Holiday Eating: Heartburn

Do you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn? Holiday eating, parties, and problems with stomach acid don't mix well. Heartburn and acid reflux are miserable to live with. If you suffer from this condition that is marked by a painful, burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone, you’ve probably sat awake at night desperately hoping for a cure. There are several home remedies for heartburn to try for some relief.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root

Licorice can help soothe irritation of the digestive tract, helping your esophagus feel better. Look for deglycyrrhizinated or DGL licorice root — it comes in a capsule, chewable tablets, or as a powder that you can mix into water or I prefer grape juice.

Enzymes

Fruit enzymes, like papain that is found in papaya, work to help digestion and relive gastroesophageal reflux. Digestive enzymes can be found in health food and supplement stores. 

Apples

There’s an old saying that goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” I’ve found that apples have many health benefits and that eating some apple can be good for digestion and mild heartburn.Some people are adventurous to try apple cider vinegar and say it helps relieve heartburn. I've never brought myself to drink vinegar, though.

Watch What You Eat

Avoid foods that are high in acid and that aggravate the condition — citrus, tea, coffee, chocolate, tomato products, and fried foods. It’s also seems that tomatoes get more acidic as they cook, so raw tomatoes may be more palatable than something like spaghetti sauce for some people. Also eat low fat foods and try to avoid processed lunch meats like bologna and hot dogs.

It’s also important eat at regular intervals. Don’t let your stomach get too empty before eating. Eat a small snack to tie you over between meals to try to thwart stomach acid getting out of control.

Sit Up

If you’ve ever eaten a big meal, then had the urge to lie down for a quick nap — don’t.  Lying flat will enable stomach acids to creep their way up and cause problems for people who suffer from acid reflux. Instead relax in a recliner or prop yourself up. Also don’t bend over or exercise right after eating.

Control Stress

If you are under a large amount of stress, it can wreak havoc on your digestive system and cause heartburn and acid reflux. Eat each meal calmly, chewing your food thoroughly. Try practicing relaxation or breathing exercises, and if needed speak to a counselor about calming techniques and how to deal with stress.

If you suffer from frequent heartburn consult your doctor, as it can be a sign of something more serious or require prescription treatment if home remedies and over-the-counter treatments don’t help. What feels like heartburn can actually be a symptom of heart attack and should don’t be taken lightly. Ongoing acid reflux can also have a bad consequence for the lining of your esophagus.


This is intended for informational purposes only. Consultation with a  and medical professional should be sought.

Getting Ready for a Wedding

Planning hair and makeup for a wedding is exciting for a bride and her attendants. I look back on my own wedding and sort of wish that I could do it over again. My makeup looks great in the photos I have, even though I did it myself. My skin was glowing and my eyes sparkling. My hair in most of the photos looks alright, but is was done as an afterthought. I didn't want an ornate updo, and in the process it was put together at the last minute. Many aspects of my wedding fell into place without much planning beforehand.

My brother is getting married in a couple of months, and it's such an exciting time.

If you're planning an upcoming wedding:

Hair

How to Create Updos with Fine Hair

Edwardian Hairstyles for Updos

Makeup

Five Things to Know About Bridal Makeup

Alternative to a veil and train - fascinators If I were to get married again - which I don't plan to, unless it's for renewing my vows, I would wear something elegant and sassy like this:

The Cure for Body Odor

Unpleasant, excessive body odor is embarrassing and can lead to bullying, teasing, shame, or depression. No one wants to be known for having a foul odor. There are many things that could cause body odor. The obvious causes are excessive sweating, not bathing frequently enough, but there are some other things to watch out for – eating certain foods like garlic and onion, medical conditions, and certain medications. Follow these tips for curing body odor and good personal hygiene.

Bathe
The obvious solution is to take daily baths or showers. Fastidious personal hygiene is essential to smelling fresh. If showers don’t seem to be doing the trick, then try soaking in a bath. Antibacterial soap is recommended for limiting bacteria on the skin, which can be one of the main culprits of odor. Dry thoroughly afterwards because warm, wet areas help bacteria to grow.

Exfoliate
Exfoliate your body, including the armpit area, with a bath brush or body scrub at least once a week. The dead skin cells that collect can contribute to the bacteria on the skin that can cause odor.

Antiperspirant
Use an antiperspirant to cut wetness. If you have excessive wetness that doesn’t seem to be helped by ordinary antiperspirants, you may need a prescription strength product. Dove Clinical Protection is an over-the-counter antiperspirant that is quite effective and provides triple wetness protection. It also has added moisturizers for minimal skin irritation.

