HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS

HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS

Don't we all want healthier food options? Don't you wish it was as easy to cook healthy low-fat dishes as it is to make the heavier versions? Healthy food options are all over the place, you just have to make a concentrated effort to look for them and to learn new recipes.

I don't know about you all, but I'm tired of depriving myself of all the decadently delicious foods that are out there. I'm sick of having an apple,when what I really want is some hot and cheesy potato skins. Don't get me wrong, I still love a nice juicy apple, and they are amazingly good for you, but dammit, sometimes an apple just won't do. I found that with just a little effort on my part, I can find all kinds of healthier and lower calorie versions of all the food we don't normally allow ourselves to indulge in.

One of the best places I've found is http://www.hungry-girl.com. they have all kinds of recipes as well as items in restaurants that make for healthier choices. One of the best ones I picked up includes one of my favorite companies http://www.morningstarfarms.com/. I'm including 3 different recipes for healthy food options so you can try it out for yourself.

Slim Chicken

ingredients

1 wonder light hamburger bun

1 morningstar farms chik patty, original

1tbsp. fat-free mayo

1 large lettuce leaf

Directions

1. microwave chik patty for 1min on each side
2. toast the bun
3. add tomato, lettuce and mayo
4. enjoy

Nutritional Info

Serving size 1 sandwich, calories 250, fat 7.5g, sodium 865mg, carbs 38g, sugars 3.5g, protein 13.5g

Potato skins

Ingredients

3 med sized potatoes

1/2 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. betty crocker baco-o-bits

1/4 cup chopped chives

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Prep potatoes by washing and drying to remove dirt and piercing them several times with a fork to prevent bursting
3. Place potatoes on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 4 mins
4. Turn potatoes over and microwave for another 4 mins
5. Cool for a few mins, then cut potatoes in half lengthwise
6. Using a fork, gently scrape out the bulk of the flesh
7. Place potato skins on a baking dish spritzed with a nonstick spray
8. Cook for 8-10 mins, depending on how crunchy you like your skins
9. Evenly distribute cheese and bacon bits onto potato skins
10. Turn off the oven, but return the skins to the oven until the cheese has melted
11. Remove and top with fat-free sour cream and/or salsa

Nutritional Info

Serving size 4 pieces, calories 146, fat <1g,>

Guiltless BLT

Ingredients

2 slices of wonder light bread, weight watchers bread (or another 40 calorie bread)

2 slices louis rich turkey bacon

2 slices tomato

2 tsp best foods mayo/reduced fat

1 romaine lettuce leaf

Directions

1. Toast bread
2. Prepare bacon in the microwave
3. Smear a tsp of mayo on each half of bread
4. Break bacon pieces in half
5. Assemble your sandwich using all remaining ingredients

Nutritional Info

Serving size 1 sandwich, calories 180, fat 7g, sodium 710mg, carbs 24g, fiber 6g, sugar 1g, protein 8.5g

That should keep you occupied for a while. But, remember there are plenty more where these came from. All you have to do is look, or keep checking my blog for more.

MADONNA AND CHILD

MADONNA AND CHILD: WHAT'S UP WITH THE MAMA DRAMA?

Ok, I don't get it. Why is everybody so up in arms about Madonna adopting a child? Cut the woman a break for GOD's sake, she's doing a good thing. How often do we hear about how many parentless children there are around the world. Theese same people berate parents here who only want white infants. I constantly hear screaming about how there are so many less fortunate children who need a home.

Madonna may have been a freak 20 years ago, but come on, you know we all were too. At least I'm willing to admit I was, and I know some of you reading this personally, so don't try to act as if you weren't wild back in the day because I have pictures.

Madonna has proven herself to be a good mother, at least as far as we can tell, so get off her back. She gave birth to two children of her own and wanted more, so she decided to do a noble thing. I'm proud of her. Anyway, that's just what was getting my goat today.

A PAIN IN THE BUTT: SCIATICA

A PAIN IN MY BUTT:SCIATICA

I have been in excrutiating pain for the past few weeks. It's something I've been dealing with for several years, it's called sciatica. It starts as a nagging pain in my lower back and starts to move to my butt and down my leg, (ouch!) If any of you have had this debilitating condition you know what i'm talking about.

