Archives for April 2015

Hormones in a Female Body

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Our body is very powerful, yet very sensitive system. Even the slightest changes in our molecular structure can cause us long term issues and sometimes, they can even lead to entire life of drinking medicine and visiting doctor. This is why we need to take care of our body and our vital functions. However, not everything is in our hands. Even if we seclude ourselves in a mountain village, exposed to fresh air and good, healthy food, this does not necessarily mean that we will have a healthy life. Sometimes, even the smallest chemical imbalance can lead to all sorts of problems. Today, most of the women, sooner or later, experience hormonal problems.
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Like most of the other things within our body, hormones are product of organs. In most cases, they are created by various glands. As previously mentioned, you don’t have to get sick to have problems with your hormones. Sometimes, it is enough for gland to stop producing normal amounts of hormone and you will have an issue. Luckily, most of the hormones can be replaced by different medicines which produce a chemical substitute. For example, you can always use things such as nasal spray and sublingual drops from OxytocinFactor.co to restore normal level of oxytocin in your body.

These are the most important hormones in a female body.

  • Estrogen – without a doubt, the most important female hormone. During puberty, it helps with development of sexual organs and secondary sexual characteristics. Besides that, this is very important hormone for conception. Its levels are greatly increased during pregnancy and it helps the entire process of childbirth. At the same time, estrogen also increases high density cholesterol which decreases overall cholesterol in arteries. It is also important for growth and density of the bones.
  • Progesterone – it is secreted in yellow body of ovaries during ovulation. Under its influence, endometrium changes and it prepares for egg implantation. This is the most important hormone during the pregnancy and it has enormous impact on baby’s health. After the pregnancy, level of this hormone is reduced. Besides childbirth, it can also influence women’s period.
  • Oxytocin – unlike other hormones, which are mainly influencing body and physical processes, this hormone impact mental processes as well as mental well-being of a woman. This hormone is usually referred as bonding hormone and that is precisely what it does. It can impact most of our social interaction, like relationship with our spouse or group behavior, and for woman, it impact bonding with a child. In case that person lacks this hormone, it can lead to depression, anxiety and social seclusion.
  • Prolactin – as its name implies, this hormone has the role of enabling lactation in a female body. Similarly to progesterone, its level are increased during pregnancy and reduced soon afterwards. Besides the fact that it enables lactation, it can also influence female growth and various processes during period.

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Although it is very hard to diagnose hormonal problem by yourself, any issue with above mentioned functions should tell you that you need to visit the doctor and control your hormonal levels.

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Beat The Summer Heat With A New Air Con System

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Air conditioning can be a savior when the hot summer days draw in. But if you have an old system, it can cost you an arm and a leg to run, and it will be less energy efficient. With this in mind, we thought we would take a look at some of the advantages of getting a new air con system installed. There’s something here for all the family, so let’s get started right away.

More Efficient

Once you have installed a new air conditioning unit, prepare for a shock. It will be a nice shock because you will see a dramatic decrease in your electricity bills, but you will be devastated that you didn’t do it sooner. Modern air conditioning units can save up to 80% of the costs of older models. That isn’t to be sniffed at and means you will have more money to spend on doing cool stuff with the kids (or yourself!).

More Control

Older air conditioning units tend to be of the ‘on or off’ variety. That means you either suffer the heat or face blasts of icy cold air. More modern units are easier to control and are reliable, meaning you can keep temperatures just the way that you like them.

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Less Noise

At some point, everybody has experienced the sheer volume of an old air con system coughing and spluttering through a still summer’s night. A new, up-to-date system has no such problems, however. If you have an old unit in your home, prepare to be amazed. You will have grown accustomed to the noise and probably don’t even notice it. With a new system operating at quiet-as-a-mouse levels, expect your sleep quality to receive a real boost.

