Tricia's Musings

Random Thoughts about life in general, living in the big city of Toronto



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5 Steps Towards a Flawless Face

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When I made the appointment for my very first facial, I never imagined I was signing up to be berated for two hours by an esthetician. I always thought the condition of your skin was just something you’re either born with, or wealthy enough to afford expensive cosmetic procedures to fix. Unfortunately, I was not born rich or perfect looking so I sort of stopped caring about conforming to an ideal a long time ago.

Apparently I was totally wrong. Unlike the rest of your body, the skin on your face is actually a product of your mannerisms and habits, and even small adjustments can totally alter the quality of your skin. So today my shame is your gain, as I will condense my beautician’s chastisements into 5 simple steps you too can take to get a flawless face. For the record, I have tried all 5, and can truly say that they work!

  • DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE

Unlike the skin on the rest of our bodies which is protected by clothing, our face is out in the open, all the time. This means that most of us touch our faces more than any other part of our bodies. We touch our faces with our hands and fingers, which apparently are always filthy. Everytime you touch your face, you are rubbing all the dirt and grease and bacteria that is on your fingers, into the delicate pores on your face, creating a perfect environment for a blemish. Gross.

Changing an unconscious mannerism is difficult. Once you become aware of it, you’ll be shocked at how often you touch your face throughout the day. I just keep my esthetician’s lecture about how dirty my hands are in my head, and that pretty much curbs any desire I have to let my fingers wander anywhere near my face.

  • Cut Back on Dairy Products

As a former vegan, I already knew about the negative effects of dairy on the human body. After all, it is unnatural for mammals to drink breast milk after infancy. But, I had no idea that dairy products like milk and cheese can compromise your complexion. According to my esthetician, Patricia Plikshe, your body cannot properly break down  dairy products (this is why so many people are lactose intolerant). When your body is unable to completely process stuff like junk food and dairy, it comes out in your skin. I guess you really are what you eat!

Another reason why dairy is so problematic, is because most large scale dairy farmers inject their cows with heavy amounts of hormones to keep them perpetually lactating. The added hormones get secreted into the cow’s milk, which then goes into our bodies when we drink it. This extra jolt of hormones we get from milk wreaks havoc on our complexions. I have since switched to soy milk and stopped eating cheese. Guess what? I lost weight AND got clearer skin. Win/win!

  • Throw Out Cheap Products

This is where money gets involved, folks. To my shock and horror, those cheap, 5 dollar face lotions I had been buying at the grocery store were one of my main problems! Cheap products are filled with ingredients your skin can’t absorb. Many lotions even contain petroleum. Yup, the same crude oil found in gasoline is going onto your face if you penny pinch in the cosmetics department. When your skin can’t absorb this stuff, it just kinda fills up your pores, causing tiny white bumps and small cysts on the skin known as mila. Once mila forms, you need to exfoliate and use a good product with glycolic acid to get rid of them.

Trust me people, it’s worth it to shell out the 25 extra bucks on the high quality, all natural products recommended by your esthetician. Spending some extra cash, means you no longer have to put lotion laced with gasoline on your sensitive face think about it.

  • Watch How You Wash

Since our faces are constantly exposed to the elements, and absorbing whatever grossness is on our fingers, your face requires a more thorough washing than you might think. Even if you use high quality face wash, in order for it to be completely effective, you should rub the soap into your skin for 60-90 seconds per wash. Taking the extra two minutes to wash properly is like giving yourself a mini-facial everyday. The results will surprise you!

Also, I was dismayed to hear from my esthetician that I had to perform the whole face washing ritual twice a day. I’m a pretty low maintenance chick who rarely even goes to the salon for a haircut, so hearing that I had to end and start each day with pampering my face was not good news. The first question I asked was, “Why do I have to wash my face before and after I go to bed? How could my face get dirty while I’m asleep?” (Obviously I’m not a model client). Well, apparently your body detoxes when you sleep and pushes impurities out through your pores. If you don’t wash your face right when you wake up, then all those toxins just sit there on top of your skin. Eww.

