Archives for 2016

November 2, 2016

This Holiday Season and beyond, Spongellé will make your Shower time Relaxing and Fun

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Contrary to popular belief, cleansing can be fun no matter what your age is.  How do you make bathtime fun? Spongellé! Spongellé carries a superb line of soap infused bath sponges, pedi buffers, body contour buffers and lotions. Not only does Spongellé cater to women’s bath products but they have items for kids and men too.

I am totally loving my Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffer in French Lavender. The sponge is loaded with soap and its lather has the most amazing scent. Feel your body exfoliated, cleansed and hydrated just after one use. The sponge itself will give you over 14 washes and will leave your skin feeling silky soft every time. The flower shape of this Spongellé Body Buffer makes it fun and I love using it. Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffer is formulated to give you a creamy lather containing hesperides, rose, lavender tea, extracts of Yuzu, Edelweiss and Vetiver.

Start your shower with the spongy surface for a comfortable exfoliating effect and as you wet and squeeze the sponge enjoy the lathering effect. Spongellé is Hypoallergenic & Dermatologist Tested. A ribbon is also attached to the sponge so all you need to do is squeeze out the moisture and hang it to dry.

 

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Of course, neglecting your feet in the shower is not an option and Spongellé has your feet covered with the Spongellé Pedi-Buffer. The pedi buffer is also infused with soap and is formulated for your feet but I use it on my elbows too. Each side of the Pedi sponge is textured. One side is slighly rough and provides great stimulation for the feet and removes all the rough stuff. The other side is quite soft and perfect for cleansing and lathering up your feet and toes.Spongellé Pedi buffer is enriched with soothing extracts of Arnica, Sea Kelp, & Peppermint to soften and rejuvenate.  Spongellé Manderine Pedi buffer smells like mandarin and citrus with hints of orange blossom, fresh-cut mint and eucalyptus, it smells amazing. The pedi buffers promises 30 plus applications and is also Hypoallergenic & Dermatologist tested.

If you are ready to have some fun cleansing, visit spongelle.com. You will find a vast array of soap infused products in a variety of scents. There surely will be something for everyone to enjoy. Did I mention Spongellé items are great stocking stuffers?

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November 2, 2016

4 Ways Your Cellphone Might Be Making You Ugly

Woman sending a text message on her mobile phone

Woman sending a text message on her mobile phone

Our cellphones have become so vital to our daily lives. Research has shown that the average person checks their phone 85 times a day and that we spend a total of five hours using our cellphones to browse the web or use apps. For many, our smartphone is the first thing we look at in the morning and the last thing we check at bedtime. Although quick glances at our phone may seem harmless, it can in fact be affecting us physically, mentally and emotionally. We caught up with some experts who help explain the ugly side of excessive cellphones use.

  1. Ugly posture.

When we look down at our cellphones we are straining our necks and slouching our shoulders. Doing this can cause some serious damage to our overall posture even leading us to lose up to an inch to an inch and a half of height. “I see up to 10 patients a week complaining of severe neck and shoulder pain. When asked how often they use their phones the typical response is all the time. When pain becomes chronic and severe, surgery has to be considered,” explains Dr. Richard Samperisi, CoFounder of Campus Chiropractic Center at Florida International University & Functional Medicine Practitioner.

  1. Ugly eye strain, bags and wrinkles.

Not only can staring at your phone all day cause serious neck and shoulder pain, the extreme use of our phones is leading to various eye conditions such as blurred vision, eye strain, headaches and dry eyes as well as to a condition they like to call “tech neck.” For those concerned with cosmetics and eye appearance constant squinting leads to wrinkles and under eye bags. New Bern, North Carolina plastic surgeon Dr. John Zannis explains that a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures that address under eye bags, drooping and sagging usually range from 5 – $10,000 with a recovery time of up to 2 weeks. He’s also seen a rise in complaints about neck lines and wrinkling skin attributed to excessive cell phone use.

  1. Ugly skin.

Are you constantly struggling with breakouts around your cheeks or chin? Instead of blaming hormones, junk food or a bad skincare routine consider looking at the device in your hand. “Our cellphones are filled with bacteria. We are continuously touching them with dirty hands, throwing them in our bags, stuffing them in our pockets or putting them on counter tops. Then without even thinking twice we put our phones right up to our ears where all of that bacterium from those dirty areas wreak havoc on our face,” offers Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Kaly Papantoniou.  She suggests frequently wiping the phone screen and using a face wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to rid bacteria from building up.

