NEW MAKE UP 2011

by: Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.
The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Beauty and Skin Care

The Three Pillars of Beauty
Maharishi Ayurveda (MAV), the modern, consciousness-based revival of the ancient Ayurvedic medicine tradition, considers true beauty to be supported by three pillars; Outer Beauty, Inner Beauty and Lasting Beauty. Only by enhancing all three can we attain the balanced state of radiant health that makes each of us the most fulfilled and beautiful person we can be.

Outer Beauty: Roopam
The outer signs of beauty - your skin, hair and nails - are more than just superficial measures of beauty. They are direct reflections of your overall health. These outer tissues are created by the inner physiological processes involved in digestion, metabolism and proper tissue development. Outer beauty depends more on the strength of your digestion and metabolism, the quality of your diet, and the purity of your blood, than on external cleansers and conditioners you may apply.

General Recommendations for Outer Beauty
As we will discuss, the key to skin care is matching your diet and skin care routine to the specific skin type you have. Meanwhile, there are some valuable recommendations for lustrous skin, hair and nails that will be helpful to everyone, regardless of skin type.

1. Diet: Without adequate nourishment, your collagen layer thins and a kind of wasting takes place. Over time, your skin can shrivel up like a plant without water from lack of nourishment. To keep your skin plump and glowing:

A. Eat fresh, whole organic foods that are freshly prepared.
Avoid packaged, canned, frozen, processed foods and leftovers. These foods have little nutritional value and also they are often poorly digested which creates impurities that localize in the skin. The resulting buildup of toxins causes irritation and blocks circulation depriving the skin of further nourishment and natural cleansing processes.

B. Favor skin nourishing foods.
1. Leafy green vegetables contain vitamins, minerals (especially iron and calcium) and are high in antioxidant properties. They nourish the skin and protect it from premature aging.
2. Sweet juicy fruits like grapes, melons, pears, plums and stewed apples at breakfast are excellent for the skin in almost everyone.
3. Eat a wide variety of grains over different meals and try mixed grain servings at breakfast and lunch. Add amaranth, quinoa, cous cous, millet and barley to the wheat and rice you already eat.
4. Favor light, easy to digest proteins like legume soups (especially yellow split mung dhal), whole milk, paneer (cheese made from boiling milk, adding lemon and straining solids) and lassi (diluted yogurt and spice drinks).
5. Oils like ghee (clarified butter) and organic, extra virgin olive oil should be included in the diet as they lubricate, nourish and create lustre in the skin.
6. Use spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and black pepper to improve digestion, nourish the skin and cleanse it of impurities.
7. Avoid microwaving and boiling your vegetables. They lose as much as 85% of their antioxidant content when cooked in this way. Steaming and sautéing are best.

Caring for outer beauty through knowledge of skin type
Besides these general recommendations the key to Outer Beauty is to understand the difference in skin types so you can gain the maximum benefit from your individualized skin care regimen. MAV identifies three different skin types based on which of the three main metabolic principles (doshas)- present in everyone, but to different degrees- is most dominant in your body.

Vata Skin

by: Peter Crump
Been there, done that with gold, silver, platinum or even diamonds? Longing for a distinct, "out o' the world" look that will make you easily spotable in a multitude? Well, good news for you! You've knocked on the right doors. Imitation diamonds give you exactly what you are looking for. These diamond alternatives set your personality ablaze. With an incomparable flare, imitation diamonds set an aura of elegance around you.

Moissanite jewels posses the sheen of clusters of a million stars put together, making them the best diamond alternatives available today. Due to their easy availability, breathtaking glimmer and apt durability, moissanite jewelry are the most suitable alternatives to diamond rings. Let your shine do the talking.

Various moissanite jewelry items enable you to look your stunning best. Seize your chance to wear that drop dead gorgeous look that promises to make several heads turn back for yet another glance. Moissanite jewels are expedient to use, exceptionally beautiful in appearance and do not look fake unlike most other diamond alternatives.

What's more, you can enjoy the gleam, glam and bliss of a diamond at an astoundingly reasonable cost. Moissanite enables you to embellish yourself with better than diamond at a price less than that of a diamond. It is almost impossible to spot the difference between a real diamond and moissanite. With more than the beauty and appeal of a diamond, moissanite jewels are here to stay for sure.

More About Imitation Diamonds
Moissanite stones were actually showered upon Arizona about 50,000 years ago by a meteorite. These are counted today among the most fascinating jewels that are used all round the world. Due to its limited supply and progressively increasing demand, moissanite is artificially created in the laboratories.

Designed to serve as diamond alternatives, moissanite jewelry adorns you to perfection. To feel and look special with a striking patina, what better jewel than moissanite? Fascinate those around you with these imitation diamonds as alternatives to diamond rings. Why wait to make your mark!

Let the charm of moissanite lure your senses with the inimitable beauty of imitation diamonds .go ahead, sizzle in style!

by: Melissa Eaton
We all know that olive oil is wonderful and healthy for us to cook with, but what about its other uses? Truthfully, olive oil is another main ingredient in several beauty products you can buy on the shelf. See for yourself how you can make your own skin cocktails and save a little money at the same time.

1. A mixture of 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, & 1/4 cup water used as a night cream will make your skin glow. The olive oil softens and moisturizes and the vinegar lightens discolorations, kills bacteria and loosens dead skin cells. Splash water on your face before applying.

2. Olive oil can be used as cleansing cream if your skin is dry.

3. For a facial, wet face thoroughly, then massage olive oil into your skin. Use about a half teaspoon of sugar and scrub your face with that, then wipe off gently with a warm, wet cloth until the sugar is all gone.

4. Use olive oil on your feet with clean white cotton socks. Helps to soften up you feet and it absorbs better than baby oil.

5. It seems when you pour olive oil out there is always a drip, so wipe it up with your hand and rub it in to your elbows. Wonderful softening properties.

6. Use olive oil as bath oil. Two to three tablespoons will do the trick.

7. Use olive oil for your hair. Not only does it condition, but it also gets rid of the frizz. Put a small drop into your palm & then rub both hands together & apply it to dry hair.

Just a few of the many creative uses for olive oil in your skin care routine. Not only is it cheap, but it will go alot further than most products you can buy. Have fun and be creative.

by: Lee Wise
Author: Lee Wise

VISITING BEAUFORT...
If you are fortunate enough to visit a small town in Beaufort, North Carolina, you will soon discover its uniqueness.

Beaufort is a waterfront town, and one of those places you could term as "charming." It is rich -- both in its history and the natural beauty of a seaside atmosphere.

I would term it "nice."

Nice in the relaxing sense.

Nice like savoring the flavor of a fresh, delicious tuna sandwich with your special someone while allowing the calming presence of a beachfront view remind you one more time of what it means to "take time to live."

