Archives for 2023

April 15, 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Losing Body Fat

Not everyone needs to lose body fat. As a culture, we can often get far too obsessed with this, and we might find ourselves thinking that we need to get rid of some fat when in fact we just have normal, healthy bodies. But it is certainly true that a lot of us do have some excess weight, and if you happen to know that this is true for you, you might be keen to do something about it as soon as possible.

The health benefits to maintaining a healthy weight are well-known. Your heart will have less difficulty pumping blood, your organs will all work more effectively, and you will live longer. So how can you actually lose body fat when you need to? If you have tried before and it hasn’t gone as well as you hoped, the following might give you some ideas for next time.

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Become More Mindful About Your Diet

The main thing you need to do if you want to have less body fat is to ensure you are consuming less fatty things. That sounds simple, but the problem is that it’s so easy not to realize you are actually eating fattening foods. You therefore need to develop a certain mindfulness about the way in which you eat, what you are eating, and a closer view of the ingredients that actually go into the food you eat.

One way to make that easier is to eat primarily or entirely whole foods, because you know exactly what is in that and you don’t have to scour the label to see how much fat there is. And of course, if you are eating whole foods, whatever fat is in them is the healthier kind, which is not going to stick to your body as much and will generally be better for you.

In general, however, it’s also just a case of paying more attention to what you are eating. Then you might notice that you have been blind to a couple of food habits which are not actually doing you any favors at all. Changing those habits might be all you really need to do in order to lose some fat and get fit again.

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Eat Less

Even if you are not doing that, there is a much more generic thing that you might want to consider which can help you to lose fat: just try to eat less in general. If you can do that, it’s going to mean that you certainly put on less weight, and you will also start to burn the excess fat that your body is carrying, even if you don’t start doing any purposeful exercise. That is going to make a huge difference to your fat levels, so it’s a very simple thing that you can try out.

Again, however, the problem is that you might think you are eating less, when in caloric terms you are not. So it’s useful to take a look at the number of calories you are consuming. There are actually some more problematic elements to calorie-counting, and alone it can’t ensure that your diet is healthy. But having a general awareness of how many calories you are eating can be helpful in reducing your intake, so it’s worth a shot.

If you consistently eat less, you will lose fat – it’s as simple as that.

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Move Around More

Of course, as we just said, eating less will be enough to ensure that you lose weight, even if you don’t do any purposeful exercise. But if you want to lose fat quicker, then you will burn it faster if you do move around more. This can actually be a lot easier than you might think, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to start up a strict exercise regime. It can be as simple as walking to the store rather than driving, cycling to work once a week, or getting yourself a standing desk to work from from time to time.

Just doing those small things can genuinely be enough to start burning more fat, and you will find that you have a much healthier body soon enough. You will start to feel it, and you will notice that you feel more energetic and lively – allowing you to then exercise more easily. This is the kind of cycle you want to be getting into if you are keen to lose fat effectively and consistently in the long term.

Consider Procedures

Sometimes, when it seems that nothing else is quite working well enough, you might want to think about carrying out a procedure to help you along. There’s nothing wrong with doing this, but you should make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons – in other words, for yourself rather than for anyone else. There are a few common procedures that you might try, but by far the most popular and effective is liposuction. The right liposuction services can help you to lose fat very quickly and effectively, and it can often be a great way to get started on your weight loss journey.

It’s obviously a good idea to thoroughly research your procedure before having it carried out. But in general, this is a good option for someone who feels stuck and just needs some help getting started.

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Keep It Up

Whatever approach you take – and you should ideally focus on a few of these at once – the important thing is that you need to be consistent with it, and stick to it. If you can do that, you are going to find that it is much more effective, you will be more encouraged and less disheartened, and you will just generally have a much better chance of actually losing the fat that you want to lose. In general, then, this is really important to remember.

If you can follow those pieces of advice, there is no reason why you won’t be able to lose body fat soon enough. Good luck, and be gentle with yourself.

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April 13, 2023

SUSAN ALEXANDRA INTRODUCES THE SEDER COLLECTION

After a successful Hannukah and Shabbat launch in 2022, Susan Alexandra continues to create fresh and fun Judaica. The “Pond motif, a riff on the plague of ‘frogs,”’ a central Passover theme.

“Growing up, we would always gather with family for Passover. I loved that Passover marked a passage of time, a sign that Spring was here. The symbolism of Passover-escaping oppression, new beginnings and ritual are so incredibly inspiring to me.  We decided to hone in on one of the plagues, frogs, because I wanted to take a serious element and transform it into something funny. It’s healing to be able to shift the narrative around the past and find humor in darkness. That’s a central theme in jewish culture too.”