  1. Ugly Manners

We see people at restaurants who are more focused on snapping a pic of their meal than enjoying each other’s company. Our persistent use of our cellphones can be affecting our relationships with the people and world around us. “When we focus more on our digital lives rather than the individuals we are with; we are not only giving off the impression that we do not care about what they have to say, we are also letting valuable and meaningful moments pass us by,” explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez a New York City based neuropsychologist and teaching faculty at Columbia University. She suggests putting the phone down and even going cell free twice a week.

Give it a try and see how cutting down on your phone use can also cut down on the ugly.

About the doctors:

Dr. Richard J. Samperisi, DC, of Miami, Florida, is a New York Native who completed his Doctoral studies at Life University in Atlanta, Georgia. His post-doctoral education focuses on functional medicine and clinical nutrition.

Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board-certified plastic surgeon and best selling author. A graduate of Stanford University and The University of Cincinnati Medical College, he received his formal training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Connect with him via twitter @JohnZannisMD or his website www.zannisplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Kaleroy (Kally) Papantoniou is a Cosmetic Dermatologist, Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology.  She is also a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Health Center in New York City. Connect with Dr. Papantoniou via twitter @DrPapantoniou or her website www.DrPapantoniou.com

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or at www.comprehendthemind.com

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November 2, 2016

So Pink by Gap

So Pink by Gap

So Pink by Gap

So Pink Eau De Toilette Natural Spray Vaporisateur by Gap- I Love it! I sprayed just a bit on and I could pick up the citrus note right away. I especially love citrus scents for this time of the year. My Fall Cornucopia decorative fruit basket is filled with grapefruit, oranges, clementines and pummelos.

There is a flowery scent there too. Lilly I guessed and I was right. I found the description at walmart.com and it mentions sweet pea and musk scents also. It’s $32.99 there with free shipping.

I love that the spray is a well regulated fine mist. I mist it on my body, just about everywhere and a quick mist to my hair. I also mist my clothes the night before I wear them. I always feel like a kid when I sometimes spray the mist and walk right thorough it after a shower!

So Pink comes in a simple but classy pink and white box (pictured). The formula seems to be tinted with pink which reflects through the bottle so it displays wonderfully.

I have been having fun with layering scents lately. I layered So Pink by Gap over a Bath & Body Works Fine Mist of Golden Magnolia Sun and the combo smelled great.

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November 1, 2016

Select the Perfect Wedding Dress According to Your Skin To

 

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If you are a soon-to-be bride, you may require spending a huge amount of time on finding the right outfit for your wedding day. Though most of the Indian brides will opt for the traditional red color, some of them will search for different options too. Here is a guide to help you out from the confused state of mind while choosing your wedding dress.

Dusky Complexion: If you possess the natural dusky complexion, you are very lucky in choosing the colors. You can select the rich as well as the dark colors for yourself. The ideal colors for the dusky brides can be marsala, brick red, burnt orange, etc. Besides, the colors like the bronze, gold and the metallic silver may provide a glamorous look to your face. While selecting the bridal dress, you should not consider bright colors like neon. It is better to avoid the black or the white colors.

  • Pretty Pink – As most women love the pink color, it can be a great hue for your wedding. Peach, rose pink, coral and the candy pink can be some of the ideal choices. You can also try fuchsia or hot pink for your wedding reception.
  • Go Green – In some communities of India, the brides need to wear green during their marriage. While selecting the shade you must be careful, so that it complements your complexion.
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Wheatish Complexion: Most of the colors look good in wheatish complexion. Try to choose colors that provide warmth to your complexion. When you are choosing the men’s sherwani for the bridegroom, you must also be careful about his skin tone. Some of the suitable colors for this complexion are saffron yellow, hot pink, tasty orange and vibrant shades of red colors. Besides the traditional pink or red, the other bridal colors can be royal blue, toasted almond, gray, beige, mint green, etc. Some medium toned or earthy colors, such as emerald green, dusty pink, etc., may also look good. For this complexion, it is best to wear warm and rich colors. The pastel or the bright colors can be avoided in this complexion.