PERSONALLY YOURS BY THE SEA
You could pass it by and not see it.

The sign is not huge by any standard. A few words painted on a wooden marker: "Personally Yours By The Sea."

The size of the sign might easily be an indicator of the size of the gift shop it is advertising. In a word: small.

An area less than the measurements of an average living room houses the contents of "Personally Yours By The Sea, Ltd." Should you discover this somewhat hidden treasure, upon entry you would no doubt receive a warm Southern greeting from Laura Lee.

Personally Yours By The Sea is a place of transformation.

You give Laura Lee a blank picture frame, for instance, and she will transform the frame into a personalized gift.

By combining a thought or two of your own with Laura Lee's handiwork, the frame becomes a uniquely designed souvenir or present created for the sole purpose of causing someone to
experience a moment of joy each time it is viewed.

THE POINT
What was a blank picture frame becomes a *personal expression* of beauty for you or someone special to you.

It just takes...

Some time.
A personal thought or two. And a dash of creativity.

You might say that we each own a store -- not too unlike the one in Beaufort. We are the sole proprietors of our own "Personally Yours" establishments.

As storeowners, we have the power to use our resources in whatever ways we choose. We, like Laura Lee, may add our unique "signatures" to the lives of those we influence.

Day by day we can design and distribute moments of delight, encouragement and hope to people.

IT ALL ADDS UP
Laura Lee has been personalizing her gifts for about fourteen years.

Fourteen years!

Allow your mind to wander for a few brief seconds. How many individualized expressions of happiness have been crafted over the years from Laura Lee's tiny shop in Beaufort, North Carolina?

And...

In how many different places around the United States -- or even the world -- do you think these unique gifts can be found? (I can name at least two states that I know of for sure!)

Fourteen years.
And no doubt multiplied hundreds of customers.

That's a lot of smiles for a lot of people :)

It also reveals the value of...

COMPOUND INFLUENCE
We know the value of compound interest. Consistent investments -- even of relatively small amounts of money -- made over a long period of time can add up.

Consider the "compound influence" we can have in the lives of people.

Our influence can "travel" -- just like the personalized gifts purchased from a small waterfront town in North Carolina have traveled to the homes, places of employment, and vacation hideaways of many people in a variety of different locations.

WHAT'S THE SECRET?
Consistency --> That's the secret of compound influence.

Some time
+
A personal thought or two +
A dash of creativity

*Repeated again and again over time* =
"Compound Influence"

I know this is not a new concept. It is not unique and certainly doesn't qualify as brilliant.

But the determination to take small, consistent steps of action in order to delight the hearts of others according to the unique motivations and gifts we have been given is both *needed* and *valuable* in our world.

And with that in mind, maybe each of us should ask...

"HOW'S THE STORE?"
Do I have too much unused inventory?

Am I allowing my gifts, talents and abilities to lie somewhat dormant in the back room of my heart?

Or...

Is my inventory being consistently used to brighten the lives of people?

Am I utilizing the tremendous value of compound influence by consistently adding my personal "signature of joy" to the people in my world?

Yours for a day filled with beautiful moments in time,

Lee

P.S. Why not spend a moment or two and take an inventory-- an inventory of your strengths, gifts or abilities?

You don't have to list all of them -- just a few.

Once the list has been made, ask yourself this question: "How can I use one or more of these gifts I have been given to create a moment of joy for someone I care about?"

Just a thought :)

So many new followers and awesome blog awards - welcome and thank you all so much ♥!!

Yeah, I am still stuck in the same colour family... But I just felt like white and blue, and I added some teal glitter just because I love everything teal. I really, really couldn't think of a good title for this one though!








Product List
Eyes: Art Deco Eyeshadow Base, Zoeva 88 Mattes Palette, Vivid Cosmetics Palette, teal glitter, Claire's lashes, kohls in black & white, MAC Nightfish fluidline, CG Lash Blast

by: SAN DIEGAN
Balboa Park, home of the San Diego Zoo and the Culture Center of San Diego
Romantic Balboa Park is a lush 1,400 acre forest of exotic trees, well-kept gardens, and a majestic lily pond, which is the most photographed site in the park. It is also the home of the San Diego Zoo. Here too is the renowned Old Globe Theatre and over a dozen outstanding must-see museums, art galleries and one of the largest planetariums in the country. San Diegans owe a vote of gratitude to the city Board of Trustees, who in 1868 set aside 1,400 acres of rambling chaparral for Balboa Park. Were it not for the far-sighted civic planners who anticipated San Diego's great potential for growth, the city would no doubt have been without its most beautiful region, Balboa Park. A must-see attraction in Balboa Park is the San Diego Zoo (5) (619-234-3153). The 100-acre facility is an international animal experience where guests will see some of the earth's rarest wildlife including giant pandas from China, tree kangaroos from New Guinea and river hippos from Africa. The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, representing 800 species, making up a diverse collection of animals - many of which are rarely seen at other zoos.

Opening Summer 2003 is the first phase of the San Diego Zoo's latest exhibit project - the New Heart of the Zoo. It's going to be a swinging time in the "Absolutely Apes" orangutan and siamang exhibit. For the first time in Zoo history, these two species of apes will live together in a lush, tropical setting resembling their native region of Indonesia. The brilliant, eye-catching flamingos that have greeted Zoo guests at the front plaza for more than 50 years will also have a new lagoon.

Dozens of rare and obscure animals can be found throughout the facility alongside more familiar zoo faces - polar bears, camels, lions, tigers, pygmy chimpanzees and much more. Guests to the San Diego Zoo become immersed in lush, tropical settings called bio-climactic zones such as Tiger River, Gorilla Tropics, Ituri Forest and Owens Rainforest Aviary. In these naturalistic habitats visitors will find an array of plants and animals native to specific regions of the world. In other areas of the Zoo, guest may come face-to-face with bears, elephants, koalas and more. The San Diego Zoo is also a botanical garden with a prominent collection consisting of more than 700,000 plants. Like the Zoo's world-class animal collection, many species of flora are rare and endangered.

The Children's Zoo features more than 20 exhibits designed with children in mind. Low glass windows in many exhibits create easy viewing. A petting paddock allows children to interact with friendly sheep, goats and pot-bellied pigs.

The zoo, however, is only one part of Balboa Park. The rest is spread out over hundreds of acres. The part of the park that attracts the most attention is an area called El Prado. Here, nestled in beautiful gardens enhanced by majestic palm and eucalyptus trees, are most of the park's impressive museums, galleries and other attractions, all within walking distance of each other.

