10 Ways to Improve Your Day in Just 5 Minutes

Five minutes. True, it's not a heck of a lot of time. Butit's just long enough for you to do one thing -- and maybe that one thing thatwill turn your day around.

In our busy 24/7 universe, it often seems like there's notenough time to do everything you want in a day. But take five and try these 10simple ways to lower stress and boost your mood and energy levels. They mayjust help you find the extra spark you need to meet the challenges of the day.

1. Make your bed. Starting off each day with this smallritual can help create a calm environment for you in your bedroom. GretchenRubin, author of The Happiness Project, writes that many people benefit frommaking this modest step part of their routines. By checking it off your to-dolist first thing, you've got one less thing to worry about for the rest of theday.

2. Pack a snack. Before you head out the door in themorning, go into the kitchen and grab a fruit (like a banana, apple or grapes)or a healthy snack (like unsalted nuts or low-fat cheese). This way, when acase of the munchies strikes later in the afternoon, you won't be reaching fora bag of chips or a candy bar from the vending machine out of convenience.Besides, you know what they say about an apple a day.

3. Clear your desk. You may not be able to overhaul yourcloset in five minutes, but you can manage to tidy your desk at work. Fromstray papers to scattered coffee mugs, clutter can make you lose focus and curbproductivity. Declutter your outer environment and you may feel lighter on theinside and more motivated to concentrate on the task at hand.

4. Pump up the music. Several studies have found thatlistening to music can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boostmood. The right music has the power to change your attitude. So load up yourMP3 player and create a special playlist that will make you smile -- whetheryou're working or working out.

5. Sniff a lemon. For a quick de-stressing trick, turn to anunderrated sense -- your sense of smell. Japanese researchers found thatlinalool; a substance found in lemons, has anti-inflammatory properties and mayreduce the flight-or-fight stress response. Other scents like basil, juniper,and lavender have also been found to lower stress. 

6. Stretch. You don't have to be a yogi to benefit fromlight stretching. Lift your arms above your head at your desk. Or better yet,stretch your legs by walking outside. Stretching can help improve your circulationand flexibility, and may help ease the tight muscles that accompany stress.

7. Meditate. Try meditation and deep breathing to relax andturn your mind off. You don't need any special equipment to practicemeditation. Find a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor. Meditatingon a daily basis, even just for a few minutes, has been shown to fightdepression and ease stress.

8. Keep a gratitude diary. Take a minute every day to writedownseveral things you're thankful for, whether they're big or small things.It's easy to vent about weather, traffic, or job woes, but complaining bringsnegative energy along with it. Being thankful for what you have can make youappreciate all the positives in your life.

9. Turn off your electronics. Just becausewe live in a wiredworld doesn't mean you need to stay connected every minute of every single day.Staring at computer screens and electronics all day long can zap your energyand encourage inactivity. So log off youremail, phones, and Internet (yes,social networking web sites count, too). This is especially important to allowyou to unwind and relax before bed.

10. Prioritize. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you havemultiple tasks crowding your mind. Make a list and finish your most dreadedduties first to avoid the anxiety caused by procrastination. Make a list andcheck off each task as you complete it. At the end of the day, a list ofaccomplishments is a great visual reminder of how productive you were.

By Jennifer Soong

Swim your pain away

Swimming, water aerobics and other exercises in warm waterare particularly beneficial to people living with arthritis.

Here’s what you should know:

First find out from your doctor if it’s safe for you toexercise in warm water. If she gives the thumbs-up, you can do fairly vigorousexercises in a spa bath, but remember that the temperature should be lower thanwhen you’re doing very gentle movements. When you first enter the spa bath,spend a few minutes allowing your muscles to become accustomed to the warmth.Then start your exercise routine. If you feel uncomfortable or nauseous at anystage, get out of the water immediately.

Woman to woman

Start the day sunny side up

Eating a proper breakfast is one of the best steps you cantake to lose weight, research has shown. 

Unfortunately, nearly 25% of peopleskip breakfast, often blaming lack of time.

It may take a bit of planning to make breakfast part of yourroutine, but it's definitely worthwhile. The following suggestions may helpyou: plan what you are going to eat for breakfast and include these foods onyour shopping list; set the alarm to go off 15 minutes earlier, so that youwill have time to eat a simple, healthy breakfast; and if you can’t face foodjust after getting up, prepare food to take along to work and eat during thecourse of the morning.

My Beautiful Body

So just what health benefits does sex bring?

Believe it or not, sex is not only their for carnal pleasures. It is also good for your health:

Improved sense of smell:

Prolactin (a hormone produced after sex)stimulates the olfactory nerve, the center for smell, increasing smellperception.

Reduced risk of heart disease:

For men! Having sex 3 – 4 times a week willcut your risk of heart attack or stroke in half! Women also benefit in thiscategory though the results are not as clear in percentage.

Weight loss, overall fitness:

During sex, the average person maintainstheir heart rate above 70% of the maximum, making sex a wonderful workout. (Soalthough quickies are fun, marathons can be great cardiovascular workouts!)

Reduced depression:

Sperm contains prostaglandin (a male sexhormone) that when absorbed in the female reproductive tract helps to regulatefemale hormones maintaining a balance and decreasing mood swings anddepression.

Pain Relief:

Endorphins released immediately upon orgasmare natural pain relievers that remain active in the body for several hoursafter climaxing. Intercourse also produces more estrogen in the female bodywhich helps to reduce the discomfort of monthly PMS.

Improved immunity:

People who have sex once or twice a weekhave been shown to have higher rates of immunoglobulin A, a known immunebooster.