  • Don’t Try and “Do it Yourself”

The most common way people destroy their skin is by trying to pop blemishes themselves. Trying to be your own esthetician will do irreversible damage to your pores, and will only make your complexion worse in the long run. Besides, you are never supposed to touch your face, remember? Doing this can cause infections and create permanent scars. The amount of force that is created by two fingers pressing down and breaking skin, will surely leave a scar that will be far more unsightly than letting a little pimple run its course.

I recommend just letting an esthetician handle what goes on with your face. During a facial, they will safely perform “extractions” if they feel it will not do damage to the skin. Let the fate of your face rest in the hands of a qualified professional!

Jessica Ruane is a freelance blogger for Instant Checkmate. She specializes in writing about personal growth, beauty, social media, and more. Follow more of Jessica’s work on Google+ and ChrunchBase.





Looking Young and Beautiful

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Looking Young and Beautiful
The quest for the fountain of youth has been pursued for hundreds of years, and no one has truly found all of the secrets. However, you can look as young and beautiful as possible at all times by following some simple techniques.

Keep Skin Vibrant
It is generally recommended that people should drink 64 ounces of water per day. Doing so will make you feel better, but it will also help your skin to look more vibrant. Once you start consuming this much water per day, you will likely notice a difference on your face very soon. You should also exfoliate your face and body to remove dry and dead skin cells.

Take Pride
One of the reasons people often start to look frumpy is because they stop caring about their looks. Hop into the shower in the morning, and you’ll feel so much better. Unless you’re just lounging around the house all day, put on fresh clothing and do your hair and makeup. If you don’t have the time for a full application, use some foundation, blush and mascara and put some mousse into your hair for a casual vibe. How you look and how you feel are closely connected. If you feel like a slob who is constantly adorned in sweatpants, you are going to start feeling like a bum.

Buy New Products
Each type of makeup has its own lifespan. This is especially for sanitary reasons, as mascaras, for instance, can transmit bacteria to your eyes if they are left around for too long. However, when makeup is old, its color and staying power also start to fade. Eyeshadows can lose their luster. Foundations that were once the perfect fit may start to slightly discolor, so be sure to replace makeup products regularly. Additionally, sometimes your hair can grow tired of the same shampoo and conditioner. If you notice strands looking dull, try a new shampoo and conditioner combination to give them the extra bursts of energy that they need.

Diet and Exercise
Of course, no one should assume that only thin people can be beautiful. Beauty is attributable to people of all shapes and sizes. However, health-whether it comes in a large box or a small one-is certainly a sign of beauty and youth. Engaging in physical activities and exercises can make your body healthier overall, and your stamina and strength will shine through making you appear younger. Just as water can help the body take on that youthful glow, so can eating the right foods. Remember, youth and beauty are often associated with health, so do all that you can to keep yourself in optimal shape.

Looking young and beautiful is a goal that so many people have. However, remember that looks are not the most important part of a person. It’s more important to be happy on the inside. When you are happy on the inside, that will absolutely shine through to the outside world and you will appear just as beautiful as a supermodel.

 

Kristin Morris writes health and beauty.  She stresses the importance of good consistant skin care, using UV protection, and great dental care. Proper dental care can add years to your life.  She uses www.dentalinsurance.net for affordable rates.

Natural and Safe Ways to Combat Insomnia

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Natural and Safe Ways to Combat Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most prevalent and pernicious psychopathological conditions around today. Insomnia is reported to billions in lost national revenue every year in the United States. The condition affects over fifty percent of adults according to the National Sleep Foundation’s study from ten years ago. This National Sleep Foundation study defined insomnia as the marked inability to fall asleep one or more nights per week. In the most general sense, however, insomnia is defined as sleeping difficulties. Importantly insomnia is viewed by experts as both an effect and a cause of many other psychiatric conditions. If left untreated, insomnia may lead to cognitive and memory problems, depression and irritability, and increased risk of cardiac issues. With these detrimental outcomes in mind, perhaps natural remedies offer a welcome and safe remedy to sleep disorders and insomnia.

