The cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Although the economy has been quite tumultuous, the cosmetic industry is thriving. Apparently, looking good and feeling pretty is key to keeping the depression of these difficult times at bay. Well, although I am aware that there are various questionable ingredients that are used to make these cosmetics, I too love wearing lipstick - especially when I am going all the way out fancy.
Recently I received some emails, questioning a recent report on lead in make up. As I did my research, I found that according to the results, the brands that we use and trust had high levels of lead. Surprisingly, of the 400 lipsticks tested, who would guess that the 99 cents, Wet N' Wild brand appeared with the lowest levels of lead while the fancy high priced Cover Girl, L'Oreal and Maybelline lines held many of the top spots in this research. Estée Lauder, Mary Kay and Avon also place high on the list, keeping in mind that they tested 400 lipsticks.
To be fair, I must mention that some medical practitioners, feel that this report should not be a major concern. According to Dr. Bruce Hensel - "Just because there's lead in lipstick does not mean that there's a danger. In addition, the FDA and health officials also agree that the lipstick is ingested in such small doses, therefore the lead content does not pose a safety hazard. However, for those who have followed me and my advice - One size does not fit all. What works for some may not work for you and I would also add - An ounce of prevention is worth a lot more than a pound of cure.
In my efforts to keep you informed, I have included some very important videos from the FDA. Take a gander!!
Here is the list so that you may review and consider what brands you may want to purchase-> The Survey/Research Reports
It's that time of year once again, it never fails it comes every time, yes readers Valentines Day! Lovers look forward to it, while singles dread it with a passion. It's really all about the celebration of love and that in my opinion is not exclusive to couples.
Will you see flowers coming in the office and passing your door heading to someone else? Perhaps. The receptionist or secretary's desk may be filled with flowers and according to a recent report, some women have ordered flowers for themselves. In fact, you may see random people walking with flowers, balloons, gift bags and a smile on their faces. Would you feel better knowing that some of them are just trying to keep up appearances? If yes, good save yourself some money and do not stress it at all :-)
The images of hearts, candies, jewelry, happy couples are all around us and if you can just see pass that you will know that it's really not a big deal. I think in some cases, it becomes a hassle trying to find something special to give or do that it may not be even as fun as it appears in the commercials - keep in mind they are geared to seduce you to buy into their products. Will I be going out to dinner with my love, yes I am but we also go out to dinner almost once a night each week. While I am married, I have always treated myself to the things that I love. I buy myself flowers, I treat myself to those succulent Godiva chocolate covered strawberries, I pour myself a glass of wine, I treat myself to the jewelry that I like and it is a fabulous feeling to treat myself.
In fact, I have had my share of Valentines Day when I had no one to share it with. However, I made sure that I did not allow it to be an issue. Here are a few suggestions:
* Make your favorite meal or order some take out and watch your favorite shows
* Invite your friends over and plan a fun evening (Have a gratitude party - thank
goodness I am no longer in that relationship with ________)
* Get busy working on your goals it will occupy your mind :-)
* Do not play love songs, romantic movies or start reminiscing on the good old days
* Give someone a call to say Happy Valentine's Day (parent, neighbor, someone you
have been meaning to call, or stop by and visit an elderly or sick person)
How about this - ask them to Be Your Valentine. A visit or call can do the trick - it will do wonders for those receiving your attention and it will pick up your spirits as well.
I love flowers and I love chocolate but most of all, I begin with loving me!