Better bladder control:

The muscles used during sex are the sameused in doing the infamous "kegel exercises". Yes, this applies tomen too!

A happier prostate:

To produce seminal fluid, the prostate andthe seminal vesicles take minerals, zinc and calcium, concentrating them up to600 times. However, any carcinogens in the blood would also be concentrated tothis amount. Urologists support ejaculation as a measure of prostate cancerprevention by removing the concentrated carcinogens, rather than allowing themto cluster and cause damage.

The Moral of the Story

Sex has many health benefits throughout allour different stages of life. Overall, it promotes physical, psychological andsexual health. And if you are in between lovers, abstaining, or waiting forthat one special person, remember your roots; masturbation. It is a naturalpart of your sex life that will bring along many of the benefits of sex with apartner, plus provide a great time learning more about your own body andsexuality.

Woman to woman

How to kiss!

Every woman has her own kissing style thatcomes about as a result of her mouths anatomy, the length of her tongue and herpersonality, either she is going to go full tilt or be coy about it. However,the mechanics of kissing will always be the same. First, slant your head to oneside, but be sure that it is the opposite way to your partner.

Then, open your lips slightly allowing yourpartner time to part his lips in reaction, once this has happened add sometongue action and explore each others mouths this way. Once you’ve got thebasics down you can choose to lust it up or mellow it down, this is completelysituation specific. 

If you are both ready to go for it there is nothing like awild, passionate kiss. But, if you or your partner needs some time to get intoit, start slowly, lick his lips gently, make deep eye contact and let thingsheat up naturally.

My Beautiful Body

The power of positive thinking

Virtually every self-help book on themarket have one thing in common - expressing the importance of being positiveto increase your happiness and well-being.

There have been many studies done on thepower of positive thought and the conclusions show a mass amount of healthbenefits, without having to take medication! Positive thinking has been provento reduce stress, help people live longer, and improve your overall well-beingand ability to cope.

So if it is that simple, then why aren't weliving in a society of total bliss and happiness? The answer is that no one,you nor I, wants to admit that they are negative. And if you can't admit thatyou are negative then how can you ever change your lifestyle to being positive?

In Online Dating Magazine's article aboutonline dating profile tips, the #1 tip is to avoid negativity in your profile.Whether it is "I'm lonely" or "my last boyfriend was ajerk" these types of statements turn people off, making it easy to bypassyour profile for one where a person seems more in tune with life, andhimself/herself.

But avoiding negativity shouldn't just bean issue for your profile. It should be an issue for your life. And with thatin mind, here are seven steps to help you turn negativity into positivethinking:

Step 1: Admit You Are Negative

The first step to changing your life is toadmit that you are negative or that you have negative thoughts. Whether talkingabout a coworker behind his/her back or believing you "can't" dosomething; these contribute to a non-healthy lifestyle.

Step 2: Be Determined to be Positive

Once you've admitted you are negative, orat least have some negative tendencies, you can resolve to changing the way youthink. Become conscious of your daily thoughts and when a negative thoughtenters your mind, quickly turn it around. Instead of "I don't think I cando that," think "I love a new challenge and will conquer thisone" or "I can do this no matter how hard it is." Instead of"I'll do this later," think "By getting this done now I can haveit accomplished." Eliminate words like "can't" from yourvocabulary and replace them with "can". Start to say positive thingsabout other people. Start to think positive things about other people."Wow, that was really nice what he/she did." When presented theopportunity to comment on someone else, refrain from saying anything bad.

Step 3: Remove Yourself From NegativeInfluences

Your environment begins to reflect who youare after time. Thus if you have friends or coworkers you hang out with who arealways griping about their job, boss, or life then begin to slowly weed outthat group of people and seek out those who are positive and don't talk aboutothers behind their back. When you replace a negative environment with apositive one, you make huge strides in improving your lifestyle.

Step 4: Replace Cola with Water

The healthiest beverage you can drink iswater. And by replacing chemical and sugar-filled drinks with water, you willmake massive improvements to your health. First of all, you are eliminating thesugar and caffeine that are so addicting, yet bad for overall health. Second,you are increasing your water intake. Chemical-free natural water will helpimprove your energy, eliminate toxins from your body, make your skin morehealthy looking, and improve your mental performance. How can you not help butbecome more positive with such changes to your life?! Drink lots of water - itis the true "miracle vitamin".

Step 5: Stop Watching the News

Murder. Rape. Fraud. War. Daily news isoften filled with nothing but negative stories and when you make reading suchmaterial a part of your daily lifestyle, you begin to be directly affected bythat environmental factor. If you still need a dose of news, then tune into astation or site that features "Good News".

Step 6: Learn to Meditate

Meditating allows you to clear your mind,lower stress, become more focused, and stay positive. It's a very positive andpowerful medium. By taking just 15 minutes a day to meditate, you'll findyourself handling time and stress much better. You'll also gain a more positiveoutlook on life.

Step 7: Spread Your Positiveness to Others

Put your new positive thinking lifestyleinto action. Take time out to write down the top 10 things you love about yourpartner and give that list to him/her. When you experience good customerservice, take time to write a note or e-mail expressing your gratitude.Practice spreading your positiveness to others and it will grow.

When you allow yourself to become immersedin positive thinking, you will start to see it affect other aspects of yourlife. For example, instead of feeling "inconvenienced" by mergingtraffic, you'll allow someone to easily merge in front of you and feel greatabout it. They might even wave or mouth "thank you". At a grocerystore when you have a cart full of groceries and the person behind you has onlyone or two items you may find yourself saying, "please go ahead of mesince you only have a few items" and that person's gratitude will makeyour day. You'll find yourself actively thinking about others and yourcontribution to their positive experiences will have a huge affect on youreternal happiness.