The causes of sciatica can be anything from a herniated disk to a compressed nerve root. The bad thing is that it is soooo painful, the good news is that there are a lot of differeant ways to treat it. If you're not sure if that nagging pain in your lower back is from sciatica or not check out some of these symptoms.

Sciatica Symptoms

• Pain; starting in your lower back, and worsened by prolonged sitting or standing
• Pain; when trying to stand from a low sitting position
• Pain: worsened by coughing, sneezing or laughing
• Weakness; this may appear in your leg or foot
• Numbness
• Tingling or a pins and needles feeling
• Loss of bladder or bowel control; this is very rare and very serious. if you experience this go seek medical attntion immediatly!

Now you know whether or not you have sciatica, but what can you do to treat this nagging pain in the butt and lower back? Gratefully, there are actually a lot of easy treatments for this problem.

Sciatica Treatment

• Maintain your daily routine; believe it or not one of the worst things you can do is to stay on any prolonged period of bed rest. Go about your business, just stay away from any activity that may trigger your pain
• Coldpacks; this is good for the first 48 hours. Apply to the affected area for 15-20 minutes four times a day
• hotpacks; after 48 hours, apply heat to the area. If pain continues alternate warm and cold
• Stretching; avoid jerking, bouncing or twisting

If the pain is severe, you may want to look into getting some over the counter medication. If you go this route, make sure you get a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like aspirin or ibuprofen. This is the type of pain medication that is both a pain reliever and anti-inflammatroy. there are also some alternative therapies you can try.

Alternative and complimentary treatments can work alone or hand in hand with some ot the other treatments. Alternative teatments include; Accupunture, Accupressure and Chiropratice treatments.

One of the best things you can do to avoid the nagging pain in the butt is excercise. Yes ladies, yet another reason we should be getting our tushes off the couch.

Don't let lower back pain knock you out. Kick that nagging pain on its ass!

HOMEMADE FACIAL MASKS

HOMEMADE FACIAL MASKS: FACIAL MASKS FOR DRY SKIN, OILY SKIN, SENSITIVE SKIN AND FIRMING FACIAL MASK

I'm obsessed with my skin! Aren't you? I mean with your skin, not mine, why would you be obsessed with my skin? Anyway, I digress. I crave having that clear even skin tone that magazines create digitally for their cover models. Ok, so I realize most women don't really have that perfectly flawless skin, but i don't care, I aspire to it anyway. So, I am on the constant look out for facial masks that will help me achieve that perfect beauty.

Before you say anything, I know that no beauty product can perform miracles, but they can help, especially a really good facial mask. I found a really good website that has a whole slue of homemade facial masks http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/, and I'm going to share them with you.

Homemade Facial Mask: Dry Skin

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk, smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 mins, rinse off with warm water

Homemade Facial Mask: Oily Skin

Grate an apple finely and then add about 4 tablespoons of honey. Mix it well, apply to your face, Wait 10 mins and rinse

Homemade Facial Mask: Sensitive Skin

Warm a small pot of honey in a double boiler, then test a small amount on your hand to make sure it's not too hot. When warm apply the honey generously over your entire face. Leave the mask on for 15 mins. Rinse thoroughly with warm, then cool water

Homemade Facial Mask: Firming Skin

Mash up a very ripe banana. Add just enough honey to make a soft pulp. Apply over the face and hair. Leave on for 10 mins and wash off with warm water.

I tried to cover all the basis here, but I know the first one I'm trying-the firming facial mask!

let me know how these work for you, now go make a mask.

MEDITATION:GOOD FOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING

MEDITATION:GOOD FOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING.

I am such a high strung person that I'm always on the lookout for a good way to stop my brain from racing a mile a minute and relax. We've all heard about meditation, but I always just pictured it being something for people who were akin to the Dali Lama. I looked into it though and found out some very interesting things.