I love shakes and fruit smoothies, just the sight of a fruit smoothie or shake picture gets me to ordering - especially in the summertime. A few years ago (well it seems like a few) when I was a teen, I loved to drink vanilla or chocolate milkshakes. However, as I matured, I grew out of my obsession for milk shakes. My love shifted to fruits smoothies. One would think that it's a healthy treat, I know I did - until I saw the ingredients this vendor poured into the blender. After selecting my mango and pineapples, I watched in horror as a can of sweetened condensed milk was added to my fruits that were already blending perfectly. I wanted to cry. Not wanting to tell him never mind, I paid for my sweetened milky fruit smoothie and sipped it slowly. I did not enjoy it at all, it was too sweet and it was robbed of it's own real true fresh fruity taste. All I wanted was the taste of the fresh fruits, they have their own sugars and I knew it could be healthy and delicious without the additions. Thankfully, with our country calling out for a nutritional overhaul, some companies have found their way out to offer their own delicious shakes and smoothies. There are smoothies and shakes that claims to have nutritional values even suggesting that you can use them as a substitute for a meal. Let's check them out!
Herbalife
Have you ever heard of Hearbalife? They promotes their products as healthy and delicious protein shakes that are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They also suggest that it's perfect for busy people who are on the go and would like a nutritious meal, the Herbalife Formula 1 shake claims to satisfy your hunger and help manage your weight.
According to Herbalife the key benefits are:
*20 vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients
*9g of protein and healthy fiber help support weight management
*Includes the antioxidant vitamins C and E
*Contains Aminogen®†, plus bromelain and papain, to support protein digestion
*0 cholesterol; 0 trans fat
I have never tried Herbalife but from the variety of flavors - it sure looks tempting. If I ever try their products, I will definitely let you know. It is important to note that you should clear this or any kind of changes with your doctor. Although it may be considered safe and healthy, it may not be right for YOU. Let's continue.....
Medifast
Medifast has shakes for Women, Men and a Specialty Line. They have an extensive line of flavors with Cherry Pomegranate, Banana Creme, Swiss Mocha, Dutch Chocolate and many more. The Vanilla Plus, Chocolate Plus and other flavors are from the specialty line that caters to joint health, diabetics and appetite suppression.
According to their website, the Medifast 55 Shakes are specially formulated for women. They claim that their great-tasting shakes are heart-healthy and contain 11 grams of protein and 24 essential vitamins and minerals per serving. Medifast 55 Shakes come in six delicious flavors and mix easily with water. The Medifast 70 Shakes are formulated for men, or for women who prefer a higher protein count. These shakes are soy-based, heart-healthy, and contain 14 total grams of protein per shake.
An example of their specialty line - Plus for Diabetics Shakes are specifically designed for people with type 2 diabetes.
As seen on their website, a clinical study from a major university teaching hospital found that after 34 weeks, diabetic participants using Medifast's portion-controlled meal-replacement program lost twice as much weight and were twice as likely to complete the study as participants following a standard food diet based on the dietary guidelines of the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Also, after 34 weeks, 24 percent of the Medifast users decreased or eliminated their diabetes medication, compared to 0 (zero) percent on the standard food diet.
Medifast Plus for Diabetics is recommended for men and women with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight or boost their regular nutrition. They can be used during the weight-loss phase or in the Transition and Maintenance phases as an occasional meal replacement or snack.
Medifast recommends that you contact your primary care physician or diabetes specialist before beginning a program using their Medifast Plus for Diabetics.
Their product lines includes the following - Kosher Dairy, Caffeine Free, Certified Gluten Free, Heart Healthy, Vegetarian
Fruit Smoothies
McDonalds recently came out with the Real Fruit Smoothies (Wild Berry, Strawberry Banana and Mango Pineapple) which are blended with ice and low fat yogurt. My daughter Aimee, loves the mango pineapple smoothie and is like a social media commercial for the delicious McDonalds Mango Pineapple Smoothie. She tweets about it and often updates her status about her cravings for the smoothie. She has many of her friends and the rest of us heading over to McDonalds to try the smoothies and they are really delicious. In fact, Aimee sounds similar to this commercial:
My favorite fruit smoothies are made straight from my blender with fresh fruits, no added sugars, milks, creams, yogurts, syrups, etc. The fruits are delicious all on their own. I can mix the fruits and blend them together to see how they mesh together and who knows? I may come out with a nutritional smoothie/shake line of my own :-)
