Search

Saturday 21 March 2015

HOW TO HAVE A "WONDERFUL" N "SPLENDID" WEDDING


A Better Wedding without Breaking Your Budget. A wedding will probably cost the happy couple and their parents more than they expect, even if they’re used to sticking to a budget. There are so many things which have to be paid for! I’ve put together some tips to help you keep control of your spending. Otherwise, you will start your life as a married couple with a financial hangover that it could take months or even years to recover from. I can almost guarantee that your expenses will be more than you thought. It’s like a “Parkinson’s Law” for Weddings; instead of “work expands to fill the available time”, you get “expenses grow to swallow the available budget!”. Your Budget. 1] Decide what you must have, list what you would like to have and be ruthless about trimming what you can do without. 2] Never assume that anyone will give you some money or pay for a particular item or service. Ask them, if you feel that is appropriate. Otherwise, plan to cover it yourself. 3] Keep talking to everyone. Even when someone has committed to paying for something, keep in touch. Remember that people’s circumstances may change rapidly through an accident, a change in their employment, unexpected medical expenses or just a change in of their priorities. Keep in touch, and try to be as understanding as possible if they cannot fulfill their promise. 4] Some people put conditions on their “help”. That might be to add more people to your already bulging guest list or to sing at the reception. You must decide with your partner how important the financial contribution is to your budget and whether you will accommodate the “request”, and possibly disappoint other people, gently insist that the help is unconditional or decline the gift. 5] You, or your parents, may consider getting a loan to cover some major wedding expenses. This is a personal decision which I can’t advise about. I suggest that whoever is looking at this option, consider the long- term effects: 1) Will this extra burden put a strain on your other financial goals? 2) Will this debt put a strain on your relationship with each other or your parents as you start married life?. 3) Can you comfortably meet the repayments? 4) Have you compared loan options, read all the fine print and selected the best terms available? 5) How really important is the loan to making your wedding day a happy one? Stick with Your Plan It’s not unusual for people, especially the bride, to start thinking of alternatives to the previously agreed food, venue and other arrangements just a few weeks before the big day. Please stick with the original plan unless there really are pressing concerns that make some change necessary.                                                                                                                                                                                   
Otherwise, you’ll have extra and probably un-necessary worry for your family and other guests as well as inflated expenses for The service providers won’t mind because their contracts will provide for extra charges be added to your bill. They will usually be much more than you expect. Get Family and Friends to Help You may have the answer to reducing some major wedding expenses in your own, or a relative’s, back yard. Ask them if they will provide their: 〈 Garden for the wedding or home for the reception 〈 Catering skill 〈 Dressmaking. 〈 Printing 〈 Transport for the bridal party on the wedding day, or to get fly-in guests to and from the airport. You might suggest this as their gift for your wedding.
 Don’t forget to thank them publicly and privately. Keep in touch with them so you will know if, for any reason, they cannot fulfill the commitment in time for you to make other arrangements. Your female relatives and, maybe, close friends might have a gathering to produce food or decorations for the reception. That could be a great help for your budget and theirs if you do that instead of having another shower. Some might be able and willing to provide flowers for the reception, church or bride and bridesmaids. Some keen gardeners may not want to cut off the flowers and some of the foliage, especially if they are preparing for a Flower Show or just want to enjoy the flowers later themselves. Then, they might prefer to loan you the plants in pots. Dollar Saving Decorations If you and your friends are making some or all of your decorations, the two words to keep in mind are simple and strong. Then, if something is bent but not broken, it can probably be refurbished by willing but unskilled hands on the spot instead of having to be discarded. Confetti is frowned on or completely banned at many venues because it becomes unsightly and can require serious effort to remove from clothing and the venues. Be sure to enquire before providing it. Some people provide small bags of rice or seeds. The birds in the area would definitely be better off if you do not use rice. Use birdseed and the birds will happily do most of the clearing away for you. Don’t be afraid to use quality fake plants for decorations, especially when real ones are hard to get or simply too expensive. Balloons are an easy and inexpensive decoration accessory. Buy them in bulk packs rather than the small supermarket size for big savings. Match the colors to your theme. Get a couple of plastic pumps – blowing them up by mouth can be exhausting and is now regarded as unhygienic by Doctors. Warning: balloons should never be given to small children who are not well supervised and no-one should put a balloon near anyone’s face – there are people injured frequently, especially when a balloon breaks and a piece lodges in their eye. If a piece gets into a child’s throat, it can be fatal. Dress up your simple and inexpensive decorations with a monogram using the bride and groom’s names or initials. Select the lettering and font on your word processor, choose a large size and just print an outline on thin card.                                                                                                    
Then, cut out the letters to make your stencil(s). If you have a lot of items to decorate, put some adhesive plastic, usually used to protect school book covers, over the cardboard before you cut out your stencils so that they will last the whole job. Also, make some extra stencils so that you have enough without having to set up the computer again. Surviving the Engagement! At this point, you have to deal with some issues which affect each step in the journey to your actual wedding: Finances: There is a cost attached to each part of the journey and the wedding itself. On top of everything else you have to contend with, it’s very important to keep your available funds in mind. It would be a bad mistake to splurge on your dream wedding to the extent that you are both consigned to a financial nightmare at the start of your marriage. Another important financial consideration is to be aware that the other people involved, family and friends, may have limited finances but feel obligated to meet any requests or arrangements you make. Don’t put an unreasonable burden on them. Schedule: Almost everything will take longer than you might anticipate. I’ll give you a list of important milestones to plug into your personal calendar. Because everybody’s situation and obligations are different, you’ll need to adjust it to fit you. Health: It’s obvious that there will be demands on your physical and emotional strength above what you’re probably used to. So, it’s a good idea to get a full physical check early on and make sure that you eat well and exercise to help you cope with all of it. Plan for Your Perfect Wedding!!! Preparing for your wedding is like taking on another job. Reduce the impact on your normal life by writing out a schedule of the important things which you must keep aware of. Keep this list handy and refer to it when needed. You may need to adjust it to fit your situation and perhaps discard or add some items. But, it’s fairly comprehensive. If the list seems overwhelming, don’t panic! Almost everything here is covered in the later chapters. When you’ve read them, you will be well prepared and, I hope, looking forward to the adventure. I’ve put the list here as a memory aid. That doesn’t mean you’ll be able to recite the list without looking at the page – that’s not required. If you read through it a couple of times, you will impress it on your subconscious which should help eliminate the possibility that you will overlook any important steps – your subconscious will pop the right items into your conscious mind when needed. Tell your families. If they’re very traditional, then the future husband might ask his prospective father-in-law first. You also need to work out who will pay for the event, the other associated expenses and whether you will pay or assist with the costs, like accommodation, travel etc., of members of the bridal party or any special relatives who might not have the funds to be able to attend. Then, tell your friends and announce it through the local newspaper (not compulsory). Set a date for the wedding!!!. Decide where you will be married and where you want to have the reception. Popular venues are often booked far in advance. Contact any relatives and friends who might have to travel a considerable distance to the event as soon as possible after booking the venues.

 Decide where you will have your honeymoon and start checking the travel brochures and legal requirements, if any. Find out if you need passports or other documentation and, if so, start the process. Pack your luggage carefully, including you carry-on luggage, to minimize delays at airports or when embarking on a cruise. Check well in advance about any import restrictions which might affect you in countries that you plan to visit. You must sort out between you who you want to have fill the other roles in your wedding party and contact them to see if they accept and are available. Start planning what the bridal party will wear – six months out is not too early to order your wedding dress. Let your mothers decide between themselves what they will wear. If you will have a bridal registry, start visiting those stores which have the items you want and your guests are likely to be able to afford. Start sorting out your guest list. You’ll probably involve your parents but you should have the final say. Order your wedding stationery; invitations, place cards and whatever else you want. Decide whether you will hire a wedding planner or organize and supervise all the preparations yourself. Some couples do most of the work themselves but bring in professional help close to the event so they can concentrate on the personal aspects of the arrangements, including keeping in contact with relatives that might be flying in, attending pre-wedding events and keeping the peace between the bride’s family and the groom’s family. If you are not using a wedding planner, get firm quotes from different suppliers and then make your decisions and bookings as soon as possible. Your MC (if you decide to have one), musicians or other entertainers, photographer, hire car provider, minister or celebrant and caterer need to be confirmed at least a month before the event and probably much earlier. Of course, you may have friends or relatives providing some of the services. If so, it’s probably even more important that you keep in touch and can be confident that they’ll be able to fulfill their role on the big day. Choose and order your wedding cake, table decorations and balloons etc. When the members of your wedding party have confirmed, you can discuss and then decide on what they will wear on the day. You can also decide what small gifts you will give the bridesmaids and groomsmen and buy them. Mail the invitations. Yes, email is all-pervasive and very fast, but it’s not always reliable. You can suggest that people confirm by email and also follow up with those that you do not hear from. Check for the regulatory requirements you need to meet. As well as the marriage license, you need to know whether blood tests are required, how long it will take for the license to be issued and any waiting period required between getting the license and having the Wedding!!! Reserve accommodation for guests or confirm that they made their own arrangements. Make sure they understand whether you or they are responsible for payment. Start a list of gifts you get. This is much easier to do on your computer than with paper and pen. Print or write your thank you notes. Send them soon after the gift arrives. Open and check that the gift has not suffered any damage in transit. Start filling in and submitting the necessary forms to get the bride’s new name on her licenses and other official documentation. Pack your honeymoon clothing. Keep in mind the strict airport security regulations to minimize stress and delays. Make sure that you have enough clothing and accessories for the last week leading up to the wedding without the stuff you’ve packed for the honeymoon. Confirm with your caterer, the exact number of guests that you will have. They will also want to know about any special dietary requirements or other important issues as early as possible. Sort out where the guests will sit. Discuss this with your partner and your parents. Arrange your appointments with the beautician and hairdresser. You might want to confirm appointments for the bridesmaids too. Choose and buy the wedding ring(s). Store them safely and make sure they’re delivered to the wedding venue on the big day. Setting up the Bridal Party!!! After selecting the person they want to marry, many brides next biggest problem can be assigning the formal bridal party titles and duties among her family and close friends. You’re often faced with more good choices than slots to fill or you may not have enough people to fill your list. But, remember that asking someone to fill one of those slots is not doing them a favor; everyone will have responsibilities and all of them will need to be capable of contributing real effort to making the whole event a success. You haven’t got much choice with your parents but you need to give careful thought about who you ask to fill the other slots. You need to be sure that each friend or family member can be relied on to produce and also has the time and financial resources, so that the costs involved will not be a burden to them.        
