Archives for May 2011

May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is the day we honor those who have died while protecting our country. Whether you chose to celebrate the day at a Memorial Day Service, the beach, at a BBQ, cherish the family and friends around you. And thank a Veteran, for without them we would not have the freedoms that we all enjoy.

And if you haven’t seen this video, take two minutes and thank the World War II Vets! Here is the info on it!

This story is incredible. Send this touching two-minute video about World War II veterans to FIVE friends and family to remind them that every day alive in this great, free country is truly a bonus. Let’s get 50,000 views for the video by Memorial Day (May 30th) to show these living heroes, one last time, just how grateful we are for their unbelievable sacrifice. The video is a trailer to a documentary that will come out in November. The more we can show interest in the trailer (i.e. views), the more Americans will get to see the film. Time is running out: 1,000 WWII vets die every day. We are free today because of these men and women. The least we can do is watch a web video and send it to five people. Let’s get this mission done!

http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=176273326&amp%3Bs=fb_feed

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May 30, 2011

The perfect “must-have” multi-tasking product from dermHa !

The dermHa product line can provide you with, and I quote, “Clinically Formulated Therapeutic Care for Sensitive Skin!”

That, in itself, is great when you want the benefit of all the new technology, but prefer a more gentle approach to your skincare.

I couldn’t believe it when I received the dermHa Eye and Neck creme! Could it be, I wondered? One product that could help both the eye and neck area.

I was very intrigued ! As a national makeup artist, I have to say that the most frequent frustration that has been shared with me from clients as they sit in my “makeup chair” seems to always be with their eye and neck area.

Those are two of the challenges we all face, both genders included, as we age.

dermHa Eye and Neck Creme contains (Quoted from their website): www.dermha.com
•Arnica
•Green Tea
•Grape Seed and Olive Extract
•Hyaluronic Acid
•Soothing Botanicals and Phosphollpids which decreases free radical damage.

This will encourage the skin of your eye and neck area to appear “firmer, smoother, brighter”.

I liked the soft feel of this product and ease of application when I gently applied the creme to my eye, neck and decollette area. The look was moist, hydrated and felt very smooth all day long.

I would highly recommend dermHa Eye and Neck Creme as the perfect “Must Have” addition to your regime!

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May 29, 2011

Re-Boot For Healthier Eating Habits

Trying to Take Control of Your Health?

Maybe a Re-Boot is in order

 Obesity……..it has been increasingly cited as a major health issue.  In 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked obesity as the number one health risk facing America.  One in every three people is considered obese, which is an estimated 72 million people. In 2010, 60% of the United States population was considered overweight or obese.  Obesity leads to many health complications and diseases. These are scary statistics.  America is one of the richest, most progressive countries in the world. Shouldn’t we be one of the healthiest too?

The sad truth is that Americans are some of the unhealthiest people in the world. Even with all of our great economic power and technological advancement we are living in a land plagued with obesity, and the health problems that are associated with the disease.  Of course there are many reasons behind this alarming problem, but the biggest reason really isn’t a mystery. Look at our diet and lifestyle-we live on the go, existing on fast- food and microwave-able dinners. We eat a diet of packaged, processes and refined foods.

This is apparently evident to the USDA as they will be changing the food pyramid chart, making the pyramid into a dish chart which is cut into slices. These slices will show fruits and vegetables at 50% of what we should be consuming.  Say goodbye to large portions consisting of meat products, processed foods, fast-foods, high sugar and high sodium foods. Say hello to larger portions of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes.

If your weight can be responsible for causing illness, is it possible to take control of your life, your health and your future? It can be done, and people with determination and a will to get healthy again have been able to by changing their diet. One person who chronicled his journey to take control of his health is Joe Cross, “We spend the first 40 years of our lives trying to kill ourselves, and the next 40 trying to stay alive.”  He knows of what he speaks. His documentary film, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, (See my April 6, 2011 blog for more information) not only shows how Joe was able to take back his health, but serves as an inspiration for those of us hoping to do the same.

