Kerasal…A Beauty Miracle and Must Have for Every Woman

Kerasal is a foot ointment. It is used to help make your feet softer. You can by it at most drug stores. I got mine at Walgreen’s. This stuff is like a miracle cream. I have been doing all kinds of experiments. Who would have thought??

I love the stuff! I originally purchased it for my elbows. Yes, my elbows. I was getting rough elbows from leaning on them a lot while working Online. Nothing worked. I tried everything, including; Vaseline, moisturizers, olive oil, vitamin e oil, you name it. Nothing would even touch the roughness.

Then, I though, hey, let me try some heel ointment. This is where Kerasal came in. It worked almost instantly. Seriously. I was shocked. After a few applications, my elbows were no longer rough. Yeah!

So, then I actually used it for it’s original purpose…LOL…my heels. Guess what? It worked there too!

Me being me decided not to stop there. I though man, if this stuff is that good and moisture filled, why not try it on some wrinkles. LOL. Yes, I went there. As soon as I put it on, I noticed the line fade a tad. I put it on the one I blame my husband on. LOL. You know the one between the eyebrows. It’s a line that drives me nuts.

It is slowly fading. I mean it is still there. However, the Kerasal has definitely diminished it enough that I feel better about it.

Kerasal is so much more than foot ointment. It is a beauty product that every woman should have. It has so many uses and I am still experimenting with it. Buy some. Use it. LOL. Let me know how it worked for you!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Is Your Body Beach Ready?

With summer right around the corner, you may be wondering HOW you are going to get your body ready to go public!

Hopefully, this article will help you find some simple ways in which you can tone and shape your body for the summer.

Your Diet Matters

Whether or not you have been on a diet this winter, here are some tips and suggestions to help you to not only eat better, but give you a healthier look. Experts recommend that instead of skipping meals you should instead eat up to 5 meals a day in smaller portions. During the summer, eating lighter is the key. Also, adding more protein to your diet will assist you in losing weight as you exercise. In this way, you will burn fat, not muscle.

A diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and salads containing leafy green vegetables, and at least 8 glasses of water a day, will set you on the path to slimming down and feeling great. Try not to eat any snacks or other types of foods after 8 p.m. and cut back on foods and drinks which contain sugar and carbohydrates.

Add protein such as meat, poultry, and other rich in protein foods. Add fiber to your diet as well. More importantly, always begin the day with a healthy breakfast. Have a bowl of cereal with blueberries, for example. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, besides having a myriad of other health benefits.

Ideally, you want to lose a pound a week. Any more than that will defeat the purpose. Studies have shown that in order to lose a pound a week, you have to decrease your total caloric intake by 3500 calories a week. This can certainly be accomplished by having plenty of fruits and vegetables on hand as snacks, avoid fried foods, and mix up the menu on a daily basis so that your meals are inviting and not boring.

It is important to keep hydrated at all times. You may think you’re fine, but if you are in the heat of the sun you may not realize just how dehydrated you are until nausea or a faint feeling comes over you.

Drinking water with every meal will ensure you are getting plenty of water and it will also help in losing weight as well. Drinking water is VITAL to your health, beauty, anti-aging, and body.

Exercise is the Key

NOTE: It is IMPORTANT that you check with your doctor BEFORE beginning any exercise program!

Weight training is ideal for toning and shaping your body. Different exercises 3 times a week can help you to achieve the sculpted look you desire.

Many fitness experts attest that weight training 3 times a week and targeting all of the muscle groups can achieve the best results. Starting with 1 set of exercises and then building up to two or three is suggested. They also recommend 8 to 12 repetitions as the standard form of weight training exercise.

Also, in order to burn more calories, you should exercise more than one muscle group in a session.

Other exercise routines can include aerobic exercises 3 to 5 days a week for 30 to 35 minutes. The cardiovascular workout will increase your metabolism and allow for weight reduction as well.

If you are too busy to devote 30 to 45 minutes, you can certainly engage in high-intensity 10-minute workouts 3 times a day. Include walking at a brisk pace, climbing stairs and even jumping rope.

Exercise to help shape and tone your front and back thigh muscles:

Stand with your feet a few inches apart. Put a weight in each hand, and rest your hands on each shoulder, that is, your right hand on your left shoulder, and your left hand on your right shoulder. With your back straight and head up and looking ahead, lower your body to a comfortable position. Feel the stretch in your front thigh muscles. Flex your front and back thigh muscles as hard as you can throughout the movement. Return to the start position and give your front and back thighs an extra flex on the finish. Repeat 15 times.