A great place to begin or conclude a tour of Balboa Park is at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (11) (619-238-1233). This large 93,505 sq. ft. science center showcases over 100 "hands-on," interactive exhibits and attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, they offer several fantastic films on the world's first IMAX® Dome Theater that surrounds visitors, creating a "you-are-there" experience. New to the Science Center is the Virtual Zone housing two different virtual reality attractions and the motion simulator ride, SciTours, where visitors take a voyage into outer space to intercept a comet headed towards Earth. The virtual reality experience, Smoke and Mirrors aimed at children and teens, is intended to increase their knowledge of the consequences of tobacco use. On the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. you can take a tour of the planets and stars during their planetarium shows. Five fascinating science exhibit galleries, each with a different scientific and technological theme, are popular attractions to explore. Be sure to visit ExploraZone - over thirty hands-on exhibits from San Francisco's Exploratorium - located in the Main Exhibit Gallery. In addition to their exciting permanent collection, this wonderful museum presents major national travelling exhibitions several times a year.

The next major attraction on your self-guided tour should be the San Diego Natural History Museum (16) (619-232-3821). This fascinating museum features marvelous seasonal and permanent exhibits which focuses on the bi-national region of Southern California and the Baja California, Mexico peninsula. Learn the secret stories of rocks, fossils, plants and animals, such as the prehistoric sabertooth tiger that roamed this area millions of years ago. Don't miss their must-see, award-winning film on Baja California and the Sea of Cortés called Ocean Oasis in the museum's giant-screen movie theater.

Between the Natural History Museum and the zoo is the Spanish Village Art Center (3) (619-233-9050), which is one of Balboa Park's hidden treasures. This historic landmark, built in 1935 for the California Pacific International Exposition, is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind works of art at reasonable prices. Here, in a charming courtyard accented with colorful flowers and majestic trees, are artists at work creating, demonstrating, and displaying their beautiful creations. Surrounding the courtyard is a collection of 37 studios, galleries and guilds presenting the works of over 300 of San Diego's finest artists and craftsmen. Various mediums are used by the many artistic creators including blown glass, ceramics, enamel, jewelry, polymer clay, paints, pottery, sculpture, wood and more. On the Pradois the Casa de Balboa. The largest operating model railroad museum in North America is on display on the lower level. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum (619-696-0199) features scaled model train exhibits, complete with bridges, tunnels and depots. Visit their new interactive Toy Train Gallery, where you can play engineer.

Also located in Casa de Balboa is the San Diego Historical Society Museum and Research Archives (14) (619-232-6203). The museum features temporary and traveling exhibits on the history of the San Diego region utilizing journals, photographs, clothing, artwork and historical artifacts. Signature events are scheduled throughout the year in celebration of the museum's 75th anniversary.

Also be sure to visit the newly expanded Museum of Photographic Arts (14) (619-238-7559) on the west end of the Casa de Balboa building. Featured here are twelve different shows a year that present the captivating photographic and cinematic works of art by well-known and up and coming photographers world-wide.

Next door to the west is the House of Hospitality, which is home to the 400-seat Prado Restaurant and Lounge (13) (619-557-9441). Their unique menu and charming setting make it a great place to dine. Most popular is their beautiful terrace and fountain garden, which is one of San Diego's favorite wedding locations. They also hold cooking classes and wine-tasting events. For a meal to remember, ask for their fabulous jumbo prawns. Seating is provided indoors in the courtyard room or solarium (ask for tables 204 or 301), or outdoors on the terrace (ask for tables 127 or 128), which is especially delightful on warm, summer days.

Camera buffs never tire of taking photographs of the Lily Pond (9), which is one of the most photographed sites in the park. It was built in 1915.

Just behind the Lily Pond is the Botanical Building (17), which contains over 2,500 permanent tropical plants, including an outstanding fern and orchid collection. The fine old wood lath structure is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It's open Fri-Wed., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.

The Timken Museum of Art (12) (619-239-5548) is considered the most critically acclaimed collection of Russian icons, European Old Masters and 18th- and 19th-century American paintings. It contains an extraordinary collection of French, Italian and Flemish paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Reubens. Admission is free .

The historic San Diego Museum of Art (10) (619-232-7931), the county's first, largest and primary art institution, provides a rich and diverse cultural experience for more than 500,000 annual visitors. Its world-renowned collections consist of over 12,000 art pieces dating as far back as 5,000 B.C. and includes Dutch and Spanish Baroque old masters, Italian Renaissance, American art, 19th- and 20th-century European paintings and sculptures, Asian art treasures and contemporary art. You can even take a virtual tour of the museum's collection by visiting their website online. In addition, the museum has garnered international recognition for organizing and hosting major exhibitions featuring art from throughout the world. The museum also offers a broad variety of supportive cultural programming that includes lectures, concerts and films.

While browsing through the park, you will undoubtedly hear the majestic sounds of the bells from the 198-foot California Tower ringing every fifteen minutes. The California Tower is considered to be one of the finest examples of Spanish-style architecture in the United States. The Museum of Man (7) (619-239-2001) features fascinating exhibits on human evolution, Egyptian artifacts, Kumeyaay culture and Mayan monuments. Little ones can also enjoy the Children's Discovery Center, which allows them to experience living in ancient Egyptian times.

Tucked behind the Museum of Man is one of the country's leading regional theater complexes and California's oldest professional theater organization. It's the world renowned, Tony award-winning Globe Theatres (6), and is comprised of three theaters-the Old Globe Theatre, Cassius Carter Centre and Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Each theater is uniquely designed and continues the over 67-year tradition of offering high quality, entertaining productions, which include a great variety of classical and contemporary dramas, comedies and musicals. For performance schedule and prices, call (619-239-2255).

To appreciate the works of San Diego's best artists, you should visit the San Diego Art Institute (8) (619-236-0011) in the House of Charm. Every four to six weeks a new exhibition is presented showcasing the contemporary works of local talented artists.

Also located in this same building is the Mingei International Museum (8) (619-239-0003). Mingei is a word used transculturally for "art of the people." This museum features dynamic changing exhibits of traditional and contemporary folk art, craft and design from cultures throughout the world. The museum's permanent collection consists of 14,000 objects from over 100 countries.

At the Spreckels Organ Pavilion (18) (619-702-8138) you can hear a variety of music played on the world's largest outdoor pipe organ. This organ has 4,518 individual pipes, ranging in length from less than one quarter of an inch to over 32 feet! Free organ concerts are held every Sunday at 2 p.m. During the summer, they also have special free evening performances on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

In the interest of park safety, mounted police patrol the park throughout the year. Patrons of the arts, as well as visitors attending evening theater performances are encouraged to park in lighted parking areas and to use the well-traveled sidewalks.