Easy Repair

One of the major issues with having an old air conditioning system is that if something goes wrong, quite often it is hard to find parts. Manufacturers are constantly evolving their products. That means that eventually, they will stop holding parts and spares for their older devices, and finding replacements can be tricky – and expensive. Modern AC repair is a different kettle of fish. Not only will spare parts be available, but they will be quicker for your repair company to get hold of.

Healthier

With older air con systems, you cannot guarantee cleanliness. Poor air quality is common in older AC systems because mold sets in. Older units can also spread nasty bugs and diseases about, which can be notoriously difficult to clear. Modern systems are better equipped for the task because a lot of them have special air filters installed. They can help to reduce the amount of bacteria, germs and dust that cause so many problems to those in your family with breathing conditions.

Humidity

Another problem for those with breathing problems such as asthma or hayfever is humidity. The more humid the air, the harder they find it to breathe properly. A good modern air con system will often have a dehumidifier built in. Something like this works well for homes by a river during the summer.

As you can see, there are many benefits to getting your current air con system upgraded. It can be a big investment at first, but over time it will save you money – and possibly your health.

 

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EPCOT’s Living Seas and Dolphin Research #MonkeyKingdomEvent

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When we were in Orlando at the Monkey Kingdom Event, 24 other bloggers and I spent some time in Epcot’s Living Seas exhibit and had the opportunity to watch a dolphin  research session.  The Living Seas has always been one of my favorite parts of Epcot because of all of the sea life they have there including all sorts of fish, sharks, stingrays, and more.

P1240500 (1024x768)The manatees were mesmerizing.  
P1240504 (1024x768)At this moment I was wishing I was the diver in the water.  
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P1240554 (1024x768) Look, I found Nemo!!!

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Did you know coral only grows the size of a speck of dust per year?  It’s amazing how big they get knowing how slow they grow!

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Fun Facts we learned at Epcot’s Living Seas:

  • There are 5.7 million gallons of water in the Living Seas at Epcot.
  • The living Seas is AZA accredited (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) just like the zoo at Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
  • They only feed the fish and other sea animals restaurant quality food.
  • The sea life at the Living Seas learn to come to food so they will come easily to their trainers and vets when they need an exam.
  • Sharks eat sick fish which helps get these sick fish out of the fish population so humans won’t end up eating sick fish.
  • I think the most fascinating thing we learned is that Nemo ride scenery starts at night.  Then guests go  down the beach until they make it into the sea where the ride starts.  This is just like the path a baby sea turtle takes.  I’ve been on the ride many times and never realized the symbolism before.

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P1240541 (1024x768)My favorite part of our experience in the Living Seas was watching a dolphin training session.  The dolphins have been taught to recognize various object.  The trainer holds up an object against the glass tank and the dolphin makes specific sounds that represent each different object.  There are audio devices inside the take that transmit these sounds to other researchers who are outside of the tank listening for these sounds.  It was so amazing to watch these beautiful, intelligent animals.  I hope to one day do Disney’s Dolphins in Depth tour where guests get into the water with the dolphins.
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Don’t forget to take your family to see Monkey Kingdom!!!

Disclosure- I was invited on an all expense paid trip to Orlando for the Monkey Kingdom Event.  All opinions are 100% my own.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa Restaurant Review #MonkeyKingdomEvent

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sanaa review
Sanaa, which means “Work of Art” in Swahili, is a beautiful restaurant located in Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village.  This hidden gem serves a mix of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods and flavors at a moderate price.  I had the opportunity to dine there for lunch a few weeks ago as part of the Monkey Kingdom Event with 24 other bloggers.  We had the opportunity to not only experience the food but also Dine with an Animal Specialist which is something anyone can do.  I suggest going for lunch and try to get a table by the window so you can see all the amazing views as you look outside at all of the animals such as zebras and giraffes.  You won’t be able to see the animals as much if you go at night since it will be dark but they do have night vision goggles outside in the viewing area that you can use after your meal if you do go for dinner. 20150415_121200 (1024x576)We started our meal with a bread flight that had various types of Indian-style breads such as Naan and Kucha.  It was served with various accompaniments such as chutney, hummus, etc.  Some where sweet, some were spicy, all were incredibly delicious.  There was something for everyone with this bread appetizer.