Exercise for lifting and toning the front and back thighs, firm up the hips, and butt:

Stand with your left foot forward and right foot back. Ensure there is at least a 2-foot space between each foot. Keep your right arm up and your left arm down at your side. Bring your right knee up until your thigh is parallel to the floor and your right heel is just about touching your inner knee area, all the time reversing the position of your arms as you move. Repeat the movement 15 times. Now put your right foot forward and your left foot back and repeat the process. Repeat this movement 15 times.

Exercise for the Tummy:

Another exercise, which most of can relate to, involves the stomach. Having a stomach that is a bit saggy can be problematic. While you don’t have a lot of time to redefine and shape the stomach before summer remember every little bit helps. Here is an exercise which you can begin now.

Lie face down on the floor. If you have a mat by all means use it. Place your hands near your shoulders, and take a deep breath. Then push your body up until the hands and feet support your body. Hold this position for 20 seconds, taking care to keep your abdominal muscles pulled in. Lower yourself down to the floor, rest for a few seconds, and then repeat. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions daily. This is a form of yoga that is wonderful for toning the abdominal muscles.

Here is another group of exercises for the hips and thighs. Unfortunately, we all know this is where most of the fat resides. However, if you engage in this exercise 3 to 4 times a week, in combination with your other exercises, you will be able to see changes to your body in 6 to 10 weeks.

Squats:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms by the sides. Keep a strong posture, and slowly lower buttocks as though you are about to sit down in a chair. Lower several inches and then slowly rise up. Repeat this 15 times.

Lunges:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on the hips. Stand erect and take a large step forward with one foot. Stay in that position. Turn your back foot up until you can balance on your toes and then slowly lower your body until your front knee forms a right angle. Slowly raise your body back up. Repeat on each side 15 times. Exercise, along with a healthy diet, should be part of our lifestyle all year long. However, with summer on the way, there is an urgency to achieve what would normally take months, and crunch them into several weeks.

Beautify Your Body

Waxing:

Although you can certainly take a trip to a salon that specializes in waxing, the truth is this is a mighty painful procedure. Not only is it painful, but sometimes embarrassing as well. They do a very good job of removing hair both in front and back of your lower body, but some people still prefer to wax at home.

If you prefer to wax your bikini line in the privacy of your own home, there are a number of wax kits available which are safe and effective. Cold waxing is often used for home waxing, although not as effective as hot waxing, but it does ensure there will be less likelihood of burning during the process.

If you do opt for hot waxing:

The wax is applied with a tongue depressor or spatula over the unwanted hairs. A strip is then placed on top of the melted wax and quickly pulled off. Ouch!

For effective waxing, the hairs must be at least a half inch above the skin. Redness and soreness will accompany this procedure for at least 2 hours. The frequency of waxing is every 6 to 8 weeks.

Pedicures:

Probably one of the most soothing and relaxing procedures is a pedicure. Not only do these professionals cut, trim, file, wash, scrub, and massage your feet, it is just a wonderful way to spend time being pampered. Moreover, your feet feel light as air afterward.

If you have the time, treat yourself to a pedicure for the summer. It’s not that expensive, and it will make you feel incredibly relaxed.

But if you are like some of us who manicure and pedicure at home, ensure you have all of the right equipment such as pedicure utensils, foot bath, lotions, brushes, and of course, a fantastic color to apply afterward.

Although one has to admit that a self-pedicure is not the same as having it professionally done, there is one exception. If you have a partner or spouse who is willing to massage your feet and legs for you – then no problem.

Tanning:

One of the more serious concerns about summer is sunbathing. With the sun’s rays becoming more threatening each year, all of us have to be careful since we know the UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.

The use of tanning beds has become more dangerous than sunbathing. In fact, the UV rays in tanning beds have a higher yield of radiation than the sun. That is why a tanning lotion may be the better…healthier choice in the long run!

With all of the sunless tanning products on the market today, there are specific products which have been shown to be more safe and effective than others. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunless tanning lotions that contain DHA as the active ingredient are the most effective. Whether in gel, lotion, or spray form, any product that contains DHA is said to be the most reliable.

However, they do advise that because DHA interacts with the dead cells, the color lasts about 5 to 7 days after the initial application. They also advise that since we lose dead skin cells every day, the tan fades daily. Therefore, reapplication every 3 days is suggested to keep your gorgeous tan.

In closing, don’t forget to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun. Have plenty of water, and remember that God created you and you are beautiful. You may not look like the cover of a magazine…but guess what? Neither do the women ON the magazines!