The Maid or Matron of Honor The Maid or Matron of Honor is the most prestigious position, after the parents of the bride and groom. It’s also a lot of work, including helping with the invitations and checking out possible suppliers. But, I know of a few families where someone was very hurt that they were not asked by their sibling to fill that coveted position. The solution, many times, is simply to have two of them, provided that both people have the qualities needed to do the duties and give real support to you through the whole adventure. That can be sold, if necessary, by mentioning the fact that there’s plenty of things for the two of them to do and so, it might be too much too ask of one, however loyal a friend. If there is no-one you want who is available for a particular slot, think about offering to someone of the opposite gender. Be realistic about your size and your shape. Choose a color and shade which complements your natural look. Avoid anything which will reduce your enjoyment of your big day. Tight but stylish shoes may be okay just for a photo shoot but switch them for something which will caress and support your feet while you are dancing with your new husband or trying to avoid his uncle's clomping feet during the next dance. Your dress should catch the eye but not constrict you from moving around or being able to eat some of those special snacks which you’ve been looking forward to since you ordered them from the caterer. Keep your make-up to a tasteful minimum. If someone offers you a miracle wrinkle reducer cream be very careful. One treatment which has been used for years by make-up artists was developed to reduce hemorrhoids! It is claimed to have some effect over time but there’s a big downside. Some doctors say that the cream may reduce the natural elasticity of the skin. That might give you a papery complexion like a real smooth sheet of paper. The Bridesmaids!!! There’s a lot more that your girlfriends who accept your invitation to be your bridesmaids contribute to the wedding day and your whole experience than just their company, laughter and gifts. It’s not just the money and time they give to help make your day a raging success, they may help with checking possible suppliers and hosting as well as attending your showers and other prenuptial events and helping you to perk up when the load gets a bit heavy. So, you owe them! Remember that when you are about to choose a dress in a very expensive fabric that some of them might not be able to buy enough to make an apron, let alone a complete outfit. Tone down your spending to what is likely to suit their pockets too. You can put the money you didn’t spend into your reserve cushion or perhaps use it to help with some of their travel or accommodation costs, if you’re not already picking up the tab. Here’s a few other suggestions to help them help you and keep the costs in check: Dress Sense: Choose a style which will suit them or, if they vary markedly in size and shape, settle on a color and ask them to get a dress in that shade but to choose a style which suits them.

Make sure that you choose a color which is hard to duplicate in any reasonably-priced type of fabric. Don’t just discuss your needs and the progress with your wedding when they are around. Ask them about their careers and conquests and the other interests you all shared B.T.E. (Before The Engagement). If you’ve got a few spare dollars, get some simple but classy jewelry for your bridesmaids to wear and keep as a memento. The Receiving Line A traditional way of ensuring that every guest gets at least a few seconds to personally wish the happy couple well and speak a few hurried words to the happy couple’s parents. But, it also tends to drag for the guests who are waiting to get to the bridal party. They have only the people on either side of them in the line and that’s often two people that they have already been sharing a table with for some time. Maybe it’s time for the line to be erased. Bring in the Professionals.!!! You might not need all the services which I’ll cover here but what you save in dollars or pounds may not compensate for the extra effort, time and stress, accurately termed “sweat equity” that you will have to expend as a substitute. You can keep some of your expenses in check by using your “personal network” to find people that can make your wedding cake, table decorations or even provide classy vehicles to transport the bridal party on the wedding day. But, don’t expect to get everything for free. Offer to cover any out of pocket expenses (such as gas). Don’t forget to seek them out during the reception and chat. Then, make sure that you give them a quality token of your appreciation along with your sincere thanks. Wedding Planner If you’ve got just a minute budget then you and, perhaps, family and friends will have to do all the planning (with my help, of course). If you have the funds, then you might find the professional planner will not just save you more than she charges, but will also act as a buffer where there is disagreement between you and one or more of your parents about some part of the arrangements. You can hire a planner to take charge from the earliest stage or just come in a few days before the event to make sure everything comes to a memorable and joyous conclusion. Even if you go for the second, less expensive option, you will still need to book them much earlier, of course. When the planner is in charge of most of the arrangements, she can get professional discounts from suppliers which means that your costs are lower. You might get discounts from some suppliers by yourself but they give planners who provide them with steady business much better ones. She also only deals with suppliers that she knows are reliable and high quality. Remember that any good planner will provide you with choices but always be focused on helping you to achieve the type of wedding that you want. She will explain what can be provided within your budget, suggest alternatives in design, location and other aspects but always leave the final decisions to you. Wedding Planners build their businesses through referrals. So, their focus is over-delivering on your usually very high expectations. Don’t want a Professional Planner? You can call on friends, colleagues and, especially, family to help you with advice and also the leg-work involved in checking on venues and suppliers. Many people will also have contacts that may be able and willing to supply some services for your wedding. At the very least, their feedback about suppliers they have used could save you a lot of leg work and time. Photographer There are many commercial photographers to choose from when looking for someone to take photos or a video of your wedding and reception. It’s a very competitive market but price is just one important factor you have to consider. You need to look past the specially chosen pictures that the photographer puts on his brochure or website. The best idea is to ask to see a full set of proofs from one of the weddings which he photographed. Ask for references and check through your own friends about their recommendations. Be prepared for some horror stories and some glowing testimonials.                          
Make sure that the photographer whose pictures you’ve seen is actually the one who will be at your wedding. But, if it’s a one person business, ensure that they have someone with similar abilities who is able to step in if they are not available at short notice. As with each of the other suppliers, you must expect to pay for any additional services or features. Make sure you have the cost for the whole package, including albums, in writing before signing the contract. At that point, you are legally committed and any additions or changes could be very expensive. Most photographers will proudly display their membership certificates for the appropriate professional associations. But, a photographer may still produce work of a very high standard and not be a member of any association. And, membership or even having won awards, is no guarantee of a good result – check their recent work. Don’t expect “Hollywood” standard results. Those pictures are produced by experts with a supporting team of qualified professionals and in highly controlled environments. One picture might take an hour to set up and then undergo significant retouching later on. Time is another important consideration.!!! If you want the best possible pictures, set enough time into your wedding day schedule for the photographer to arrange and shoot the pictures at the various locations. Don’t let the photographer tie up your guests for long periods – they want to enjoy the function, to eat the food and mingle. Also, people that are not used to being posed and directed get irritable fairly quickly unless very carefully handled. Tell him what you want but be guided by his suggestions where they concern technical details. You want a photographer that you like enough to be comfortable around through the big day and one that will get along well with your guests. You can’t always avoid inviting your less pleasant relatives to your wedding but you’ve got more control over choosing the photographer. Tell the photographer about any particular shots that you want, especially groups containing special family members and/or friends, and encourage them to take lots of pictures. They will probably have a good knowledge of the venue you chose. If they say that there are no good backgrounds for some shots, work with them so that you get the best possible results. All the above will apply when you hire someone to produce a video of your big day. Give them a list of the particular moments that you want covered. Don’t want a Professional Photographer? Even when you hire a professional, encourage your guests to take their own pictures (without interfering with the photographer when he is setting up or shooting). Think carefully before you decide not to use a professional. Then, try to find someone you know who has photographed weddings before and got good results. It’s too important an occasion to risk ending up with no good pictures. Make one person your designated photographer and give them a list of the shots which you want. Give them time to set up their equipment and the groups to be photographed. But, don’t let any photographer run your whole schedule or harass your guests. Set the locations for the special group shots. Give the people that you want in them at least a few minutes notice so that nobody pops out for a cigarette or is hurrying off to the toilet when they’re needed. Everybody knows that the best pictures have everyone looking at the camera but it is worth reminding your guests just before they are photographed, so that you aren’t left with an album full of apparently sleepy or distracted people. Some amateur videographers like to add a lot of flashy effects to their movies. Ask that they first give you an unedited version for you to keep. Videographer!!! Weddings can be a profitable area for Videographers but it takes experience and attention to detail to get good results. Unfortunately, some people see wedding videography as a quick way to earn some money from their new video camera, maybe so they can buy a better one. So, you’re likely to have to sort through a lot of wannabes to find someone with some good references which you can check and then you need to discuss the fee. Arrange to talk with the videographer that you are considering and ask them for references and also to let you see a full video from someone else’s wedding. If they cannot or will not supply a full wedding for your review and to return or even just watch in their premises, but want you to just look at selected short clips, my advice is to keep looking. Ask how many people and cameras will be used. A good craftsman or woman can produce an enjoyable result with just one camera and operator but two cameras give many more possibilities (and cost more too, of course). If the film will be edited, check whether you can also get a copy of the raw footage for your own viewing. A professional probably won’t agree to just supplying the raw footage because they would not want it distributed – it might reflect on their professional reputation. But, supplying an unedited copy might be agreed to provided you confirm that it won’t be shown outside of your own home. It’s a good idea to get a volunteer to stay near the videographer while they are at the venue to smooth their way with the other guests so they can concentrate on giving you the best possible video memories. Give them a list of the main people at your wedding and reception along with a clearly marked map and all the relevant people’s mobile phone numbers. Don’t want a Professional Videographer? The potential for disappointment with an amateur video of your wedding is like that with amateur photography but multiplied a few times. That’s because the technology is still fairly new but the price of a reasonable camera has dropped to where almost anyone can get one, just in time for your wedding. Where a professional will try to make a story from your wedding and reception, many amateurs will be prone to trying every feature which they can find on their camera. They may not have conquered those common beginner problems of shake and external unwanted noise like wind or irrelevant conversation.   