Therapy Options

Recent reports actually demonstrate that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is more effective than soporific pharmaceutical medication (e.g., benzodiazepines) long-term in controlling insomnia. The core lessons imparted within CBT for insomnia involve bolstering helpful sleep habits and eliminating false assumptions about sleep. For example, a therapist subscribing to the CBT model might suggest to her insomniac patient that performance anxiety about not being able to fall asleep is actually counterproductive to getting a good night’s rest. The therapist may then try to ameliorate the client’s problem by informing him about good sleep habits and ways to lessen performance anxiety.

Nature’s Cure: Melatonin!

Melatonin is actually a naturally occurring hormone that is released into the blood after being secreted by the pineal gland. In many ways, melatonin regulates circadian rhythms. That being said, poor somatic regulation of melatonin release can relate to circadian rhythm imbalances and sleep disturbances. Some people with sleep issues actually turn to over the counter forms of melatonin to help them achieve that full eight hours of rest. In clinical trials melatonin has shown equal effectiveness in forestalling sleep problems as prescription medications like zopiclone. Over time taking melatonin actually assists in resetting one’s circadian rhythms. In this way, melatonin could actually be a short-term treatment towards a long-term cure! Daily doses of melatonin normally range from one to three milligrams. Melatonin is ly non-toxic but a health care professional should be consulted before taking any supplement or medication.

Valerian

An herb that’s received an increasing amount of attention is valerian root. Valerian root has been used for thousands of years and has demonstrated anxiolytic, pain reliever, sedative, and insomnialessening potential. Modern neuroscience research suggests that valerian root’s mode of action is through acting on GABA receptors in the brain. GABA receptors are ly relaxing, inhibitory neuronal sites. Interestingly Valerian also stimulates adenosine receptors. If there was one neurotransmitter associated with sleep it would be adenosine. Adenosine receptors, like GABA receptors, are inhibitory in nature and build up throughout the day to facilitate sleep at the day’s end. Because valerian works on both the GABA and adenosine system, and because of its non-toxic profile, it can be used by insomniacs looking to get back on the proper sleep schedule.

This article has outlined many ways to naturally combat insomnia and sleep difficulties. All of the herbs presented in this article have proven safety profiles. For those with more serious sleep problems, a combination of therapy and herbs may prove most helpful.

Jessica Jorgensen runs a sleep clinic and enjoys sharing tips on helping others conquer their sleep disorders.  She recommends taking part in a sleep study to find out what your sleeping behaviors and problems are so you can come up with a solution.  She also advices her clients to have a good health care program by logging onto www.healthinsurancequotes.org to keep health care affordable.

Vision Care 101: When to Seek Emergency Treatment

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You never want to take a chance with your health, but when it comes to your vision, you need to be even more diligent. While the symptoms you’re experiencing may not seem like a big deal, without immediate attention, you could risk losing your vision. Whether it’s pain or flashing lights, there are times when you need immediate care. Here are four reasons to seek emergency care for your vision.


You Experience Sudden Vision Loss

Sudden vision loss is not only frightening, but it can be the sign of something serious. There are a number of vision problems that may result in sudden vision loss including retina detachment, central retinal artery occlusion, and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. However, this can also be the sign of a medical condition. Those that suffer from a mini stroke may also experience sudden vision loss that returns. Regardless, any time this is experienced, you need emergency care.

There Is Pain In or Around Your Eyes

Pain can be a tricky area. You may think it’s something as simple as sinus pressure or even a headache. However, there are some pain signs that require immediate emergency care to protect your vision. If you experience dull, sharp, gritty, aching, or stabbing pain it may be a cause for concern. There are two types of pain when it comes to the eyes. It might be on the surface or behind the eye. The reasons for the pain can be something as simple as a migraine or something as scary as a tumor.

You See Flashing Lights or Floaters In Your Vision

Think of your retina as a flap of paper on your eye. When the retina begins to tear, it can flap around causing a flashing sensation or floaters. In some cases, the flashing and floaters may be something as simple as posterior vitreal detachment. Regardless of the cause, this is something that should not be ignored.