First of all, the term meditation describes a variety of practices with a variety of goals, and it usually involves turning your attention inward to the mind itself. This is where they usually lose me, because it sounds so new agey. But, it doesn't have to entail sitting on the floor with your palms turned upward like you're praying to some unknown being.

Meditation can be as simple as breathing. While focusing all of your attention on your breathing, you begin to realize your brain begins to clear of all the other crap going on in your life. It also calms down your body because you are taking the time to stop running around. Just the act of sitting still for a few moments can beneficial to your body.

Another thing I discovered is you have to be patient, (which is one of my downfalls for sure.) You won't necessarily be able to stop your mind from wandering in the beginning, but with practice it will happen. Without even realizing it we are all meditating from time to time already.

You know when you get home from work, pour yourself a glass of wine and turn on your favorite music? That's meditating, because you are clearing your body and mind from all the toxicity from the day.

My favorite way to meditate involves a scented bubble bath and aromatherapy candles, oh and of course a good cigarette afterward! I'm only halfway kidding about that second part. Anyway, go meditate, it's good for you.

HOMEWORK

HOMEWORK: I CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH!

Ok, I realize that homework is a part of school. And I also realize that as much as I hate it, even I at the age of 37 have to do my homework just like any other student, but I can only take so much.

I have spent the last three years studying things I have no interest in, and sacrificing a personal life in order to get good grades, and I'm ready to get to some stuff that matters to me now.

Maybe I'm bitter because I did all of that work and still didn't get into UCLA, (even with a 3.8 gpa), or maybe I'm disappointed that I'm gonna end up going to a school I had never heard of before I moved to the Valley. Whatever the case may be, I'm at my wits end!

I was supposed to be going to CSUN this semester, and I was so eager to finally be taking the classes in my major, but to find out days before the semester began that I would have to go back to Los Angeles Valley College for another semester just about did me in.

A good example of how bad my attitude is starting to get is the fact that I'm supposed to be in my history class right now. And yet, here I am writing in my blog, a much more worthwhile endeavor if you ask me. I never NEVER would have ditched a class before.

Of course I'm going to stick it out, it's all worth it in the end. I just hope and pray next semester will re-energize me, because I still have a long way to go. Gotta go do my homework now.

INTIMIDATION

INTIMIDATION: MEN AND TESTOSTERONE
intimidation, men, testosterone.

I was getting a pedicure yesterday and had an experience I'm sure all women have had at one time or another; a puffed up jackass, hyped up on his own testosterone, trying to use intimidation on me. Laughable if you know anything about me.

In a nutshell: he was blocking me when I was trying to get into the parking lot at my manicurist, and so I gave him "the look." You know the one, it says "what the hell are you doing?" As I got out of my car, I saw him approaching me the way a father would approach a child who has done something wrong.

I told him if he thought he was going to confront and try to intimidate me he better just walk away. Of course, an ugly confrontation ensued, with him pacing back and forth between me and my car. In the middle of the whole nasty scene, which I won't bore you with, a little old lady came out of the manicurists and yelled at the man to go away and stop harassing "this sweet girl."

I don't know this lady, I've never seen her before in my life, but I will never forget her. She reminded me that just as one bad person can put a blight on your day, a good person can turn it all around and make you happy again.

It's a lesson I will try not to forget, and I will try to follow that sweet lady's example every chance I get.

AIDS IN AFRICA

AIDS IN AFRICA: BONO DOES IT AGAIN!
aids, africa, oprah whinfrey, bono, red, red products, shop red.

Bono was just on the Oprah Whinfrey show, discussing a new campaign he has started called, SHOP RED. It's a brilliant idea. It provides the average person the opportunity to help in the fight against aids in Africa. You don't have to send a check, and you don't have to sign up for anything, all you have to do is simply buy products you are more than likely already buying.

The SHOP RED Campaign is in conjunction with a handful of stores and the premise is; buy the items that are tagged as red products and a specified amount of the proceeds will go to The Global Fund, http://www.jointheglobalfund.org, to send life saving medication to women and children in Africa who are living with, and dying from, Aids.