That can be significantly reduced by using an external directional microphone with a wind cover. It’s a good idea to use quality lapel microphones to record the speeches onto the video. Careful editing will improve most amateur videos but it is like anything else; start with the best original that you can to get the best results. The bottom line is that you get just one chance to get it right. Master of Ceremonies A professional MC can make an event memorable and the worst speaker look good. But, it’s an extra expense and many couples are choosing to get a DJ and rely on a male relative to introduce the special guests, speakers and anything else that is required. They’ll discuss with you before the event any particular people you want them to mention and subjects that might unwittingly cause discomfort to any of the guests. Give them the times that your reception will start and finish as well as when you want them to begin their presentation, plus any relevant information about the minister or celebrant, special guests and the people who will do the actual speeches and any musicians or other entertainers who will perform at your reception. Then, just leave them to it. Don’t want a Professional Master of Ceremonies? You should try to find someone with some speaking experience or, at least, someone that you know will prepare for the occasion. There is no such thing as a great impromptu speech. A friend who is a professional speaker said that the most valuable advice he ever got was to practice everything, including his ad-libs (impromptu remarks). If the professionals don’t risk making a real off-the-cuff joke, then the risk of someone with much less experience seeing his joke fall flat or, even worse, seriously offending a guest or group, you can see that preparation is essential. The other point to be aware of with an amateur MC is for them to avoid making a speech themselves. They’re needed to provide a smooth connection between the bride’s father, the groom and best man (or whatever speakers you have) and help the audience to get maximum enjoyment possible from each one. All speakers need to rehearse their speeches. But, remind them that they’re going to be among friends and you just want a few sincere words from their heart, not a stunning piece of oratory. Your Caterer!!! You should do some serious investigating of your catering options before settling on the caterer or venue. Some venues have in-house catering which may give you a better price than if you hire a venue and arrange an outside caterer who has to bring in their equipment, staff and supplies, then pack up everything afterwards. Of course, deciding to use a specialist caterer will give you a wider range of food options and some may cost less than the in-house catering. Focus on the sort of food which you both like and also your families, but be aware of the likely preferences of your guests, especially any from different cultures and the elderly. This is an area where you are unlikely to get more than you pay for. Catering is fiercely competitive and costs are steadily increasing. The best recommendation is word of mouth from friends, colleagues and people in other businesses you deal with. You could ask the people that organize your office’s Christmas party or the people at any other reasonable-sized business you deal with who caters for their functions and what they like or don’t like about them. You need to be sure that you won’t be let down on the day, so inquire what provision the caterer has if there is a problem with the number of their regular staff available for your event. Don’t just go for the caterer with the most eye-catching or largest advertisement in your phone book. You might find out that eating the Yellow Pages would have been better! Don’t want a Professional Caterer? If members of your family really want to prepare the food for you, tell them up front that they will have a lot to do and you won’t be able to help much because of the rest of your commitments. But, if they’re determined to go ahead, then give them what support you can and be mindful of this major contribution to your wedding when you’re thinking about asking them to help with other preparations. There can be problems too if someone, like your mother or favorite aunt, offers to make your wedding cake for you. Preparing a wedding cake really is a major project, requiring a lot of effort and time. But, if your budget is very limited, thank them and keep an eye on their progress so that you don’t become cake-deprived at the last minute. The easier option all-round might be to use a professional caterer and ask the generous relative to maybe take part in the reception or give a reading during the wedding itself. The Right Cake for the Occasion Whatever your choice of cake maker, I strongly recommend that you stick with one proven tradition, have your wedding cake made with fruit cake and not some other type. Fruit cake may not be your favorite but a well-prepared one will probably remain edible for longer than most other kinds. Even after being frozen and revived, it will still taste okay! You can’t expect a fruit cake to stand up to being dropped even a few inches but you could send a piece around the world without its flavor or appearance being seriously affected. But, please don’t send any fruit cake or any other food to someone in another country or even another state without first carefully checking if you might be breaking their quarantine regulations. If you do get a home-made cake, be very careful about who you ask to deliver it to the reception. They are very delicate and need to be well-wrapped, then transported on the floor of the car. Don’t put the cake on a seat or shelf, even if it is in a well-padded box. If it falls or even just tips over, major irreparable damage will probably result. Leave the final assembly of the upper tiers and decorations until it’s safely on the table at your reception venue.

                                                         stay Smart, stay Beautiful!!!

MORE ON BEAUTY TIPS


Organization is the key when it comes to time management and your beauty routine. Expedite your beauty ritual in the mornings by keeping all of your makeup in one or two well-known places. Save yourself the hassle of packing extra items by bringing travel-size containers of your beauty and skincare products. This will give you more room to pack other things. Learn to recycle your skincare products to be more Earth-friendly. Opt for skincare, cosmetic and other beauty products that offer refillable containers. Also reuse any boxes you receive packages in. Keep your cosmetic products intact by keeping them out of direct sunlight and make sure the lids are tightly shut when not in use. Also avoid sharing cosmetics, since this can be unsanitary. Keep a close eye on your cosmetic products. Be sure to note if your products suddenly contain a foul odor, change colors or change its consistency. Chances are it’s gone bad so throw it out. Clean tools like eyelash curlers, nail tools, and curling irons by taking a cotton ball soaked in vinegar or alcohol and gently wipe the surface. Clean your blow dryer with a toothbrush to clean out the grill. Sick of spending money on new makeup sponges? Then try washing them instead of throwing them away after each use. Tossing them time after time quickly adds up to more waste and more of a burden on the planet. Don’t throw away your old contact lens cases - these can be used as makeshift travel containers that can be used to store small amounts of eye cream or moisturizer if you’re making an overnight trip. When buying drugstore makeup, throw away the cheap nylon brushes, which aren’t suitable for blending. Instead invest in good quality, professional makeup brushes to get perfect results. Find time in your schedule when you have more than an hour to devote to the spa. If time and your budget permits, try to schedule a block of time when you can have more than one service performed. Any product, organic or not, may have its effectiveness compromised by being exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Store your products in a safe place kept at constant room temperature. Replace cosmetics every 8-12 weeks. Products that come in close contact with the eyes, such as mascara and eyeliner, should be renewed every 6 weeks since bacteria are very easily spread here. Geranium leaves, oak bark, pine needles, and sunflower leaves are all known for the astringent properties. Look for these ingredients in the products you buy, and experiment on your own. Vitamins A, D and E, aloe, hyaluronic acid and squalene, give off a healthier and smoother appearance while moisturizing. Be on the lookout for such ingredients when you go shopping for lotion or moisturizer. Since being a sports mom mean being on the go, learn to love ponytails. There are a variety of sexy ponytail styles you can try at home. Your beauty routine should not only work for you, it should be practical. Add a few hints of sparkle to your peepers by using a few touches of larger glitter pieces and placing them on the inner and outer corner of your eyes. Or you can affix each spec of glitter along your lash line. Add a touch of glitter to your lips if you’d rather play up your lips than your eyes. You can find lip colors already infused with glitter and shimmer or layer on your regular lipstick and top with glittery gloss. To build up thin brows, try some eye shadow in a shade close to your brows. Apply it with an angled brush to fill in thin areas. Be sure not to go too dark with the shadow to keep the look natural. Since blemishes are raised, they cast a shadow when the light hits them. To combat this, apply one shade darker than your skin to the top of the blemish and one shade lighter than your skin to the bottom. Many scrubs contain aromatic essential oils: geranium tightens and tones skin, chamomile is calming for sensitive skin, sage soaks up oily skin and eucalyptus does some serious sinus-clearing. Fenugreek is a powerful anti-blackhead herb. Make a paste out of water and fresh crushed fenugreek leaves. Apply to the face for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat every night before bed. Whether you use your hands, a loofah, or a massager, don’t hesitate to use more of your favorite scrub, especially over particularly dry skin on your heels and elbows. This will keep them soft and smooth. You can make your fine or thin hair work in your favor with the right haircut and style. If you’re feeling daring, you can pull off a crop cut, which is a short, tapered style. Professional flat irons are worth the investment and give you great results in the long run. Some pricier flat irons are more favorable and have the technology to prevent long term damage to your tresses. Use lemon juice directly from the lemon on areas affected with blackheads two to three times a day. The juice will help tighten your pores and make the environment of the face less prone to blackheads. Goat milk soap has a similar pH balance as human skin so it is ideal for preventing chemicals and bacteria from upsetting the skin’s natural pH balance. This makes it perfect for sensitive skin. There are a variety of natural products that keep mosquitoes away from your skin but keep in mind that such products must be reapplied every two hours and should be purchased in high concentration formulas. The style and size of your bag can flatter your body shape: petite women should avoid large, oversized bags, which can swallow you in size by comparison. Plus size women should opt for medium sized bags. To make sure your flat iron has lasting power, make it a habit to gently clean your flat iron plates after each use with a styling iron cleaner. Avoid wrapping the cord around the iron and unplug it when not in use. Enjoy a bit of friendly competition? Challenge your sweetie to a game of one- on-one basketball. You don’t have to be an athlete to have a good time dribbling and shooting and you’ll both get a workout. Snack smart by reaching for water instead of soda, fruit instead of cookies and chips and vegetables in place of sweets. Switching the wrong foods with the right ones help you stay fit and satisfy your cravings. Women should take in more calcium because of conditions such as osteoporosis—1,000 mg per day is recommended for women younger than 50 years of age and 1,200 mg for those 50+. Before trying a new skincare product, visit your local skincare counter and ask for sample sizes first. Use those and see how your skin reacts after the first few days. Then decide if you want to pay full price. A trade secret for models that have dark circles is to apply black eyeliner and glossy mascara to the top lids and lashes only. Leave the bottom lashes dusted with eye shadow and powder. For a do-it-yourself lip exfoliator, apply a small amount of cocoa butter and sugar onto your fingertip or toothbrush and gently brush onto your lips. Rinse afterwards. Do this 1-2 times a day for smooth lips. Keep your hands young by using hand cream/lotion every day. Keep it in your purse, car or at your desk at work. A small amount each day will preserve your hands’ youth for years to come. Natural bristles pick up more color, causing makeup to fall around the lower crease of the eye making dark circles look darker. To neutralize bluish circles choose a brown eye shadow with a subtle gold shimmer. Lip liner should be used for lipstick colors that are darker or really bright. These types of lip color tend to spread over the lips, causing an undefined look. Natural or lighter shades should skip the liner. The next time you do your manicure at home, let your nail polish sit for about a minute. Next, put your nails underneath cold water for about 15 seconds. This process gets your nails drier quicker. Sensitive skin types should stick to skincare products that are free of heavy scents and fragrances, as these contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. Avoid scrubbing your face and over washing. Keep breakouts and pimples at bay by not touching your face with your hands often. The bacteria and oils on your fingers can easily transfer to your complexion, making it a breeding ground for pimples. To find the perfect jean, curvy figures should choose dark denim with a longer, boot cut. You will look your best in styles that draw attention to your entire silhouette rather than to a specific area. Prevent unwanted stretch marks from pregnancy by applying body oil or a thick body lotion to your belly soon as you find out you are pregnant. Keeping the skin highly moisturized helps the skin expand easier. Do you wear glasses or sunglasses regularly? Then make sure you clean them. Daily eyewear can cause excess oil to clog the pores around your nose and eye area, making it easier for breakouts to occur. Very rarely do beauty pageant contestants wear their natural hair in a pageant. From hair extensions to full on lace front wigs, contestants opt for fake hair for more volume, length and oomph when onstage. Because the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, beef up on your sun care if you have to be out and about. Make sure you protect yourself as well as your family with sunscreen and protective clothing. To properly prepare your face for tweezing, first wash your face with warm water – or tweeze right after you get out of the shower and your skin is still moist and warm. Follow up a waxing session the same way you would with shaving by using a good quality cream or ointment that will soothe the skin and help prevent breakouts or irritation. For a thorough body exfoliation, apply body oil to your entire body before getting into the bathtub. Soak in the bath for 10 minutes and then use a washcloth to rub the oil from your skin. This removes dead skin. It’s best to color coordinate your eye shadow with your hair and eye color, not the outfit you’re wearing. For a neutral look, match your eye shadow color with your eye color, hair color and your skin tone. Add lowlights to your hair color for a deeper, more stylish look. Adding pieces of darker color adds dimension and helps to blend existing highlights with your natural color. For sultry eyes that speak your mind while you keep them guessing just what you’re up to, apply a dark gray shadow close to the lash line. This adds dimension and eases dark under eye circles. When choosing anti-wrinkle creams, you’ll have to decide between natural and synthetic. Choose products with vitamin C or E for natural formulas and Alpha/Beta Hydroxyl or Idebenone for synthetic. To aid in the battle against aging, use a nighttime facial moisturizer that contains anti-aging properties. This will help renew and invigorate your complexion while you sleep so you wake up refreshed. To make your foundation appear more natural, try adding a bit of toner, water or astringent to your foundation. Doing this will dilute the foundation and create a more sheen appearance. For women built straight up and down who want to create more curves, be sure to sport jackets and tops that hug your waist firmly, as well as a thick sweater over a skirt or pair of form-fitting pants. If you want to take care of your brows yourself, use white eye liner to trace the natural shape of your brows. Any hairs that appear outside of the line you’ve drawn above your eyebrows should be removed. Water, ice and snow reflect a lot of UV rays, often more than regular sunlight alone. Whether you’re swimming or snowboarding, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF if you plan on being around these elements. Take proper care of your loofahs in order to extend their shelf life. After each use, rinse your loofah and allow to dry. Do not use vinegar or lemon juice. If your loofah turns black or has mold, throw it away. It’s important to give new skincare and anti-aging products enough time to judge if they really work or not. Most anti-aging products take at least 90 days to effectively show results. So don’t be in a rush. To protect your hair from snagging on your pillow and being pulled out, switch from cotton to silk or satin pillowcases. These materials allow your hair to glide smoothly across the surface, keeping your strands on your head and off your pillow. Target the early signs of aging right away with eye creams and other anti- wrinkle products.

 The earlier you treat your wrinkles and fine lines, the less you’ll have to worry about when you apply your makeup. When pores begin to clog, wash your face with warm water and use a grainy exfoliate cleanser. Look for products with natural ingredients such as oats, orange peel, ground almonds and rose petals.               
                                                                                                                                                                                       It’s best to find a dress that uses sheer material around the chest, shoulders, or neckline. Showing a hint of skin in any of these areas can make an outfit stand out in a classy and sexy way, instead of trashy. The best way to prevent your favorite scent from prematurely expiring is to keep it away from light and heat on a daily basis. That means storing your perfume or cologne bottle in your bathroom cupboard. Breathable cotton nighttime wear is ideal for getting a good night’s rest. When your body is comfortable and your skin can breathe, you’ll be able to wake up feeling great from head to toe. Brides and bridesmaids should consult with a makeup artist to create and achieve their desired look. The goal is to enhance each woman’s unique beauty rather than make them look like someone else or the bride. Before attempting to groom your own brows, get a professional to help you define the shape by waxing, tweezing or threading. Once you have the shape in place, then maintain it on your own. Take gold eye shadow and apply it to your lids and inner corners. Instead of liner, take a stiff brush and use the gold eye shadow to gently smudge the color along your lower lashes for a highlighted appearance. Cover injection site bruising by using an opaque concealer the same shade as your skin. Apply luminizing concealer to diffuse the darkness and swipe a shimmering powder to even out the way the light reflects. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating tools. Aggressive exfoliation coupled with sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentaiton. Instead use an AHA or BHA cleanser or moisturizing lotion. To correct uneven lip color, you can use a lip base or balancer, which puts the lighter tones on the dark areas and the darker tones on the light areas. This keeps the color pure and consistent. Use sunscreen everywhere, but do not forget the delicate skin around your eyes (look for SPF 50 to be safe). And don’t forget to apply it to your eyelids. The most common problem to nails that won’t grow is your laundry and dish detergent. Harsh detergents can weaken and stress nail fibers. Be sure to wear a pair of rubber gloves when doing laundry or dishes. Invest in a pair of large dark glasses that cover not only your eyes, but the skin around them. This cuts down on sun exposure and keeps you from squinting, which can contribute to crow’s feet. For a more permanent solution to the bikini line problem, you can go for electrolysis or laser treatments. These are generally done in a clinical setting, and often only need to be performed once. To stay at a healthy weight, use low or no-impact aerobic activities like swimming, cycling or walking. Add strength-training activities such as lifting weights or simple household items twice a week. Jojoba oil is odorless and mimics the hair’s natural oils, making it a perfect choice for a leave-in conditioner. Olive oil, mineral oil, or almond oil can also be used in the hair as a leave in conditioner. Using a good moisturizer can help keep your skin soft and supple and lessen the appearance of crow’s feet. Look for a moisturizer that includes glycolic acid as an ingredient. To protect your pout from sun damage and other weather issues, apply a good moisturizer or lip balm before applying lip color. Choose a lipstick that also contains moisturizer for even more protection. Make your body lotion work or moisturizer even better by adding a few drops of essential oil to it. You can buy essential oils like lavender, jasmine and safflower oil online or at specialty stores. One tip for keeping your liner in place and prevent smudging is to brush a thin layer of translucent powder over your liner with a small makeup brush. The results will be long lasting and less for you to deal with. When getting dressed for the gym, women should opt for ankle socks that reach no higher than the rim of your sneakers. When your socks show off your ankles, your legs and feet look less clunky. Because sensitive and dry skin can get irritated by toner, make your own by using rose water diluted with mineral water. Use a cotton ball to apply and avoid the upper cheek and eye area. Remember, body soap should never be used on your face. To help you break out of this bad habit, look into purchasing a mild facial cleanser in bar soap form. To lose weight effectively, stick to water. It has no calories and is better for you in the long run, compared to only drinking teas, juice, energy drinks, and flavored or sparkling water. If you have a cut with straight bangs, a ponytail swept up high at the top of your crown with your bangs down is a classic look. Growing your bangs out? Part them on the side and bobby pin them in the back. Most medical experts suggest drinking anywhere between 8-12 glasses of water a day for skin that is healthy, glowing, and hydrated. Keep a water bottle near you at all times to avoid drinking soda. Test foundation on your face instead of on your hand and in natural sunlight. Apply a small amount to your complexion and blend. If the color disappears naturally into your skin, you’ve found your shade. Because warm weather causes you to sweat more, you may want to cleanse your face during midday in order to keep the surface debris and oils from sitting on your face until nighttime. If you have almond-shaped eyes, line the outer-third portion of the upper and lower lids to accentuate your shape. Applying a neutral color over the lid, followed by a medium to dark brown in the crease. To keep more money in your wallet, don’t worry about spending loads on cleanser, which only sits on your complexion for a few minutes. Instead, invest in sunscreens, moisturizers, and overnight treatments. Chemically straightened hair should be deep conditioned at least once a week. Use thermal hair products to protect your hair from the heat and avoid putting heat on the hair for 1-2 days after straightening. Plan on being in the sun for a long time? Then wear a hat. Your scalp can get sunburned like the rest of your body so protect your head. The area where you part your hair is a common site for sunburn. Peach blush is the color to brighten up your skin and give you a boost. No matter your skin tone or age it’s universally flattering. Peach is also a perfect complement to a tan. To create the illusion of smaller eyes, use black eye liner to line the top and bottom of your eyes. Be sure to line the entire bottom lash line and connect the outer corners to create the ―closed‖ look. Dry skin types should look for words on skincare product labels such as ―mild‖ and ―gentle,‖ while oily skin types should purchase skincare products that use words like ―potent‖ and ―strong‖ on the label. If you’re searching for a spa that offers real therapeutic services, you’ll want to pass on spas that offer things such as chocolate baths, or facials that sound more like a fancy drink than an actual service. To avoid making small eyes look smaller, avoid lining your bottom lash line all the way. Only line from the outer corner to halfway (white works well for this trick). This will create a more ―open‖ look. When using brow powder, choose a color that is one shade darker than your hair color if you have light hair and one shade lighter if you have dark hair. Most skincare products are known by different names so don’t get confused. Cleansing lotion, creams, milks, and gels all basically refer to liquid cleansers. Toners are sometimes called facial lotion. Prep your nails before getting a manicure. This means that all old polish should be stripped off using a nail polish remover and all residual oil and lotion must be washed off well. Eat more of the following foods for a flatter stomach: chocolate, olives, oils, nuts and seeds, and avocados. These control your calorie intake, resulting in the loss of inches off of your waistline. Make a paste out of water and fresh crushed fenugreek leaves. Apply this paste to your face for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Repeat every night before bed for a blackhead free face. Grated raw potatoes can be used to treat all kinds of skin problems including pimples, wrinkles, whiteheads and blackheads. Pack potatoes directly on problem areas to extract blackheads. Try a hot cup of chamomile to relax away your stress or a peppermint tea to revive your senses. For a delicious treat, indulge in a cup of Chocolate flavored coffee or dark chocolate flavored cappuccino. Combining fish oil pills with daily activities such as brisk walking can be enough to help you burn body fat and ultimately shed pounds faster than exercise and diet alone. Plus sized women should try wearing multiple bracelets of different widths to create balance and draw attention away from a thick wrist. Only wearing one bracelet can make your wrist look even thicker. Hand creams work best when combined with heat. When applying your hand cream, immediately begin rubbing it together in your hands for 10 seconds before spreading over the