The Beautiful YOU

I always say and will keep saying, "be yourself", "you need to wear that, instead of that outfit wearing you", " you are beautiful" and "wear what you like regardless of what other people think". Well, in these sayings, there is something I'm trying to say. I have now discovered what I'm  saying between the lines and an even better, simpler but complicated way to say it, with the help of Nigel Barkers in his book, Beauty Equation.

He describes this as confidence. Yes it makes total sense! If you are confident you wear what you like, and you feel confident that it looks good on you. You become yourself and stop trying to look like this model, or act like that other celebrity. We also stop following "the trends" because what we wear is what looks good and "no one looks as good as me in this outfit."
Mr Nigel, goes in detail, he talks about inner and outer beauty. He mentions that they both compliment each other and that these two make a more beautiful and remarkable you. Do you know what your inner you is? Maybe not, because we are too busy trying to look like someone else instead of emphasizing ourselves.
With this in mind we should probably focus in ourselves and tell the world you are beautiful just because you are YOU.

The Key points to our absolute beauty are:

• Be Yourself- That's going to be the first and most difficult one. Portraying your self in yourself. (sounds incorrect but it makes sense)
• Emphasize your natural beauty instead of having a "make-over"
• Being sexy does not mean showing (or almost )you underwear in public. That's juts nasty and inappropriate.
• I would have to add that health mentally and physically. That's when we are happier and glowing with confidence and your real you. You just feel GOOD, trust me.
• Skinny (anorexic or bulimic) is not beauty,..that goes under health, and different and delicate subject;I might not even touch the subject. I trust everyone would be smart enough to know that's not healthy.

I would highly recommend this book, there is a website that follows the book were you can experience and have fun with your inner and outer beauty through photographs at Beautyequation.com.

Did I miss anything?

Maybe an example:

Have you notice that person that's always "glowing", happy and smiling and you don't know why? That's inner beauty. That person may not even be skinny or have a six pack or be model height (*cough me cough, cough the tall part anyway,...)

Any other example? How about you?

Sources:

• Barker, Nigel.Beauty Equation. Abrams Image, 2010. Beautyequation.com
• Stracci's Blog Writer Angel

Bye-Bye Cellulite!

Source: Flickr.com By Geomangio

Cellulite is our target. Everyone has or gets them, even the skinny and the fit, may it be mild or severe. Cellulite is what we call dimples made by accumulated fat just under the skin.  Now that you have some insight of what they are, you might have an idea of how to get rid of them.

• Lets start by saying water is always the key to everything. So drink plenty of water, or your 32 ounces per day.
• Massage the affected area, where dimples are visible, massage with fingers in a circular motion.
• Exercise three to four times a week for at least 30 minutes. Since we're dealing with fat, it might be common sense that burning it will help.
• Reduce your "fat" intake. Obviously, eating healthier.  Figure out your serving per day in vegetables, fruits, water etc,. Get a little help by your instincts when you eat. "Juicy fried chicken or that grilled chicken? ", " I want fried chicken, so I might balance it with vegetables and water or natural juice". ( Once in a while is not so bad to give in to your craving).

Based on Dawn Gallagher, author of Nature's Beauty Secrets, anything that helps "boost circulation" will help with cellulite appearance. Below are some of her treatments.

For five minutes a day,  use a sisal mitt, soft body brush, or massage glove to brush cellulite, using long, sweeping movements. Work in the direction of the heart. (Gallagher 102)

Scrubbing with natural ingredients has its benefit depending on the ingredients. In this case we have:

Source: Flickr.com By Oberazzi

CELLULITE SIMPLE SCRUB 

...cellulite-busting scrub by one part olive oil to two parts coffee grounds. Olive oil moisturizes, while caffeine boosts circulation. Massage into skin with a handheld mitt or washcloth and rinse off. (Gallagher 90)

Beauty only requires one thing - to take care of oneself. Most of the tips always say drink water, eat healthy, exercise, pamper yourself (massages), relax, etc,..., now, if were caring for our selves doesn't this come automatically? As I see it, if there's a "defect", something we do not like, we're missing one of those things. It takes time to get it right and to fix it; Being persistent is the key, it is always an ongoing process.

