliced

2 cloved garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup toasted, slivered almonds

1. To make the dough: In a mixing bowl, add the water to the yeast and sugar, set aside until foamy, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the flours and salt and mix into a ball. Remove to a flat, floured working surface and knead until soft and elastic about four to five minutes. Set in the mixing bowl that has been oiled. Cover and let rise for about an hour.

2. In a skillet set over medium heat, add the zucchini, garlic and oil. Cook until zucchini softens about three to four minutes. (It is not necessary to thoroughly cook the zucchini here because it will finish cooking in the oven.)

3. Roll the dough unto a well greased baking sheet to about one eighth of an inch thick. Evenly layer the zucchini and mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle the almonds. Bake at 450 degrees for ten to twelve minutes. Serve while still warm.

Now, on to the questionnaire.

Diamonds or pearls?

Not crazy about either.

What is the last film you saw?
Dark Knight

Your favorite series?
I'm a LOST junkie! It's the first series I actually followed from season one and I'm still hooked. Also watch Law and Order, CSI and anything interesting on Discovery and National Geographic.

What kind of breakfast do you have usually?
It depends on whether I'm eating alone or with my husband. Alone: some sort of cereal. With my husband: pancakes and omelette, or a traditional Trinidadian breakfast.

Lighthouse, Kauai.

Second given name?

Pearl. Yes, Pearl. When I was born, being her first granddaughter, my grandmother thought I was her little gem, hence "Pearl. " I'm just grateful Diamond or Gold didn't come to her mind.

Which kind of food can't you stand?
Processed food

Favorite name (at the moment)?
Don't have one.

Which car do you drive?
Acura.

Which trait or character don't you like?
Arrogance.

Star fish at Aquarium in Minneapolis.

Favorite clothes?
Badgley Mischka, Cache, Banana Republic, BCBG, Adidas.

If you could take the aeroplane to go somewhere, where would you go?
Tough one...Hawaii or Tahiti.

Sea horse at Aquarium.

Where would you want to live when you are retired?
Hawaii. I could seriously spend my days snorkeling, hiking the Na Pali cliffs, and eating fresh seafood.

Which birthday do you remember the most?
My last: my father and youngest sister had visited; I hadn't seen them in more than three years.

Your birthday?
October 10.

Shamu! San Diego.

If you were a color, which one would you be?
Red

Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee! I started drinking coffee in college to stay up to study. Now, it seems I cannot start my day without a cup. Nothing fancy, just regular coffee; I grind my own beans though. I do have tea on most evenings.

Feeding the animals, Wild Animal Park, San Diego.

The last person you had on the phone?
My sister Nancy in Toronto. We speak to each other almost everyday.

Sweet or savory?
Sweet! My sweet tooth is going to be the end of me.

The day of the week you prefer?
Wednesday night because LOST is on!

Zucchini Flatbread and Tag: a game of getting to know more about our favorite bloggers.

2009-06-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

A while back, I received the following fun exercise from Gera at The purpose: getting to know more about our favorite food bloggers. Now, it's my turn. Following Gera's example, I have attached some photos, some random ones chosen from a few of my trips.

First, though, here is my newest flatbread recipe: zucchini, almonds and mozzarella. Initially, I intended to make a simple zucchini flatbread but realized that I had a handful of slivered almonds left and not wanting them to go to waste ( nuts in general last a a good two or three months in the pantry, even longer in the freezer, before turning rancid) I added them to the mix. And not a bad idea either.

Balsamic Syrup for Fresh Fruit

2009-06-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

Strawberries with balsamic syrup

When I was seventeen, I lived and worked in Toronto for five months. It was a period of time right after high school when I hadn't yet decided if I wanted to remain in Trinidad or move abroad for college. So, I went to Canada. ( Supposedly the next best logical step considering I had many relatives there who would keep me in line, or so my parents hoped .)

After a month of sightseeing and catching up with relatives, it was time to get a part time job. That way, if I decided to go to college there, I would already have an idea of how the city works. My job: quasi sales girl for a small company that sold Indian spices, sauces, and chutneys. The owner travelled around the country to trade shows promoting and selling her products; I started working with her at the Convention Center in downtown Toronto.

So, there I was, in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, with the best options for food and the one thing that I gravitated towards was...chocolate covered bananas. A few yards down the aisle from our booth was another booth that sold all sorts of chocolate covered fruit, from bananas to pineapple to peaches. Every day after lunch I would buy some sort of chocolate covered confection. Small wonder I gained close to twenty pounds during those five months.

Now, whenever I feel for a chocolate banana, I make this balsamic syrup that substitutes well for the chocolate and also goes great with almost any fresh fruit. That is not to say I don't have the real stuff once in a while. :o)

Bananas with balsamic syrup and toasted almonds