Joe managed to regain his health by drinking only juices for 60 days. (With a doctor’s approval and constant monitoring of course) Doesn’t sound that easy does it? How many of us have that willpower and determination? The film not only chronicles Joe’s journey, but Phil, who Joe had met along the way. When you watch the film, which I was lucky enough to see, you realize we all do have that power, we either really want to change, or that change is forced upon us. “You change the world by changing yourself, “explains Joe. And he is right!

For the past couple of months Joe has been traveling the country premiering the film and appearing on TV and radio, such as The Doctors, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Fox News and numerous morning and local shows. He has been instrumental in creating awareness to not only the problem at hand, but also to the solution.  The purpose of the film isn’t to get us all to begin juice cleanses. The purpose of the film is to show how incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet can change not only your body, but your health. Juicing is a way to increase that intake. The film brings home taking responsibility for your health as much as possible and by being more conscious of what is put into your body.

Did I like the film? It was eye-opening!  As Joe traveled across the states, it seems most of us have abhor-able eating habits. In some ways it was disturbing to realize that most of the younger generation wouldn’t know what a vegetable was unless it was put in our fast food burger. I was blown away at the ages of people struggling with their weight. At a time that they should really be out enjoying their life and their family, they were too plagued by health issues. The film certainly has made more me become aware and look at what food I put into my body.

At the same time, I also found the film to be very inspirational. It is never too late to change unhealthy eating habits.  I just made my carrot, beet, apple, spinach, cucumber, strawberry, lemon and ginger concoction. Using Joe as my model, (as a result of his re-boot now incorporates juices into his everyday life. If he wants chocolate ice cream, it will be an occasional treat, with plenty of juices and healthy foods to make up for it), I vow to incorporate more juices into my diet, and use them as a staple.

 I am not alone in being inspired by the film. There is an entire re-boot community out there. People who realize that we have no choice but to change our eating habit or we will pay the price for it. www.jointhereboot.com contains information about nutrition; re-boot programs, recipes, fitness and moral support.  See the movie if you can, I highly recommend it!  (www.fatsickandnearlydead.com)

Giving ourselves and our family what they need starts with us! Healthy eating habits-let’s re-learn them and pass them on!

 

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May 26, 2011

My Apologies!!

On not blogging!! My computer bit the dust! It was very strange not being wired in while my computer was lounging at the Geek Squad Spa! I must admit I felt lost!  Unfortunately, its days were numbered as I now have a new net book to play with!  It is a nice welcomed addition to my technical arsenal!

Thank you all for your patience!

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May 21, 2011

There’s still time to take part in New York Times Best Selling Author Brenda Novak’s auction that benefits Diabetes Research

Just a reminder to make sure you don’t miss out on one of the most exceptional Annual Online Auctions to “Find the Cure for DIabetes in 2011! “

This is Brenda with her son, Thad, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of five. Here’a your opportunity to participate in an event that is near and dear to Brenda’s heart, and is giving hope to those with Diabetes.

Visit the website now: http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/, and view the most unique items, and opportunities that are up for bid, or just make a donation , if you’d like 🙂

The auction will run May 1 – May 31st, but not all items will be open all month, so look for their ending times!

Quoting Brenda, “In case you haven’t heard, last year we broke the $1 million mark (as a cumulative total) and set a new annual record by raising $303,000!! I hope that our seventh year end in another new record, maybe one closer to $500,000. Please join with me in fighting to make a difference.”

Bid or donate now, and let’s find that cure for DIabetes in 2011!!

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May 19, 2011

Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex

I really looked forward to trying the Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex, and was quite enthusiastic about all of the positive things I had heard about the benefits that oxygen provided for your skin.

There was some very interesting information that I received from Oxycyte Technology that addressed my curiosity about Oxygen and its importance to the skin. I’m going to share some of that information with you in this article.

Four of the top reasons to you should to include Oxygen in your daily routine (and I quote):
• It assists in the production of Collegen which is necessary for the skin’s structural support.
• It helps in the repair of elastin, helping the tissues to resume their original shape.
• It supports skin metabolism. Lack of oxygen causes skin cells to prematurely age.
• It’s useful in purifying and replenishing the skin. This helps improve the appearance of dull dry skin that is lacking oxygen circulation.