rest of your hands and skin. If you have dry skin, smash an avocado, smooth over face for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. If you have sensitive skin, try mixing oatmeal with warm water and apply the mixture to your face. Avoid excessively pumping your mascara in order to get more on the brush. The more you pump, the more air gets in so this practice quickly dries out your mascara prematurely. Limit 1-2 pumps max. Older women should stick to minimal eye makeup. When dealing with eyeliner, only use thin lines on the top and bottom. Avoid too many coats of mascara. This enhances the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For healthy hair, mash fresh amla (a type of seed oil) into a paste and massage into your hair and scalp regularly. This paste prevents premature gray hair, keeps it from falling out and has a cooling effect. Dealing with unsightly cellulite? After taking a warm shower or bath, switch the water to cold and blast the areas of cellulite with it before stepping out. The cold water will help break up the fatty deposits. To avoid getting eye makeup on your perfectly applied foundation, apply your eye makeup first. This will avoid the pesky speckles of eye shadow that often fall onto your cheeks or under eye area. For normal to oily skin, mix two raw eggs with ¼ cup orange or grapefruit juice and apply to the face. While you are at it, throw a couple of cucumbers over your eyes to reduce puffiness and cool tired eyes. For makeshift concealer, simply use a makeup brush and dip it into your foundation to apply color to problem areas. Blend well using a sponge or your finger. Keep a special razor handy that you only use for shaving your bikini line. This will keep the blade sharp longer, instead of using your regular razor that you use to shave your legs and under your arms with. To comfortably wear a short denim skirt with a round bottom, search for denim that is also made with a combination of spandex or lycra. When all else fails, choose the right skirt length and avoid a mini skirt. Medium-dark complexions should look for a foundation that evens out the skin without looking too orange or muddy. Caramel and honey shades look best when paired with a concealer that is yellowy beige. The polyphenols and other antioxidant properties contained in tea work effectively in preventing plaque from gathering on your teeth and help to reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. For a bob haircut gone bad, add some volume. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to create waves of curls that will disguise your true cut and style. Curl the hair under and then comb-through with your fingers. To make sure your eyeliner pencil goes on smoothly and blends naturally, run it along the back of your hand. This helps if the liner is brand new and you don’t want to deal with sharp, hard tips. Moisturizer doesn’t have to come in a bottle. It can be as simple as a few added drops of sweet almond oil to your bath water or as soothing as mixing a paste of baking soda with ¼ cup of olive oil for dry skin. After your bath, try applying your face creams to your hands instead of your usual lotion and then slip on a pair of cotton gloves for added moisturizing softness. You’ll wake up with gorgeous hands. The trick to fabulous beach lips is to go ever-so-slightly beyond your lip line with a light glaze of clear or pale pink gloss. Too much will run or smear after you’ve been in the water. Women with heart shaped faces should avoid hairstyles that are short and fall at the nape of the neck. This only makes the face more pronounced. Instead, opt for longer styles with bangs that frame the jaw line. Skin tint or tinted moisturizer will help even skin tone without looking caked on. Use a shimmering blush in coral or soft pink to make you look fresh and flushed. To avoid brittle nails, use a nail hardener that has a waterproof coating that is formulated to seal in moisture and keep out the dirt and water. Avoid using nail hardeners for long periods of time. To effectively remove mascara, simply use cleanser to take away any traces. However, if you’re using waterproof mascara, you’ll want to apply a special makeup remover or tea tree oil to dissolve the mascara. The purer the olive oil, the better the results. Olive oil helps reduce the buildup from largely synthetic hair care products and environmental contaminants that leave your hair feeling brittle and dull. Women with short torsos can elongate their mid-section with a belt that is the same color as their outfit. Avoid wearing a belt in a different color, it will make it look like your torso’s been cut in half. In order to keep your cuticles healthy and to preserve your next manicure, apply a light coat of olive oil over both your cuticles and nails. It is best to do this before getting your manicure done. Not sure how to sport full brows? Try wearing a matte coral lip color with no gloss and a few coats of mascara. Or you can play up the look a bit by wearing a smoky eye and bright red lips. Water can end up being very drying to both the skin and the nails, so follow up your hand washings with an application of moisturizer and wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes or do any cleaning. While shopping for makeup brushes, test them by running it along the back of your hand. If you notice the hairs/bristles start to come loose, that’s a sign that they are poor quality and you shouldn’t buy them. For those getting entirely new hairstyles, you’ll want a guide to follow so be sure to ask your stylist what the new regimen for your hair care should be after you head home. Tired of dealing with clumpy eyelashes that are stuck together? Then use a clean mascara wand to gently comb through and remove the excess mascara to avoid the clump and separate the lashes. Cream eye shadows are ideal for dry skin types because they are oil based. The moisturizing properties work well for dry skin and should be applied using a brush or your fingertips. If you suffer from bacne, avoid wearing tight fitting fabrics for long periods of time, especially if you’re sweating. After a workout at the gym or playing sports, be sure to jump into the shower and use a body wash made for clearing up bacne. Pressed eye shadow powder is still popular but unfortunately the effect of the color tends not to last as long. For staying power, apply your eye shadow powder with a wet brush. To cut down on ingrown hairs and razor burn, use a separate razor for your bikini line instead of the same razor for all your shaving needs. This keeps the blade fresher longer and ensures a close shave each time. A nail moisturizer can be used on top of a nail strengthener or worn alone on the bare nail bed. Keeping a good nail moisturizer on your nails along with a nail hardener will result in long and beautiful nails. To make your face appear years younger, groom your eyebrows by plucking, waxing or threading. When your brows are free of stray hairs and shaped properly, the appearance is like a miniature eyelift. For minimal maintenance lowering, shop for a gentle milk cleanser that you can use twice daily. This will help keep your skin from over-drying. Dry skin requires more help and more time to treat. For those who want to get to bed earlier, look for cleansers that use both alpha hydroxy acid and salicylic acid. This combination will help prevent fine lines and wrinkles as well as breakouts. Protect your teeth while sipping your favorite drinks by drinking with a straw. This method allows you to enjoy your drink without exposing your pearly whites and preventing early tooth decay. Remember, all skincare products have expiration dates so if you’ve got a sink full of different types of items, check the dates and toss them if you know you won’t use them and your skin doesn’t need them. Teeth whitening services and products are a top method for pageant contestants. Some go as far as to mix cat litter (unused of course!) into their toothpaste in order to get a pearly white smile. Having trouble finding a personal fragrance? Look around your home and find a common scent theme in the scented cleaning products you use. Chances are this is the type of personal fragrance you’ll like. If you find that the skin on your face looks dry and dull, you may want to try gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells. Products that contain alpha hydroxy acids will work very well. Need a new boost in your exercise routine? Then try doing your exercises in the water. Join a water aerobics class at your local gym or learn some do-it- yourself water exercises that you can do in your own pool. Worried about calories? Modify your meals to include more spices and less fattening condiments like butter, sour cream and mayonnaise. Additionally, use condiments in moderation and in small amounts. Natural makeup means natural! Skip foundation and use tinted moisturizer. Lay off the dark and dramatic eye makeup. Stick to simple colors and minimal mascara. Use nude or no lip color with clear gloss. Sunscreen is only effective with reapplication. Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours and use a formula that is made for the activity you’re doing, like swimming or sports. The greatest lip colors can be made by blending one or more shades of lipsticks you don’t care for. Not only can you come up with colors that meet your needs, you’ll also have a shade that is unique. Medical studies have suggested that using skincare products with vitamin C, ALA (alpha lipoic acid), and DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) are ideal for treating certain types of uneven skin tone. The best way to save time while heading for a tanning bed is to come fully prepared. Arrive in clothing that is easy and fast to remove and keep jewelry and other accessories in your purse. A cool lukewarm shower can help you prevent dry flaky skin. And be sure to pat dry – no rubbing. Vigorous rubbing will only irritate your skin and undo all the good your cool shower did you. To avoid creases in your eye shadow, first apply a light powder on your eyelids, unless you are using cream eye shadow. In this case, do not use powder because when combined, it will clump or clog. Got sparse or thin eyebrows that need to be better? Then invest in a good brow power and apply with an angled brush to fill in the bad areas. Be sure to get the powder in the same shade as your brows. Replace the sponges in your compact on a regular basis to avoid bacteria from gathering. Now and then, toss the whole compact and start fresh - the average shelf life for cosmetics is 6 to 12 months. Eating foods rich in vitamins C, E, and A, like mangos, maintain and repair skin cells. A diet lacking these vitamins will result in a dry, flaky complexion. For first-time tweezers, define your arch by slowing thinning the eyebrows. The arch should be at the highest point above the middle of your iris. Remove any hairs that fall outside the natural line. Make a special note on your calendar the week before you know your menstrual cycle will begin to switch to gentler skincare products. It’s best to choose products made for sensitive skin. Pale complexions should stick to pastel shades of eye shadow. Stay away from golds and glitter, which can disappear into your complexion. Avoid blacks and grays, which can be too dramatic. If your complexion gets drier than normal during your period, make it a point to moisturize. After cleansing, pat your face dry but leave it a bit damp so that your facial moisturizer will lock in more hydration. When shopping for skincare products for your boyfriend, brother or husband, avoid products with frilly packaging or feminine colors. If you want your guy to actually use what you buy him, choose a skincare product with plain, simple packaging and darker colors. To combat acne breakouts, vitamin B is crucial. Vitamin B calms the effects of stress and anxiety on the body and your complexion, making it harder for acne to have a negative impact. During winter, your fingernails can become brittle easier. Avoid getting your fingers wet during cold weather. Wear protective gloves whenever you have to get your hands wet and moisturize afterwards. When applying black liner, maintain control in order to avoid thick or heavy lines. Steady your hand by placing your fingers near the end of the pencil and holding it closely, almost like you’re choking it. Vitamin A helps alleviate many common eye problems such as bloodshot eye, spots on the outer membrane of the eye and inflammation around the edges of the eyelids. It is beneficial in treating all eye disorders. Oily and combo skin types with oily areas can benefit from using toner. This skincare product tightens pores and helps to clean off the residual dirt, oil and surface bacteria your cleanser can leave behind. The most important makeup item to update throughout the year is foundation. In order to keep your foundation up to date, it helps to have two shades of foundation handy: one for the winter and one for summer. For thick, dense curls that need to be tamed and weighted down a bit, a gel or cream style conditioner may be most appropriate. A foam or pump style conditioner is best for soft, fine, wavy or thin hair. Exercise can improve circulation and can actually improve skin tone. If you’re not fond of exercise, try a physical activity you enjoy. If you don’t have the motivation to get up and move, ask a friend to help. Did you know that you can use your favorite lipstick as blush? Use your fingertip to apply the color onto your cheeks and blend gently with a sponge applicator until the color fades into your complexion. Don’t go overboard with exfoliating. Once to twice a week is ideal - anymore than that, and you could irritate your skin and over acidify your complexion. Be sure to choose a gentle formula. One way to ensure that your body spray keeps you cool and fresh is to chill it in the refrigerator before spraying. Or you can layer the fragrance by using scented body gel in the shower, followed by body spray. Feel comfortable while shopping for bathing suits by finding the right store to look in. Pick a store where you don’t feel intimidated. It helps to shop at a store that caters to your size and build. When introducing a new skincare or makeup item into your routine, give your skin time to adjust. All cosmetic items contain a score of ingredients and any of them can possibly irritate your skin. Before applying false eyelashes, apply one to two coats of regular mascara to help your natural lashes blend in better with the fake ones. Apply eye makeup first to avoid getting color on the false lashes. You can turn to general dietary supplements or those that are formulated for increased nail growth. Vitamin B6 and Niacin are two major nutrients that help speed up and support cell growth. Want a way to make your thin lips appear fuller? Add clear gloss! Light reflects off of the lip gloss, which creates the illusion of larger lips. To make larger lips appear thinner, stick to matte lip colors.                