Stores In The Program

• Gap
• Armani
• Motorola
• Converse
• Apple

Just .40 a day can save a child's life. Can you imagine a baby, toddler, or teenager dying because they can't afford the .40 a day it costs for the medication? I saw some of the T-shirts they are selling at the Gap and they are very cool. Please go check them out.

The Holiday Season is almost here, just think of how many lives you can save by purchasing all red products as your gifts this year. I know I will. If you want to learn more about the program you can visit, http://www.JoinRed.com

LYCOPENE:THE HEALTHFUL TOMATO

LYCOPENE AND THE HEALTHFUL TOMATO:
lycopene, tomato, ophrah, Dr. Oz.

Lycopene is a proven antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals that may damage the body's cells. One of the best sources of getting lycopene in your diet is through the tomato. I was watching an episode of Oprah recently, and she had Dr. Oz, (the author of you: the owners manuel), on discussing how powerful tomatoes were in the fight for good health.

According to Dr. Oz, it is so potent that he recomends we get at least 10 Tbls in our diet every week. But, before you go out and buy bushel fulls of raw tomatoes, he's talking about cooked tomatoes. Apparently, research shows that lycopene in tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup.

The reason for this is because, the chemical form of lycopene found in tomatoes is converted by the temperature changes involved in processing to make it more easily absorbed by the body. However, if you just can't resist a juicy raw tomato, you can always toss it with some olive oil or walnuts in a salad. The added fat also helps to absorb the lycopene into your body.

WHY LYCOPENE IS SO VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH

Ongoing preliminary research suggests that lycopene is associated with reduced risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin.

WHERE LYCOPENE GETS DEPOSITED IN THE BODY

• Liver
• Lungs
• Prostate gland
• Colon
• Skin

You can see why it is the darling of the antioxidant family. It is found most abundently in the tomato, and is also being touted as possibly being able to help prevent various forms of Caner and Heart Disease. And really, what a yummy way to get and stay healthy. there are a myriad of ways to prepare a tomato, and I've provided a recipe for you here. For more on lycopene, you can go to http://www.lycopene.org, and for more tasty recipes you can click this link to http://www.homecooking.about.com

RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, undrained
• 1 can (16 oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1-1/2 cups incooked instant rice
• 3 freen onions, with tops, sliced

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in 10-inch skillet
2. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently
3. Reduce heat
4. Cover and simmer for ten minutes or until rice is tender

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR:
beauty tip, save money, skin, hair, cleansing cloth

If you're anything like me, you'll break the bank chasing after every new product that comes out claiming to enhance your beauty, save money, or make you appear to look younger. Well, you don't necessarily have to. I have found a couple of beauty tips for skin and hair that are not only less expensive but pretty clever as well.

One of my favorite things to use to clean my face is a cleansing cloth. I use oil of olay http://www.olay.com/. The only problem is it's pretty expensive. But while I was perusing the Internet, I found a great tip on saving money on these things. You can cut each of the individual cloths in half, thereby doubling your product. It's so simple, I wish I'd thought of it myself and a lot earlier. I dump a bucket full of cash on my hair as well.

All the expensive hair products I use are not only sending me into bankruptcy, they are also doing some serious damage to my locks. Here is a cheap way to get all the buildup of crap we put on our hair out. Simple take one cup of apple cider vinegar and rinse it through your hair once a week. Don't do it more than that though because it will strip all the natural oil out of your hair if done too often.

That's all I got for now. Try this stuff out and tell me how it works for you.

McDreamy VS McSteamy

MCDREAMY VS MCSTEAMY, I refuse to choose,

What is up with Greys Anatomy trying to pit Dr. McDreamy against Dr. McSteamy? I absolutly refuse to choose between the two. It's apples and oranges my friends, apples and oranges.

On the one hand, you have McDreamy, he's more of the tender, sweet, caring type, with those "dreamy" eyes and gorgous head of hair. Than you have McSteamy, he's just raw sexuality. He's the guy you want to just grab you, throw you over his shoulder, and throw you on the bed.

The only solution I can come up with is to meld them together. Then you'd have Dr. McDreamSteamy!!!!

Ooh, I like that. Maybe I'll send the story idea to the producers. Remember, If you see that story line that I came up with it first.