Hopefully this has “peaked” your interest! I highly recommend that you visit their website:
www.http://www.buydermacyte.com/ where you’ll find out more advantages of oxygen and your skin, a very interesting video library, and be able to locate a doctor near you to purchase your Dermacyte, or buy your Dermacyte right online.

Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex is light weight yet has a very hydrating and calming feel when applied to the skin. It’s perfect for the delicate eye area.

Are you feeling lucky? Well ONE person will win a Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex with a retail value of $95.00. Just go to http://itsaglamthing.com/winit-9.php and register. (Through May 31st)

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May 18, 2011

Coping With Allergy Season

Chances are if you have allergies, you ALREADY know it is allergy season! My allergist told me last week, as I was getting my monthly (and sometimes bi-monthly) shots, that he was busier in the past two weeks than he had been all winter! We’re right in the middle of tree pollen season and the stuff is everywhere! The season normally ends in mid June, but with the snowy winter and wet spring, it may go even longer this year. No small comfort for those of us who are plagued by coughing, sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes!

This year allergy season just seemed to explode all at once. Even people who have not had problems with allergies before are having problems now. Asthma sufferers have been hit with a vengeance! While medication can help allergies sufferers cope with this dreaded time of year, there are also things that you can do in your everyday life that can ease allergy symptoms and not make you a magnet for pollen.

First up, your hair. Long and loose hair will gather lots of pollen. Wearing it up will help. Wearing a hat will even add more protection. If you tend to use a lot of hair gel and hair spray, anything that makes your hair stickier, then it will hold onto more pollen. Wash your hair more often, especially before bed time; otherwise the pollen will end up in your bed sheets.  Wash clothes, bed linens and pillows more often.

If you get rashes, watery and itchy eyes, you may want to cut down on make-up. Avoid trying new products, as an allergic reaction to a new product coupled by the sensitivity to pollen won’t be fun. Wear sunglasses to avoid a head-on collision with a cloud of pollen, and rinse those glasses often. Contact lenses can also be a problem for allergy sufferers, switching to glasses, even for a few hours may help.

I would always get a major sinus infection during allergy season. Pounding headaches in addition to all of the other allergy symptoms used to make me spend most of my time during spring indoors. Once I discovered the neti pot, however, that all changed. The neti pot will thin the mucus in your nose and rinse sinus cavities, and not allow the pollen levels to build up and wreak havoc.  Even Doctor Oz thinks that it is one of the most effective ways to clear your sinus and lessen allergy symptoms.

I do listen daily to the allergy reports. On days there are high levels, I do limit my outdoor activities, if possible. No rollerblading around the park on those days! When home, I keep windows closed as not to contaminate my indoor environment. I shower and wash my hair before bed. Keep in minds that pets are also pollen sponges. Wash them more often, especially if they are sleeping on your bed!

Managing my allergies has taken me several years. But thankfully I can now enjoy spring and stop and smell the flowers!

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May 14, 2011

Beautiful skin is always “IN” !

Now’s your chance to try the Gerda Spillmann Moisturizers during their May Special!

These specials are good from May 1st thru May 31st.
We all know how important it is to use the proper moisturizer on your skin!

Gerda Spillmann offers the following moisturizers to fit the needs of any skin type!

•SKINFOOD- This offers a lighter moisture for normal skin.
•MAYFAIR- This matte moisturizer is perfect for oily skin types.
•CORONATION- This is the perfect Anti-Wrinkle moisturizer for mature skin.
•EXTRA RICHE – If your skin is damaged, dry or needs deep hydrations this is the moisturizer for you.

4oz tubes are on sale for $17.50 (over $7.00 in savings)
6oz jars are on sale for $29.00 ($5.00 off)

Please note: Mayfair is only available in 1.4oz tube, and Skinfood is only available in the 2.6oz. Jar


Why is skin care important?
Visit:http://gerdaspillmann.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/5-reasons-why-using-quality-skin-care-is-important/

Also on sale this month is DEO CREAM DEODORANT that contains Farnesol, which was chosen for the natural protection against perspiration, body odor, and is great for sensitive skin . It’s perfect for use after laser treatments or waxing, or if you need additional protection this summer and like a product with “all the benefits of natural ingredients.”
 