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                             To maintain naturally beautiful, strong and healthy hair, it is very important that you drink plenty of water, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, eat foods rich in vitamin E for shine. Keep your complexion clean and clear by not touching your face with your fingers, especially if you’ve touched your hair. Oil and bacteria can transfer from your fingers to your complexion, causing pimples. Choose soft waves and curls, or longer styles with layers to soften a square face shape. This face shape should only deal with hairstyles that don’t create or enhance hard lines. One way to tell if your makeup sponge needs to be thrown away is if it looks shiny from absorbing the excess oils on your face. Clean sponges once a week or use disposable sponges that come in bulk. If you suffer from dark under eye circles, stress will make them worse. Do your best to maintain a positive lifestyle, both physically and emotionally. Concealer and lots of sleep will take care of the rest. During the breastfeeding stage it is not recommended for new mothers to go on weight loss or dieting programs, since this period of time should be devoted to nurturing your newborn through breastfeeding. Avoid eating pasta, rice, and/or potatoes before bed. Such foods can result in a soft, doughy complexion in the morning. Instead eat foods rich in protein and low in sugar, such as salmon and asparagus. If your skin starts to get flaky and dry, pour boiling water into a bowl and use a towel to cover your head and steam your face for five minutes. Your face will be flush, refreshed and your makeup will stay on better.

                                                             stay Smart, stay Beautiful!

Friday 20 March 2015

Rapid Weight Loss Techniques

Other than physical appearance weight affects a person in many ways. This could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities. There are a lot of positive changes once a person experience weight loss. It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turner body. The first thing that an over-weight should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level. Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight's life: First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements. Begin by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing. Second: Set realistic approaches.
The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someoneon a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be discouraged and lose focus. Third: Listen as the body speaks. Each and everyone's body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body's reaction. Exercise program must be suitable to one's body, as others are not able to exercise as rigorously as others can. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so it's also best to put on a little muscle and looking good too. Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster. Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes the body's insulin level. Thus, making the body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing. Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great amount of fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked. Sixth: Takes lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated. All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to a rapid weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started. Free Weight Loss programs The race to fitness is on and a lot of people are getting into the band wagon. Some people do it to achieve a sexy body, some people just do it because they are embarrassed with the body they have now, while others do it simply to remain fit and heatlthy. As such, many fitness programs are out in the internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centers all over. Some are too expensive to afford that one may even lose weight just by trying to work out the money needed to pursue these fitness programs. One may not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend much just to slim down to obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookstore which offer weight loss programs which are convenient and for free, of course the books are not though. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity with so much publicity, testimonials and reviews that one may be confused which exactly to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading these summaries about the most popular diet programs out today. Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This weight loss program encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. One can feast on vegetables and meat but should fast on bread and pasta. One is also not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, after the diet, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat. Intake of grains and fruits are also limited. Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan advocates low carbohyrate eating. Approves on eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too much carb. "Reward" meal can be too high on fats and saturated fats. Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. Restrains fat intake. One is given a "fat" budget and he is given the liberty on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate intake. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafoods is okay. A go signal is also given on eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is fairly healthy, good amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch triglyceride levels though; if high, trim down the carbohydrates and tuck in more of the unsaturated fats. The DASH Diet. Advocates moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages high intake of whole wheat grains as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advocates too much eating to procure significant weight loss. Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish. Primarily vegetarian fare and strictly low-fat. Gives the go signal on the "glow" foods but warns to watch it on non-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet is poor in calcium and retricts consumption of healthy foods like seafoods and lean poultry. Eat Right for Your Type. Interesting because it is based on the person's blood type. recommends plenty of mest for people with the blood type O. Diet plans for some blood types are nutritionallyimbalanced and too low in calories. And for the record, there is even no proof that blood type affects dietary needs. The Pritkin Principle. Focused on trimming the calorie density in eating by suggesting watery foods that make one feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is okay. Although limits protein sources to lean meat, pseafood and poultry. Although it is healthy by providing low amounts of saturated fats and rich amounts of vegetables and fruits, it is also low on calcium and limits lean protein sources. Volumetrics. For low-density calorie eating. Recommends the same foodstuff as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as being low in calorie density and saturated fats. The Zone. Moderately low on the carbs yet moderately high on the proteins. Encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus veggies, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium. Weight Watchers. High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. it allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow. Losing Weight the Healthy Way Almost 108 million Americans were overweight or obese in 1999. Until now, obesity continues to be a serious problem and is predicted to reach epidemic levels by the year 2020. One way to prevent this scenario is to make people aware of the risks of being overweight or obese. Here are some diseases that you are putting yourself in risk of if you are carrying a lot of extrapounds: 1. heart disease2. stroke 3. diabetes4. cancer5. arthritis6. hypertensionLosing weight helps to prevent and control these diseases. The quick weight loss methods which have spread like fire these days do not provide lastingresults. More often than not, dieting methods which involve dietary drinks, foods and supplementor pills do not work. If they do, the results are just temporary. It is better to rely on a healthy weight loss option which will provide lifetime results. You have to set realistic goals and not expect to lose a lot of pounds in a short span of time. Here are some tips on how you can lose those unwanted pounds the healthy way: 1. Do not starve your self. The key to a healthier way of losing weight is: Do not diet. You may seem happy and feel that you are losing those unwanted flabs on your belly and thighs by skipping meals. But remember that this would not last long. Your body cannot tolerate having insufficient food to fuel the energy that you use up everyday. If you get used to skipping one or two meals a day, your stored calories will be used up instead of the energy that should have been provided by your meals. So if you just eat one huge sandwich in one day, it will end up straight to your problem area (i.e. highs, buttocks, hips). 2. Start your day right. Mothers always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Have a healthy meal in the morning to jump-start your metabolism. Your food intake after you wake up will be used to burn fat all day long. 3. Eat small, healthy meals frequently. Five small-serving snacks per day is better than three hearty meals. Eating more frequently, and in small servings, can prevent over-eating. This will also increase your metabolism and make calories burn faster. 4. Decide on how much weight you want to lose. Keep your goals realistic. In the long run, it is virtually impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for the rest of your life. Once you have decided on a weight loss plan or program, stick to it and make sure that you follow your own set of dieting rules. 5. Drink lots of water. Your body needs sufficient water to burn fat and keep your cells hydrated and healthy. 6. Avoid too much sugar. Plan your meals around lots of fruits and vegetables, some bread, rice or pasta for that carbo fix that you need, plus lean meat and protein rich-foods. Sweets, sodas and pastries should be once- in-a-while indulgences only. 7. Watch your fat intake. Fat is not the culprit to being overweight. You need this to keep your weight at the proper level. There is such a thing as healthy fats. Olive, peanuts and canola oil have them. Tuna, salmon and mackerel have omega-3 fats which is good for the heart. 8. Exercise. Leave your car if you are only going a few blocks from home, take the stairs instead of the elevator, jog, cycle or skate. Use these activities and other home chores if you are too lazy to go to the gym and take exercise classes. Make sure that you do this regularly and you will not even notice that you are already shedding pounds with these mundane activities. It does not matter how much weight you plan or need to lose. What is important is that you set realistic goals for yourself. Go slow. If you have already lost 5 or 6 pounds, give yourself a break then try to lose the next 5 pounds. Eat healthy, drink lots of water, have enough sleep and exercise. This will give you a higher chance of losing weight and improving your health, which would result to a new, healthier you. Losing Weight? - Go Herbal These days, there is a great need for overweight Americans to lose those excess pounds. Being healthy would not only lead them to have a healthier lifestyle but it will also literally lighten their load, and improve their overall well-being. There is a long list of dieting options available. There are exercise programs, exercise machines, dietary supplements, dietary food and drinks, diet pills - there are even soaps which claim to help you lose pounds while you bathe. One other available option to shed off those unwanted pounds is to go herbal. Herbal weight loss products have been in great demand for people who want to lose weight the natural way. However, when you take herbal supplements to lose weight, you would have to wait for a longer time for the results because of the more subtle effects of medicines which came from plants and natural herbs. Here are some herbal weight loss options that you might want to consider: 1. Herbal weight loss products There are a lot of herbal weight loss products available in the market now. You can check out the Internet and you will find a lot of herbal weight loss pills and products. Be careful, however, as there are some products which claim to be safe and natural because they are herbal, but some actually have side effects because of non-extensive research on the effects of these products. Here are some ingredients and chemicals which make up some herbal weight loss products that you should watch out for, as they might have harmful effects to your health: > Senna. This is an herbal laxative. Senna is a main ingredient in weight loss teas, and it works by stimulation the colon. The downside effect of this herb is dehydration. It can also lead to colon problems and can become addictive. Some people, when addicted, are unable to perform bowel movements without it, so watch out. > Chromium pollinate. This is a synthetic compound found in herbal weight loss products. Chromium is a nutrient which helps regulate blood-sugar level. However, this ingredient, when taken in high doses, may cause damage in the chromosomes. It can also lead to dehydration. > St. John's wort. This supplement increases the production of a chemical in the brain. If not used properly, it may cause eye and skin sensitivity, mild gastrointestinal distress, fatigue and itching. Although a lot of herbal products claim to be safe and natural, it is better to scrutinize the ingredients and research about the effects of the product itself before going for these herbal dietary pills. 