The Passover collection features a “pond” seder plate with frog and lotus shaped ramekins. The collection also features year-round table top staples such as lotus shaped blown glass wine glasses, beaded table linens/matzoh covers and a lush and colorful Judaica jewelry program.

“I hope people connect to this collection. When we released Judaica at the end of 2022, people messaged me telling me that they wept to see the pieces they grew up with but re-imagined, more beautifully than ever before.”

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March 31, 2023

Macy’s Launches Black-Owned, Clean Beauty Brand, AbsoluteJOI – The Physician-Backed Skincare Collection for Melanin-Rich Skin

 AbsoluteJOI, an all natural and physician-backed skincare brand created for women with melanin- rich skin, is now available at Macy’s.com!

Developed by physician-researcher turned beauty founder, Dr. Anne Beal, each product combines scientifically based active ingredients with soothing botanicals to nourish skin and promote overall skin health. By placing an emphasis on reducing damage and inflammation that causes aging and hyperpigmentation, Dr. Beal created AbsoluteJOI for skin care that’s based on science, not hype.


  • Retinol Plus Vitamin C Skin Refining Night Oil ($37), this powerful antioxidant duo delivers clear, youthful healthy skin. Our proprietary Tetra Renewal Complex formulation, combines the skin-rejuvenating benefits of retinol with renewed radiance from vitamin c for a truly revived glow, without irritation.

  • Hydrating Gel Foam Cleanser ($37), a soap-free, pH-balancing facial cleanser gently lifts impurities to leave skin clean, fresh, and hydrated. Ideal second step for your double cleansing routine, this foaming cleanser is gentle and made without sulfites, to not over-strip your skin.

  • Sunflower & Moringa Cleansing Oil, ($45) the perfect first step to your skincare routine, this simple hydrating cleansing oil is a gentle but effective method for cleansing your skin. It begins with deep cleansing moringa and sunflower seed oil to remove dirt, excess sebum, and dissolve make-up, then rinses away leaving your skin clean, fresh, and hydrated.

  • 3-PC The Ultimate Double Cleansing Kit With Toner ($105) Upgrade your skincare with double cleansing. Our oil-based cleanser is infused with sunflower and moringa oils to melt-away dirt and makeup, while our luxurious gel-to-foam cleanser includes glycerin and vitamin B5 to refresh and hydrate. Finish with our pH balancing toner for a clean, radiant glow.

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March 31, 2023

3 Tips for a Big Body Blowout

Big 90’s blowouts are back and achieving the massive volume and bounce is so much faster now.  “Using products that reduce drying time, brushes that heat up and blow dryers with ionic features all help to create a big body blowout in less time,” says Anna Peters, Sam Villa ArTeam Member and owner of  re:TREAT Color + Hair Design Studio  @annas_hair_retreat.  See the technique here.

Here are 3 keys to a big body blowout:

  1. Apply a leave-in treatment and primer for soft long-lasting body, faster drying time and heat protection.  Try a leave-in from K18 and/or Redken Quick Dry Primer.
  2. Make sure the air concentrator is attached and angled in a way that makes it easy for arms and body to move. Blow dry hair in the direction it should lay with the concentrator moving down the hair shaft for extra shine. The ionic feature on the Sam Villa Professional Light Ionic Blow Dryer will add extra shine.
  3. Once 80% dry, take large sections, elevate hair with 1.5” round brush for maximum volume and wrap around the barrel of a brush heating hair in that shape for body and movement. Clip hair into place with Sam Villa Dry Sectioning Clips (they won’t leave a mark in the hair) and cool completely. Once cool, remove clips and use hands to style.

Sam Villa is Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the Sam Villa Company (Allvus, LLC), a leading education and styling tool company for the professional hair industry. He is also Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue, a L’Oreal brand. Villa is the 2021 NAHA Educator of the YearHair Awards USA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2021 AHP Icon Stylist Influencer of the Year, 2020 International Hairdressing Awards ‘International Hair Influencer of the Year,’ the 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Intercoiffure America/Canada Member, Behind the Chair Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007) and Favorite Overall Educator of the Year (2015). His inspiring education and innovative ergonomic styling tools can be experienced on samvilla.com. The Sam Villa brand brings free digital education to everyone including hot tips and techniques, as well as access to livestreamed educational events. The company also offers professional tools for consumers so they can achieve salon-quality results at home with minimum effort.

Facebook@SamVillaProsInstagram@SamVillaHair;  YouTube@SamVillaHairTwitter:@SamVillaProPinterest@SamVillaHair.