 Ouma se kombuis

Shop for Sassy ... Erotic ... Daring... Lingerie

The term lingerie denotes for stylish and fashionableundergarments especially for women. This term applies for that innerwear whichis especially designed to be more appealing and visually erotic, with incorporatingtypical materials such as silk and lace but is less applied to functionalcotton innerwear. The concept of visually appealing of lingerie is materializedrecently. However, women do lingerie shopping to meet three important purposes;for hygiene, for their shape alteration and for modesty. Now a days, lingeriemanufacturers have started glamorizing this product with the developing idea ofsex appeal within a lingerie.  

You always spend hours and sometime even days by wandering atvarious lingerie shops to get what you are looking for, a perfect one and atthe end of the day, many a times you come back to the home empty handed. As aresult, this led you very frustrating and discouraging while you try topurchase these on impulse. Internet is a great source to make you free fromthis hassle and to provide you an ability to shop for the lingerie from aroundthe world within the comfort of your own home.  There are companiesavailable on the Internet where you can easily check out the numerous range andsize available in the lingerie offered by many lingerie manufacturers.

You can easily get all the stuff with the help of these websitesright from the high-end, sensual lingerie, body stockings, baby dolls, bridalbustier, bras, panties, costumes, corsets and hosieries according to your needsand tastes. The sensual and sassy lingerie are really high in quality and aremanufactured by luxurious, soothe and silky material that makes your skin feelgreat about it, and to get these, you do not need to wander and search endlessstores thus making yourself tired. Shop for the lingerie that not only makesyou feel and look great, but also be as foremost turn on to your spouse thatalso spice up your bedroom in an unbelievable way. There is no other attire ofa women which gives her a gorgeous look than lingerie, therefore while shoppingfor lingerie, women need to be very cautious and careful. Comfortable andflattering lingerie makes women look more appealing and attractive.  

You can also shop for best designers lingerie for yourself as these comesflawlessly into play for offering exquisite designs in sensual lingerie for allsized women. There is a wide choice available to shop from designer bustiers,corsets, thongs, elegant sleepwear, panties, and bras and much more for you.You can surprise your spouse by shopping on Sensual Surprises Company also.Theses companies include huge selection of clothing and novelties, gorgeoushosiery, sexy lingerie and other apparel, leather lingerie, sexy costumes and alsooffer matching sets to heat things up in your bedroom.  When buyinglingerie for yourself, in spite of the type of the lingerie in which you arefascinated in, the comfort you have is of utmost importance. It will not solveyour purpose entirely if the lingerie you wore is not comfortable, and thenthere is genuinely no aim in buying that lingerie. Wait till you get somethingthat is essentially liked by you and in which you feel perfectly comfortable

by Marry Jones    

Find joy and passion in life

Finding something you love to do is a good start toincreasing the moments of joy in your life, and your passion for living.

Today's pace of life prevents too many people from findingwhat they love to do because they feel so tired. But when you give in to theurge to take photographs or make your own clothes or do woodworking, or becomea first-class baker, you're giving yourself a gift. It takes energy, but italso creates energy in the passion you find for a new activity.

You may or may not be able to change careers, but doingsomething you love even as a hobby brightens you up. You'll look forward togetting up in the morning, you'll feel more interested and alive, and otherpeople will be drawn to your energy. If schools really wanted to increase the qualityof kids' lives, there would be a place in the curriculum for finding things youlove to do and working at them, attaining a level of expertise that lets youexpress your creativity.

As adults, we can re-educate ourselves about joy and passionby skipping the night class in business management and studying sculptureinstead.

Ouma se kombuis

Eight steps to healthy nails

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent nailfungus and infections, says the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Thesociety offers the following tips:

• Purchase your own tools for use in nail salon procedures. Infectious particles can be transmitted on tools such as emery boards, which cannot be sterilised.
• Ask about the sanitation standards of nail salons. How do they clean their equipment and how often? How often do they change the filters in the foot massages?
• Keep your toenails trimmed, clean and neat. Keeping your nails healthy helps prevent the spread of infection and helps your overall health.
• Make an annual visit to a derma surgeon to have your skin and nails checked for early signs of illness or problems.
• Don't have your cuticles cut during salon procedures. If too much of the cuticle is cut back during a manicure, the cuticle can be separated from the nail, and infectious agents can get into the exposed area.
• Don't shave your legs before they're exposed to circulating water in a pedicure spa. Nicks and cuts from shaving can be infected by bacteria in inadequately cleaned pedicure spas.
• Don't ignore infections. If there's redness or soreness after a procedure, it may be a sign of an infection. See your derma surgeon.
• Only go to licensed, trained professionals. Each manicurist should have a state-issued cosmetology license that is current and visibly displayed.

Acknowledgement: HealthDayNews


Ouma se Kombuis

How to Tell if a Guy Likes you - Five Signs He's Interested

How can you tell if a guy likes you or is interested? Younoticed him when you were standing and talking with a friend. You think henoticed you, but maybe it was your imagination or just wishful thinking. Helooked at you at about the same time you saw him. Your eyes met for just a fewseconds, and then you looked away. When you looked back up, he was talking withsome other people. Was he watching you as you mingled? Or were you making thatup? How can you tell if a guy likes you? Why are guys so hard to read?