Powder
Using a body powder that helps absorb wetness can help. Sprinkle or pat it into spots that sweat most —armpits, upper thighs, groin, and feet. Shower to Shower body powder is particularly helpful and has a pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering.

Wear Breathable Clothing
Wear clothing made of natural fibers, like cotton, that breathe and don’t trap wetness. In particular you should wear cotton underwear.

Diet
Take a look at what you’re eating. Cut foods from your diet, that may cause odor — garlic, onions, spicy food, curry, etc. Also limit your consumption of alcohol.  Drink plenty of water, since it will help dilute the concentration of these potential odor causing foods in your system and help flush your system.

If body odor persists, then consult your doctor. It can be an embarrassing topic to discuss, but it’s even more embarrassing to go around ashamed and wondering what people must be thinking. Sometimes odor is not from lack of hygiene, but rather a medical condition or as a result of medications that you might be taking.

 

updated 3/24/14

Buying Discount Cosmetics

I love a bargain when I'm shopping. Makeup is no different. Cosmetics can get quite expensive, siscount cosmetics are a good way to save money. Most of us work hard for our money and must budget it wisely. Many discount cosmetics are just as good as higher priced items. With some savvy shopping, you can look great without spending too much.
There are several ways to save money on makeup. Shop during sales — many drugstore chains have buy one, get one half-off sales. If wearing the latest shade isn’t important to your, then look for clearance markdowns of outgoing season’s colors.

Brands that cost less:

Essence
Essence cosmetics has a variety of colors for lips, eyes, blush, and nails. Their eyes shadows last throughout the day without creasing or flaking. An added bonus — they don’t test their products on animals.

e.l.f.
Popular value priced makeup company e.l.f.  offers a complete line of makeup including foundation, eye shadow, blush, lip color, and accessories. It is all very reasonably priced and good quality.

Bonne Bell
I’ve known Bonne Bell for their lip-glosses, but they make much more. They also make eye shadow, bronzer, and concealer that are lower priced.

Etsy
Etsy brings together individual storefronts of handmade and vintage items. It is also a great place to find inexpensive mineral makeup. There are eye shadows in a wide variety of colors. 

Online Stores
Buying online can help you get some good deals. When buying via the internet, it is good to buy several things at once and stock up to save money on shipping costs.

All Cosmetics Wholesale has many popular department store cosmetic brands at a discount. Many of their items are “shelf pulled” items that may have packaging ware. A good thing about their website is that they note if an item for sale is past its marked expiration date, if it has one.

Ulta’s online store has some good deals and lots of sales and special promotions.







updated 3/24/14

Tired Feet? Try Peppermint Foot Lotion

When I have to wear shoes all day, especially when I've had a long day of standing and walking my feet get so HOT and TIRED. I get home and just want something to make them feel better. I love peppermint - it's good for cooling and soothing skin. Peppermint foot lotion does wonders for tired feet.
If you’ve been on your feet all day and have tired, sweaty feet, peppermint lotion might be one treat they need. Feet support your body throughout the day, and can end up tired and achy. A foot massage can do wonders to feel better, if you have had a rough day. There are many benefits to using a foot cream or lotion with peppermint.

Relief
Peppermint is known to relieve tense, sore muscles. It can rejuvenate and refresh tired feet.

Energizing
In aromatherapy, peppermint is used to re-energize and revitalize the senses. It is uplifting and can improve your mood. So if you need a little energy boost, sniffing some peppermint may be what you need.

Cooling
Depending on your footwear, your feet may be hot and sweaty and in need of some cooling power. The menthol contained in peppermint gives skin a cooling sensation, and it feels invigorating. Peppermint can help soothe irritated skin. When combined with the moisturizers in lotion, it can be great for dry skin.

A wonderful lotion to try is Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion. It is made with natural ingredients that include not only peppermint and menthol, but vegetable glycerin, coconut oil, and other natural plant oils. It softens feet and smooths calluses, while reviving tired feet — not to mention giving them a fresh minty scent.
If your feet have put up with some abuse, or if they just need a little pampering, try using peppermint lotion. You can also add peppermint oil to a foot scrub or soak. It is good for not only your feet, but also your whole body and emotional well-being.

Lubriderm Soothing Relief Daily Lotion for Treating Dry, Itchy Skin

Lubriderm has been helping to treat dry skin for many years. Using a moisturizer regularly can help keep skin hydrated and soft.  We are very dependent on our hands for most of the work that we do — cleaning, washing dishes, writing, gardening, manual labor, and so much more. After working or exposure to water or cold, they may need a little extra care. Skin can get dry, cracked, tight feeling, and cry out for some moisture. It’s hard when hands feel miserable from being dry and chapped.