ANSWERS REGARDING ANTIOXIDANTS

WHY ARE ANTIOXIDANTS SO VITAL TO OUR HEALTH?
antioxidants, vitamins, vegetables, healthy food, diet, free radicals
Your probably hear it every day, "high in antioxidants," "or rich in antioxidants." But what exactly are they, and why are they so vital to our health? Where are antioxidants found, and how can you incorporate them in your diet?

What Are Antioxidants

I found a definition at http://www.holyname.org that I think describes it best for our purposes: antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging. they are found in nutrients and enzymes.

Why Are They So Important

They are vital to our health because they are believed to play a role in preventing the development of such chronic diseases as Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cataracts. Ok, sounds great but what types of antioxidants are there?

Types of Antioxidants

Nutrients:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• Selenium

Enzymes:

• Spuperoxide dismutase
• Catalase
• Glutathione perovidase

These enzymes are your primary defense in destroying free radicals

Foods They Are Found In

• Vitamin E:Vegetable oils, Walnuts, Peanuts, Almonds, Seeds, Olives, Avocados, Liver, Leafy Green Vegetables
• Vitamin C:Oranges, Grapefruit, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Cantaloupe, Strawberries
• Beta-carotene:Cantaloupe, Mangoes, Papaya, Pumpkin, Peppers, Spinach, Kale, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Apricots,
• Selenium:Seafood, Beef, Pork, Chicken, Brazil nuts, Brown rice, Whole wheat bread

although there are many supplements out there, it is best to get your antioxidants from food. Keep in mind, The American Heart Association suggests, "people eat a variety of foods daily from all of the basic food groups." Moreover, they believe it is better to get the bulk of your needed nutrients through food, as opposed to supplements. We now know that consuming mega-doses of antioxidants can be harmful due to their potential to toxicity and interactions with medications, so getting them through your food is a safer way to ensure that won't happen.

I HATE CLEANING!

I HATE TO CLEAN!
I hate is so much that I've convinced myself I must write this in my daily rant before I get to it. Cleaning is not only not fun, it can be down right disgusting sometimes. Especially when you have to clean your bathroom, (I'll give you two guesses which room I'm cleaning today).

Do you think my bathroom is way past cleaning if I have some sort of tiny little bugs flying around my bathroom sink? I'm telling myself it's just because of the weather, and not matter what I do I just can't get rid of them.

I know what you're thinking, you're saying to yourself, "I bet they'd go away if you just cleaned your bathroom." Well, that's pretty smug of you, but I suppose you're right.

So, stop snarking at me already. I'm cleaning!

STAY HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
It's that time of year again, the holiday season. This means your kids are starting to think about their Christmas lists in earnest, and you are starting to peruse the deals on airline tickets you can get to go visit extended family for the holiday season. One of the things people dread the most is the high risk they face of getting sick while traveling.

Most people believe they get sick from the poor air quality on airplanes, false. While you do run a higher risk of getting sick while traveling, it's more about the close proximity you have with all the other people on the plane.

The air quality on a plane is actually much better than on the ground. In fact, it goes through a filtration system twice before ever getting to you in the cabin. By the time in reaches the masses on board, all but 3% of germs have been filtered out. I can't say the same thing for that precious little tyke sitting next to you.

Granted, you are somewhat trapped in this cesspool of germs, but there are things you can do to help improve your chances of staying healthy.

PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

• Drink plenty of fluids: I'm talking about water, not coffee or alcohol, they will dehydrate you and raise your risk of getting sick
• Get your own bottled water, don't drink the planes tap water or ice. The quality isn't the best, I'll just leave it at that
• Get up and move around as often as possible. This will get you away from your tightly packed seat where you're practically directly breathing in the air your neighbor is breathing out, and it's good for your circulation

The Holiday Season should be a happy time, filled with family and friends, not a time to be downing Advil and cough syrup like it's candy. Don't let traveling during the holiday season stress you out, that's what your in-laws are for.

COMPUTERS!!!!!!!