Here are five signs that he is interested in you too. If anyof the following happens, he is probably trying to get close enough to ask youout:

1. He tells someone

Is he interested? He likes you if he tells a mutual friendthat he wants to know more about you, or he asks other people who you are andwhere you're from. He is trying to act like he's "just asking" buthis questions indicate more than a casual interest. And when he tells someonethat he finds you attractive, he probably knows that it will get back to you.He's hoping it does.

2. The look

He gives you a look that betrays his calm exterior. Eventhough he is across the room, "that look" he has says it all. It issweeping, from your head to your toes, and then his eyes linger on yours. Youthink you notice the beginning of a tentative smile.

3. The conversation

Does he like you? When he manages to get close enough toyou, to ask you questions, he is interested. He appears to be listening andresponds to what you say. He's moving in to the ultimate question, which is:"Are you seeing anyone." He would only ask this question if he wantedto date you, and he hopes the answer is "No." Never ever wear a ringin public. When a guy is across the room, he cannot tell which finger it is onand he may assume incorrectly that you are taken. If he doesn't ask you thequestion of whether or not you are attached, he may ask someone whom you bothknow.

4. He appears unexpectedly

He likes you a lot if he shows up out of nowhere. He canonly do that if he has been asking people about your schedule, or he has beenpaying attention to where you are going and at what time. His face may turn redwhen he sees you. A sudden, "Oh, hi," is his way of saying, "Idon't want to seem obvious, but I am interested in you." If you feel thesame way, do not act shy. Stop and talk to him.

5. EVERYONE likes you

Is he interested? When you are well liked and a happyperson, why wouldn't he like you? Of course he does. If you don't have a greatlife, however, now is your time to start working on one. Take a look at yourcareer possibilities, body image, future, plans, and resources. You may be naturallytalented at something, but it won't matter unless you work on your strengths.Misused or unused talents fade away. School and training do not.

These are the five signs that he is interested and he is onthe verge of asking you out. Make it easy for him and be friendly. This iswhere relationships begin.

By Tonja Weimer

Ouma se Kombuis

Decrease Breast Size Naturally!

Women with big breast size feel shy and uncomfortable.Reduce breast size with plans which includes exercise, diet, weight loss etc.,as the breasts are made up of fat tissues. Exercise and proper breast care canlead to weight loss which will surely reduce breast size.

Proper breast care will also tone up the pectoral musclewhich will help to lift and define the shape and size of the breast. Gettingsurgery to reduce breast size is an expensive job. Exercise and breast pills orcreams are nice options to naturally reduce breast size. So, try out thenatural ways to decrease breast size at home which are easy and not evenexpensive.

Here are natural ways to decrease breast size withoutsurgery:

Lose weight: Most of the women have reduced breast size byadopting strict weight loss plan. This natural ways to decrease breast size ispermanent as it shrinks the breast. But women with dense breast can not onlyrely on weight loss to decrease bust size. Avoid food which is high in fat andcalories. Deep fried, processed and refined food are high in saturated fat soskip such food options and eat fruits, vegetables, lean meat, nuts, low fatdairy products, beans and whole grains. These are nutritional food which willnot only decrease bust size but also provide protein, fiber and carbohydratesfor a healthy body.

Breast pills: Herbal breast reduction pills are consideredas magical pills which reduce the breast size naturally and doesn't have sideeffects too. You can ask your doctor or health provider to ensure a safe andhealthy measure. Alexia and Trima are two very effective herbal breast pills.

Breast creams: These are one of the natural ways to decreasebreast size. Breast creams have been clinically approved to tighten skin,shrink pore, reduce stretch mark whilst providing its most important function:decrease bust size! Massaging your breasts with cream will also tighten andtone the breast size thus giving a beautiful shape to it. But see to it thatthe cream suits your skin.

Tight bras: Wear a tight, fitting bra which are also knownas minimizing bras. These tight bras will make the breast look smaller and inshape. Wearing lose bras increase breast size.

Breast reduction exercise: Last and one of the mostimportant natural ways to decrease breast size is exercise. Burn calories withcardiovascular exercise which decreases calories and reduces weight not only ofthe whole body but also of the bust. Running, chest flies, rowing, biking,chest presses, swimming and stair stepping are easy breast reduction exercises.

So, follow these natural ways to decrease breast size andchange the shape of it to best compliment your body. The benefit is it can bedone at home and it cheap!

One India 

Beauty of success

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect ofintelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation ofhonest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty,to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by ahealthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even onelife has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning ofsuccess."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Self-Care

When you are creating effortless success, it’s importantthat you learn to take extremely good care of yourself – physically, mentallyand spiritually – and to always put your best interests first. There is a goodreason why airlines instruct passengers who travel with small children to puttheir own oxygen mask on in an emergency and only then put a mask on the child.It may seem counter-instinctual since we are all conditioned by evolution andculture to risk our own life to save the life of a small child. This is a goodand natural instinct as it helps to ensure the continuation of our species.That is the bigger picture. In the smaller, more immediate picture, it is inboth your best interest and that of the child for you to put your own oxygenmask on first. Why? Imagine that you followed your natural instinct and put theoxygen mask on your two-year old son first before attempting to fasten yourown. Before you can attend to your mask, the lack of oxygen overcomes you andyou pass out. Now, you have no mask and your child has no one to comfort andcontinue to look after him. Imagine instead, that you first put on your mask,and then put an oxygen mask on your son. If he has passed out the oxygen willrevive him and now you are both conscious and your child has you to continue tocomfort and protect him during the emergency.