Thanks again for stopping by, and for the comments which are greatly appreciated. Feel free to share this blog as long as you share the link and give credit to Stracci.

Sources:

Gallagher, Dawn. Nature's Beauty Secrets. New York, New York: Universe Publishing, 2011.

Stracci freebies!

Receive a free handmade coin bag, tote, or a pencil

pouch with any purchase.

No shipping fee on the freebies. While supplies last!

Blackheads & Pores

Source: Flickr.com by estelabelleza

Pores are enlarged, right after puberty, due to the increase sebum release by the skin. The purpose of this sebum is to protect and hydrate our skin, but among those benefits it also contains fat and debris. Therefore, excessive release of sebum equals larger pores and oily skin, resulting in acne and/or blackheads. I have gathered tips to treat blackheads and pores.

First tip that applies to just everything in skin care, wash your face before you go to sleep, especially if you are wearing makeup. When you sleep your pores close, if you have a dirty face, you know where all that make-up and debris goes to.

Sarah Jessica Parker's facialist Yana was interviewed by Kym Douglas and Cindy Pearlman in the book The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets. Yana's tips was to buy a scrub with the beads the same size as your pores. Smaller beads will not be enough to penetrate the skin. On the other hand, larger beads will hurt your skin. (41)

To tighten pores, Rachel Ray recommends a banana mask. Yes, a BANANA mask. Squish the banana and rub it on your face. No, really make a creamy mask and apply to face. "Leave on for twenty minutes, rinse off with warm water, then dash on cold (water)." (Douglas and Pearlman 11)

Lisa Rinna uses an egg white mask to tighten her pores. (Douglas and Pearlman 12)

The best alternative for nose strips and to remove blackheads is glue. Ha ha, did I say glue? Yes, I did! Glue such as Elmer's glue it is nontoxic since mainly kids use it for crafts. Smear Elmer's glue on your T-Zone and let it dry. Remove it gently. (Douglas and Pearlman 10)

I hope you find this enjoyable and useful. Comeback for more tips.

Sources:

Douglas, Kym and Pearlman, Cindy. The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets. New York. Penguin Group, 2006.

Deals!

Stracci is having a very nice offer. Customers will receive a free bag with any purchase. Offer is valid while supplies last and is first come first serve.

Exfoliating Tips

Source: Flickr.com by Hotel Legenstein

Exfoliation is removing the top layer of skin, most likely dead skin cells. We shed dead skin cells everyday and renew our entire body skin naturally every month. By exfoliating, we are doing this process a lot faster. Removing the top layer of the skin leaves the skin fresh and vulnerable, therefore applying skin aid will be more effective. In my opinion, I would rather use natural ingredients instead of chemically made products.

To have a smooth, soft and "glow-y" skin, it is recommended to exfoliate once a week. Exfoliating more than once weekly, would damage and dry your skin. For people with sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid exfoliating.

EXFOLIATING TIPS

Source: Flickr.com by Public Domain Photos

• Ladies everywhere have used this very simple and inexpensive body scrub-Sugar.  Mostly likely you already know, but have you tried it? All you do is add a small amount of sugar on your scrubber or wash cloth.

• Another alternative for sugar is Baking Soda. Baking Soda is a must have ingredients, since it has multiple uses.

Source: Flickr.com by rob.knight

• Helen Hales-skin care guru in Los Angeles -said a regular double
  sided(green one side and yellow on the other)  dish sponge is great and easy to use in the shower. She uses it to scrub the bottom of her feet and compares it to a foot file. (Douglas and Pearlman 9) Why not use it for those rough edges elbows knees and heels?

• Exfoliating and/or scrubs should not hurt.

• "Exfoliate back of arm with a texture glove or a cloth (Bristles are too harsh)." ( Claire 41) Marie Claire, author of the book Gorgeous Face & Beautiful Body, to avoid loose skin behind the arm you need to nourish and take care of it.

Thank you for visit and  come back for more amazing tips.