Balboa Park is the culture center of San Diego with spectacular museums and attractions, highly acclaimed theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. It epitomizes the beauty, history and heart of America's Finest City. It's no wonder that San Diegans never tire of visiting and revisiting this major attraction.

by: Melissa Eaton
The biggest myth in the beauty retail industry is that people think the more it costs, the better it must be.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many of the most common high priced and name brand beauty products have the exact same ingredients as the lower priced brands that you can buy in any discount store. The difference is, you are paying for a name brand.

As a stylist, I constantly shoot myself in the foot regarding retail sales. But I really can't stand to see good people spend hard earned money on products that they don't need or can pay less for and achieve the same results. Many think I'm crazy for telling people this, but selling my services are what pay the bills, NOT the sale of retail products. My honesty has gained me hundreds of repeat clients through the years and I'd much rather have a client coming in once a month for a trim or color than every other month to buy a bottle of shampoo. You get the drift.

When it comes to shampoo, conditioner and styling products - just because it comes from a salon doesn't make it any better than products you can buy in a discount retail store. Shampoo is a detergent no matter how you package it. Conditioner is just what it says and the same goes for styling products. The only difference is that salon products are more concentrated and will last longer. In the end, the costs really figure out to be the same for salon and regular retail products. So my advice is to use whatever works best for you and the products you like.

There is one area that I have to say that salon products are better and that is COLOR. The reason I say that is, professional products are formulated under strict guidelines in the industry to insure that salon professionals will achieve the same color results every time. The colors you can buy over the counter are not as regulated and can truly vary from bottle to bottle. How many times have you bought the same home color and gotten a different result almost every time?

If you have your hair colored professionally and would like to do it at home, you might consider talking to your stylist about it. They might be willing to send you home with your color and specific instructions on how to use it. I've done this for many of my clients and truly don't mind doing it. I would rather my clients have what they are used to and be satisfied with their result than have them buy a product off the shelf and call me the next day saying they have pink or bright orange hair.

Use your best judgement regarding your hair products and use what you like and what works best for you.

by: Caryl B. Grecia
This page is dedicated to the busy woman who juggles professional and personal life so efficiently but seems to frequently forget to include herself in her timetable. Women superheroes look gorgeous on TV, magazines and comics. So can YOU -you're the daily superhero who comes unnoticed and most of the time, disregarded! It's time to come out.

Give yourself the rewards fit for royal ladies, princesses and queens- PAMPER yourself!

No, keep your wallets and step out of those walking shoes. You are not going anywhere. Stay glued right in front of your screens for a few minutes and you'll soon be on your way to that awaited luxury.

Tidying up is one of the most vital chores every woman accomplishes. Most of the time, she is the one who sees to the cleanliness of the home. Cleanliness protects the family from germs and eventually, sickness. She knows it and so, cleanliness has to start on herself.

It is typical for a woman to stay so long inside the bathroom. Many say it is her domain. Yes! And the other place where you see her reign is The Kitchen. These parts of the house are the certified zones for women. The kitchen and the bathroom are the areas you could get on with the treats and transformation processes.

When night finally comes, clear everybody out of your domains and start on with the program. Just make sure that the dishes are all done, the house is clean and the kids are all tucked up. You wouldn't want someone banging on the bathroom door after a few minutes.

It would be marvelous to wake up the next day already looking gorgeous without going to the hairdresser. Starting from the crowning glory - the hair, give it a boost, a life! A homemade shampoo of egg, hot water and an ounce of fresh rosemary would do the first trick. Rinse. Then follow up with deep conditioner of mayonnaise and avocado. Rinse. Then, finally, give your hair the energy it needs with olive oil and vitamin E liquid combined in boiling water. Cover with a hot towel and leave on for 30 minutes.

A hot bath would be one of the best ways to soothe the knots from the shoulders to the feet. Create a relaxing atmosphere by lighting little candles or lamps with your favorite aromatherapy oils. For more calming and relaxing bath, you could add milk and lemon juice to the water to achieve silky smooth skin right after. Or, you could give your skin the vitamins it needs without actually taking tablets or syrups orally. Instead of swallowing the vitamin E capsules, just poke them with a pin and squeeze out the oil to the tub along with regular sea salt and drops of your favorite essence oils for an invigorating soak. Once inside the tub, you might imagine that you are in an expensive spa instead of just in your own bathroom.

However, if you don't have that much time for a dip, you could always have an alternative. Have some invigorating body scrub in the shower. Exfoliate your skin with a combination of finely ground oatmeal and almond oil. Let the pour of water massage your body at the same time cleanse it.

Free your face of worry wrinkles. You wouldn't want to look older than your age, do you? Combine vodka, fennel seeds and honey (let sit for 3 days) and apply as toner with a cotton ball to do the trick. A mask made of mashed ripe banana and honey will give your face a new, vibrant feel. When going somewhere, you might want to highlight your eyes and cheeks for more stunning effect without really going through extensive alterations. You can bring out the natural beauty of your eyes and cheeks by putting the perfect shade of foundation, eye shadow, blush on and lipstick properly. The trick here is to know your skin type and skin color and to determine the colors that would compliment the shape and type of the face. And at the end of each day (or night) do not forget to remove make-up. One secret is to mix castor oil, light olive oil and canola oil. Then with a cotton ball, apply tenderly over the eyes to remove make up. Keep the shine off your face too, by using lemon juice mixed with cold-water toner. When a trace of pimple is showing on your face, prevent it by placing an ice cube wrapped in saran over the threatening pimple. Retain the freshness in your face.

Your feet deserve the total rest they badly need after carrying you anywhere you want to go. Give them a rest for a few moments by propping them on a chair. Then prepare a great footbath something you'd find in a posh spa. Treat them to a deodorizing bath with Epsom salts, white vinegar and warm water. Then exfoliate them with a mixture of strawberries, olive oil, kosher salt and finely chopped almonds. For smooth and soft feet overnight, smear on a mixture of banana, honey, lemon juice and natural margarine. Wear thick socks to bed and rinse the next day. Follow with a foot deodorizing powder made from baking powder and drops of your favorite essential oils. Your feet will love you.

And after doing everything, your hands need the last attention. Make sure that you have done the last of your chores so that your hands could get the treat they deserve. A hot oil hand treatment could leave your hands feeling soft and gentle. Heat olive oil in a dish and soak fingers to soften cuticles and strengthen nails. Combine cold cream, honey and slivered almonds to make a scrub then leave on for 10 minutes. Wrap hands in hot hand towels tightly for 10 minutes. Remove the rinse and apply leftover olive oil. Wrap hand again in towel or inexpensive cotton hand gloves. Then put plastic over gloves and seal with rubber bands and let stay for 10 minutes. You'll feel the moisture as it creates a terrarium effect.

After the program, you'd feel relaxed and almost lulled to sleep. Indulge! And tomorrow, do not be surprised to feel new and energized. Then check yourself out, feel your skin, your hands and your feet - still amazingly smooth and soft, right? It's not so difficult going through all your daily routines when you're especially in good mood - inspired! Did your family notice?