This is an extreme case example but the principle is thesame whether you are on that plane or safe in your home. Telling your child thatmommy need 20 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time to take a bubble bath is notneglecting your child. Rather, it is practicing extreme self-care. Just asthere was a larger benefit to the child on the airplane to being second in linefor an oxygen mask (continued protection and comfort from you) there is a benefitto your child, children, husband, wife, friends, etc. of you practicing extremeself-care in your everyday life. That benefit is a happier, healthier, morefocused you. Rather than begrudgingly or grumpily spending time with yourfamily when what you really need is a half hour alone to unwind after a toughday at work or at home, take the half hour for yourself. Read, journal, go fora bike ride, take a relaxing bath, whatever will make you feel better. Then youcan spend time with your family in a happy and healthy mood. Your family wouldrather spend one hour of joy with you feeling great than two mediocre or tensehours with you wishing you had a moment to yourself.

You may not need quiet time every single day, or maybe youdo. Identify what you need to feel your best and then give yourself the gift ofyourself. Ask the older kids to watch the younger ones, or ask your spouse or aneighbor to watch them all, and take a stroll after dinner. Combine your quiettime with an easy task and take the dog with you. Enlist your family into theprocess. Everyone might like a quiet hour before or after dinner or readingtime before bed. There are many ways to take extremely good care of you. Take awhole day once a month to be alone or ten minutes every day. Whatever works foryou.

To get started, make a list of the top one to ten activitiesyou would like to include in your day as part of your self-care. I like to callthese your Delicious Daily Habits. Once you have your list, start toincorporate these things into your life on a daily basis. Then sit back and seeyour spirits rise.

Here are examples of some possible delicious daily habits tokick-start your imagination. Choose from this list or invent your own uniquehabits. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by starting with one self-care change eachday or week and keep building momentum until taking extremely good care of yourselfis second nature to you.

1.) Walk

2.) Journal

3.) Talk to your mom

4.) Play with your cat/dog

5.) Spend time in nature

6.) Swim, dance, move your body

7.) Sing

8.) Read a great novel.

Be creative in finding ways to make your self care apriority. Have fun with this!

By Ruth Hegarty

Ruth Hegarty helps women entrepreneurs create confident andeffortless success. As a certified Law of Attraction Coach, Ruth teaches womento unleash their powerful creator. She hosts the popular “The Art of JoyfulLiving Radio Show.” Listen every Tuesday by visiting Art of Joyful Living .

Taming Your Long Hair

Long hair can be sexy and fashionable when taken care of.However, keeping long hair styles healthy takes more than routine shampoo andconditioner applications. While long hair care doesn’t need to take loads oftime, it’s important for your overall hair health. Most people understandproper nutrition and vitamins can help your hair stay healthy. However, thereare also a few beauty techniques that can show you how to keep your long locksaway from split ends and tangles.

Washing Your Long Hair Doesn’t Need To Be a Hassle

The number one mistake women make when it comes to theirhair is over-washing. Sure, you may feel like your hair should always be clean.You may be a lady who feels the urge to shampoo on a daily basis. The good newsis you can keep your hair clean, without using shampoo daily. If you must“wash” your hair daily, do so without shampoo. Either opt for a water-onlywash, or opt for using conditioner only if your hair is dry or damaged.However, shampoo should only be applied every other day (at the maximum). Yourhair will be shiny and silkier than ever before!

How to Protect and Care for Your Hair at Night

Many women find long hair annoying when they sleep. Theyoften throw their hair up into a ponytail or a tight bun, just to get it out oftheir face during the night. This can be damaging to long hair. Bedtime hairroutines should start with combing or brushing. After all tangles are out,arrange your hair into a loose braid. Tie your braid off with accessories madespecifically for fine hair because they won’t cause your hair follicles tobreak. Sure, an old fashion rubber band can be used on your hair. But, it’scertainly an accessory you should avoid if at all possible. If you’d like, youcan even wrap your hair in a silk scarf to keep it smooth and naturalthroughout the night.

Long Hair Still Needs To Be Salon Styled Cut

Another major mistake women make with long hair is avoidingthe salon. In fact, many women only venture to the stylist if they need aproducts or a formal updo. Although you may want to keep your length, to avoidsplit ends you will need to have a trim. Small cuts can help your hair retainits best shape and natural volume. This is particularly important if your hairis thick or curly. If you learn how to accessorize with clips you can stretchyour trims to about 12 weeks. However, trims are ultimately necessary!

Long Hair Care: Don’t Overdo It With Heat

When you have long hair, you understand the time it takes toget it dry. Sure, a blow dryer may seem like the most obvious tool to use forthis task. However, the amount of heat you need to dry long hair completely candamage your hair. Think about allowing your hair to air-dry for about 20minutes after washing it. Then you can attack it with the hair dryer. It willcut down on your drying time and the amount of heat exposure your hair gets.

Beautiful South Africa 

Date Rape Prevention Tips

Dating safety is not a joke and everyone can benefit fromreading these easy to follow safety procedures, to ensure your well-being on oroff a date.

1. Use the buddy system. There is safety in numbers. Groupdates are less tense not to mention extremely safe.

2. Don't accept blind dates.

3. Never get in a car with someone you don't know. Always"meet" somewhere on the 1st date. Less romantic but much safer.

4. Never let a first time date know where you live. Again itsort of puts a damper on the romance but it could save you from stalkings andother unpleasantness.

5. Stay away from secluded beaches and other private"date" spots until you feel comfortable with them. Even if you're ina group, secluded areas are not recommended.

6. Whatever you do don't give out personal info until youknow that person well . This means address, social security number, bank card,etc. Height, weight (optional), likes and dislikes are okay.