2. Organic food. In Wichita, Kansas, organic food has found its way to more homes and restaurants. Organic food devotees believe that consuming organic goodies help their bodies as well as the environment. A person who buys organically raised eggs and vegetables claim to be healthier, and they are not spending money on doctors and prescriptions as these keep them healthier and away from the hospital. This could also be an option for weight watchers, as organic food is known to be kinder to your weight than chemically-processed food products. 3. Green Tea. Studies show that intake of green tea, or green tea extracts burns extra calories. Also, green tea with caffeine can increase fat burning by up to 40% thereby reducing fat. This is one good option for those who want to lose weight. In a study done, people who took green tea were found to lose 2 to 3 times more weight than those who did not drink green tea. These results show that green tea is a natural product for the treatment of obesity. Thus, it also makes for a healthier dietary option, not to mention the good effects that it has on the body as compared to caffeine. A cup of tea gives an immediate energy lift without the side effects of caffeine. 3. Caffeine. Coffee provides an energy boost to increase fat burning. Caffeine also provides a likelihood to be active, which in turn increases your rate of calorie burn. 4. Immortality Herb. This herb, whose scientific name is Gymnostemna Pentaphyllum, is known to have the following benefits: > increases healthy blood flow > reduces artery blocks > aids healthy blood pressure > increases the rate of fat burning 5. Apple Cider Vinegar There are pills and food supplements whose main ingredient is apple cider vinegar. Here are the benefits of taking this herbal option: > weight loss > improved cholesterol level > improved high blood pressure > helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis Hypnosis Weight Loss: Some Ways to Stop the Weighting Controlling your weight and avoiding weight gain as you get older are important ways to prevent a host of weight-related health problems. Indeed, if you are more than 20 pounds over your ideal weight, you are at greater risk for a rogues’ gallery of potentially deadly conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, and breast cancer. What’s more, most people who are overweight tend to avoid exercise, and that avoidance just adds to the toll paid for extra pounds. If you have a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight, you are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems. And, if you already have a medical condition such as high cholesterol, being overweight puts you at higher risk for complications. The good news is that even modest amounts of weight loss can improve your health significantly. Loss of 10% of body weight can reduce blood pressure, high cholesterol, triglyceride, and high blood sugar levels. Today, there are many procedures that can contribute and help people loss weight effectively. One of the known procedure in losing weight is through hypnosis.However, many misconceptions have come up with regards to the application of hypnosis in losingeight. And because it does not involve drugs or any kinds of medications and surgery, many peopletend to think that losing weight through hypnosis seems to be one of the safest weight lossprogram.To know more about hypnosis and its effects on losing weight, here is a list of some facts that willgive you an insight about what it can do to your body weight. 1. Hypnosis can be an imminently risky if not done properly and not utilize by people who are highly trained with the real concept of hypnosis. Even if many people tend to think that hypnosis will not pose imminent danger to their health, still, it is important to know that the person who will do the procedure is skilled enough and that he or she knows what factors to consider before doing the procedures. 2. Hypnosis alone cannot eliminate excess fat from the body and, therefore, make somebody lose weight. Most health experts contend that hypnosis should only be a part of a whole assimilated process. It should never be used as the sole weight loss procedure. Moreover, one session of hypnosis will only have very minimal results on an individual’s weight. When losing weight, hypnosis matched with psychotherapy will be more effective than hypnosis alone. This is because hypnosis is only a state of deeply relaxing the mind, in which one can still be in control of his or her own body. 3. Hypnosis is one way of getting into the subliminal state of a person. When a person is on the “hypnotic stage,” the body is more responsive to suggestibility because of its intensified state of concentration. However, this does not necessarily mean that through hypnosis, one can already “reprogram” the mind of an individual. In reality, hypnosis can only run the range from trouble-free relaxation condition to proper initiation managed by a professional hypnotists. Hence, it should not be considered paranormal and magical in its upshots. Boiled down, people should be more aware that hypnosis is not a sole effective process in losing weight. It is more of a facilitator of various treatment techniques. Therefore, it should be combined with other weight loss management program to be effective in making people lose excess weight. In this manner, people will be able to lose more weight with a more relaxed and refreshed state of mind. As they say, a healthy mind is a healthy body. Dangers of Using Laxatives For Weight Loss One of the effects of drinking dieter's tea is frequent bowel movement. This gives people the feeling of body cleansing. These people may get toxins out of their body but it isn't exactly the only thing that slimming tea actually does to the body. Slimming tea contains herbs which are natural laxatives. These include aloe, senna, rhubarb root, cascara, buck thorn and castor oil. These are products which are derived from plants and are used since the ancient times because of their potency in treating constipation and to inducing bowel movement. Cascara, castor oil and senna are substances which are recognized as laxatives available over the counter and are also regulated as drugs. Scientific studies show that diarrhea induced by laxatives does not absorb significant amounts of calories taken in the body. The reason for this is that laxatives do not act on the small intestines where most of the calories are absorbed. Instead, they work on the large intestines. If taken in large amounts for prolonged periods, it can affect fat absorption of the body. This may lead to greasy diarrhea and loss of weight. Abuse of laxatives is common practice among people who suffer from bulimia and anorexia nervous. While weight loss can be guaranteed by overdosing on laxatives, it may also cause permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract and the weakening and softening of the bones, a condition known as osteomalacia. Drinkers of slimming teas may actually patronize the product because they are less expensive and taste better than other laxatives sold in the market. Other people, such as those with eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervous drink dieter's tea because they work fast and produce watery stool and having loose consistency. Women may even be more susceptible to the effects of slimming teas. Although they may are not known to interfere directly with the woman's menstrual cycle and fertility, they should watch out if drinking them causes them to rapidly shed off weight. It is also not safe for pregnant women to be taking in laxatives of any kind. Wise and responsible herbalists also discourage the use of senna and other herbal products with laxative properties for pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive. One should be wary about these findings because the labeling of slimming teas in the market today can be absolutely misleading. For instance, they commonly refer to the laxative qualities as "natural bowel cleansing properties" and not specifically use the word "laxative". Some even use the term "low-calorie" on their labeling. These products in fact, contain essentially no calories nor nutrients whatsoever; unless of course, if they are sweetened. Adverse effects of misusing laxatives in the form of slimming tea generally occur when taken in more than or longer than recommended. These include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, rectal bleeding,electrolyte disorder and dehydration as well as injury and worse, death. It was also reported that excess use of stimulant laxatives cause severe constipation and pain for long periods (as much as for decades) due to the colon losing its function. It eventually led to surgery removing the colon altogether. Natural Weight Loss: When you do not have to Go Over Eat right, keep moving. You just have read all that you need to know about how to prevent being overweight. That simple set of instructions should be easy to follow, but not for 35% of Americans who are unable to prevent being overweight. Of course, once we are overweight, we usually want to trim down for a whole lot of reasons, some related to health, others having to do with looks. In addition, it is never too late to lose weight. But the fact is, it is a whole lot easier to prevent putting on pounds than to try losing them later on. And if there is one thing we all know, it is that weight gain is likely to happen if we do not take forward-looking steps to stop it. Health experts say that most people who are into losing weight usually stray. They tend to go backto their old eating habits even after they learn to enjoy low-fat eating. They tend to return tosedentary ways even though they enjoy exercising.But despite the momentum toward weight gain, you can stop it from happening, experts say. And there are plenty of good reasons to avoid excess pounds, reasons that go beyond vanity or social acceptance. In fact, some health experts contend that the significance of excess weight is more than cosmetic. They say that it takes a huge toll on people’s physical health. The Way to Losing Weight…Naturally The nuts and bolts of eating right maintaining a healthy weight is not all that complicated. In fact, it is a good bet that most people know pretty well what is best. Hence, losing weight the natural way should not be a problem at all. Consequently, a reasonable approach for losing weight naturally is to stick to a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates, high in fiber, moderate in protein, and low in fat. A complex carbohydrate is a baked potato. Fat is the sour cream and butter you should not put on it. Fiber is vegetables. Fat is the oil you should not fry them in. Protein is a lean cut of meat. Fat is the gravy you should not pour over it. Moreover, health experts say that dietary fat promotes weight gain because it is a very dense source of calories. Also, when you consume excess calories from dietary fat, you store those calories as body fat more efficiently than excess calories from other sources. On the other hand, it can also help you lose weight naturally if you will not fall into the so-called “fat-free” trap. Manufacturers keep coming out with low-fat or fat-free versions of their best- selling foods, but Americans keep getting fatter anyway. One of the greatest delusions of the 1990s is that “no fat” means “non-fattening.” The truth is, you are often getting just as many calories from the no-fat version, even if the calories are not coming from fat. The term fat-free can be a trap if you start to believe that you can eat any amount of the foods that are advertised that way. What’s more, it is best to respond to hunger with healthful snacks. Health experts say it would be better to try eating every three to four hours, which may mean a nutritious low-fat snack between lunch and dinner. When you feel the urge for food coming on, snacking on something healthy such as a slice of whole-grain toasted bread is a better alternative. Never skip a meal and eat snacks instead because that is the worst thing you can do if you are trying to control your eating habits and weight. Remember, if you want to lose weight naturally, you have to keep track of every food you eat and of every activity that you do. When you say natural weight loss means that you do not have to use some accessories or helpful aids just to lose weight. Losing weight naturally is a process and not a fad. Hence, it would take a lot of dogged determination, self-control, and discipline just to achieve your ideal weight. The “Quick Weight Loss Diet” Trend Disadvantage If you wear a size 14 and you blow