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March 31, 2023

Advantages to Fostering a Child

Becoming a foster carer is one of the most important decisions you can make. You will be in a position to truly turn a child’s life around. At the same time, there are benefits that accrue to you as the foster carer. Here we look at the benefits to foster children and their carers that arise from the fostering relationship. 

Advantages for Foster Children

Foster children gain many benefits from being placed in a suitable foster home. Here are a few:

A Different Family Dynamic

When a child is placed in foster care, they are coming from a background of trauma, such as being neglected or even abused physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or sexually. This derails the normal developmental milestones of each successive stage of childhood. But you can make the difference between developing mental health issues such as PTSD and depression and the warmth of a stable, loving home.

A Safe Environment

After the challenges of abuse and neglect in the primary home, a foster child gains a safe environment when they are placed with the right family or carer. A child needs to feel safe enough to express their needs and opinions. You give children this chance as a foster carer. 

Academic Success

Almost 50% of foster children have been found to have lower reading skills than their peers. Being placed can help the child to focus on their schoolwork in a safe environment. The first eight years of life are crucial to setting down the healthy psyche and developing correctly on the mental and emotional levels. As a foster carer, you can ensure the successful completion of a child’s schooling.

Advantages for Foster Carers

Foster care is not thankless work. As well as financial compensation and other benefits, there are many rewards to be reaped. Here are some benefits you will experience as a foster carer:

A Fostering Allowance

Foster carers enter this career to make a difference in a child’s life. However, they are not expected to do this purely from the goodness of their hearts. Find out more about the fostering allowance and other support that foster carers receive from fosteringpeople.co.uk.

A Great Career

You will find fulfilment in being a foster carer. It is a career choice as you need to be able to focus on the wellbeing of children in your care. Apart from being well-paid, you will be able to grow and develop new skills and feel emotionally rewarded as you take care of these children in need. You will see the results of your efforts and be inspired to continue in this role.

Long-term Foster Care 

When you first embark on a fostering role, you will usually be given short-term placements as you find your feet. Later, you may have the opportunity to engage in long-term foster care. This is doubly rewarding. Not only are you helping a child in need, but you also get to include the foster child as a permanent member of your household. 

Changing a Child’s Life

The greatest reward of being a foster carer is knowing that you have given a disadvantaged child a new lease on life. Watching a child blossom into a happy and productive person is a wonderful feeling that makes it worthwhile. 

Make the decision today to change a child’s life for the better.

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March 31, 2023

GK Hair Stays Ahead in The Sustainability Initiative with Vegan Hair Product Range

Of all the pressing issues that concern human survival, environmental sustainability makes it to the top of the list. Our carefree living has given an irreversible damage to the environment and climate, and there is no way around it. According to the United Nations’ 2021 report, the survival of the future is on the verge of “code red,” since rapid climate change and environmental damage does not seem to come to halt anytime soon. Therefore, a sustainability initiative is inarguably necessary to save humanity from the threat of environmental damage.

GK Hair, being the owner of Juvexin and a leading name in the industry, also took a strong initiative towards sustainability and established an entire vegan hair care range. According to a recent study, it has been revealed that veganism can actually bring about a huge reduction in carbon footprint. All of the greenhouse effect that comes from breeding of the animals to feeding them and harvesting their benefits, can be drastically reduced if the same benefits are harvested through plants. As per GK Hair’s scientific research worth years of efforts and testing, it has been established that any benefit that we can gain by damaging the environment, we can always find a more sustainable alternative through plants. The development of Juvexin and Juvexin V2 is a living proof of the claim. Therefore, with proper research and implementation, sustainability can be improved and the planet can be saved without compromising on the quality of living.

The GK Hair Vegan Range includes Vegan Dry Shampoo, CBD Shampoo and Conditioner, and the first Vegan Taming Treatments in the hair industry. Infused with Juvexin V2, a vegan protein blend derived from Quinoa and Pea, these products deliver amazing results and are loved by salon professionals and home users alike. The Vegan Dry Shampoo has been a revolutionary product for our vegan audience with extremely oily hair and no vegan solution. With just a few spritzes of the product on the roots, the hair is free of excess oil and sebum without an actual hair wash. Similarly, Vegan Taming Treatments have been game-changing for those who’d love to have manageable hair but are unable to find a vegan solution. The vegan Juvexin present within replenishes the hair and rebuilds the hair to its core, making it healthy, smooth, and frizz-free.