7. Make sure at least one other person knows where, when,and who you will be with.

8. For first dates pick a time to call this other person anddo so just to "check in". This might remind you of high school but itcould save your life.

9. Scope out the restaurant and know where the phones arelocated. Bring extra change in case you find yourself stranded. (If you arefollowing Rule 3. you won't need this rule.)

10. This is the most important rule. Go with your gut, if itdoesn't feel right it probably isn't. Go home and rent a movie but never doanything you don't feel is in your best interest.

Your Guide to Masturbation

The 3 Body Language Flirting Tips That Will Draw A Man In

Are you uncomfortable and nervous about the idea of flirtingwith a man? Do you feel blocked even rigid with fear when you’re in thepresence of a man, fear that you might get rejected by him?

You may not be aware that your non-verbal is telling a man thatyou are unapproachable. He feels whether or not you are open to having aconversation that will flow with ease or whether it will be awkward. And thisdecision is made within seconds of seeing you.

I know it’s not fair but we are ALL guilty of the same thing…judgingpeople by their cover. Once you know that it’s not a personal thing but an automaticimpulse that is almost out of our control…then you get the courage to step upand become visible! 

I remember feeling like the nerd in school…involved in everysocial activity but never had a boyfriend. And once my divorce happened, Ifound myself in the same predicament…I had to go back out in the dating sceneand get over my fears all over again. I was surprised at how insecure Ifelt…the courage I lacked.

The one thing that got me back in the game was my body language!And not just any kind of body language but the kind where I consciouslyflirted!

I wanted to be that charismatic woman that everyone noticed.I spent years being in the background with my ex-husband that it was time forme to shine. So first I looked up the meaning of flirting.

Here is what I found…

“Behave as though attracted to or trying to attract someone,but without serious intention; act amorously without serious intentions; playat love; coquet”

And when I asked men how they felt about women flirting…theyunanimously agreed that it IS a necessary skill in looking attractive. Theyactually felt like it was a compliment towards them!

So flirting really means taking an interest in someone…beingcurious about what motivates a man in a playful way. And when you set thatintension, then every body language technique you do is coming from a kindplace where it doesn’t feel like an interrogation.

A man doesn’t remember as much the words you use but how he feelsbeing around you. Throughout your encounter your body should move like oil…notension, no stiffness…just flow.

So how do you make this flow of your body language happen?

Become aware of these 3 flirting tips:

1) LEAN BACK

In any conversation with a man, it’s important to lean back inyour stance or in your chair. This action makes you naturally relax into theconvers ation. Leaning back takes away all tension in the body, where everymove or transition will feel like oil (nothing harsh…you melt into every body positionor self-touch).

2) UNZIP YOUR HEART

I learned this technique from my coach Rori Raye. It allowedme to go a level deeper in listening. If you can visualize yourself unzippingand exposing your heart. You’ve got it! It feels vulnerable but freeing at thesame time. You take down your guard while listening so that to remaincompassionate.

3) SELF-TOUCH

A woman that regularly touches herself gives the impression toa man that she is comfortable in her body…she loves how her body feels. So caressyour neck, your arm, your hair…anything that will make you relax into listeningand being in his presence while enjoying yourself.

Within seconds of doing these flirting techniques, men wouldsmile, move in towards me and feel the ease of being in my presence. 

Patty Contenta

How To Get A Close Shave

Whether you’re learning to shave for the first time as ayoung lady or you’ve been shaving for years, chances are you’re legs aren’t assmooth as you’d like them to be. There aren’t any incredibly secret or hiddentricks when it comes to attaining a close shave. It’s not difficult! All you mustdo is follow these simple safety hints and hair removal advice and before youknow it you’ll learn how to get smooth and sexy legs, every time you shave.

The first step you should take, before shaving yourunderarms, legs or bikini area is choosing a razor. It may sound like an easytask, but finding a razor that’s best for your body and skin can be achallenge. Some people prefer to use an electric razor while others like aceramic or double edge straight razor. The best way to find out what works bestfor you is to experiment. Try each type of razor and see which one you feelmost comfortable using. If you’re looking for a close shave, steer clear ofdisposable razors, unless you’re traveling. Whether you go with Venus orGillette has less consequence than what type of razor you choose.

Shaving every single day to keep away unwanted body hairtakes time and effort.  And, even whenyou put in that time and effort, often your legs, underarms, and bikini areaare still not as smooth as you’d like.  

Professional laser hair removal treatments can be extremely costly, morethan most people can afford.  What ifthere was a way to decrease the amount of unwanted hair, not only allowing youto shave more infrequently but also have smoother skin?  Thermal hair removal devices send a signal ofheat to the hair, basically removing the hair and delaying regrowth.  Regular use of thermal hair removal willresult in thinner, less coarse hair, ultimately requiring less shaving andmaintenance.  And, by avoiding the irritationof shaving, you’ll have fewer ingrown hairs, pimples, or rashes to worry about.

One of the vital components needed in attaining a shave freeof knicks is lubrication. Many people are mistaken and think soap is a good wayto prepare your legs for the shaving process. The truth is that soap can oftendry out your skin, making you more prone to knicks, bleeding, ingrown hairs andbumps. Shaving cream or gel is often the easiest way to prepare your legs forthe process and avoid a rash, unwanted stubble or missed hair growth.

Remember this warning; never leave the bathroom after shavingwithout moisturizing. It is vital you moisturize your legs after shaving them.After getting out of the shower or bath, be sure to grab some unscented bodylotion and give your legs a good drink. Use unscented varieties because they’reeasier on your open pores and won’t likely break you out in a razor rash. Ifyou’re extremely sensitive, be sure to skip the lotion and go straight for alittle baby oil. It will provide the moisture, without leaving you with redbumps. With oil, a little goes a long way!