a bundle on designer size 8 dresses as motivation, you willprobably end up feeling guilty, frustrated, and angry if you are not slinking around in it a monthlater. In reality, you will do much better setting smaller, achievable targets for yourself. If you must trythe new-clothes strategy, go down a size at a time, and do not buy anything you have to take out asecond mortgage to pay for. Because, if you continue to remorse on losing weight fast, you will end up incorporating fad diets or those that offer quick weight loss. For most people who are not aware of this fact, there are no such things as quick weight loss diets and there is no nippy weight loss for people who want to be slimmer than what their body can provide. The problem with most people is that they tend to opt for nippy fixes wherein fact these things are not effective at all. What Does Not Work Today, there are plenty of weight-loss strategies that are guaranteed to backfire. This is because these nippy fixes instilled on certain diet plans are, in reality, not efficient because it does not employ the right principle and the right attitude in losing weight. These quick weight loss diet plans are known as fad diets because that is exactly what they are, just a fad. In time, when fashion is over and popularity wanes down, people will realize that the diet they have depended on is not reliable at all. To know more about these fad diets that are selling like hotcakes in the market today, here is a list of some telltale signs that would tell you not to try it even once. Here they are: 1. Skipping meals Does your diet plan require you to skip meals? If it does, then, it is a fad diet. Abstain from food completely is not a healthy habit. It may even cause some serious complications or problems especially for people who are sick with diabetes. Skipping meals will only cause a hypoglycemia, or the condition wherein your blood sugar is really low, and will probably only be effective in making you eat twice as much at the next meal. 2. Dieting without exercise, or vice versa Exercise is crucial to the human body. It is important in the proper blood circulation and other activities of the human body system. Therefore, diet plans that do not require you to exercise are nuisances. People are born to move. But then again, exercise alone is not sufficient. Hence, it would be better if diet and exercise will go hand-in-hand. 3. Continuous dawdling There is no better time to start losing weight. If you want to really lose those excess fats, you have to lose weight now. Delaying tactics will not get you anywhere and will only make the problem worse. So, if your diet plan suggests a certain timeframe for you start losing weight, chances are, you are following the trend of fad diets. Boiled down, it is best to rely more on the way you feel than the tale of the tape. This means that if the weighing scale tells you that you are losing weight even if it is slower than you would like, but you are feeling energetic and positive about your weight-loss efforts, then, you are just doing fine. As mentioned and is worth mentioning all over again, weight loss is not a quick process. Overnight Weight Loss The rise in the number of fast foods joints that have a lot of saturated fat in the meals, the use of a lot of refined sugar in sodas and other processed foods and eating food with less fiber have all contributed to the fact that there are more people than before who are classified as either overweight or are obese. A lot of other factors cause this to happen such as genetics, overeating and as people age; the metabolism slows down making it harder than before to burn the food that was just consumed. The rate that a person loses weight is commensurate to how it is gained. Rapid weight is not good advisable since it leaves the person with lose skin and the only way to get rid of that would require surgery. Weight loss depends on the condition of the person which includes weight, health, calorie-intake, age, gender, lifestyle, stress level and routine. Being overweight does not necessarily make a person unhealthy. It just makes the person a bit unfashionable. Studies have shown that people who are a bit overweight live longer than those who have normal weight. There is no quick or overnight solution for quick weight loss. Nutritionists and other health experts will say that a person’s weight with proper exercise can actually help lose a certain number of pounds per week The best way to do this is with a low calorie diet and an exercise plan. The first thing a person needs to do is to choose a diet program designed by a dietitian or another health professional. The patient has to be evaluated before any program can be made. The program usually consists of an eating plan and an exercise program that does not require the use of supplements or one to purchase any expensive fitness equipment. The best exercise plan should have cardiovascular and weight training exercises. This helps burncalories and increase the muscle to fat ratio that will increase ones metabolism and lose weight. A good diet should have food from all the food groups. This is made up by 2 things. The first is carbohydrates. The food that a person consumes should have vitamins, minerals and fiber. A lot of this can come from oats, rice, potatoes and cereals. The best still come from vegetables and fruits since these have phytochemicals, enzymes and micronutrients that are essential for a healthy diet. The second is fat which can come from mono and poly saturated food sources rather than animal fats. Since fat contains more than double the number of calories in food, this should be taken in small quantities to lose weight. All diet plans are designed to make the person induce reduced amount of calories into the body. This does not mean that the person has to eat less. It just means that one has to eat smart by choosing the foods that have less calories. This makes it possible for someone to lose weight without the need to eat less. During the course of the program, the person should still consult with the doctor and other health experts to monitor ones progress. There will be times that it is essential to modify the diet plan to further lose weight. It is up to the person already to stick to the program to see that it works. Losing Weight Rapidly Wanting a slimmer and sexier body is no lofty ambition. Many people have succeeded in sculpting their physiques to make them look healthy and desirable. However, this end is not attained in just a snap or skipping one night's dinner. For some people though, patience is not a virtue. They seem not to be able to afford so much attention, time and money to get the body they have always wanted. As a result, these people result to rapid weight loss practices and programs which may not be as effective as these people are led to believe they are. Fast-track diets are one of these rapid weight loss practices which may not be very inviting as they seem according to research. Fast-track diet programs, as scientific research shows, are only good while they last. Rapid weight loss often results ironically, to rapid weight gain. people who undergo low carbohydrate or low calorie diets normally revert back to old eating habits simply because human beings cannot actually live on with this type of diet scheme for the rest of their lives. Now there is also scientific research showing that rapid weight loss does not imply an individual is losing unwanted excess fat; it is commonly water that is lost with following rapid weight loss practices. This could cause certain alarm but actually, water lost is regained very quickly. So there is actually zero net weight lost after all. So one should not be foolish enough to be so gullible with the advertising of certain diet pills out there in the market; especially those which claim to aid lose a whopping amount of fat in a short time. They will only dehydrate the body. And just so it is clear, the body can only lose two pounds of fat per week, one could be exceptionally lucky if he can lose three, but normally, it's just two. Another rapid weight loss product out in the market is the slimming soap. Claiming that these soaps are made from a unique concoction of rare chinese herbs and seaweed, they assert to help people using them to shed off body fats by emulsifying them upon application while taking a bath. Some are even specialized like those which promise to give the user "beautiful thighs". The ingredients may prove to improve the quality of the skin but no research has ever come up yet which aids to prove the efficacy of these ingredients in emulsifying excess body fats. One more rapid weight loss product out there in the market promises to suppress hunger and at the same time help increase the body's metabolic rate. It also claims to be able to accelerate the healing process and reduce certain body pains, all these plus its being a very chic fashion accent. Well they are actually called magnetic weight loss earrings. The secret of this set of earrings is in the magnet, so it says. Wearing them near the ears balances the magnetism in the body therefore one will experience all the above mentioned effects. Though press releases say that there are actually "studies" to back these assertions up, nothing yet is found in medical journals. Though buying a set may not kill a person, it's probably not a wise investment. One might as well wear a horse shoe earring for a more exquisite fashion statement. Bottom line is "no pain, no gain". If one wants a beautiful body, one must sweat it out. And as for those rapid weight loss products coming out on the market, if they are too good to be true, they probably are not. What is in a Weight Loss Diet Pill? With all the strenuous activities and sweat-generating regimens that most weight loss programs have, more and more people are enticed to opt for a better alternative, without the trouble of exerting too much effort. With the advent of diet pills that promote weight loss, people go mad over the appealing advertisements of most manufacturers claiming that their product can easily “melt away” those fats and cellulites. With these pills dominating the market today, who needs to tone those abs and biceps and do some dieting if there is an easier way to lose weight? With an estimated 60% of the American population that are now considered as obese, these “wonder” drugs are definitely reaping millions of dollars in the United States alone. Now, the questions are: is there any truth regarding the manufacturers’ claims that these diet pills can ultimately promote weight loss? Are they really effective in helping people lose weight? And if that is the case, do these pills also help those people maintain their ideal weight and curb any fat accumulation in the body? In reality, there are diet pills that can really make a person shed off those extra pounds. These diet pills contain certain substances that were already clinically and scientifically proven to be very effective. These diet pills are effective in increasing the metabolism of the body, thereby, initiating weight loss. Plus, these diet pills contain certain substances that suppress one’s appetite. However, with so many diet pills saturating the market today, trying to find the best and most effective diet pill can be very tedious. Chances are, you may end up choosing the wrong diet pill when your energy to find diet pills wanes down. Actually, there are only five factors to consider when choosing diet pills that are effective at the same time safe to use. Here is a list of the factors that you need to consider in order to come upwith a diet pill that is right and appropriate. 1. The metabolism-boosting ability In choosing diet pills that will effectively promote weight loss, it is best to look for pills that have the ingredients that will enhance your body’s metabolism, or the ability of the body to burn excess fats. Choose those diet pills that contain alpha lipoic acid, green tea extracts, and “L-Canitine” because these ingredients had been clinically proven to be effective in promoting weight loss through increased metabolic rate. 2. The appetite suppressants Find diet pills that effectively suppress your appetite. It does not necessarily mean that you will skip meals but you will not just feel hungry every now and then. This is because obesity usually happens to people who are fond of in-between meals, which actually initiates excessive calorie intake. 3. The calorie stopper Because obesity is usually due to excess intake of calories in the body, which is more than the recommended amount, it is best to choose diet pills that have the special ingredients that will curb the entry of calories into the body. These substances are known as “phaseolus vulgaris.” This is known to create an enzyme that will efficiently control any excess calories in the body. The enzyme responsible for this wonderful job is known as “alpha-amylase.” 4. The metabolic enhancers It is best to choose diet pills that have the so-called “lipotropic elements” that are effective in eliminating fats from the body. It functions like a sweeper that effectively sweeps excess fats outside the body. These lipotropic elements are found in vitamin C, chitosan, alpha lipoic acid, and green tea extracts. 5. The water-retention breaker Effective diet pills are those that contain diuretics. These are elements that avert the retention of water in the body during the weight loss regimen. All of these factors are, indeed, clinically proven and effective in losing weight. Though, it must be kept in mind that diet pills alone are not sufficient to provide optimum weight loss. Hence, it is still important to do some exercises. Therefore, with exercise and the right diet pills, you are definitely on your way to a healthier, slimmer you.

                                                     Stay Smart; Stay Beautiful!