For more information, visit GK Hair website on:

Website: https://www.gkhair.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gkhair
Instagram: https://instagram.com/GKhair
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GKhair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/gkhair
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GKhair/

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March 31, 2023

Good Molecules B5 Hydrating Body Serum Is NOW Available @ Ulta.com & GoodMolecules.com

Good Molecules  just launched B5 Hydrating Body Serum ($18) a silky, gel-like serum to replenish moisture and leave skin feeling smooth — available on Ulta.co and GoodMolecules.com HERE. The gen-z favorite skincare brand offers transparent ingredients that are clean and science-backed.

About Good Molecules B5 Hydrating Body Serum:

  • A silky, gel-like serum that glides on smoothly and dries fast to replenish moisture and leave skin feeling smooth.
  • Formulated with panthenol (B5), beta glucan, and polyglutamic acid, the Good Molecules B5 Hydrating Body Serum helps hold moisture to strengthen the skin barrier.
  • Retails for $18 (USD) for a 200ml bottle and is available directly on: https://www.goodmolecules. and  https://www.ulta.com
  • Vegan, cruelty free, and fragrance free

The key ingredients in B5 Hydrating Body Serum include:

  • 4% panthenol—a form of vitamin B5—helps stimulate cells that boost skin barrier function and improves moisture retention.
  • 0.20% polyglutamic acid provides immediate hydration, making skin look dewy and plump.
  • 0.05% beta glucan soothes skin and provides immediate and long-term moisturization.
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March 28, 2023

Wardrobe Trends That Will Never Go Out Of Style

Fashion trends come and go, but some wardrobe items have managed to stand the test of time. These classic pieces never go out of style and are a staple in every fashion-forward person’s wardrobe.

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Here are some wardrobe trends that will never go out of style:

The Little Black Dress

The little black dress, or LBD, is an essential piece in every woman’s wardrobe. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It can be worn to work, a dinner party, or a night out with friends. The LBD is timeless and has been a fashion staple for decades.White T-Shirt

A white t-shirt is a simple yet classic piece that will never go out of style. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn with anything, from jeans to a suit. It’s a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. A white t-shirt is a must-have item in every fashion-forward person’s wardrobe.

Denim Jeans

Denim jeans are a classic wardrobe item that will never go out of style. They’re versatile, comfortable, and durable. Denim jeans can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They can be worn to work, a casual lunch, or a night out with friends. Denim jeans are a timeless piece that will never go out of style.

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a classic piece that adds a touch of edge to any outfit. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn with anything, from jeans to a dress. A leather jacket is a timeless piece that will never go out of style. It’s a must-have item in every fashion-loving person’s wardrobe.

Classic Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is a timeless piece that will never go out of style. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn with anything, from jeans to a dress. A classic trench coat is perfect for any season and is a must-have item in every person’s wardrobe.

Black Pumps

Black pumps are a classic wardrobe item that will never go out of style. They’re versatile, elegant, and perfect for any occasion. Black pumps can be worn to work, a dinner party, or a night out with friends.

White Sneakers

White sneakers are a classic wardrobe item that will never go out of style. They’re comfortable, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. White sneakers can be worn with anything, from jeans to a dress. They’re a must-have item in every fashion-forward person’s wardrobe and you’ll never have to wonder what to wear with black pants .

Striped Shirt

A striped shirt is a classic wardrobe item that will never go out of style. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. A striped shirt can be worn to work, a casual lunch, or a night out with friends.

In Conclusion

Fashion trends come and go, but these classic wardrobe items will never go out of style. They’re versatile, comfortable, and perfect for any occasion. These timeless pieces are a must-have item in every fashion-forward person’s wardrobe.

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March 27, 2023

What Necessary Steps Should You Take To Launch A Successful Hair Salon?

Beginning a hair salon enterprise can be extremely rewarding, but it takes the right mindset and commitment to excel. To ensure your launch is successful, you must plan for every step of the process meticulously. This blog will outline the necessary steps you should take to make sure your hair salon is a success.

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Step 1: Find A Good Location

Location is a key factor in the success of any business, and that holds true for hair salons as well. Therefore, you must select an area with high-foot traffic so customers can find you quickly and effortlessly.

Step 2: Register Your Business

Before you can open the doors of your salon, it is vital to register your business with all applicable government entities. This includes obtaining any necessary licenses or permits from local authorities like a city or county government.

Step 3: Secure Financing

Launching a successful hair salon requires substantial capital. So before seeking out angel investors, explore alternative funding options such as bank loans and small business grants. This move not only decreases the likelihood of having too much debt before opening your doors but also helps you stay on top of financial risks that may arise in the future.

