Skinny Jeans

It seems that everywhere I look, more and more women are wearing skinny jeans again, paired off with all kinds of tops. Skinny jeans are an interesting type of jeans because they fit tightly in the legs, almost like a pair of tights, only it’s jeans of course. 

Lots of skinny jeans can be found in the market, from the bargains to the designer ones. Unfortunately not everyone can wear skinny jeans because we all have different body types. However, it can definitely enhance body types like straight bodies because skinny jeans emphasize the buttocks and hip area, creating a sexier overall illusion. Petite women can also wear skinny jeans to look longer. Modelesque body types with long slender legs can wear them like a second skin anytime. But if you’re pear-shaped or a bit too heavy on the legs, better ditch skinny jeans because they can really be a disaster. There are lots of other types of jeans in the market anyway so don’t be sad.

Swim and Heal

Much has been said about the good things our body can get from swimming, as the seemingly innocent gliding and moving in the water is supposed to be a total body workout. Since the actual benefits of swimming are still a bit vague to me, I looked for more specific answers to why it’s good for us in more ways than one. Check out what I found:

1. It strengthens the heart, lungs and muscles.

Swimming conditions all body types, from the perfectly normal ones to those plagued with alarming conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis. In fact, doctors often recommend swimming as an activity to those recovering from a major surgery or heart operation because it is a not too taxing yet effective workout. Regular swimming also builds lung stamina and muscle strength without straining connective tissues like other workout activities could.

2. It’s a great calorie-burner.

Swimming uses all the major muscle groups in the body, which makes it a great weight loss workout and body toner. This is why many swimmers often have toned arms, legs, and tummy, which is one of the major fat problem areas of everyone. 

3. It’s the perfect stress reliever.

Swimming is a meditative workout because it deals with not just the body but also the mental state. Exercising while enveloped in warm water induces a calm and relaxing feeling that not only reduces stress, it also help clear one’s mind as it improves delivery of oxygen to all muscles and stimulates blood circulation. 

4. It works wonders in pregnant women.

Expectant women are often forbidden to do any moderate to heavy physical activity, but swimming is one of those activities that can actually aid them in their condition. For one, it strengthens the abdominal muscles that are very important when carrying and delivering the baby. Experts say that swimming also reduces the common negative symptoms associated with pregnancy, like high blood pressure and stiffness.

5. It’s a perfect bonding activity.

Now we all know about this one. Swimming is one of the best and healthiest activities we can do to bond and enjoy with our families and friends. The great thing about swimming as a bonding activity is that you can choose to talk and interact with people yet you can also swim off anytime and do your routines and beneficial exercises whenever you want.

 

Precaution on Make up

In a previous post I gave a few makeup tips for summer. For this entry I’m giving just a few reminders that I’ve read about on how we can best make use of our makeup to ensure that we maximize their purpose and to protect us as well.

1. Throw away mascara after 2-3 months. This is because sty-triggering germs may have formed on your mascara by this time and it’s best to dispose of it. Also, if you start to get eye infections whenever you put eye makeup on, then make sure to dispose of any eye makeup you’ve recently used but have kept stashed for so long.

2. Clean all your primping tools at least once a week. Never forget to wash all your sponges and brushes with a mild cleanser to remove all germs that may inhabit in it. Also, swipe all your lash curlers with cotton dipped in alcohol to get rid of any bacteria or leftover makeup. Remember to keep all your tools in a safe and sealed box or container and never leave them lying around, which many women are prone to do when in a hurry.

Don't Breath! Bad Breath

You lean over to whisper something to your friend and you can tell by the look on your friend’s face that something is up. Could it be your breath? Maybe you shouldn’t have put extra onions on your hamburger at lunch. What’s a person with smelly breath to do?

The good news is that bad breath happens to everyone once in a while.  Also known as Halitosis is usually not a serious issue, but can lead to significant embarrassment and self-consciousness.  In rare cases it can be a sign of a more serious problem in which case you should seek out the advice of a doctor or dentist.

The most common causes of bad breath, aside from eating a sandwich loaded with onions or that garlic bagel, is bacteria on the tongue.  This bacteria can build up as a result of poor oral hygiene and a lack of flossing.

Triggers of bad breath may include:

• not eating breakfast
• food high in protein
• smoking
• antihistamines and other medications
• sinus problems
• mouth sores
• tooth infections or gum disease (aka gingivitis)
• stress
• dehydration
• significant talking
• zinc deficiency
• gastrointestinal disorders (such as indigestion or stomach issues)
• Serious illness such as cancer, tuberculosis or syphillis

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Bad Breath

• Apple Cider Vinegar. My grandmother used to take a teaspoon of this a day to help boost her immune system as well.  Mix a 1/2 tsp. with water and use as a gargle for 10 seconds at a time.
• Baking Soda. Buy a toothpaste with baking soda in it or add your own to your toothpaste and brush with it regularly.  The baking soda neutralizes the bacteria.  Be sure to brush your tongue as well.
• Tea Tree Oil. Use as a toothpaste additive.  Add a drop to your toothpaste before you brush. or create a Tea Tree Oil mouthwash by adding 3 drops of the oil to a cup of warm water.  Gargle 2-3 times per day after each meal.
• Mint Leaves. Get yourself some fresh mint leaves and chew on them for a while.  Swallowing them is fine or spit them out when flavor subsides.
• Sunflower Seeds, Cardamom Seeds or Cloves. Grab a handful of one of these babies and munch away.  Then gulp down a glass of water. An enzyme in them helps break down odor causing bacteria.

Benefit of Olive Oil

Did you know that  oil holds many health benefits?  Not only is it great to cook with, but it can also contribute to your longevity.  Olive oil, like wine, has been around forever. For people of the Mediterranean, it has had medicinal, even magical powers through the ages. The olive tree is considered a symbol of peace and glory.
Olive oil was used in medicines and different ointments. It was also used for nourishment and as an overall healing agent.

1.  Reduce your chances of plaque buildup on your arteries, thereby avoiding a heart attack or stroke. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants like chlorophyll, carotenoids and vitamin E. Scientists have identified a compound in olive oil called oleuropein which prevents the LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. It is the oxidized cholesterol that sticks to the walls of the arteries and forms plaque. Replacing other fats in your diet with olive oil can significantly lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

2. Can Inhibit Cancer. A recent study showed that monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil has the ability to reduce the affect of a gene within the human body that can cause cancer.  It helps protect against colon cancer as well.  It can reduce the amount of carcinogens formed in meat when it is cooked, if the meat was cooked using olive oil.

3.  Controls Blood Sugar.  Diabetics are always advised to combine low fat, high carbohydrate diets with olive oil.  The combination of them can control blood sugar levels.

4.  Ease the Symptoms of Ulcers and Gallstones. It adds a protective coating on the lining of the stomach to help ease the discomfort often associated with these condition

On a lighter side it is also used:

• As a Body Oil
• To Control Hair Frizz and Dry Cuticles
• Control a Nagging Cough
• Shine Pots and Pans
• Used as a Lip Balm
• Used as a Bath Oil