I was 11 years old when I got my first perm. I was going through THAT adolescent phase.  So I cried, kicked and begged my mom to allow me to get a perm. I went at it for months until she relented.

On the day that I got my perm, I was so excited. What I didn’t expect was the strong smell of the perming chemicals I had to endure at the salon, during and after the procedure.

See, three days after getting the perm, the smell of chemicals still lingered on my hair.

Do you have the same problem as I did? Then be glad you dropped by my blog today.

Now how can you remove the smell of perming chemicals that linger on your newly-permed hair?

1. Make sure your hair is dry and unwashed. You will be washing your hair after this treatment anyway.
2. Apply tomato juice on your hair, from the roots to the tips. Make sure that your hair is well-staturated.
3. Get a shower cap and cover your hair for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse the tomato juice off your hair.
5. Shampoo and condition your hair as per your personal routine.

Now you can enjoy your pretty new curls without the smell of perming chemicals following you everywhere!

for a peaceful sleep

Having a good night’s sleep is essential to one’s health. However, sleep may be disrupted by many different things – health problems, sleeping position and noise, loud snoring included.

VitalSleep is a device to aid in a more peaceful sleep. Basically, this mouthpiece to stop snoring pushes the jaw forward, enabling an undisturbed airflow resulting to quiet breathing. With VitalSleep, nobody has to live with snoring and endure sleepless nights.

For those who are wondering if VitalSleep is comfortable to wear, it may alleviate the uncertainty knowing that the mouthpiece can be custom fit. It must not cause discomfort to the wearer. If it does, the VitalSleep mouthpiece can be re-customized to better fit inside the mouth.

VitalSleep has the highest quality among snoring mouthpieces available in the market, being cleared by the FDA. The materials used in manufacturing the mouthpiece are sourced in the USA and each product pass through strict quality control inspection, ensuring its adherence to FDA standards.

For a limited time, VitalSleep offers a free second mouthpiece upon successful online purchase. It also comes with a one year warranty. The store also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

There was once a time when one has to endure a companion’s loud snoring. Not anymore. With VitalSleep, having a full, undisturbed eight hours sleep is achievable.

Les Mills Pump

If you’ve heard of BODYPUMP from around local gyms, the home version of it is coming to a home near you. It’s called Les Mills Pump. The kit comes with two 5 pound weights and two 10 pound weights. The barbell is made in such a way that it is easy to store away and won’t clutter your fitness area. Taught in almost 80 countries around the world, Les Mills Pump adds a rapid weight loss program with accelerated strength training. The whole goal is to use light weights and shoot for high repetitions. A lot of reps can help in the burning off of calories without bulking up.

The training technique is called “The Rep Effect”. What does that mean? The goal is to lift lighter weights so that when you push your muscles to fatigue by changing the tempo, position and speed of the movement with the goal of hitting a target heart rate zone. Each workout is about an hour and there are twelve of them in the Les Mills kit. There are three additional cardio workouts made to complement strength training. This program is a good arsenal to add to your own fitness collection in a way to shake up the boredom of the same DVD’s that can kill the desire to workout in your own home.

When one surfs the internet on a daily basis, one finds an assortment of interesting things and learn from them. My most recent find? Binaural beats. What caught my eye were the words relaxation, meditation and focus. I’d love me some of that.

The concept of binaural beats can be a little too technical to many people. The bottom line is, listening to binaural beats have a positive effect on our state of mind.

binaural beats

Exactly how binaural beats affect our brainwaves is amazing. The beats actually “train” the brainwaves into synchronizing with the beat. Beats at 1 to 3 Hz helps relieve insomnia. Those at 4 to 7 Hz lowers stress and aids relaxation (parents definitely need these). Beats at 8 to 12 Hz are said to lower anxiety, open up creativity and inspiration and enhancing concentration. Finally, 13 to 40 Hz result to increased alertness and cognitive abilities.

In a more practical application, binaural beats can aid in meditation and relaxation. It can help us feel more refreshed, recharged or focused on our work.

In order to maximize the effect of binaural beats, it is best use quality headphones. It also helps to be in a situation which is conducive to relaxation – away from noise, away from clutter, away from distractions.

It takes at least three minutes of being exposed to binaural beats before the brainwaves are “trained”. Once it kicks in, enjoy and savor the moment.