Indian-style Bread Service

Choice of Three Breads – Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kucha, or Paneer Paratha. Choice of Three Accompaniments – Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, or Tamarind Chutney

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Our next course was a salad sampler course that had several salads including chickpeas with cucumber and tomato and my favorite, a watermelon cucumber salad.  All of the salads were delicious and tasted incredibly fresh.

Salad Sampler

Choice of Three Salads: Chickpeas with Cucumber and Tomato; Watermelon, Cucumber and Fennel; Kachumbari; Mango; or Bhel Puri

20150415_124408 (1024x576)   For our main course we were served Basmati rice with 2 different dishes, Goan Seafood Curry and Butter Chicken.  The Goan Seafood Curry was delicious but the Butter Chicken was my FAVORITE!  It was so flavorful and had such a smooth, delicate sauce.  I am craving it just thinking about it.  If you only get one thing at Sanaa make sure it is the Butter Chicken.

Slow-cooked in Gravy, Simple and Well-seasoned

Choice of Two served with Basmati Rice or Five-Grain Pilaf – Butter Chicken, Goan Seafood Curry, Chicken Vindaloo, Spicy Durban Shrimp, or Beef Short Ribs

11182248_10153168361345027_5134649308128788875_nThanks As Mom Sees It for this picture of the delicious desserts.  I was so excited about the desserts that I forgot to take a picture before I dove in! All 3 desserts in the dessert trio were as delicious as they looked.  They were presented together on a plate with a fancy layer of chocolate to tie the whole dessert together.  Each one was equally as rich and decadent as the next.  The Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse was sweet, rich, and perfect for any chocolate lover.  The Banana Cheesecake was smooth and had just the right amount of sweetness.  And the Kulfi was sweet and delicious.  It is similar to an ice cream and the perfect way to end our meal.

Dessert Trio

Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse, Banana Cheesecake, and Seasonal Kulfi

Here’s a Sanaa menu  sample.  What I love about Sanaa is that I stepped out of my comfort zone and ate things I’ve never had before but loved it all.  The chefs at Sanaa are very accommodating.  If you have a special dietary restriction they work with you to make a meal that you’ll love.  In our group we had several bloggers with allergies and a few vegetarians and the chef came out personally to go over the menu with them, offer them alternative choices, and make sure they had food they would love.  Sanaa is one of my new favorite places to go when I go to Walt Disney World and I can’t wait to take my family there the next time we’re in town. Don’t forget to take your family to see Monkey Kingdom!!! P1240408 Disclosure- I was invited on an all expense paid trip to Orlando for the Monkey Kingdom Event.  All opinions are 100% my own.

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Homemade Jewelry vs Shop Bought Jewelry

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We all like to have the best jewelry possible to accompany our various outfits. But there are all kinds of options to think about nowadays when it comes to jewelry. There are high street retailers offering budget items; you have independent sellers creating things, and there are the high-end brands. On top of all that, you can make your own jewelry by hand!

So, how do you decide which to buy? Your budget and individual style will play a big part in that decision-making process. But if you’re going to make the right decisions, you need to know about the benefits and drawbacks of homemade and high-end jewelry products!

Homemade Jewelry

There are two kinds of handmade jewelry to think about. The first is the type that you’ve made with your own hands; the second is handmade jewelry made by independent sellers. There are advantages associated with both kinds.

Making your own jewelry by hand is a great way to create something unique. There’s no chance of finding yourself at a party where someone in the room is wearing the same necklace as you if you made it yourself! You have to be able to get creative and original with your designs though.

There are no limits on what you can do when you’re designing jewelry. And just because you’re making it by yourself, that doesn’t mean you have to make cheap items. You could make a diamond necklace if you wanted to! You actually buy just loose diamonds and get creative with the neck band, and you have a homemade diamond necklace.