Fair Complexion: The women possessing fair complexion can select from a wide range of colors. You can opt for bright shades like red, pink or bright blue. You can also be a little unconventional with the colors like royal blue or the scuba blue. The colors like, Marsala and tangerine will also appear glamorous on the fair complexion brides. If you want soft colors on your wedding, you can opt for mint green, peach, light pink or light purple. Soft shades like, gray or brown can be avoided as they will not complement your complexion. Bright colors must be avoided if you possess a warmer skin tone. You can go with colors like, blue, cool pink and the yellow pastels. The fair complexioned brides will appear glamorous, with the neutral colors as well. If you are yellowish fair in nature, you will appear gorgeous in colors like ruby red, maroon, bright green or navy blue. The light colors like, baby pink , peach and sky blue will appear great in the warmer skin tones. Shiny colors like the golden, metallic blue, silver, and the light shiny purple can also be an option for the fair-skinned brides. Though the black colors go well with the complexion, it must not be tried as it does not go well with the occasion.

This guide will surely help you in choosing the colors for the bride. You must also be cautious about selecting the jewelry so that it complements your dress instead of beating it.

Author Bio – Stuart Jones is a popular fashion designer who designs men’s sherwani. In this article, he is providing some tips to the would-be brides for selecting their dress according to their complexion.

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November 1, 2016

Hard Candy Trolls Collection has arrived

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November 1, 2016

7 Not So Junky Junk Foods to Grab on the Go

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Road trips, gas stops, no time for lunch; we’ve all found ourselves at the convenience store for a fast bite on the go. While a bag of chips or chocolate bar may be an option we later regret; there are fast bites that can actually offer some health benefits. Dr. Christopher Calapai a board certified expert in osteopathic medicine specializing in longevity offers some junk food options to consider the next time there’s no time for an actual meal.

  1. Blue M&M’s and Blue Gatorade

Don’t get the blues about all food dyes. From candy to sports drinks, the unnatural colors of foods today can make you cringe at the thought of what’s making them colored. But, not all colored dyes are as bad as you may think. Research done by scientists at the University of Rochester found that Brilliant Blue G (BBG), found in blue M & M’s and blue Gatorade, could help reduce damage from spine injuries. When BBG was injected into lab rats with spinal cord injuries, it sped up their recovery time and ability to walk.

  1. Cheeze Whiz?? No way!!

Fat isn’t always a bad word.  The FDA has stated that not only are all trans fats not bad, some are actually good for you. Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLAs), although high in calories can help fight cancer, weight gain, diabetes and arthritis. It’s hard to believe, but CLAs are found in Cheese Whiz.

  1. Pork Rinds

Just the words pork rinds sound like instant heart attack. However did you know they are a fantastic source of protein? A one-ounce serving of this fried snack has seventeen grams of protein, seven times the amount of found in a serving of potato chips. Plus, 43% of the fat found in pork rinds come from oleic acid, the same healthy fat found in olive oil.

  1. Beer

Some studies have found that beer can actually help increase bone mineral density because it contains silicon, making bones stronger and less likely to fracture. A Harvard University study found that beer could prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. Italian researchers found that beer can raise HDL, the good cholesterol in your body. Opt for a light beer with fewer calories to avoid that full feeling.

  1. Graham Crackers

They are the next best things to cookies if you’re trying to keep your health in mind. Graham crackers contain much less sugar than regular cookies and are still sweet enough to satisfy a craving. Plus, they are made with flour that undergoes a special milling process, preserving more of the whole wheat than in usual milling.

  1. Popcorn

This is a snack that gets two thumbs up. Popcorn is packed with fiber and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help to protect us from heart disease and certain cancers. Surprisingly, popcorn has more iron than eggs and spinach! It is also gluten-free, which makes it an option for those with Celiac Disease and other gluten allergies. Lastly, popcorn is mostly air. This means it fills you up, helping to stave off hunger cravings.