Due to the ever increasing frustration that has become part of my life, I have added a new category to my blog. It's called Daily Rant. Watch out people, this is where I plan on unloading all the anger and hostility I can't take out on the idiots or things that cause me strife in the world.

We shall start our rant today on computers, or as my precious little nephew calls them, paputors, (he's 3-years-old and a genius!) Were computers invented to make our lives easier or a living hell? Because honestly, on any given day it could be either one, or usually both, for me.

Take for example saving your digital pictures. They make it sound like it is the easiest thing in the world. Just plug this thing a majig in here, then click this button, oh but make sure it's compatible with the computer program you have or you'll break everything, even your tv. Oh, the television had nothing to do with it but somehow it linked up to some doohiky, and now they're all broken.

The problem is we'v become so accustom to having the tech toys that we start to rely on them. Just recently, my sister's computer crashed, through no fault of her own, and she lost everything!!!!! Pictures of my nephew, work related stuff, home business stuff, you know a bunch of really important stuff! Before computers she would have had all of that ..stuff filed away as hard copies, but not now.

It's not that I want all these unbelievably magical things to go away, I just want whoever makes them to remember we didn't all spend our teenage years locked away in our garages. Not to build computers anyway.

Please feel free to comment on any of my rants. And don't be shy, add yours to my comment box and I just may add them to my blog.

HOW TO HELP A FRIEND THROUGH GRIEF

HOW DO YOU HELP A FRIEND THROUGH GRIEF? I'm not sure, but I recently had to deal with that very question, and I read everything I could get my hands on. Death, and the grieving process are differant for everybody, which complicates the situation. All I wanted to do was take away my friends pain, but i've learned, as hard as it is to do, I need to allow him to go through his grief in his own way and own time.

That's one of the most frustrating parts of grief, everybody deals with it differantly. Even the person grieving may not know what they will feel at any given moment. Through all my research, I learned a few things you may find helpful if, and when, you find yourself in this situation.

Ways You Can Help

• Let your friend know you are there for them whatever they may need
• Don't be afraid to talk about the loved one they lost
• Don't worry if their emotions seem to go from one extreme to another
• Take your cues from them:if they want to talk than talk, if they want to sit with you and say nothing let them, if they want to act as if everything is ok, go with it

The truth is, nothing is going to take away the pain they will have to go through. Be patient with them, they will be dealing with their grief and loss the rest of their lives in differant ways.

I hope you find these tips helpful when you find yourself in this situation. And remember to take care of yourself as well. When you care about a somebody enough to feel their pain, you will end up feeling it.

ARE YOU TECH SAVVY?

ARE YOU TECH SAVVY? I know I'm sure not! But, I also know I love Computer, digital cameras, tivo, (don't touch my tivo), and all other technical toys, but they are beginning to make my life a living nightmare.

They were invented and designed to make our lives eaiser and more enjoyable. When they work and you can figure out how to use them, they do just that. But, GOD help you if you can't figure out how to set them up, let alone use the darn things, it just zaps all the joy out of what they were intended for.

I got my first tivo shortly after they came out. I'm a huge tv aholic and it seemed like this invention was made just for me. I eagerly took it out of the box and spent the next week in various stages of a nervous breakdown trying to hook the damn thing up to my tv. As it turned out, the instructions that came with were wrong, and it took calling the support desk numerous times a day throughout the week before I got somebody that actually helped me. Don't get me started on my first digital camera!

I thought my days of desposable cameras, that printed disposable pictures, was far behind me when I got my first digital camera. As it turned out, I never could take a decent picture on it. It was probably my fault, I was probably doing it wrong, but who can tell by reading the directions. I might as well have been trying to read swahili. And computers, the most frustrating of them all.

The problems is, we are all suckers for technology. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I'm just saying the makers of these gadgets should realize we're not all part of the geek squad. Take some pity on us please and make these things dependable and easier to set up. We'll all be happier, you'll make more money, and we won't lose our minds.

IS THIN NO LONGER IN?

IS THIN NO LONGER IN? Has society finally come to their senses, and realized that most of us don't find walking lollipops attractive? Are they getting how dangerous it is to portray the ideal woman as a walking q-tip? I don't think their motives are this altruistic, more likely it comes down to the GOD we all worship...MONEY!