Buying from individuals who make and sell jewelry can be a great idea too though. This is a good option if you’re not the creative type, but still want to buy something a little different. You’ll usually find that the prices are much cheaper than what you’d pay in a shop as well. So, what’s not to like?

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Shop Bought Jewelry

There are some benefits to buying your jewelry from a shop though. For a start, you have a much higher level of quality assurance. These items have been professionally crafted and aren’t likely to break easily as might be the case with an item you make yourself or buy from an independent seller.

High street shops sell their own ranges of jewelry, and you can get some great bargains if you look in the right places. Some people don’t like buying from high street shops when it comes to jewelry, but don’t make that mistake. Some of the items you’ll find will become staples of your collection.

The high-end jewelry retailers don’t offer the kind of thing most of us can afford to buy very often. But once in a while, or for a special occasion, they can be great to buy from. One great piece can give your entire wardrobe a touch of luxury and act as a centerpiece of you collection.
They key is to mix and match, find the best jewelry for you based on what compliments your style. Sometimes that’ll be homemade, and sometimes it’ll be shop bought!

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Paddington Free Printable Activity Sheets

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Paddington is coming to DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack on April 28, 2015!  Featuring an All-Star Cast such as Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Nicole Kidman.

To celebrate this release,here are some fun activity sheets.  Make sure to check out my Orange Marmalade Cream Cheese Dip inspired by the movie, too!

And here’s a beary exciting clip from the movie:

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Top Tips For Creating The Perfect Shared Bedroom For Your Kids

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Creating a shared bedroom for two or more children can be demanding. First there’s the issue of space. Kids come with a huge amount of stuff, and it can be really challenging to find space for one child’s belongings, never mind two or three. Secondly, you have to deal with the competing wishlists of each of your children which can be hard to combine, especially when you have a little boy and a little girl. Thankfully, things can be done to deal with these problems so that you can create a room that makes everyone happy. Here are some helpful tips on how you can achieve the perfect shared bedroom for your children.

 

  • Create “zones”

 

If you are finding it difficult to find a decor solution that pleases each of your children, you might find it helpful to consider creating zones. So that you still keep some cohesion in the room, I would recommend sticking to a neutral color for the walls, ceiling and floor. The colors that each of your children prefer can be added with items like bean bags, bed sheets, wall stickers, etc. If you want to give them a little privacy when they are in their zone, a curtain or room separator will help.

 

  • Decorate upwards

 

If you are working with a small room and you are struggling for storage space, thinking upwards rather than outwards when it comes to decorating. This will allow you to make the most of the space you have. So, for example, instead of side-by-side single beds, look for bunk bed plans that will use far less floor space. Kids usually adore bunk beds so this decision is bound to have them jumping for joy. Additionally shelves that climb the walls will be more space efficient than squat storage cabinets.

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  • Fold away furniture

 

Having to buy two or more of every item of furniture can mean there is barely any room for your children to move. The lack of room to move around could lead to frequent squabbles. However, by choosing furniture that can be folded and stored, like desks and chairs, you can ensure each child has the furniture they need without it taking up too much space.

 

  • Separate lights

 

Another great tip for shared bedrooms is to provide individual lighting, as well as a central fitting. If one child is older and is allowed to stay up a bit later to read if the main lights are kept on, this could keep your younger child awake. Lights can be fitted into bunk beds so that each kid can easily switch them off and on when they need. And bedside lamps will be helpful if you have two separate single beds.

 

  • Under bed storage

 

If you have space under the beds, this is such a useful area to store clothes, toys and books. A lot of beds these days come fitted with drawers underneath which really come in handy. Otherwise, you can use storage boxes to keep items clean and tidy.

Creating a shared bedroom that has ample storage space, and that pleases the individual personalities of your children can be difficult. However, I hope that these tips will help you to create the perfect space. Thanks for reading!