The flattery is quite addictive, right? You could say it's magic. You didn't have to go out of the house to feel great! You didn't even spend anything because, the oatmeal was just on the top cabinet, and the herbs just at the corner table. The hubby wouldn't probably notice that you took a little of his vodka from the bar.

And the best thing there is, you wake up feeling so good, you'd still be delighted enough to make a mouth-watering but un-sinfully delicious dessert! Again, indulge!

And while driving the kids to school or sitting on your desk at your office, have some easy and simple exercises that could trim and shape you up! No need to call on that gorgeous health instructor with enviously sexy body. Have it yourself - at home.

Start now!

by: Sam Serio
It has been said that of all the pieces of jewelry in the world, a pearl necklace is the only thing that a woman should not be without. And that's no wonder, for a pearl necklace is the embodiment of classic sophistication and timeless elegance. It goes with a variety of outfits, from casual day wear to formal evening attire. And depending on the type of pearl and color, there are various pearl necklace styles suitable for the very young, those enjoying their golden years, and almost everyone else in the middle.

The price of a pearl necklace depends on the quality of its pearls. Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive than freshwater ones, which are cultured. The sheen and the thickness of the pearls' nacre also affect the price, as well as the size and roundness of the pearls themselves. Pearl necklaces of various colors are available on the market. Smaller pearls in light hues of blue or pink are usually more suitable for young children, while the creamier, ivory-toned pearls are preferred by older women. Jewelry pieces made from black pearls are very, very expensive, since these pearls are so rare.

According to Chinese folklore, pearls are the tears of a dragon. In Roman mythology, they are the tears of Venus. Jewelry designers, in their tireless efforts to do justice to the legendary beauty of these gems, have been adding their own twists to the pearl necklace. Aside from the classic strand, the pearls used in necklaces are sometimes set in gold, silver or platinum. Some designers also mix pearls with other gems to create a unique effect. Extra ornaments, such as charms or a brooch, can also be attached to a pearl necklace to give it a personalized flair.

Caring for a pearl necklace does not involve a lot of fuss. The most advisable thing to do is to wear it often, because if it's stored away for long periods of time, it will dry up and lose its sheen. The body's natural oils will keep the pearls looking lustrous and fresh. It's also important to avoid having the pearls come in contact with substances such as hair spray or body lotion, since these can also adversely affect the pearls' condition.

The popularity of the pearl necklace has never waned both among ordinary people and society's elite. The quintessential fashion plate, Jackie Kennedy, had a passion for pearls; so does actress Maria Berenson. Other celebrities often photographed wearing pearl necklaces are Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Loren, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton. The versatility of pearls is such that fashion experts are even predicting an increase in the number of men who will start wearing pearl-accented dress accessories. For now, however, there is very little to surpass the elegance of the sight of a pearl necklace gracing the neckline of a woman, whether she's a celebrity or not.

by: Mike Yeager
Use beauty supplies the right way and yours could well be the face that launched a thousand ships! Growing old may be mandatory, but looking it certainly isn't. It's just that one has to do it right. But that's exactly what's difficult. The mind boggles with the onslaught of unending types of beauty supplies, countless makeup and enticing brands. Am I using the right beauty supplies? Am I doing it correctly? What about side effects? Thankfully, makeup tips are not very difficult to find.

Trust the beauty supply expert.
Generally, you can always trust a beauty supply expert. And thankfully, one is almost always available without much trouble. The media abounds with beauty supply tips. And then there are brands that you can trust your skin with. Or use exotic mineral beauty supplies that are a great alternative to chemical beauty supplies. They use natural ingredients and causes less damage to the skin. Over a period of time, the presence of wrinkled skin could make that vital difference between skin that used regular beauty supplies and skin that used natural beauty supplies.

Beauty supplies today not only means enhancing beauty that is skin-deep, it also means preservation of skin nutrition. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and needs adequate nutrition like any other organ. Consistent, healthy skin care is the best way to avoid wrinkles, sunspots and premature aging. It will pay off in the end. We spend our hard-earned cash on beauty and skincare. Lets make sure that its main beneficiary is our skin, not skin care product manufacturers.

by: Declan Tobin
It goes without saying that we all want to look our best for the big day. So preparation is the key. Take care of your skin, hair and body in the months leading up to the wedding and you will have a good base to start from.

Starting with body, you want to look slim and happy in your wedding gown not bloated and insecure so watch what you eat in the months coming up to the wedding and exercise regularly. A good tip to prevent bloating as sworn by Hollywood stars before the Oscars are to cut down on carb's the last few weeks before the big day. This should eliminate any unwanted bumps and bulges.

To give your skin that healthy glow desired by all, you need to drink plenty of water, at least 2 liters per day, dehydrated skin looks dull, dry and unattractive. The essential fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, nuts and seeds are essential for beautiful skin and hair, try to eat as much of these as possible. Jennifer Lopez swears by this, she is so well known for her glowing, perfect skin that her perfume was called Glow in reference to her glowing complexion.

Keep your skin in shape with a daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. It's very important that you are using the right products for your skin type. You can get advice from your local beauty sales counters on the best products out there for you. Remember to exfoliate your skin weekly, this will eliminate old dull skin cells and reveal new fresh skin beneath.

You should have an exfoliating routine for your back, arms and chest or any other part of your skin that will be on show in your dress. This will give a lovely healthy shine to your body. Remember to lash on loads of body cream after you exfoliate to sooth and moisten the skin.

If you are unlucky enough to have dry frizzy hair or you use color and harsh styling products regularly, you need to give your hair regular hair masks to bring the life and shine back to your tresses. Most salons provide hair treatments with lovely essential oil and vitamin products, which are great for your hair and scalp as a lovely weekly or biweekly treat. The price can range from $30 to $80 depending on the salon.

If you are more of a DIY girl why don't you purchase your own intensive moisturizing hair conditioner and do your own treatment. When you have put the treatment in the hair apply heat to using a hairdryer, then wrap your hair in cling film to keep in the heat, leaving as long as you desire this will prove a more intense treatment allowing the moisture to penetrate the hair cuticle.

Your hair will be shining with health and smelling yummy on the big day.

Now for the real magic "make up" of course. Now that you are all glowing and beautiful nature sometimes needs a little help to give us that Hollywood beauty we all desire. The next step is your make up application. If you are going to get your make up done professionally you should shop around, just be cause they are "professionals" doesn't mean they are talented.

Make sure you have an idea of what you want to look like on the day, bring bridal photos with make up styles you like and ideas on what hair style you will have also helps.