Sale $18.00 (Regular price $20.00)

You may order by calling: 1.800.282.3223 or by emailing: orders@gsskincare.com

 

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May 12, 2011

Philanthropy-It’s Always in Fashion-Shop the POSH Sale at The Plaza

It’s the hottest sale in town! Each year, more than 8,000 people from all over the US come to the legendary POSH® sale looking to score that perfect outfit or that head-turning dress! Shop for designer fashions, from A-Z, Armani to Zac Posen, all at a fraction of their original retail prices. Shop for both men women’s and children’s items, designer clothing to accessories, from petites to plus size, at sizzling sale prices of up to 80% of retail.

For nearly 40 years, the Lighthouse POSH® Sale has been the East Coast’s leading fashion fundraiser, offering new and gently worn designer clothing, accessories and footwear for women, men and children. Nestled between couture and ready-to-wear gowns, vintage one-of-a-kind finds, classic suits and pretty pumps are “got-to-have” handbags, jewelry and other fashionable treasures. The city’s hottest fashion fundraiser offering new and gently used designer clothing and accessories for women, men and children – is moving to Manhattan’s legendary Plaza Hotel this year.

Thursday, May 12, 2011 through Sunday May 15, 2011 at The Plaza. Hours will be Thursday-Saturday, 9am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. Admission is $10, or $30 for a 4-day pass. For tickets call 212-821-9455 or visit poshsale.org. All POSH® proceeds benefit Lighthouse International’s mission of fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment.

It is no surprise that fashion plays such an integral role in philanthropy for Lighthouse International.  Sisters Winifred and Edith Holt used their dress allowances to help fund the organization in 1905. The sisters blazed a trail of firsts and opened up new doors of opportunity for people without sight. 105 years later, Lighthouse International has led the charge in the fight against vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. Today, they proudly continue the Holt legacy on behalf of all those who look to the Lighthouse as a beacon of hope— and will for many years to come.

 Philanthropy is always in fashion at Lighthouse International! Share the gift!

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May 10, 2011

Lessons Learned by Traveling

Traveling….trains, planes and automobiles. Airports, train and bus terminals, perhaps there really is no greater locale that brings strangers together on a daily basis. While traveling last week, from New York to South Carolina, I had the opportunity to see some unique people in action and learn perhaps another great lesson in this thing called life.

Maybe I was a bit more turned into my surroundings having just spoken to Terri Amos-Brit, and learning her journey of discovery as The Enlightened Mom. I have probably seen this happen in the past, but was not in tune with it, and perhaps could not relate it to my life. There are times when you are just so caught up in your own life; you tune out everything around you. Living in the moment isn’t always as easy as it seems.

 As I transferred planes on my way down at O’Hare, I hit the ladies room. A usual transfer activity and I am certainly no stranger to O’Hare. I can do it in my sleep. But on this particular day, one of the ladies wash room attendants was singing hymns in her native Spanish. She was extremely happy, and she had a beautiful voice, which I told her. When I left the wash room, just by hearing her happily singing, I was automatically happier. She set the tone for the day…………

On my back to New York, and a transfer this time at Charlotte (love the Charlotte Airport!) I again, did my usual ladies room stop.  The attendant in this wash room could have been the opener for the Oprah show. “Ladies, I hope that you all are having a good day and safe travels. I have toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, mints, sanitizer, and basically anything that you may need. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions about the Charlotte Airport. I will be glad to assist you in whatever way I can.” Her energy, her genuine happiness at seeing everyone and love for her job left me astonished. Personally I have never been a wash room attendant and hope I never am, but if I ever had to be in their place, I hope I would be as positive as they were.

While I was waiting in Charlotte for the plane back to Newark, there was this college-age woman who would have made the cast of the Jersey Shore look tame. While I watched her, I came to realize how strangers can affect your mood. Even though I didn’t know them, my wash room ladies made me happy. I started to think of how my mood could affect strangers. Did I want them to go away from an encounter with me, like I went away from my wash room ladies, happy,  or did I come across like the woman screaming into the phone, which would negatively affect their mood? It made me vow to seriously work at being nicer, more helpful. I wanted a chance encounter to have a positive effect. Happiness and kindness are contagious…..pass it on!

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