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10 Things I Learned About Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge #MonkeyKingdomEvent

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gregWhile attending the Monkey Kingdom Event in Orlando last week for the release of Monkey Kingdom which is in theaters now, 24 bloggers and I had the opportunity to chat with Greg Peccie, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Operations Manager.

Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. 

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  • Every Disney resort has an activity calendar with events and activities that are happening at that resport.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has even more going on.  Animal Kingdom Lodge is like it’s own vacation because there is so much to do there.  It can take several days just to explore all there is to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge such as activities with cultural reps, a recreation team, pools, and just checking out all of the art and architecture.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has cultural reps that serve as Savanna Guides.  They come from Africa on a 12 month visa to share their culture and experiences but they are also on the animal education team.  They lead activities and specialize in things like hospitality, conservation, safari driving, and more.) They bring the sense of Africa to life in the resort.
  • You can Dine with Animal Specialists at the Sanaa restaurant at the resort (keep an eye out for my upcoming review of Sanaa).  The specialist will be an animal keeper, a manager, or Greg Peccie, the Operations Manager himself.  Mr. Peccie is also an animal curator for the lodge.
  •  Dine with Animal Specialists is a great way for guests to try new foods and learn about animals.  You don’t have to stay on property or be a Walt Disney World guest to come for this experience.  It is $49 for adults 10 and up and $29 for children 3-9, while it is recommended for children 8 and up.
  • For all the other tours offered at the lodge participants do need to be a WDW hotel guest.DSC_0036 (681x1024)
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is 46 acres large and has over 250 animals.  These animals don’t go to the parks, they live at this resort.  They are their own self contained zoo.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s daytime animal team has 25 animal keepers, 4 managers, plus Greg Peccie the general manager. A second night team works from 6 pm to 5 am and consists of 10 keepers and 2 managers.
  • At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge it is a 24 hour operation to take care of the animals and the animals are given the highest level of care.  PETA has even been invited in to check on the animals and make sure everything is being done correctly.  From 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. the animals are brought back into the barn to feed them, take care of them, etc.  During this time work is done in the savanna for maintenance with the animals in safety.DSC_0031 (1024x681)
  • Animals are bred to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or other zoos.  They don’t bring animals from the wild to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  They are committed to doing what is right for the animals and giving them the best life.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge helps with conservation around the world through Disney’s Conservation Fund.  A portion of the proceeds from the Dine with an Animal Specialist goes towards helping animals through Disney’s Conservation Fund.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers Evening Safaris 7 days a week where guests are driven through savannas and then treated to a 5 course dinner at Jiko. Guests have to be staying at Kidani Village or Jambo House to be a part of the Evening Safari.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a Night Safari that is 1 hour long and does have a dining component to it.  During this safari guest are given military grade night vision goggles to observe the animals at night.

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Discover over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Identify each species with a Wildlife Field Guide (found in your Guest Room, with extras available from the Lobby Concierge), and learn more about African animals and ecosystems during fun programs led by Animal Specialists.

Don’t forget to take your family to see Monkey Kingdom!!!

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Disclosure- I was invited on an all expense paid trip to Orlando for the Monkey Kingdom Event.  All opinions are 100% my own.

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Summer Hairstyles I Can’t Wait To Try Out

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There is something about the summer season that makes us all more experimental and creative with our clothing, makeup, and hair. The brightness and warmth seem to make us all happier and more confident in ourselves. I for one cannot wait to try out all the beautiful hairstyles I’ve come across recently on beauty blogs and in fashion magazines. From pleats to ponytails to curls, I’ve got a lot to get through! I hope you find some ideas in here that you too want to give a go this summer.