A clean fresh look always works with definition on the eyes. Make up that looks good in person is usually too little for photographs; the last thing you want is your eye disappearing in the photos. A good idea is to bring an instant camera with you and take photos of the various make up looks you have tried out, between you discuss what you like and don't like. Remember a photograph is less forgiving than a mirror.

Finally your hair, the range of styles are endless. Do not try out any new hair colors or cuts in the months leading up to the wedding, You don't want to try something different and trendy and then hate it leaving you no time to grow it out. Stick to what you know suits you. Also going for the most up to date styles isn't recommended you don't want to look back on your photos in ten years time explaining to your kids how it was fashonable at the time.

The first decision up or down? Wearing your hair up shows off your neckline and bone structure, always flattering in photographs. On the other hand more people are going for the sexy wavy tresses look that is being sported by Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston on her wedding day, very bohemian chic.

Your wedding gown will ultimately dictate your hairstyle. The rule of thumb is usually sexy wavy tresses equals' plain simple dress. The simple up style will flatter the more elaborate dress. Either way what you feel comfortable with and the prettiest with is the style for you, a happy comfortable bride is a pretty bride.

by: Janice Wee
What's with this fascination with beauty?
The demand for beauty services in spite of the economy?
Even when there is a recession, beauty parlours still flourish. Beauty products still fly off the shelves.
There is this saying that beauty is skin deep.
Then again, first impressions count.

Put it this way. Beauty is power. That was true centuries ago. That is true today.

When a beautiful woman walks into a bar, men flock to her and offer to buy her drinks. When an unattractive woman walks into the same bar, chances are, she would have to buy her own drinks.

A beautiful salesperson, man or woman is more likely to win the sale. Between a beautiful job seeker and an unattractive one, all other things being equal, the employer is likely to choose the good looker.

Like it or not, looks do count.
In the past, when women were dependent on men to support them, beauty was everything to a woman. A beautiful woman would have more suitors. She would be able to marry up. To marry a rich man who could take care of all her financial needs and that of her children. Long before commercial cosmetics existed, mothers would instruct their daughters on traditional beauty remedies. Simple beauty remedies like using mayonnaise as a moisturizer, or egg white as a firming mask were often used by women in the days before commercial cosmetics.

Then along came women entrepreneurs like Estee Lauder and other women from around the world. They converted traditional beauty recipes which worked for themselves into beauty creams that they sold to other women. Every woman has a right to look her most beautiful and these women were selling others their beauty secrets.

Women all over the world are willing to suffer for the sake of beauty. Long ago, in China, women in wealthy families would bind their feet. The Chinese back then view tiny feet as beautiful, so little girls have their feet bound, to prevent them from growing big and ugly. Now that long legs are considered beautiful, some women go through a very painful medical procedure that breaks their legs, and stretches their legs by a few millimeters a day through a painful device until they attain the height they want. With their newfound height, these girls can look forward to a wealthy, glamorous future as an international model.

In Europe, centuries ago, wasp waists and curvy bodies were considered beautiful, so corsets were worn to make the waist look much smaller. These were tied so tightly that women faint easily. All for the sake of beauty. Now, corsets are in again. These days, women and men subject themselves to surgery to attain the beauty they desire. Liposuction to remove the excess fat to contour the body. Breast augmentation for bigger breasts that are considered beautiful. Nose jobs, face lifts, the works.

Both men and women even have poison (botox) injected into their faces to paralyze their facial muscles in order to erase the expression lines we know as wrinkles.

There is also a return to natural beauty remedies. This time, commercial cosmetics use natural ingredients that women have used in centuries in the home beauty preparations.

With modern advances, beauty preparations are more effective than ever. Even doctors have developed their own skin care ranges. Acne can be a thing of the past with some of the latest acne treatments. Some doctors, both dermatologists and general practitioners offer facials which treat most of today's skin problems very effectively. After all, beauty is skin deep. Healthy skin is beautiful.

There is wisdom in the old ways women took care of their looks. Fresh food, exercise, plenty of water, plenty of sleep, soap and water. That's all the women in the olden days had in their beauty routine. These days, add a good sunscreen worn every day to protect your skin from the sun. A good toner, cleanser and moisturizer, a regular scrub and mask and you are done.

by: SKY
Lace adds elegance like nothing else does! Lace takes what's already beautiful and makes it gorgeous! You'll see lace everywhere in the world of fashion, whether on stunning evening gowns or on delicate lingerie. Lace can also make a big statement in the home. Curtains, tablecloths, even pillowcases are made more beautiful.

There are many kinds of lace. History is rich with the story of how they came into being, having been created in different parts of the world and at different times. Bedfordshire Lace was used to dress up vintage handkerchiefs, Point de Gaze Lace from Belgium carries a gauzy look, Gros Point Lace was extremely popular in 1670, and has made a big comeback in these last few years. Xiao Sham lace from China is intricate beyond description.

Perhaps the crowning glory of fine lace is on a young woman's wedding dress. This is a dress to remember for all time, and much of its beauty is owed to the lace that adorns it. But whether it's for such an occasion as that, or for everyday use, lace really does make things nicer!

by: Zdenka Prokop
The online direct selling store owner Zdenka Prokop, Independent Beauty Counselor, has deployed the website www.YvesRocher-Kiotis.com; open 24/7 for sale of Yves Rocher,and Kiotis products with no animal testing. The store with France fragrances and beauty products for skin care and body care, are shipped from Canada and France to Nashville, Tennessee.

Yves Rocher group is the world leader in natural beauty care and a fast-growing online sales channel. The online store www.YvesRocher-Kiotis is opened for all your beauty needs, with 100% natural French cosmetics, a variety of special products, free gifts with purchase, and seasonal promotions. Products are Anti-aging innovations by looking to natural resources: Essential Botanical Oils or DNA Anti-aging hormone complex; and all with 100% satisfaction guarantee.

by: Paul Griffitts
Today we are looking at one of the most beautiful words in the Bible that has been rendered almost meaningless and its power stripped by the translators. Let's begin by taking a look at Heb. 13:22.

I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation, (Heb. 13:22) the meaning of the word translated exhortation as set forth here in Hebrews is the Greek word paraklesis.

This word paraklesis is used twenty nine times in the Bible and is translated consolation fourteen times, exhortation eight times, comfort six times and entreaty one time. This will give you a flavor of how the word is used in the King James Version it is the writers contention that exhortation may be a poor translation of the word and that comfort or comforter is the proper translation of paraklesis .

Paraklesis is defined by the dual suggestion that that which comforts, comforts from two unique positions. Consider the paraklete or the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) and also consider the Advocate parakletos (I Jo 1:2) here we have the dual nature of the paraklesis one as Comforter the other as Christ the legal defense of the Believer.

We should look at Luke 2:25 "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation paraklesis of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him." This is where we see that exhortation as a synonym of comfort as a meaning for paraklesis simply cannot work.