Simple…Yet Natural Beauty Remedies for the Beautiful Woman

Below are a few simple natural beauty remedies you can make at home!

Exfoliate while Brushing your Body
Before showering, take a brush and start brushing! This is an inexpensive, and easy way to exfoliate dry skin. It’s simple, before you turn the shower on, stand in there and start at your feet, then begin brushing in small circles toward the upper part of your body. Repeat on the back side of your body. Don’t scrub too hard. However, be sure to apply steady pressure. After you have finished brushing your body, shower as usual.

Multi-Talented Olive Oil
This is a VERY versitile product. Olive oil can be used for so much more than cooking!

- You can make a very nice bath oil with it…simply mix in a few drops of rose oil, or another scented oil that you like, shake together, and add to you warm bath water…or just go with plain olive oil!

- You can use it as massage oil. Warm it up and start rubbing. Better yet, get someone to rub you!

- Reduce wrinkles by applying an equal mixture of olive oil and pure lemon juice to your skin before bedtime.

- Strengthen your nails. Simply soak them in warm extra virgin olive oil for five minutes.

- As a conditioner. All you do is use it like you would any weekly deep conditioner. Apply warm olive oil to hair, cover head with a towel for 5 minutes, rinse. It will leave your hair smooth and shiny.

Good Old Fashioned Oatmeal
It’s facial time! With the following ingredients (oatmeal, warm water, yogurt, honey, and one egg white), make a thin mud type mixture and apply it thinly to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, or until you feel a tightening, then rinse with warm water.

Cellulite Elimination Tips for Women

If you are a woman, there is a good chance you have cellulite somewhere on your body.

Here are some helpful tips for reducing cellulite:

Cellulite is not harmful. However, it can be a VERY annoying and unsightly problem for many women. Cellulite fat cells bulging out through tight, inflexible connective tissue under the skin, and makes the skin look lumpy. Women commonly have it on their butt and thighs.

I am sure you have seen or heard about the countless “miracle” creams and cures for cellulite. Unfortunately, you cannot get rid of cellulite without costly, sometimes unsafe surgery. The good news is that there are several ways to help reduce its appearance.

Focus on your Health. You may not be able to get rid of the cells that cause cellulite without surgery. However, most women can shrink them down by losing weight and building muscle. Even if you only have time to walk a few times a week, any fat burning is a step in the right direction.

Eating raw fruits and vegetables and half your body weight in ounces of water will also get you on the right track.

Cleansing your Body. Having well hydrated cells washes away harmful, cell damaging toxins, and keeps them from building up; so drink plenty of water (as mentioned above).

Cut back on caffeine, additives, preservatives, artificial colorings, unnecessary medications, and avoid adding new toxins to your system as well.

Circulation Matters. In order to give your skin a smoother appearance, you may need to take steps to improve circulation to the problem area. The most effective way to do this is with daily massage. This is also a nice way to relax at the end of a long day.

Aloe Vera Creams and Scrubs. Daily use of Aloe Vera cream combined with exfoliating scrub, can help loosen up the connective tissue and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

While none of these ideas can totally get rid of cellulite in women, with a few healthy changes and a lot of patience, you can have smoother, less bumpy skin.

Beauty Product Review: Boar’s Hair Brush

Summary: These hair brushes are made from the hairs of a boar…not the handle, of course.

Review: I have used plastic hair brushes, wire hair brushes, and any other hair brush you can imagine!

In my opinion, Boar’s Hair Brushes are by far the BEST hair brushes. They are strong enough to get the knots out of my wild hair, yet gentle enough not to break and damage my hair like other hair brushes have.

Criticism: I guess the only down side is that they do not look as cute as some of the plastic hair brushes.

Reviewed By: Lara Velez. Lara is the owner of several webisites and businesses, including,  All Natural Beauty.

Nail Care Tips: Do You Know These Important Do’s And Don’ts?

By: Mike Jones

Applying the nail care tips below will help you maintain your fingernails in prime condition.

As our fingernails are so noticeable and convey a message about us to everyone we meet, it is essential we take just a little time and educate ourselves on how to care for them well.

What follows is a list of nail care tips divided into do’s and don’ts…

Nail Care Tips: The DO’S

DO drink plenty of water each day. It’s good for your general health and a well hydrated body contributes to healthy nails. Cracked nails may indicate the need for greater fluid intake.

DO apply varnish remover before applying nail polish. This removes any grease on the surface of the nail and gives extra life to the nail polish, so make sure you do this regardless of whether there is old polish on your nails or not.