It is no secret that Vitamin E helps improve our health and achieve radiant skin. Vitamin supplements, facial masks, body scrubs and other commercial products from the health and skin care industry more often than not, contain vitamin e. But do you know an enjoyable way of taking Vitamin E? Eating it. Have some fruit.

Here are fruits which have the highest content of Vitamin E.

Avocado

Avocado goes at the top of the list of fruits with the highest Vitamin E content. Each fruit contains 4.16 mg of vitamin E. Infamous for having 30 grams of fat per a medium sized fruit (as much as a quarter pound burger), it is now being cut some slack by researchers. Studies show that although the avocado has a high fat content, it is classified as monounsaturated fat – the healthy kind¹. So, while you’re face is enjoying a healthy dose of avocado mask, don’t be afraid to have a bite, too.

Mango

Mango, the much-loved tropical fruit, has the second highest vitamin e content next to avocado. A medium-sized mango has 2.32 mg of vitamin E. Famous for smoothies, shakes and salads, mangoes also contain Vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and fiber.

Blueberries

Next in line are blueberries, which provides us with 2.29 mg of Vitamin E for every cupful. Enjoy those blueberry bagels and those cheesecake, too.

Cranberries

Cranberries are famous all over the world for benefiting those who suffer from urinary and bladder problems. Little do we all know that for every cup of cranberries, 1.2 mg of vitamin E is served. The guava fruit ties with cranberries for serving the same amount of Vitamin E.

Taking the recommended daily dose of Vitamin E should never be overlooked. If your health is important to you, then this is one vitamin you shouldn’t take for granted.

¹ The Avocado Advantage. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/avocado-advantage

There are a lot of factors that contribute to premature aging of the skin – the scorching heat of the sun, cold, dry weather, too much alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking. Let’s face it, everybody’s skin ages. You can’t stop the time from moving forward, but you can do something about premature aging.

fight premature aging naturally

The little things you can do (yet ignore) on a daily basis help fight premature aging. Take, for example, going out in the sun. The sun’s harmful UV rays has a terrible effect on our skin. Is it so hard to put on sunblock 15 minutes before heading out the door? Also, don’t forget to moisturize. The cold, dry weather is one merciless thing.

Some lifestyle changes can also be done. Toning down alcohol consumption, quitting cigarette smoking or avoiding second hand smoke, and eating more fruits and vegetables can turn your world around. Not only would you be healthier, but your skin would be, too.

Finally, using natural skin care products also helps immensely. Antioxidants, the ones responsible for busting those “free radicals” that harm the skin, are abundant in Mother Nature’s gifts. Green Tea possesses anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. The substance Resveratrol, which can be found in grapes, reduces the effects of UV rays. Jojoba and Macadamia oil are effective moisturizers. Vitamins and oils which can be found in nature are used effectively in anti-aging products.

These little things do matter. Aging gracefully is one thing, but premature aging of the skin is a different thing altogether. It is a problem which has a perfectly good and natural solution.

Plyometrics is a type of training that banks on fast and powerful movements with the goal to improve the functions in the nervous system. Can working out really improve the function of the nervous system? The goal of plyometrics is to provide an explosive speed in muscular contractions. With practice there is perfection. This type of training range seeks to keep a person from injuring themselves. To state plainly, this type of exercise may only be performed in well-conditioned individuals who are under supervision. P90X2 brings an element of plyometrics to mix in with its muscle confusion program.

As a whole, plyometrics are not a dangerous form of training. It is that next level of training where getting into shape stems into staying in shape. Speed is a pivotal component of plyometrics. P90X2 is a refinement of P90X. Yes, it really is that different. P90X focuses on getting fit and tone with the basics.

P90X2 amplifies that toning with a performance type of training that aims to increase stamina and limit fatigue. Not many workout programs shoot for building stamina. P90X2 aims to bring a change to the world of fitness with a better performance in a workout routine. Strength alone is not an indication of speed. Plyometrics refines the speed potential in a person.

contributed by Mairsh Jones

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans spotlights obesity as a critical public health problem and offer some advice on how to combat it. In addition to specific dietary recommendations, the guidelines conclude that the evidence for effectiveness is strongest for these weight loss strategies:

• Focus on the total number of calories consumed. Despite all the claims for fad diets, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight ultimately comes down to calories – how many you consume versus how many you burn by physical activity.