Shaving Tips

·        The key to getting a good shave is following agood routine. Here are some other shaving tips that can help you get the closeshave you desire.

·        Wait until the end of your bath or shower toshave. It’s when the skin is most supple and the hairs are softer.

·        Shave in the morning for a guarantee of smoothlegs throughout the day.

·        Don’t shave before hitting the beach or pool. Ifyou need to shave for these events, do so the night before.

·        Shaving your bikini line every day will help youavoid razor rash in that area.

·        If you run out of shaving cream or gel, grabyour hair conditioner instead. It works great as a lubricant for shaving andwill leave your legs conditioned and smelling great.

Acknowledgement: Free beauty tips

Woman to woman

Learn to smile

In a recent study, men and women of all age demographicswere asked what makes someone beautiful. An overwhelming majority respondedthat above all else, it was a great smile. Try it more often and you'll findyour own self-image improving as well.

You'll work less too. Research shows that it takes twice asmuch energy to frown than to crack a smile. Next in the survey camepersonality, sense of humour and approachability.

Don't let anyone tell you that beauty comes in a vial ofcream, syringe, tablet or a tube of lipstick. That $600 dress, thoughflattering, does not make you attractive.

Rather, your spirit and passion are the true litmus forbeauty. As you successfully navigate your way through another hectic day ofworkplace and household pressures, look into the mirror and see yourself as thebeautiful woman you already are.

And for an even clearer vision, stare into the eyes of yourloved ones and behold the difference that your presence in their lives hasmade. Surround yourself with positive influences. Listen to your internalvoice. You are beautiful. You are desirable. You are unique. You are special!

My beautiful world

12 Tips for a Beautiful Body

When it comes to exercise, motivate and expand on your usualroutine of training – there’s no need to lose hair worrying! Here are some tipsand tricks as simple as the alphabet. Add in a few in your life to see resultswithin a few months.

Improve muscle mass

Regular practice of a sport increases how many calories youburn, but increasing the intensity of it helps your muscles develop more. Toooften, women forsake the gym for fear of excessive growth of muscle mass. Bigmistake. It is perfectly possible to maintain a proper weight; you end upburning more calories during your cardio workout. The more muscular you are,the more you'll burn extra calories: especially when you’re at rest.Interestingly, muscles expend energy and burn calories doing nothing!

Move!

Even if only to clean, play with children, walk up somestairs, take a short walk, find an excuse to move and be active.

Choosing the right shoe

Your feet are the most important part of your body, becausethey support you. It is important to choose the right shoe for your activity.Too often, beginners neglect this aspect, which then translates into physicalailments.

Dance

By setting up an evening to dance, you spend a lot ofcalories while having fun with friends.

Stretching

Stretching is essential to conclude a workout. Too oftenoverlooked, stretching allow us to maximize the effects of exercise and stayyoung.

Close your eyes

If your eyelids are closed when you perform your strengthexercises, you can concentrate on the muscles you work. Of course, it isadvisable to close your eyes only when you practice reps while seated.Squatting with your eyes closed is much more difficult!

Keep the aspect of novelty

To avoid getting bored or have your body get accustomed to aroutine, it is better to change the same every six or seven weeks. If you doaerobics, change the type of course you’re on, or even your teacher!

Hip-hop

Why not take hip hop dance lessons to start moving morevigorously?

iPod

If you listen to music during our training, you’re doing agood job. Experts believe that music can stimulate us. It also makes exercisemore fun!

Juggling machines

By changing the exercise machine you’re working on every 10minutes, you increase your rate of burning calories and your interest. Ifyou‘re enrolled at a center that offers a wide variety of courses andfacilities, take advantage! Combine a variety of courses to vary movement.Doing the same thing over and over is not very good either!

Kinesiologist

Working with a coach or a teacher that’s a graduate inkinesiology is a guarantee of quality. These exercise professionals can answerall your questions.

Don’t Quit

Try not to drop your entire health drive after a few weeks;if you’re bored, choose an activity that you like instead of dropping the lotaltogether.

Beauty products care

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - Home Treatment

For as long as you have a menstrual cycle and ovulate, yourhormone-producing endocrine system has powerful, cyclic effects on your body.If you have symptoms that are or may be premenstrual syndrome (PMS), use thefollowing home treatment measures as initial and on-going treatment.

Keep a menstrual diary. By recording your symptoms, theirseverity, and the days when you have your period and ovulate, you can identifypatterns in your cycle and plan the best treatment with your healthprofessional. You can also use your menstrual diary to plan ahead for, preventor reduce, and better cope with your premenstrual symptoms. Whenever possible,plan to take extra good physical and emotional care of yourself during yourpremenstrual days. It's also useful to let people close to you know when yourmore trying days will be. See examples of symptom diaries or use this menstrualdiary.

Begin or maintain a moderate exercise schedule (at least 2½hours a week). Exercise helps reduce depression. Women often report thatexercise helps relieve tension, pain, and mood-related PMS symptoms.

Take daily calcium and vitamin B6 (50 mg to 100 mg). Calciumand vitamin B6 may help relieve PMS symptoms.

Follow a sensible and balanced diet that provides therecommended levels of vitamins and nutrients.