DO take vitamin supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise due to other health considerations. Vitamins A, C, E, and B12 are especially important. Additionally, calcium, zinc, iron, protein, and folic acid will help avoid white marks appearing on the nails and prevent nails from becoming brittle. Research the foods you need to provide you with these essential vitamins and supplements.

DO use a good quality buffer preferably once a week, no more than twice a week. Be sure not to buff too vigorously and not for too long to avoid damaging the nail. Just a brief gentle buff before applying nail polish can help prevent the polish from peeling due to a rough or uneven surface on the nail.

DO use a soft nail file rather than an emery board. Emery boards can be too rough and damage the nail easily unless used with great care. Better to use a soft cushion nail file and wash it regularly for repeated use. It almost goes without saying, metal nail files are a definite NO NO!

DO wear protective gloves when doing any work that requires the hands to be submerged in water or come in contact with chemicals. Preferably use gloves with a cotton lining so they remain dry inside. Fungus loves a moist environment.

DO give attention to the cuticles regularly, using a moisturizing cream often to avoid the cuticles from drying out. Overgrown and ungroomed cuticles can adversely affect nail growth.

Nail Care Tips: The DON’TS

DON’T file backwards and forwards as this can cause splits in the nails which become even worse if water penetrates after hand washing. Rather use a gentle one way stroking action with the file along with a little patience.

DON’T file the corners of the nail as this can weaken them and make them more susceptible to breaking. File straight across in a way that produces a soft, oval shape. Pointed nails break easily.

DON’T file nails when they are wet. Make sure they are completely dry.

DON’T use varnish remover and reapply nail polish more than once or twice a week. Preferably select a varnish remover that contains moisturizers to avoid the nails drying out.

DON’T use your nails to scratch hard surfaces, pick at an object, remove staples, or serve as a digging tool. Just take a minute to get a proper tool for the job and avoid sacrificing your nails!

DON’T over manicure the cuticles as this can damage them causing them to thicken and overgrow.

DON’T ever cut the cuticles or use metal or sharp objects to push them back. Purchase the proper tool for the job, an Orange Stick. Hold it at an angle and gently push the cuticles back without damaging them. Using a cuticle remover first will help make the job easier and avoid damaging this sensitive skin.

After a nail care session, conduct a little test. To see how smooth your nails really are run them down an old pair of tights or pantyhose. Any snags will help you locate the nail that needs further attention.

The nail care tips listed above require some time and effort and perhaps initially a small investment to obtain the necessary professional tools. However, once you have them and get into a nail care routine, the benefits will make it all worthwhile.

You will feel confident and flash your nails with pride.

About the Author: Mike Jones reveals the…

Milagro Nail Care System – http://www.1bodycare.com/milagro.htm

Key skin care secrets – http://www.bodyfaq.com/skin-care-tips.html

Curly Hair 101: From Frazzled to Dazzled

By: Heather Bixler

Fixing and taking care of curly hair can become a full time job, if you dont know what you are doing. Most people don’t know how to tame their curly hair, and go through life with frizzed out curly hair.

Well this article will explain how to manage and maintain your curly hair. By following a few simple steps your curly hair will be transformed from frazzled to dazzled!

Step 1: Do not wash curly hair everyday.

Curly hair is naturally dry, so really there is no need to wash curly hair everyday. Unless there is a dandruff problem, curly hair should be washed once every two to three days. Washing curly hair more than this will dry the hair out causing it to become frizzy and break easily.

Step 2: Wet curly hair before brushing and styling.

Since it is recommended to not wash curly hair everyday, I suggest purchasing an empty water bottle and filling it with water, then before styling thoroughly wet the hair with the water bottle. Never brush curly hair when dry, this will only make the hair frizzy and make it look like a big poof ball!

Step 3: Use a diffuser if you must use a blow dryer.

I think using a blow dryer is unnecessary when styling curly hair, but if you choose to have your hair completely dry before leaving the house and insist on using a blow dryer, then be sure to use a diffuser. A diffuser helps the hair keep its natural curl, as with blow drying it with a regular blow dryer will only make the hair frizzy and it will not curl up. However letting the hair air dry is the best way to go, it keeps the hair from getting damaged by the heat, and will keep the hair healthy.

Step 4: Always use a conditioner, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Curly hair is built on a delicate system of moisturizers. So be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that has extra moisturizers in it. Always use a conditioner this will give the curly hair the added moisturizer it so desperately needs! A leave in conditioner is ideal for curly hair or even using both a rinse out and leave in conditioner would be perfectly fine. I recommend using a moisturizer designed just for curly hair.