You Wake with an Irritated Eye After Sleeping In Your Contacts

You know you’re not supposed to sleep with your contacts in, but it happens from time to time. If you wake with an irritated eye that is red, painful, and sensitive to the light, you need to see your eye doctor immediately. These symptoms may be the signs of a corneal ulcer and if not treated within 48 hours it can become very serious.

Changes in your vision and pain in your eyes should never be ignored. Without proper and swift treatment, you risk doing permanent damage that may result in blindness. When in doubt, visit the ER immediately.

About the Author: Quinton Norrix has had his share of vision problems but now makes the best of it by collecting vintage eyewear. Don’t delay eye car if you are having trouble with your vision. The sooner they’re taken care of, the less damage your vision problems can do.

Five Organic Bath Products Every Girl Must Have

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When you find a good bath product, it’s like you’ve found a hidden treasure. If that amazing bath product is also organic, you’ve really hit the lottery. Here are five awesome organic bath products that every girl should have.

Terressentials Organic Body Wash

Terressentials has an amazing line of organic body washes that are made from organic herbs and organic essential oils. They leave your skin feeling soft and silky, and the aromas are incredible. Choose from the scents Lavender Garden, Cool Mint, Left Coast Lemon, or Sultry Spice. There is also a Fragrance-Free version that is excellent for people with sensitive skin. These body washes can double as a shaving lotion. They cost $11.75 for 8 ounces, and there is also a gift box sampler for $18.50.

Find it at: Terressentials.com/bath.html

Starwest Botanicals’ Organic Herbal Bath Blend Bags

Starwest Botanicals is a company that sells various organic oils, teas, and all-natural body care products. The Organic Bath Bags they sell are an excellent additional to any warm bath. Just throw one bath bag into the tub, and you can bathe in a soothing and aromatic herbal bath. There are two types, Herbal Bath Blend ($30.58 for 24 bags) and Seaweed Bath Blend ($27.83 for 24 bags). They also work great as sachets for your linen closet or dresser drawers, and they’ll keep your sheets and clothes smelling nice.

Find it at: Starwest-botanicals.com/category/organic-bath-dryer-bags

Coyuchi’s Organic Women’s Linen and Terry Robe

If you want to splurge on a bath product, Coyuchi’s Organic Women’s Line and Terry Robe is your must-have. This robe is made with organic flax that’s grown in France and Belgium. It is a long (below the knee) robe that feels extremely soft and heavenly. It comes in one color, Natural Linen with White, and it costs $176.00. This robe’s neutral color makes it easy for a man to wear, too. If you’re interested in other organic bath linens, shower curtains, or bath rugs, Coyuchi has an excellent selection.

Find it at: Coyuchi.com/organic-bath/womens-robes.html

Green Deva’s Organic Miracle Facial Cleansing Grains

Treat yourself to an organic facial with Green Deva’s facial products. The Miracle Facial Cleansing Grains ($15.00) are made with organic almonds, oats, roses, lavender, and clay that’s rich with skin-healthy minerals. In order to use the cleansing grains, mix about two teaspoons in your hand with water to form a smooth paste. Allow it dry on your face (about 5-10 minutes) before rinsing. Your skin will be left feeling soft and invigorated. Green Deva also sells many other all-natural and organic products.

Find it at: Greendeva.com/shop-facials

Juice Beauty’s Organic Exfoliating Cleanser

This exfoliating facial cleanser from Juice Beauty is made with all certified-organic ingredients including pineapple enzymes, aloe Vera juice, and jojoba beads that dissolve to leave your skin feeling soft and fresh. It’s excellent for all types of skin and can be used on a daily basis. It costs $22.00 for 4.75 ounces. Juice Beauty offers a variety of high-quality organic skin care products and beauty solutions.

Find it at: Juicebeauty.com/store/skin-care/cleansers-and-toners/exfoliating-cleanser.html

Redacted by Lizel. Lizel helps select bathtub fillers to ensure your bath experience has just the right pressure and look.

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