Use a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reducePMS pain. NSAIDs relieve premenstrual and menstrual pain and reduce menstrualbleeding. They reduce inflammation, which is from increased prostaglandinproduction during the premenstrual period. NSAIDs work best when taken beforeand continued at regular dosage intervals throughout the premenstrual painperiod. For some women, this continues into the first days of menstrualbleeding, to relieve painful cramps. If you have regular cycles, start takingan NSAID 1 to 2 days before you expect pain to start.

Avoid or eliminate unhealthy habits, such as smoking orhaving too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, or salt.

Reduce stress in your life.

Create a support system. Join a support group of women whoare managing their PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). With yourloved ones, plan ahead for ways to reduce the demands and stress placed on you,as well as the amount of stress that your premenstrual symptoms place on them.

Wear a more supportive bra, such as a sports bra, if yourbreasts are tender during your premenstrual days.

If you have cramps, you can usually relieve them withover-the-counter medicine and home treatment. These self-care measures can helpyou figure out which changes are most useful in relieving your PMS symptoms. 

Itmay be best to:

Try one or two techniques at a time, instead of all of themat once. This will allow you to identify the most helpful techniques.

Try the technique for two to three menstrual cycles. Sometechniques may require more than one cycle to be helpful.

Stop using a technique if you have tried it for 2 or 3months and it doesn't seem to be helping. (But if it is improving other partsof your life, you might want to keep doing it even if it isn't reducing yourPMS symptoms.)

My beautiful body

Date your husband

Ifmarriage has dulled the edges of your passion for your man, here's how to turnhim back into that heavenly hunk you first fell in love with.

Rememberhow you'd sit for hours staring at your computer screen, unable to concentrate becauseyou were waiting for him to call, remembering last night's lingering kisses oranticipating dinner-date deluxe.

Then you moved in together or got marriedand had a kid or two and now you're more likely to fall asleep in front of yourlaptop than dream of him.

So what went wrong? Nothing, actually.Quite simply, life intervened. Building a home together necessitates certainpracticalities, which quickly become routine, and when routine sets in,butterfly-belly excitement is usually first on the casualty list.

Then there's the exhaustion that pole-axesyou after kids, chores, work, meals and bills have been dealt with. If you'relucky, you still have sex fairly regularly, but chances are that's not astoe-curlingly thrilling as it used to be either. What you need is thatboyfriend back. Here's our recipe for rekindling that flame:

Go out
Psychotherapist Jeanine de Villiers says: "I have found that many of thecouples that seek therapy seldom go out alone together, so – ironically – thetime spent in weekly sessions becomes one of the few times that they are in anenvironment where meaningful contact is made.

"Unfortunately If the 'no time, nomoney' excuse goes too far, and one may eventually need to spend time and moneyseeing a couples' therapist anyway."

Go out without him
When you were dating you did things without him. Yoga classes in the evening,summer school, book club, girls' nights at the coolest clubs. Now you feelguilty even suggesting meeting a girlfriend for a quick drink after work.

"Communication is the hallmark of agood relationship. This means communication about issues, about sharedendeavours like children, and about work, but also about things doneseparately, of separate experiences – which can only happen if you and he go outalone," says de Villiers.

Let him go out without you

When you met he had a wide circle of male friends. But over the years, as youand he have built a life together, that circle's got smaller and he may evenhave given up many of his interests to spend more time with you.

Encourage him to re-establish some of thoseold bonds, to play the occasional game of pool on a Saturday afternoon, towatch rugby in the local pub. When he's gone for five hours, you'll start tomiss him and anticipate his return with excitement. And it'll give you thespace to re-acquaint yourself with your own needs and personality.

There's always the danger in a long-termrelationship that identities begin to erode – that we become so absorbed in theother person and in the family's demands on us that we forget who and what weare, and what we want from life.

Let him take charge
Yes, yes, we can do it better (and usually a lot quicker), but letting him takecharge of the dinner bookings, the travel arrangements, the plumber, the present-buying(gulp, be brave) etc., lets him feel he's indispensable to you; that he'sproviding and spoiling, the way he used to when you were dating. And it's greatfor you to be able to sit back and let someone else take charge for once!

Leave his wardrobe alone
Ooh, this is a tough one. Yes, those leopard-print slip-slops are vile and thatleather jacket is sooo last millennium, but remembers how you ignored those"small" issues when you were looking at him through the rose-colouredspectacles of first love? Imagine what you're doing to his self-esteem if youkeep telling him how awful his clothes are. There are more important issues tofuss over...

Play it again, Sam
What happened to the candles, the soft music, the rose petals on the sheets?Romance doesn't have to die just because you're married, and think how muchsexier you'll both feel if a few accessories are added to your love-making. Andsoft-lighting is very kind to rolls and wrinkles.

Ban the kids from the bedroom
How sexy can he be if he's separated from you by a tossing, turningtwo-year-old?

Pay someone
A man with his hand down the loo is not attractive, nor if he has his feetprotruding from under the sink. If the plumbing goes belly-up, call a plumber.Pay someone to do the DIY. Chances are if you let him do it you'll argue abouthow he does it, or about how long it takes for him to get round to doing it inthe first place. Spare yourself – and him – the pain.

Pretend he's someone else'shusband
Keep a surreptitious eye on him at the next social gathering you're at. Notehis sexier bits – the abs (if they're still there), those finely chiselledcalves, that manly jaw. Wish he was yours (which he is, yay!).

Share the pleasure
If there's a pastime he loves but you couldn't give a toss about, give it a tryanyway. He'll be pathetically pleased if you join in and love it (even if youhave to pretend). Watch how his chest expands as he "shows you theropes". Seeing him stand tall is worth the pain.

Acknowledgement Shape