Last week was fashion's version of the Olympics, Fashion Week. Most of us probably heard how Spain was refusing to hire models who were too thin, but what is too thin by their standards? Don't get me wrong, I think this trend is definitely a step in the right direction, but we have to realize that models lately are close to a size 0.

I just saw a report on Entertainment Tonight http://www.etonline.com/, that stated, "the average size model is somewhere between a 2-4, and their weight is an average 120lbs, while the average American woman is a size 16 and weighs 165lbs." Keep something else in mind, these size 2 models are over 5'7". They have to be in order to be a runway model. So, that size 2 is now even smaller than you think.

In my opinion, they don't want these models to be too thin because the clothes don't look as good. Granted, the whole reason for the shrinking of models from the past, (Cyndi Crawford was a size 6),was because fashion designers basically wanted walking hangers to display their clothes, but it appears you can be too thin.

These girls just look unhealthy, and the clothes look like they are on the walking dead. That doesn't make for big sales. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe they really do care that young girls and women are looking at these models and feeling like they just don't measure up, but somehow I doubt that.

Whatever they reason, it is a step in the right direction, and I applaud their new attitude. Let's hope there are more countries and more designers to follow.

3 SIMPLE WAYS TO HEAL DRY SKIN

If you're anything like me, you dread the damage you're skin suffers during the dry, cold Winter months. I have found 3 simple ways to heal dry skin, and alliviate the pain and suffering that goes along with it. But, don't think the only thing you need to concern yourself with is the extreme itchiness that comes with dry skin.

Common Symptoms Associated with Dry Skin

• Scaley skin
• Long-term redness to affected areas
• Skin that sloughs off easily
• Hyper sensitivity to affected area

As you can see, the painfull itching is only one componant of this problem; however, it is one of the most annoying ones. Until I found ways to combat the situation, I would wake up in the middle of the night tearing at my ankles and lower legs. Unatractive and painfull, not a pleasant combination.

The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to avoid these symptoms, and allow yourself the ability to enjoy the Winter months again.

3 Simple Steps

1. Take a shower in lukewarm water (not hot). Hot water will only make matters worse, as it dry's out the skin even more.
2. Use an in-shower lotion. It doesn't even have to be one of the lotions companies are making that are specified in-shower. You can use any regular lotion. Put it on right before you get out of the shower, and then gently pat yourself dry.
3. While you're still slightly wet, aplly more lotion. Your skin will soak up more of the moisture if you let it dry with the water.

That's it. It's seems so simple and basic, but often times those are the things that work best. If you want more infor regarding dry skin, you can visit http://www.jergens.com

HOW TO BEAT WINTER DRYNESS

How to beat winter dryness. Now that Fall is here, and with Winter fast approaching, it's time to pay close attention to our skin and hair. We've all been there, red, itchy, cracking skin, fly away frizzy hair, it's enough to make a girl want to stay indoors all season. Either that or drop a pile of money at the beauty counter trying to counteract the affects of old man winter. Before you lock the door and throw away the key, there are other less expensive options you can try.

I've found some economical, homemade tips for pampering ourselves without breaking the bank at frugalliving.about.com. On top of being a cheaper way to go, they are also much more environmentally friendly, so that's an extra bonus for those of us who no longer want to kill the ozone layer with our hairspray.

Homemade Hairspray
Take a lemon or an orange, simmer it in water, strain, and put in a spray bottle. The added feature to this one is how nice your hair will smell.

Deep Moiturising Hair Treatment
Take a generous amount of mayonnaise, apply it to you hair, wrap in a warm towel for 15 mins or more, and then shampoo in warm (not hot) water

Homemade Moisturising Skin Care
Mix about equal parts of corn meal and honey, use it as an exfoliating scrup, and then store it in a jar for later use.

You see, we don't always have to go to the mall or expensive makeup counter for our beauty products. Sometimes the grocery store will do just as well.

You can find more inexpensive ways to do just about anything at http://www.frugalliving.com