Sources

Douglas, Kym and Pearlman, Cindy. The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets. New York. Penguin Group, 2006.

Claire, Marie. Gorgeous FACE & Beautiful BODY. New York. Hearts Books,2006.

Timeless Black

Source: Flickr.com by QuilPhil

Everyone has or had a little black dress, black dressy pants, black high heels,black coats, you name it. Black its flattering, black is for mourning, black is elegant, black is hip, black is "Emo", black is sexy, black just works! For the coming seasons take on the color black trend.  

 Now, the black trend is black..... I mean back!! Besides the amazing designs from the  professional famous designers, the trend has combined different textures of black in one outfit. I have noticed various combinations of fabric on these 2012/2013 designs. So if the twist is texture, we are taking this trend and wearing our self inspire black. 

If you are thinking "OMG!! this girl is way too late" and you are already in the trend then show us what you have done to make the trend be yours.

*Come back for beauty tips

Must Know Tips About Weight Lose

Source: Flickr.com by UNE photos

Why do we lose weight fast and then it slows down?

The more you have to lose the faster those unnecessary pounds come off.  Personal trainer, Chris simplifies it by saying its like getting water out of a big container with a bucket, the majority will come out easily, but when you get to the bottom the water it's just so difficult. You body wants and needs to get rid of that weight. In addition, if you have never worked out your body will go into shock, causing the same effect.

The ability to lose weight has a lot to do with age and genes. After a certain age around 30 for girls, is extremely difficult  to lose the “pouch” and get into the model body, but not impossible. It means you have to be dedicated, actually workout, and really stick to a healthy diet. Diet that suits your life style and health.

Some people’s genes come from heavy parents, and although they can lose weight to a healthy weight you will not see them wearing a string bikini or will you? Don't give up. If you stopped losing weight or have slowed down, while exercising appropriately, remember slow and steady its good. You are closer to your goal.

Remember no pills, no starvation diets. There are exceptions for everything, in this case pills are taken for people who strictly need to lose weight due to endangered health and even for life threatening cases. In these cases pills are used to get a head start and maintaining to lose weight by dieting and exercising. Otherwise, pills can make you lose weight fast but as fast as you are losing it you might gain back.

Be stress-free, be happy, be active and overall love yourself, since this is going to help you make the right decisions for your body.

Fun Tips For A Sexy Waist

Source: Flickr.com By iujaziu

How to get a  sexy waist? and have fun at the same time. Well, a lot of people incline to Zumba, yes that's one  way to go, for a fun calorie-burning activity, and depending on your instructor you might get a total body work out. Sad to announce that you can not just stay in Zumba and any other cardiovascular activity because it eventually stops working for your body, also known as Plateau. But this is not about Zumba, this is about something similar that has been around for centuries, SALSA!!!

Not only salsa but Latin dances such as Merengue, Cumbia, Punta, and Zamba are great, fun, calorie burning, and muscle sculpting dances. All these dances workout your obliques, and your body does not get used to them therefore, it does not stop working. For example, sits ups,  you can increase the number of sit ups and your body gets stronger; maintain the same number of sit ups and your body maintains its shape and strength. Don't we all want to go out and dance? or just have fun? and feel even better when we realize we're working out!!. We are burning calories, we are working our leg muscles, obliques, working on our posture.

Merengue, Cumbia and Salsa are slightly different from each other, on the steps and rhythm. The main idea of Salsa is to move our hips; Imagine making a figure eight with your hips, or making a circle to one side and then the other. Now, imagine that movement throughout, you can also add a side step, a front step, back step so on and so forth. Merengue is also a leg workout, I can not describe the steps because it would probably take me the entire day. With Cumbia, you travel a bit, from one side to the other. Aren't these supposed to be with a partner? Yes, but you don't have to. Either way you are still having fun and getting that small waist you desire.