• Monitor food intake. Whether it is keeping a food journal or using a high-tech “app”, keeping track of what you eat has been shown to help you become more aware of what and how much you eat and drink. The Nutrition Facts label found on food packaging provides calorie information for each serving of food or beverage and can help in monitoring your intake. You can also try keeping track of body weight-weigh yourself daily-and physical activity.

• When eating out, choose smaller protions or lower calorie options.

• When possible, order a small-sized option, share a meal, or take home part of the meal; there is nothing wrong with asking for a “doggy bag.” Review the calorie content of foods and beverages offered and choose lower-calorie options. Calorie information may be available on menus, in a pamphlet, on food wrappers, or online. Or, instead of eating out, cook and eat more meals at home.

• Pratice portion control at home. Prepare, serve and consume smaller portions of foods and beverages, especially those high in calories. People simply eat and drink more when provided larger portions, and we’ve all been trained to be members of the "clean-plate club." Serving and consuming smaller portions is associated with weight loss and weight maintenance over time.

• Eat a nutrient-dense breakfast. Do not make the mistake of skipping breakfast in the false belief that you will benefit by cutting out those calories. Not eating breakfast has been associated with excess body weight, especially among children and adolescents. Consuming breakfast also has been associated with weight loss and weight loss maintenance, as well as improved nutrient intake.

• Limit screen time. In children, adolescents and adults, sitting in front of a screen-especially television viewing-is directly associated with increased overweight and obesity. Children and adolescents are encouraged to spend no more than one to two hours each day watching television, playing electronic games, or using the computer (other than for homework). Also, avoid eating while watching television, which can result in overeating.

Examples of solid fats

that can be listed as an ingredient:

Beef fat (tallow, suet)

Butter

Chicken fat

Coconut oil

Cream

Hydrogenated oils

Palm kernel oil

Palm oil

Partially hydrogenated oils

Pork fat (lard)

Shortening

Stick margarine

Keys to Healthier Living

Here are the "Key Recommendations" of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:

Balancing Calories to Manage Weight

• Prevent and/or reduce overweight and obesity through improved eating and physical activity behaviors.

• Control total calorie intake to manage body weight. For people who are overweight or obese, this will mean consuming fewer calories from foods and beverages.

• Increase physical activity and reduce time spent in sedentary behaviors.

• Maintain appropriate calorie balance during each stage of life-childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and older age.

Foods and Food Components to Reduce

• Reduce daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) and further reduce intake to 1,500 mg among persons who are 51 and older and those of any age who are African American or have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

• Consume less than 10% of calories from saturated fatty acids by replacing them with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

• Consume less than 300 mg per day of dietary cholesterol.

• Keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible by limiting foods that contain synthetic sources of trans fats, such as partially hydrogenated oils, and by limiting other solid fats.

• Reduce the intake of calories from solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS).

• Limit the consumption of foods that contain refined grains, especially refined grain foods that contain solid fats, added sugars and sodium.

• If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation-up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men-and only by adults of legal drinking age.

Foods and Nutrients to Increase

Individuals should meet the following recommendations as part of a healthy eating pattern while staying within their calorie needs.

• Increase vegetable and fruit intake.

• Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green and red and orange vegetables and beans and peas.

• Consume at least half of all grains as whole grains. Increase whole-grain intake by replacing refined grains with whole grains.

• Increase intake of fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese or fortified soy beverages.

• Choose a variety of protein foods, which include seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds.

• Increase the amount and variety of seafood consumed by choosing seafood in place of some meat and poultry.

• Replace protein foods that are higher in solid fats with choices that are lower in solid fats and calories and/or are sources of oils.

• Use oils to replace solid fats where possible.

• Choose foods that provide more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin.D which are nutrients of concern in American diets. These foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and milk and milk products.

Building Healthy Eating Patterns

• Select an eating pattern that meets nutrient needs over time at an appropriate calorie level.

• Account for all foods and beverages consumed and assess how they fit within a total healthy eating pattern.

• Follow food safety recommendations when preparing and eating foods to reduce the risk of foodbome illnesses.

Additional Recommendations for Specific Population Groups Individuals ages 50 years and older:

• Consume foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals, or dietary supplements.