  1. Beef Jerky

Forget about the leather-tasting jerky of years past, today’s gourmet jerky is delicious and can be healthy. Beef Jerky, just like its non-dried version of meat, is high in protein, iron and zinc. It, also, contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Be sure to look for natural beef jerky as the newer gourmet styles that are packed with flavor and free of nitrates.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham’s, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

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November 1, 2016

Your skin will look brighter and more vibrant with Hanskincare C20 Serum

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I’ve always heard of the benefits of vitamin C for the skin, and this C20 Serum is a great addition to your morning and night routine. I was hesitant to use this in the morning since serum’s I have used in the past can be heavy leaving your face a little oily looking, but this one absorbs right away and after a few minutes, you can’t even feel it. There is almost no scent to it, though I did detect a faint scent of coffee when I smelled the product in the bottle, but not sure why and it wasn’t very strong at all. Using 5-6 drops worked well for coverage for me and after using it for a few days, twice a day, my skin started to look brighter and more vibrant.
Guest post by Anotnia Rutter
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October 31, 2016

Morning, Afternoon, and Night… Which Foods Will Do You Right?

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From the Pros: 

Before you grab that morning cup of coffee on an empty stomach, that lunchtime slice of pizza, or indulge in a steak dinner or ice cream while watching TV, understand that what you eat and when you eat it can lead to stomach upset. It can also trigger more severe issues in your gut. On the flip side, there are some foods that when eaten at certain times of day may soothe already existing stomach issues or may even prevent stomach ailments from occurring down the line. We spoke with Dr. Gina Sam Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York who offers insights on what and when to eat certain foods for a healthy gut.

Best Bets for Morning

 Yogurt

It’s important to start the day with a healthy breakfast that factors in stomach health. Probiotics found in Greek yogurt is ideal as it regulates the growth of harmful bacteria that grown in the digestive tract. Probiotics also keep colon lining healthy as it breaks through gastric acid and gets to the colon. In 2015 a study published in the The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology showed that yogurt might improve intestinal function for those with inflammatory bowel disease. Those who are lactose intolerant can enjoy lactose free yogurt.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great bet for breakfast and can be topped with blueberries another gut friendly food. Oatmeal doesn’t cause acid reflux. It soothes any morning stomach upset and regulates bowel movements.  

Fresh Fruit 

Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon are great options for those sensitive to reflux. Bananas help restore potassium, electrolytes and normal bowel function, especially if you have diarrhea. Bananas are also high in fiber, which is great for digestion.

The Lunchtime Lowdown

Salads

Eating leafy greens daily is a great for digestion. Lunchtime salads that include grilled salmon; chicken or turkey won’t cause reflux and will be easily digestible throughout the afternoon. If you are sensitive to acid then you will want to avoid onions or tomatoes and for some even the seeds in cucumbers can trigger a bout of stomach cramping. Be careful with lemon juice and vinegar in salad dressings, which can promote reflux. Try adding fennel with arugula and baby spinach along with parsley. Parsley is known to help digestion and settles the stomach.

Kimchi

This delicious Korean coleslaw is made primarily with cabbage, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. Also cabbage helps to eliminate waste regulating bowl movements. Home made sauerkraut is also a delicious option but be mindful if you are sensitive to spicy foods. This is why it is best to make your own so you can regulate the amount of spice.

Mediterranean Plates

Lunchtime is optimal for grilled veggies, legumes such as lentils with olive oil along with grilled fish or chicken. Preparing a plate of various whole grains, cauliflower, carrots, figs and pears are all great sources of fiber for the mid day.

A Digestible Dinner

You really want to focus on ease of digestion at dinnertime. Foods that are high fat

can overwhelm the stomach, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn. Steatorrhea or pale colored stool is excess fat in the feces. People with IBS fare better when they avoid high fat foods. That said here are some options for a healthy gut.

 

Grilled Fish

Cold-water fish such as salmon, halibut, or tuna when grilled in olive oil are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can address any inflammation in the digestive tract. According to a 2014 study featured in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, omega-3’s were sites as being beneficial to those with ulcerative colitis.

Grilled Chicken with Couscous or Brown Rice

Chicken another lean meat that offers protein and is easy to digest goes great with couscous or brown rice especially if you tend to get acid reflux after late meals. Another option for a side dish is guacamole or avocado slices with lime. Artichokes also feed the good bacteria in your gut as does asparagus and lentils.

Stomach Friendly Snacking

When it comes to snacking there are several options you can reach for. Granny smith apples with almond butter, baby carrots and hummus, hallowed out cucumber and cottage cheese, kale and zucchini chips and assorted nuts (not peanuts) are all healthy and good for the gut.