I go through a lot of lotion and moisturizing creams. I like to keep lotion or hand cream handy in the places that I seem to need it most — usually near the kitchen and bathroom sink to use after washing. I also need to have some available when I go out, so having a container of moisturizer in my car or purse is great.  So if you can’t stand the feeling of tight, dry, itchy skin, then lotion or hand cream is essential. 

Lubriderm contains emollients to soften and nourish skin. They have a variety of lotions and creams for different moisturizing needs. My favorite Lubriderm pick is their Soothing Relief Daily Lotion. It relieves tight, itchy skin. It quickly absorbs into skin and provides long-lasting moisturizing. It makes skin feel good right away. The formula isn’t too oily or greasy. The Soothing Relief Daily Lotion has menthol, without having an overpowering scent. It gives skin a cooling sensation for soothing and calming itchy, irritated skin. It is slightly invigorating. The lotion is great for using all over the body, especially to refresh tired feet.

updated 3/26/14

Physicians Formula Makeup That Can Help You Look Younger

Okay, Physicians Formula is one of the makeup brands at the top of my favorites list. They have some great products for sensitive skin, and I've long been a fan because they have foundation that actually matches my skin tone. Now they have several products that help with overcoming some of the common symptoms of getting older - loss of skin elasticity, thinning eye lashes, and thinning lips.

With our culture thriving on a youthful appearance, many women want to use anti-aging products and makeup to their advantage. Physicians Formula can help you combat the visible signs of aging through makeup.  There are several products that can help with fighting the signs of getting older.

 Lipstick

The Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Lipstick contains collagen-boosting peptides to make lips look plump and healthy. Another bonus is that it is supposed to be uplifting to your mood.

Lash-Enhancing Eyeliner and Serum

The Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner and Serum defines eyes and improves the look of lashes. It enhances natural lashes instantly and over time. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and safe for contact lens wearers.

Mascara

Organic Wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting Mascara makes lashes look thicker and longer. All of the ingredients are from products with a natural origin. The mascara contains no harsh chemicals, parabens, or synthetic fragrances and colors. See fuller lashes instantly and improvement over a four-week period of use.

Foundation

Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Foundation improves skin firmness and elasticity. It evens out skin tone and texture. It provides coverage that lasts all day that looks natural. The makeup has a consistency that is not too thick or cakey when applied.

Concealer

Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Concealer combines two concealing products in one to help you look your best and cover flaws. There is yellow cream color to correct dark circles under the eyes and light stick for covering imperfections. It blends easily to smooth lines and has ingredients to help improve skin firmness.

updated 3/24/14

Mix a little primer with your foundation

Yesterday I was Stumbling and found this makeup trick: to mix a little primer with your foundation. It helps the foundation to blend it and have nice finish that's not too cakey. I tried it this morning. It helped my makeup to turn out really nice. I had purchased some foundation a couple of months ago and was not too happy with it. It went on too thick and I had to play with it to figure out how to make it look decent. Anyhow mixing a little primer with it right before I put it on seemed to do the trick.

Makeup Tips for Looking Younger

Makeup tips are helpful to applying age appropriate makeup and looking you best. Often we unknowingly put on cosmetics in a way that is unflattering. As the body ages, unfortunately skin gets wrinkles, loses firmness, lips get thinner, eyes can get baggy, and eye lashes get thinner. Our makeup application needs to evolve the process. There are surgical procedures, injections, and fillers that help, but not everyone wants to go that route. By taking advantage of makeup tips, we can use makeup application to look younger.

Foundation

Always use a moisturizer first to help foundation go on evenly. Use concealer to cover any flaws or under eye problems. Some foundations are thick and settle in every fine line and can end up making you look older. Using a primer before starting your makeup application can smooth the skin and prevent this from happening.

Blend gently, being careful to not tug or pull on the skin. Allow your foundation to set and absorb several minutes before continuing. Use loose powder sparingly to set your makeup.

Cheeks

Keep blush natural looking. It shouldn’t be too dark or overpowering.

Eyes

Resist the temptation to be heavy with the eye makeup. Avoid metallic, shimmery, and bold colors. Use natural looking, neutral colors — brown, beige, taupe, gray, and plum. Highlight the inner corner of the eye and right under the brow bone. Use eyeliner only on the top lid. Use an eye lash curler and at least two coats of mascara. To get thicker, fuller eyelashes use false eyelashes or try a lash booster.