Step 4: Apply For Taxes

Securing a federal tax ID number from the IRS is essential in launching and operating your hair salon. Not only will this enable you to claim any deductions or credits associated with owning a salon, but it also simplifies filing income taxes come year-end.

Distinguishing between the various tax numbers available, such as TIN and EIN, is essential. This allows you to select which suits your business model before submitting an application. To better understand which type fits your company best, it’s necessary to do some research on the topic. For example, ponder questions like what is an ein and why do you need one? Or find out how to obtain a federal tax id number. These are just two ways in which you can help elucidate the differences between them.

By considering all options beforehand, you will be able to set up your business confidently, knowing that you have chosen the right option for success!

Step 5: Hire Employees

The success of any business relies on the team behind it. So when hiring staff for your hair salon, be sure to seek qualified and experienced individuals who will make a lasting impact. That way, you can ensure only the best are joining your team.

Step 6: Market Your Business

To draw potential customers to your business, it is essential that you market effectively. So why not begin by designing a captivating website with plenty of information about the services and products you offer? Also, if possible, include customer testimonials from those who had a great experience. Furthermore, take advantage of social media networks like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to feature your services while connecting with prospective customers.

Launching a successful hair salon requires dedication and planning. But, by considering the above steps you will create a thriving business within the beauty industry.

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March 27, 2023

Moving In Together? Here’s How to Make it Enjoyable

All healthy relationships progress over time. You might start out seeing each other once a week, but if everything goes well, then you’ll slowly begin hitting those relationship milestones. One of the biggest ones that you’ll experience is moving in together. This is big because it is something of a dry run for marriage and starting a family. If it’s a success, then domestic, long-term life might be in your future.

No matter how solid your relationship is, it’s important to take steps that will help to make the process of coexisting more straightforward, and even more fun. After all, the objective isn’t just for your relationship to survive living together, but for it to thrive. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some key tips for ensuring your journey of living together is nothing other than a resounding success.

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Embrace the Change 

Many couples move in together thinking that the only thing that will change is that they’ll spend less on rent. But this isn’t the case — a lot of factors will change. You’re not just living by (or for) yourself anymore; you’re living with a partner, and that comes with a big responsibility. Don’t assume that things won’t change, because they will. The key is to embrace that change. If you don’t like the thought of cooking together or buying milk when you finish the last drop, then you’ll be setting yourself up for trouble.

Add Both of Your Personalities 

This tip is more relevant if you’re moving into your partner’s existing home. If you don’t bring any of yourself, then you’ll just feel that you’re living in their space, rather than living in a joint home. There are plenty of ways to add touches of yourself, including bringing some furniture with you, hanging photos on the wall, designing the layout of a room with your preference in mind, and so forth.

It’s important to take this approach even if you’re moving into a new, neutral space. The house should feel like it’s both of yours.

Enjoy those Weekend Mornings and Cozy Evenings at Home

The key to making living together a success is to enjoy all the benefits that it brings. There’ll be times, of course, when you just act and feel as if you’re roommates — you won’t be basking in glory when you’re both brushing your teeth in the morning as you prepare to head out for work. The good times come from those lovely weekend mornings and cozy evenings spent together.

So make sure that you’re in a good position to enjoy those moments. This comes down to a little preparation and the right attitude. For instance, if you have a good entertainment system, a cozy couch, and invest in some comfortable clothing for men and women, then you’ll have everything you need to have a great midweek evening together. At the weekend, it’s all about making a delicious brunch with soft music in the background. These are the small moments that make living together so nice, so don’t miss them!

Be Clear About Logistics 

As we mentioned earlier, a lot will change when you live together. Rather than taking a relaxed, go with the flow approach, it’s best to be upfront as possible and to set some rules. For example, it’s much easier to define who’s responsible for which household chore at the earliest stage possible, rather than waiting for resentment or anger to set in. A little bit of communication and planning can help to keep many arguments at bay.

It’s also worthwhile having a monthly check-in, just to see how everything’s going. It’s an opportunity to make sure that you’re both on the same page and that there’s nothing that no one is unhappy with!

Retain Your Individuality

It’s not healthy to do everything together. One mistake that many couples make is thinking that because they’re living together, they should be spending all of their time together. If that happens, then you’ll be at increased risk of breaking up. After all, your partner can’t be everything for you! It’s important to retain your individuality and continue having your own life at all stages of a relationship, but especially when you first move in together, when the honeymoon period can be very real. By all means, you should enjoy that period, but at some point, recognize that by making time for yourself, you’ll ultimately be helping your relationship.

Take these tips on board, and you’ll be much more likely to deeply enjoy living together!

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