Matt. 8:5 "And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him," parakleo this is more understandable a use of the word than exhort. Look at one more 2 Cor. 1:4 "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." Parakleo, parakleo, paraklesis and parakleo, used respectively of the word comfort in the verse. Now substitute exhort and the verse makes no sense.

The phrase "we ourselves are comforted" takes on an interesting meaning because of the tense of the verb. It is in the present tense but in the passive voice which represents the subject as being the recipient of the action or the comfort. The phrase is also in the indicative mood which is a simple statement of fact; it says it happened therefore we are comforted. The Word of God is wonderful.

2 Tim. 4:2 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." Here exhort paraklaeo cannot be translated correctly and must be rendered beseech or comfort. The same applies to 1 Tim. 2:6 teach and exhort.

In paraklesis or parakleo we have therefore a word which can easily be robbed of its beauty and power by the application of an imaginative mechanical rule. Its etymology reveals that it means, "to call to one's side"; its usage shows that according to the context, it means either; to entreat as in "I beseech", admonish as in "I exhort" and consolation as in "I comfort" and that in each shade of meaning, the other aspects are present. The beseeching will not be so gentle as to be weak, the admonition will not be so harsh as to be repugnant, and the consolation will not be without comfort.

by: Danielle Sims
Over the past centuries, remains of many hundreds of people-- men, women, and children--have come to light in peat bogs in northwestern Europe, especially in Ireland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, northern Germany, and Denmark. Peatlands are most extensive in northern regions. They develop where drainage of water is blocked, precipitation is retained, and decomposition of organic matter is slowed. Because of their highly acidic nature, wetness, low temperature, and absence of oxygen, northern bogs have become a repository of past life.
The bog people are amazingly well-preserved with fingernails, hair, and teeth in excellent condition. How is this possible when the dates range from 8000 B.C. to the early medieval times?

The peat (Moor Peat) contained in the bogs has amazing preserving properties which contribute to its ability to both combat aging and enhance health. Peat has excellent moisture- retaining qualities which improves skin elasticity.

When peat is applied to the skin, penetrates partially between the epidermis cells of the skin. A, producing an exchange reaction of ions is produced when the binding process with albumin in the skin occurs. The harmful positive ions in the skin tissues are exchanged for the rejuvenating negative ions in the moor peat. These particles are captured by the blood vessels in the system, carried throughout the body to help healing.

The rejuvenating benefits can be attributed to the abundance of essential oils, fatty acids and lipoids. These penetrate into the skin re-establishing the skin's natural pH balance. When you apply the moor peat to your skin, the increased flow of blood to the skin can be seen by the flush of color seen on the skin when the peat is rinsed off. This characteristic of Moor Peat makes it most effective as an addition to any anti-aging and beauty treatment for the skin.

The soluble organic and inorganic active ingredients leave the skin detoxified, purified, and toned. It's naturally hypoallergenic and powerful and yet gentle.

The anti-inflammatory, bactericidal astringent and its bioavailability properties of Moor Peat make it an excellent skin treatment both for healthy and problem skin.

It has been found to be helpful in treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, scars, stretch marks, and cellulite.

For Cellulite, an inflammation of the subcutaneous tissues caused by a build up of toxins, poor blood circulation and fluid retention due to weak lymphatic flow, Moor Peat improves both the inflammation and its causes, making it an excellent treatment for cellulite and an aid to weight loss.

by: Reno Charlton
Birthstones have been around since ancient times, and in those days were believed to possess some magical force that could protect the owner or wearer of the stone. These birthstones were traditionally linked to the Zodiac.

However, modern birthstones are linked to calendar months, and each month has its own unique birthstone, with its own fabled properties. Many people love to wear jewellery set with their birthstone, as the ancient meanings and associations with these stones still intrigue them.

You can get many types of jewellery containing birthstones, such as birthstone rings, a birthstone pendant and birthstone earrings. Giving someone an item of jewellery set with their birthstone is a touching and wonderful gift, and whether you give them a birthstone ring, a birthstone pendant or a birthstone brooch, it is something that they are likely to treasure forever because it has real meaning and significance.

Below you will find a listing of each of the birthstones used today.

January
The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.

Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter what item of jewellery it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to suit every taste for this month.

February
The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore attached to this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquillity, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to!

The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and can be a pale lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you can also get deep violet amethysts, which means that you can enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as rich as you like. This birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and durability will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.

March
This month's birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in colour and has a rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine birthstones in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can also get this stone in varying shades of green-blue.

April
One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the birthstone for this month, and these stones are linked to love, eternity and strength. This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of all time when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.

Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect birthstone to wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different cuts of this stone, and the fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by diamonds is positively captivating.

May
This month's birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.

These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found in a variety of shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this stone makes it the perfect gem for birthstone jewellery, and is something that the wearer can show off and take pride in for a long time.

June
The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and this gem has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages.

These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours, and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a perfect gift.

July
The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.

Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery appearance that would delight anyone.

August
The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.

Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off its own unique energy, and is strong and durable.

September
Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September, and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.

These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery, especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in other colours as well as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last for years to come, and can be passed down to future generations.

October
The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.

This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look and beauty, making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite appearance.

November
The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale green, pink and red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both beauty and strength.

December
The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a very distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.

Summary
Giving a birthstone to someone special as a gift means giving so much more than just a piece of jewellery. The ancient meanings associated with each of these birthstones make them extra-special, giving them a quality that is impossible to achieve with any other gem.

Whether you decide to give a birthstone ring, necklace earrings or any other piece of jewellery, you will always find stunning pieces where the precious metal and the birthstone complement one another perfectly. Birthstone jewellery makes a unique, beautiful, and affordable gift with real sentiment behind it.

by: Ruby Boyd
Fitness and beauty can be one and the same. Being fit and healthy
will automatically make you look better. A healthy inside creates
a healthy outside.

Fitness through exercise can help you to maintain a healthy
body weight and improve muscle tone.

Our looks reflect the sum total of who we are and how we live,
and the best we can do in life is to make the best of what
nature has given is, without excuse, apology, or pretense.
If we try to live otherwise, we find ourselves acting on a stage
with other actors and actresses--great pretenders without real
friends, without real lovers, without real relationships.

While we realize that there is such a thing as "natural beauty,"
which is beyond all standards of culture and history in some
sense, there are also "relative" standards of beauty.

We all know about fads, styles, and adornments that are "in" one
season and "out" the next. This includes cosmetics, hair styles,
clothing, and even body weight and size.

These standards may vary from country to country, year to year,
or even among different age groups in the same country and year.

For example, full figures are considered the ideal in some
historical periods, but slender figures are valued now--at
least in Western countries.