Punta from Central America and Zamba from Brazil, are both extra quick. The music guides you through the rhythm with the drums, making it a bit easier. Punta is translated to point its dance with the first third of your feet-meaning the ball of your foot on the side of the big toe. These two dances works out the calf muscle, thighs and waist, but you need to have endurance to last for an entire song. Zamba is as fast as Punta, if not faster. The difference is Zamba has actual steps and not just moving your feet from side to side on the ball of your foot.

Some warm up exercises to try before getting into the dances:

Figure eight with hips. Imagine your feet are two dots and you will circle around one and then the other, forming a figure 8.

Moving hips side to side. Only your hips nothing else.

Moving your hips around and turning simultaneously. One hip at a time.

You might feel how your obliques work doing these exercises.

I have concluded about this dance/workout through experience, after about two weeks of starting the fun. I must say this will not have the same benefits as a real total body workout. You will need to add some lower ab exercises for a total core workout, since it just workouts your obliques for that slim waist. I would do any of these 2-3 times a week for 3o-40 minutes including warming up and cooling plus the additional lower ab workouts.

So, Its time to look into these dance, download some music, have fun and get that slim waist you always wanted!!!

AAAHHHH, ACNE!!!

AAAAHHHH, Acne!!! We all hate it, but there are solutions and preventions we can practice.  So, acne is what? Well, the most simple way to say it is crap in your pores. Is it common sense to say, open the pores take the crap out and be acne free? Honestly, I do not know. But that's basically the answer, in addition to, some tiny details and more details.  

Source:flickr.com by lululemonathletica

Where do I start? I will start by saying being active is the key to preventing acne. Ugh!! Do I have to? YES. When you are active and you sweat you are pushing all that dirt, oil, and who knows what out, or at least having easy access to them. Basically, it works just as I explained. Heat opens pores. It's our job to clean them out. Therefore, we MUST wash our  face after we finish working out, running, participating in classes such as Zumba (people like this one), or any other activity you prefer. Hey! Do not feel bad, being active it's healthy, makes you happy and keeps you looking good (in many ways).

Secondly, If you have body acne, I am sorry for you and I will give you some solutions. I did not have a case of acne but my siblings did, therefore I can only imagine what you are going through. The second benefit of being active is getting rid of body acne. Body acne comes from fat cells that did not make it out of your body due to slow metabolism. Working out, sweating, speeds up your metabolism and helps you process fat faster. Resulting in a lower risk of body acne. If you are looking into finding a chemical solution for your body or face acne, because you are desperate, just make sure you also start working out to maintain those ugly things out of your life.

Source:flickr.com by fiverlocker

Here is the SOLUTION/treatment. Steam, say it with me..... "STEAM".  YES!!! That's the spirit. Like I said previously, heat opens pores. Obviously, steam opens pores, so the tip is:

1. get in the steam room
2. sweat
3. Scrub your face
4. get out of the steam room and head straight to the sink
5. Rinse with cold water
6. SMILE!!! not before pad drying you lovely faces.

Is this simple or what?! Well, it might be a little hot or chilly, but it works. Also, by being inside the steam room, you are getting rid of water weight. Don't have a steam room?! Me neither. You can do what my mother used to do in the kitchen:

Source: flickr.com by vbecker

•  Boil clean water in a large soup pot
•  Wait until its starts steaming
•  Put a face towel over your head-kind of like a tent having    the long sides at the side of your face almost touching the pot (make sure you are careful, take small breaks if necessary)
•  Follow through the steps 2-6.

You might have to do this once a week, for best results.
There you have it, preventing and treating acne is so simple and it does not cost a cent (maybe a little for the face scrub).

*Another preventing tip: Avoid working out or sweating with make up on. It is very important for us to look pretty, but in the long run, it is not good.

Hat Fashion

Just when I thought hats were OUT, I find out Hats are IN. Hats make me feel good, I love them. I remember the days when everyone wore hats. The days we used hats as a fashion statement, not as a way to keep warm. Making a hat work is crucial for your look. If you do it the wrong way, it can look out-of-place. Now you can enjoy or try to work with Cowboy Hats, Fedoras, Cloche hats, Gaucho hats and much more! The fashion industry is going way out with hats, especially fur hats. There is also another head accessory that is in style, but we will discuss that tomorrow.