You know your body best. Pay close attention to what agrees with you at varying times of the day and if you notice changes in how you take to certain foods see your doctor.

 

About Dr. Gina Sam: 

Dr. Gina Sam, MD/MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. She is the Director of the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center specializing in achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, functional disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and anorectal disorders including pelvic floor dyssnergia and fecal incontinence.

In addition, she does practice General Gastroenterology including colon cancer screening with colonoscopy. She also has a special interest in Women’s Health Issues.
Dr. Sam graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine with her medical degree and her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health in 2003. She has established the Mount Sinai Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center providing a multidisciplinary approach to motility and Functional gastrointestinal disorders.

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October 31, 2016

The Glamorous Life Of Veterinarian-Turned-Actress Hillary Hickam

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She’s has been the veterinarian of choice to stars such as Paris Hilton, and now she is front and center on the red carpets in Hollywood after switching careers and becoming an actress! Hillary Hickam has starred in such films as The Lockett and In My Mother’s Arms, and next plays one of the leads in the horror flick, TiF.

With so much going on in her life, Hillary always knows how to glam it up, and so we had to find out more about her style, favorite products & more!

NN: How would you describe your own personal style – both while at home and on the red carpet?

HH: I believe clothes should be carefully chosen, but carelessly worn… I love to be glamorous, but not at the expense of comfort. It it’s itchy or constricting, no matter how sexy the outfit, I won’t wear it. I love the 80s so any chance I have to pay an homage to that decade, I will jump at it. I love hats and heels and textures. Gauzy fabrics and soft flowy silhouettes always attract me first, but I have plenty of slim-fitting, skin-revealing outfits too. (At home I will inevitably be wearing soft pajamas or jean shorts and an over-sized sweatshirt!)

NN: What are some of your favorite beauty products that you use to get red-carpet ready?

HH: I use a wide variety of brands, but the products I can’t live without include Benefit eye concealer and blush, Maybelline mascara, Stila eyeliner, Laura Mercier lipstick, and Trish McEvoy lip gloss. For my hair, I never go out without Kerastasse thickening spray and I still adore Potion #9 as style finish.

NN: Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?

HH: Helmut Lang, Zadig & Voltaire, Anna Sui, Magda Butrym, Alice and Olivia, Vince Camuto, Pedro Garcia.

NN: How has the change been from being in doctors clothes as a veterinarian, to now being a in-the-spotlight actress?

HH: It is actually a refreshing change to go from comfy, sometimes wrinkled, scrubs and tennis shoes to fancy, sexy clothes and heels! I have to spend a lot more time getting ready than I ever did to be a veterinarian! I’m pretty comfortable in my own skin though, so the clothes are just an extra accessory for the day. The most important part of your presentation to the world is Your attitude not your clothes. If you don’t have a positive, pleasant attitude you can’t hide that under even the most beautiful fabrics! I start the day with prayer and exercise regardless of what the plan for the day is or what my job will be.

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NN: You have a few pets… Do you ever dress your dogs up?

HH: Oh yes! In fact my 4 pound maltese was a finalist in the Santa Monica Halloween costume contest this week! She was “LA Glam” and wore a sexy little black dress, a pink scarf, and of course her aviator sunglasses. Unfortunately my sassy year and a half old shih tzu likes to rip off and chew anything I dress her in so you are unlikely to see her in an outfit.

NN: What is your advice to anyone wanting to switch their own careers and try their hand at acting in Hollywood

HH: First, surround yourself with other talented, generous actors and learn everything you can from them! Then remember to return the favor as soon as you can. Secondly, BE BRAVE AND TAKE RISKS! Don’t bother learning “the rules,” because the successful actors are the ones that don’t follow them anyway!

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October 28, 2016

This morning on Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend…

Watch the lovely Enya Flack with our good friends Natalie & Carley at Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend as Enya presents an array of Beauty products in her segment “A ‘Masque’rade of Beauty.

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Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend beauty product presentation by Enya Flack, It’s a Glam Thing.

www.purador.com
www.petalfresh.com
www.miss-spa.com
http://www.target.com/p/pedispa-gentle-exfoliating-foot-mask/-/A-21532620
www.gerardcosmetics.com

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