The point is that cultural standards change--and we may choose
to follow or ignore them--because the cultivation of natural
beauty is not dependent upon fads.

In order to get along harmoniously, whether at the level of
dating, courtship, or marriage, men and women have to get past
physical looks and into the more important qualities that make
up human relationships, such as kindness, friendship, and areas
of mutual interest.

There is such a thing as a beautiful personality. There can be
beauty in the way a person thinks. An attitude or smile can be
beautiful. Love is certainly beautiful, and all of life is
beautiful when we are in love.

A person is truly beautiful when he or she is healthy. Any
disease or illness affects all parts of the body, sometimes
for many years before the symptoms are manifested. If the body
and mind are not healthy, then a person cannot feel or be truly
attractive.

Good health brings a glow to the skin, a ring to the voice, a
twinkle to the eye, and a spring to the step that no beauty
school can teach.

Learn more at Beauty Fitness.

by: G.J Bajaj
AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS )
FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY

AMLA, proudly known as 'Indian Gooseberry' has been the key constituent of many Ayurvedic formulations. And nowadays, it has been accepted by almost all medical branches as a result of extensive research carried at Germany, England, India, and various other countries.

IN AYURVEDA, importance of Amla has been ascertained from the experiments and experiences of ancient Rishi-Munis of India, namely Charak, Chyavan, Atreya, Kartik, Vrat Koumudi, and many others. Amla is considered one of the strongest rejunevatives (rasayana), particularly for blood, bones, liver, heart and skin.

q SOURCE OF NATURAL VITAMIN C : Amla is exceptionally rich source of vitamin C and powerful anti-oxidant. 100 gm. of Amla contains about 700 mg. of vitamin C, which is thirty times the amount found in oranges.

q VITAMIN C : Vitamin C is essential for making 'Collagen' in the body. Collagen provides much of the framework in the cell or tissues, just as the skeleton provides the framework for the body. Thus, Vitamin C plays the vital role in growth and repair of tissues in ALL PARTS of human body, and hence it is useful for treatment as well as prevention of so many diseases. It enhances the overall immunity.
" When your immune system is strong,
You get sick less often, and recover quickly."

q POTENCY OF AMLA : Research has shown that Amla is 12 times more assimilable and creates more potent medicinal effect than synthetic vitamin C, known as Ascorbic acid. Researchers have also shown that just 8.7 mg of natural vitamin C from Amla is equivalent to 100 mg of synthetic vitamin C. The synthetic vitamin C is missing vital nutrients such as Rutin, Bioflavonoids and the "J" & "K" factors.


q MODERN SCIENCES: The modern sciences too, have accepted the supremacy of Amla towards imparting health and beauty, due to its very high vitamin C content.
q UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE researchers, published the result of their study, based on a single measurement of vitamin C in the blood of 19,496 individuals aged 45 to 79 state that : as concentrations of vitamin C in blood plasma went up, the risk of dying from all causes went down.

This report in the March 3, 2001 issue of 'Lancet' state that the risk of death from all causes including heart disease, cut in half for individuals who have highest levels of vitamin C in blood. In the findings of Dr. Kay Tee Khaw, the high blood levels of vitamin C were associated with a decreased risk for cancer.

q AN ANTIOXIDANT : Oxidation is removal of electrons from the molecular oxygen and to convert it to an active form called as 'oxidant'. It has a tendency to acquire electrons and damage most cell structures by releasing DNA damaging free radicals. The Vitamin C in Amla is a well-known antioxidant, which is able to inactivate DNA-damaging free radicals, by releasing oxygen electrons. Thus vitamin C in Amla prevents the abnormal growth of cells in all parts of body.

q H.L.NEWBOLD, in his book "VITAMIN C AGAINST CANCER", has interviewed four Noble Prize Winner scientists, and professors from some of the world's best-known medical centers. He reports the latest findings about vitamin C as a promising new weapon in the battle against cancer- not only for treatment, but also for prevention. Few lines between the covers of his book have been quoted below:

.. (Nobel Prize Winner) Dr. Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron began an experiment with 1100 terminally ill cancer patients. The results: the 100 patients taking vitamin C had lived four times as long as 1000 control patients who received no added vitamin C.

.. cholesterol is broken down and eliminated as bile acids. Vitamin C is beneficial to heart patients.

.Mr. Cameron said that in terminally ill cancer patients treated with vitamin C : not only their lives prolonged, but also the quality of their lives was greatly improved during the time they did live. This freedom from pain was most important for terminally ill cancer patients.

.We (human beings) cannot make our own vitamin C.
.one should not wait for the application of vitamin C until one gets ill. We should take it all the time.

.like oxygen and water, vitamin C is an indispensable part of the life of every living creature on this globe.

q PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES: Amla is not only a wonderful antioxidant, but it has proven anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, yeast inhibiting, nematicidal, anabolic, anti-hepatoxic, anti-hyperhidrosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-spasmodic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive relieving properties. It also acts as an antacid and anti-tumorganic agent. In addition, it increases protein synthesis and thus useful in cases of hypoglycemia.

q PREVENTIVE AND IMMUNITY ENHANCING, ANTI-AGING USES OF HEALTH FOOD : AMLA POWDER
HEALTH
1. Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma, Intermittent fevers
2. Hyperacidity, Bilious vomiting, Gastritis
3. Ulcer, Jaundice, Hepatitis
4. Hemoglobin, Red blood cell count, Anemia
5. Cholesterol, Hypertension, Cardiac disorders
6. Diabetes
7. Ophthalmopathy, Cataract
8. Rheumatism, Osteoarthritis
9. Diarrhea, Dysentery
10. Gonorrhea, Spermatorrhea,
11. Sexual rejuvenation
12. Scurvy, Bleeding gums
13. Cancer
14. HIV
15. Heavy metal poisoning

q PREVENTIVE AND IMMUNITY ENHANCING, ANTI-AGING USES OF HEALTH FOOD : AMLA POWDER
BEAUTY
1. Premature graying and hair loss
2. Skin diseases, wrinkles on skin
3. Obesity
4. Anti-aging


q RECOMMENDED DOSES : Daily intake of dietary vitamin C
(According to U.S. RDA), are listed below :

Infants age below 1 year : 30 to 35 mg
Children age 1 to 14 years : 40 to 50 mg
Adolescent age 15 to 18 years : 65 to 75 mg
Men age over 18 years : 90 mg
Women age over 18 years : 75 mg

In accordance with above chart, as a HEALTH FOOD & BEST DIETARY SUPPLEMENT, about one teaspoonfull of vitamin c rich, quality Amla Powder is sufficient for enhancing general immune system. Daily doses of powder can be adjusted with the age.

As we cannot make our own vitamin C, and the body excretes any excess of the same, the regular intake of herbal Amla Fruit Powder is highly recommended for all the people.