Lips

If your lips are thin and you want to make them appear fuller, start with lip liner. Trace just outside the lip line with a pencil that matches your natural lip color. Then color your lips in. Use a light lips color because darker colors minimize lips. Blot your lips stick, to keep the excess from bleeding or getting on your teeth. Dot gloss in the center of your mouth.  My favorite is Sally Hansen’s Lip Inflation.

updated 3/26/14

5 Things to Know About Wedding Makeup

I love weddings. I've seen a lot of beautiful brides, glowing with happiness, on their big day. I've also seen some with bright cheeks, overdone eyes, and thick foundation that was too dark. It can be tricky getting the balance just right. But, you're not doing makeup for a Broadway production. If you're planning a wedding and hope to do your own makeup, read these tips about wedding makeup.

Red Lipstick Makeup Tips

I love wearing red lipstick, I helps me feel good on days when I need a little pick-me-up. Be Sexy, powerful, and make heads turn. Red lips get noticed. Maybe lips aren’t your best feature or you’ve been afraid of trying red lip color, everyone can get away with wearing red if they pick the right shade.
Shade
There are many different opinions about which shades should be worn by people with different skin tones. The trick is finding what works for you. You need to take a look at your skin’s undertones, which can be challenging. This is when going to a makeup counter can be a real timesaver and help keep you from wasting your money on the wrong shade.
Also consider what lip color will look like with your teeth. Some shades may make your teeth look more yellow. This may be a good time to check out teeth whitening if you find a shade that goes great with your skin tone, but doesn’t flatter your teeth.
If you have thin lips, keep in mind that darker colors can make lips look smaller. When trying to create a look of fuller lips, go for a lighter shade of red. At this point my favorite red is a blend of a few different lipsticks that I bought that were not quite right. If you have a wrong color, another option is topping it with a lip gloss that has either gold or pink tones. My favorite is Sally Hansen’s Lip Inflation. Not only does it subdue a harsh lip color, but it plumps the lips.
Application
Another makeup tip is that, bold color looks better on healthy, conditioned lips. Use a lip scrub or brush lips lightly with a toothbrush to exfoliate lips. Then use a moisturizing lip balm, consider a balm with SPF to protect your lips if your lip color doesn’t have any sun protection. Using a lip primer can help lip color to last longer and keep it from feathering. Line and fill lips in with a liner that is close to your natural lip color. Apply lipstick with a lip brush, and blot the excess with a tissue. To keep lipstick from ending up on my teeth I use the finger method — putting my index finger in my mouth and wrap lips around it. Then slowly pull my finger out. To keep the color from bleeding put a little face powder around your lips.
The Rest of Your Face
When wearing red lipstick keep the rest of your makeup simple. Since the focus is on your lips, go light on the eye makeup.


updated 3/26/14

Natura Tododia Body Lotion

My brother recently took a trip to Brazil. He brought back some souvenirs for me and my family. One of his gifts for me was a bottle of Natura Tododia  body moisturizer. Body moistuizer is a must for me, after I get out of the shower.

I absolutely love this lotion. It leaves my skin soft and silky. It smells fruity and sweet. It feels so luxurious, and leaves a long lasting softness.

Natura Tododia products incorporates natural ingredients. The only drawback is that if you don't live in Brazil, South America, or France you may have a difficult time finding it. I did find one seller on Amazon that offered it.

Hot Tips to Prevent Wrinkles

Most people value a youthful, glowing appearance. The business of making people look younger is a multi-billion dollar industry that capitalizes and people's desire to stay young looking. Read on for what you can do to help prevent wrinkles.

Physicians Wear Youthful Wear Foundation

I've been searching for a good foundation. I want something that has sufficient coverage

— not too light, but not thick and cakey. It has not been easy. I bought a foundation by a major makeup manufacturer that was labeled "line minimizing." Excitedly I went home to put some on. I ended up quite disappointed to find out that it settled in all the little cracks and fine lines, making my skin look ten years older

Then I found a small display of Physicians Formula Youthful Wear™ makeup. I was leery that it would live up to some of its claims. It is supposed to make you look 10 years younger, instantly. It is also supposed to make skin firmer, make wrinkles and lines less apparent, and even out skin tone.


After applying some of the foundation, I was impressed. It went on smoothly. I've never used a foundation brush, so the only challenge was fine tuning the brush application. It had great coverage, without looking thick or feeling heavy. My skin tone looked great and smooth. The best part is that it did not settle in every crack and crevice. My fine lines did look better, not worse.

It lasted all day. It didn't fade or have a sense of melting away.

It is my new favorite foundation. My only disappointment is that isn't widely available in local stores. It is even hard to find for sale online. It is available at Ulta.com and at this time is out of stock at Walmart.com. I went back to the store I bought if from and their little display is gone. I certainly hope that this great new product hasn't met its demise so soon.