This gorgeous hat (image above) from Stracci is as fashionable as the ones on the runway, except this hat is affordable. This hat's design is made to manipulate the hat in any way that may fit your wardrobe.  The image below shows another hat in fashion for the upcoming seasons. This design, by Stracci can be worn in many ways to suit your style.

Now, what are YOU going to do with these great hats that are now in style? How are you going to apply them to your wardrobe?

________________________________________________________________________

Something to know about your body.

Did you know that when working out your muscles swell? Yes, I was surprised too!! I have heard of this but had yet to experience it. I did, I stopped working out for a week and I could swear my tummy seemed flatter and firmer. So, maybe the lesson is to let your body recuperate once in a while.

Make-Up

OH!!! Yes, when you see the title you imagine all the great, styles, colors and statements you can make with "make-up". My tip today is about wearing foundation. I would have to give thanks and credit to everyone who has posted make-up tips and people who have written books about make-up, since everything I know is from reading, research and of course trial and error.

The method I use and has worked best than other methods is wearing different shades of foundation. Yes, I know it sounds so bad. Let me explain, if you look at your reflection in a mirror, you can see that beautiful bare face is actually different shades. Now, wait a second, we are not going to buy the shades and just wear them in those areas. You can achieve different looks with this method.

1. Use the different shades. Skin tone, one  lighter and one darker. The number of shades lighter or darker you need depends on your comfort zone and your goal. You can start with a shade lighter and darker, and with experience you can become your own pro make-up artist.
2. Apply where desire. So, do you want a glow? a longer face ? emphasize a feature? where you apply the light shade is what you want to have more of and the opposite for the dark shade.  For a glow, you want to have a natural day light lamp in front of you at face level, where the light glows you would apply the light shade and the dark shades on the shadows.
3. Blend with a blush, so there' s a smooth mix of the colors. Make sure of course to follow your usual foundation application, if you use powder apply it to have a better finished.

A lot of people and articles recommend using a brush to apply foundation, but don't feel bad if it does not seem to work on you. I, personally, do not like it I prefer a sponge or the tip of my fingers for the feeling of being in control. Blending with a blush is require for this technique.

Remember, have fun, and play around to discover what suits you best!

I would love to hear or see your make up tricks, so don't be a stranger and feel free to share.

         _______________________________________________________________

Chris' Fitness Tip 

Take 32 grams of protein at a time to gain muscle and/or lose fat.

Your body won't absorb more than that. Therefore, eating 12 eggs to try to get "bigger" is actually not doing anything to you, except disturbing your cholesterol.  Protein shakes and a meal with protein, won't work either.  Here's a great example: Chicken and potatoes can add Greek yogurt after 5 minutes, or  Steak and eggs for breakfast. You do the math. Just remember 32 grams of protein per meal or at a time, helps you gain muscle and lose fat.





Photograph by http://www.flickr.com/photos/yongjiet/2189176413/ Used under commons License. 

Someone who makes a fashion statement

Madonna. Yes, she has always been someone who made a statement with fashion, her fashion. She has been unique and completely confident to *wear anything she wants or wanted. She is an artist before my time, I only got to see a bit of her in her highlights, but it was enough for me to admire her.

This is what "fashion" is about. Is about wearing something unique and extraordinary and making it a style. My belief is: if you like it and it fits, wear it. You tell people about yourself with fashion, your fashion. Not whats popular, but who you are.

*Wear is a key word. Not meaning to literally wear something but to make it "work". For example, some people may wear an outfit that drowns them and you really can not see them, their persona. Wearing is about being seen, making that outfit look amazing, feeling good and having people talk about it. That's my definition of wearing. Don't be surprise if  bad talk happens, it will, but most likely from the person who likes what you have on and is a bit jealous you can wear it.

I remember wearing an outfit which everyone loved. While waiting in line at a store, I overheard a couple of teenagers saying " I would never wear anything like that." This comment made me feel real good and I thought to my self  "and that's why I'm wearing it. Be yourself, make a statement with fashion and share with me the outfits you wear.