Women capable of becoming pregnant:

• Choose foods that supply heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body, additional iron sources, and enhancers of iron absorption such as vitamin C-rich foods.

• Consume 400 micrograms (mcg) per day of synthetic folic acid (from fortified foods and/ or supplements) in addition to food forms of folate from a varied diet.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding:

• Consume 8 to 12 ounces of seafood per week from a variety of seafood types.

• Due to their high methyl mercury content, limit white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces per week and do not eat the following four types of fish: tilefish, shark, swordfish and king mackerel.

• If pregnant, take an iron supplement, as recommended by an obstetrician or other health care provider.

This review is written by Mr. Mairsh Jones, who provides custom essay and research papers to different US based firms in NY.

It is very disheartening, not to mention distracting when signs of aging start to manifest. There was a time when even the skin on my face was not as supple as it had been eight years ago, when I was 18.

I know I should just accept the fact that I’m no longer a pretty young thing. I’m just your average little asian lady. However, I refuse to.

I’m not saying I’m a fan of cosmetic surgeons. I certainly am not. Healthy and gorgeous aging may be a result of face lift surgery, eyelift or any other unnecessary cosmetic surgery. But again, these are unnecessary cosmetic surgeries. Should you decide to undergo face lift surgery,for example, you must be cautious and prepared enough for the possible complications. And it’s gonna be more complicated than ever if your not. However, I know there are natural and healthy ways of keeping the aging process going at a slow pace. I should know. My father, who will be 64
years old this year, can give 50 year olds a run for their money.

His secret? Well, his secrets are no secrets at all.

Personal grooming habits. Taking very good care of oneself is very important. Keeping the face clean is the simplest way. However, there are great skin care products out there. You just have to make sure the type of skin you have, so you can choose the best product that matches your skin. You can ask a dermatologist for recommendations. (Although I am guilty of this, I sometimes look for ideas online, like product reviews, but I still ask my dermatologist about my online finds.)

Eating right. After a successful weight loss with no fussy dieting except eating healthily and in the right proportion, I am now very watchful of what I put in my stomach. A diet of veggies and fruits have also kept my face not just clear of acne, but made it healthy looking as well.

Living a healthy lifestyle. I don’t smoke and I keep my body moving. My exercise? Walking and doing household chores. Simple? Yes. Effective? Hell, yes!!

Aging is a natural process, but it’s nice to look in the mirror and see a face that is fresh, clean, healthy and well cared for, not to mention young-looking.

What about you? Do you have other tips for taking care of your skin? Let the community know by commenting on this post or by emailing me at blog@mommymakeitbetter.com. I’d be so happy to hear from you.

There are some beauty products which may not suit a particular type of skin. Some people may be allergic to specific face masks and creams and toners. In spite of unsure results, people try and try and try to use different skin care regimen just to help them with their skin problems.

In this case, nature is still the best thing that every happened to man. Apart from its health and beauty benefits, they are almost always easily found in the pantry.

Here are five popular natural face masks you can find within the comfort of your own home.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is high in Vitamin E. As such, it freshens tired skin to make it glow and makes for an excellent moisturizer. Therefore Oatmeal can be used as a facial and body scrub, with definitely great results.

Banana

Banana is an all-around fruit. A mashed banana can be a fabulous face and hair mask. It is able to soften, condition and moisturize skin and hair because of the vitamins and minerals present in the fruit. Another great thing about the banana is that it has anti-aging properties.

Green Beans

Who would have thought green beans could be used as a beauty product? To make a mask out of green beans, mas them up and mix it to some plain yogurt. Apply this onto your face and leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes. Use lukewarm water to rinse the mask off.

Honey

Of course, one can never forget honey, which is possibly one of the most popular beauty and health aid. You can use pure honey, by itself, as a face mask. Apply it on your face and let it set for 15 minutes or until dry. Rinse off with warm water.

Egg and Olive Oil

Egg and olive oil are the basic ingredients of an Egyptian face mask. To make this mask, mix together 1 beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of flour. Blend the ingredients well until they reach a creamy consistency. Apply the mixture on your face and neck and leave it on for 15 minutes. Use cool water to rinse off the mask.

I just love to use anything natural on my face, body and my hair. So if you know any natural wrinkle creams, let me in on it.

Using natural products on your skin is not only very healthy but also very safe. Only great benefits can be reaped from nature.