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Braids (in all shapes, sizes, and directions)

Braids continue to be very popular with us ladies. And it’s not hard to see why. They are so versatile, pretty, and they suit everyone. I’ve come across some really intricate and tricky styles that look absolutely amazing, but a lot of work. If you are up for the effort, good for you. I think I’d find these styles too time-consuming and frustrating so I’ll be opting for easier but just as pretty braids. I love big bohemian side braids, especially when they incorporate ribbons or flowers. I think this is the perfect style for a festival, garden party or picnic at the park. Another look I’ll be trying is tiny braids dispersed throughout the hair. This gives a really beautiful laid-back feel and would be perfect for a day at the beach.

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Beach babe waves

No summer would be complete without giving your hair the beach babe treatment! Most people think this look only works if you have long hair. But I think waves in short hair also look super cute.There are a few different ways to get beach babe waves but the one I intend to try out is this:

  • Use your curling irons to create a mixture of thin, medium and chunky curls throughout your hair.
  • However, don’t curl entire sections of hair. Leaving a little but uncurled at the bottom creates the best effect.
  • Turn your head upside down and shake gently to loosen up the curls.
  • Apply a sea salt hair spray to complete your tousled textured look.

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Super sleek ponytail

I love a sleek ponytail; it looks so sophisticated. Also, this style is so versatile. It looks right at home with a casual weekend outfit, at work or on a glamorous night out. To get your ponytail as smooth as possible, it really helps to straighten your hair first. If you don’t already have one, I would recommend getting the best hair straightener you can afford, as the cheaper ones won’t do nearly as good a job. A quality hairspray will also help to keep flyaways at bay. The trend at the moment is low ponytails, but this style doesn’t suit everyone, so I think it’s best to position it wherever you feel it looks best.

Well there you have it, the hairstyles I’ll be wearing next season. I hope you have gathered some inspiration for your own locks. Here’s to having fabulous hair this summer!

 

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Four Top Tips For A Clear Complexion

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It’s very rare to find someone with a naturally clear complexion. Most of us have issues with our skin from wrinkles and blemishes to age spots and dark circles. These problems, because they are in such a visible place, can make us feel self-conscious and unhappy. But enough of all this doom and gloom already! We need to stand up against our skin bugbears and combat them once and for all. The good news is that are so many different things you can try, from simple lifestyle changes to specific treatments, any one of which could be the solution to your skin issues. Here are my top tips for a clearer complexion.

1. Speak to a skin care specialist

One of the best steps you can take towards clearer skin is to have it looked at by an expert. Everybody’s skin is different. The tips in this post are general. So as well as following this advice you should seek guidance that is specific to your skin. A skin expert will perform an analysis of your skin and recommend specific care. This could include hyperpigmentation treatment options, supplements and lifestyle changes. If you don’t know where to find such a service, try searching for skin care specialists in your area or asking your family, friends or colleagues for a recommendation. But remember to read reviews from previous customers before booking an appointment.

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2. Clean up your lifestyle

There are many things that you may be doing that are contributing, or even causing, your skin issues. Such habits include smoking, drinking, eating an unhealthy diet, not wearing sun protection and not getting enough sleep. It’s important to educate yourself on what aspects of your lifestyle could be causing visible skin problems and taking steps to reduce or eliminate them.

3. Deal with stress

Stress causes skin problems. Think about it; when you have an important meeting or interview coming up what always happens? You get a HUGE zit! Stress has a tendency to linger under the surface. So take precautions rather than dealing with it after it has reared its ugly head. Make long walks, yoga and meditation part of your weekly routine.

4. Hydrate your skin

And you should do this both internally and externally. There are many benefits that come from drinking water, and a clearer complexion is just one of them. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out toxins in your body, leading to brighter, fresher skin. But drinking lots of water is not enough to hydrate our skin properly. We must also hydrate externally by using moisturizers. This routine helps to minimize wrinkles, combat dry and tight skin and gives an overall even and soft appearance. Find a product that is right for your skin type (the skin care specialist should be able to advise on this) and apply morning and evening for the best effect.

So, don’t just muddle through feeling unhappy with your skin. As you can see, there are many changes and treatments to try. Start by speaking to the experts, and you will be one step closer to achieving a clearer complexion.

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