When curly hair is well maintained it is a beautiful asset to the women who has been so generously blessed!

Beauty Tip: Applying Mascara

Applying Mascara - For best results you should apply two coats of mascara. This will give you enough definition to really make your lashes stand out. You must allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. Otherwise, you may wind up with clumpy tarantula eyes, a definite no no.

Beauty Product Review: Rimmel Nail Polish

Summary: Rimmel Nail Polish is a high quality inexpensive nail polish.

Review: I love to change my nail polish color regularly. This can be quite an expensive quirk. However, I discovered Rimmel Nail Polish a couple years ago and have never looked back!

I used to only buy the expensive brands. The reason was that every time I tried a cheap nail polish, I was disapointed.

Not any more! Rimmel Nail Polish is awesome. It does not chip easily, and I am STILL surprised by this! The colors are fabulous as well. They have tons of colors to choose from. Rimmel nail Polish also comes in an adorable little bottle.

Which leads me to….

Criticism: I only have one. The bottles are small. You do not get as much as the higher priced polishes. It’s not a huge one…but there is a size difference.

Reviewed By: Lara Velez. For more reviews and beauty advice, visit: All Natural Beauty

The Value Of Anti Aging Vitamins

By: Rebecca Prescott

Why Anti Aging Vitamins Are More Effective Than Skin Care Creams

It’s a real treat to indulge in a beautiful pot of skin cream that promises to get rid of fine lines and prevent wrinkles – but sadly, dermatologists agree that all you will achieve is an empty wallet.

Although many of these creams contain vitamins called antioxidants, few have any effect in preventing or reversing damage to the skin caused by free radicals.

WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS AND FREE RADICALS?

Antioxidants counteract the damage that free radicals can do to skin cells. Free radicals are by-products of normal chemical reactions that occur in cells. Cosmetic creams do contain antioxidants – but as a preservative – to prevent the cream from spoiling. The concentrations are very low, don’t absorb well into the skin and only have a short-term effect.

AND NOW THE GOOD NEWS…

New research suggests that improved formulations of two main antioxidants may soon be available in a form that may be effectively delivered via the skin.

SELENIUM

Selenium is a mineral which can help to protect the body from cancers. Recent studies have shown the if selenium is taken orally, it can provide protection against UV exposure. It has also been shown to maintain the elasticity of tissue and to slow down aging. Dermatologists say that the results are promising but more studies on humans are needed.

If you can’t wait that long, selenium is found in whole grain, seafood, garlic and eggs. Or you can take an oral daily supplement.

VITAMIN E

Dermatologists consider Vitamin E the most important antioxidant. It’s known to protect cells and to prevent damage to enzymes associated with cells. Laboratory studies show that Vitamin E can help to make free radicals less able to cause damage to cells. Other studies say that Vitamin E applied to the skin can reduce damage by exposure to UV and may even limit the production of cells that may cause cancer.

Vitamin E cream is extremely cheap to buy. To include more Vitamin E in your diet, eat more vegetables and sunflower oils, grains, oats, nuts and dairy products. Dermatologists advise that taking an oral supplement of 400mg each day is known to reduce damage from UV, to reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C (otherwise known as ascorbic acid) is the most prevalent antioxidant found in the body. It’s required for effective synthesis of collagen which is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin.

The body can’t store Vitamin C and if constant supplies are not ingested, a deficiency quickly occurs. Creating a skin cream containing Vitamin C is difficult because it decreases when exposed to oxygen. Minimal exposure to UV can decrease the body’s Vitamin C content by 30%. The ozone in city pollution can take this up to 50%.

Some medications can also lower the body’s Vitamin C – Omeprazole (a drug to reduce stomach acid) can reduce it by two thirds.

Eating citrus fruit and taking supplements can help to optimize levels of Vitamin C. However, the body will only take what it needs at the time and then excrete the rest. For this reason, Vitamin C can cause diarrhea if taken to excess. Large doses can also cause acid indigestion which can be avoided by taking the supplement with a meal.

STICK TO THE DIET

It would seem that, for the time being, better anti aging can be achieved through the use of Vitamins and minerals in the diet – although you might like to indulge in a very inexpensive pot of Vitamin E cream!

If you’d like to learn more about how to supplement the best skin care programs with an anti aging internal program, click here. Rebecca runs the site, www.VitaminsToHealth.com

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