Sick Season...

Winter marks the beginning of so many great things, but it also means that the sick season is also now with us. And here in my region of the US it's awful because one day we will have balmy nice weather and the next it's a frigid cold air. I myself get an occasional cold. Below are things I can't make it without.

Vick's Vapor Rub - The rumor going around that it helps with coughing when you put it on your feet is true! Plus it helps with sinuses.

Nostrilla - Hands down and up and all around. I live for this nasal spray! It is instant! If they ever go out of business or stop selling it near me I am completely going to not be able to breath when I have a cold or sinus issues.

Kleenex Cold Tissue - This is the most amazing thing. These kleenexes are always cold. It's great for a nose that is puffy and has mucus running out of it. It doesn't make the blotchiness worse

In addition to Kleenex Cold tissue I recommend Boogie wipes too! They dissolve boogies that are just gross. I have several friends that are moms (even though I'm a mom now I haven't crossed this bridge yet thankfully) and they all recommend these.

Cough syrup - I am not picky, because honestly every time I start to cough it likes to pick and choose its battles against cough syrup will make it go away. I do like Mucinex DM, and Mucines Cold & Sinus in liquid form it seems to really help.

Warm socks! I highly recommend getting some aloe socks when getting a cold or sinus infection. The ones I love the most came from Bath & Body Works.

These are the products I use the most when sick or not feeling well. I hope they help you!

He did the what? THE MONSTER MASH!!!!

So many of you might not know that I am a goal oriented person. I build small goals to my big goals. Are there bumps in the road? Yep but that's where the fun is in life.

So, you all know I run at least 10 miles a day. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Also three nights out of the week I spend learning to ballroom dance after I get out of class at night. Then I also pole dance session at least once a week and a gym workout at once every two weeks. I like to challenge myself to push myself more and more. Which is why I am also talked to my trainer about gymnastics to limber me up even more.

I love the burn of muscles and the tone sculpted body. What people don't realize is how I multitask to get all of this in. Pole dancing I do while watching my recorded shows from the week. Running I listen to lectures and plan blogs. Gym workout I'm usually reading something while lifting weights or doing push ups. Plus I throw in small workouts throughout my day. I purposely take the stairs when I can. I park far away from the building.

People are constantly asking me how I keep a smile on face, how I have so much energy, and how I find so much time. Well the first one realizes on the last two. I love creating experiences. I look at each problem as a way to grow. Exercise and being active releases endorphins and it will certainly flow through you. As far as to how do I find time. Well I love having things to do. Even if I just have 4 hours at home I love it!

So I encourage everyone to stay active. Find something you want to try or do and go for it! I love gymnastics, dancing, running, and pole dancing, If you have injuries I highly recommend yoga. It will build your core and from there you can the build up the rest.

My Southern Roots are blarin' this week! I love my URBAN COWBOY!!!!!! Why? Because playing Just Dance with him is amazing!!!

Not Floo Powder, Flu Shot

We just got home from Disney. I'm sitting here in the living room with my suitcases all over the floor. Yes I had a fabulous time. It was so much fun. However, I was disgruntled that we didn't go to see WwofHp (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) but I will survive because I get to go twice in less than a month now!

Ok I know it's Monday and that means health, beauty, or fitness. I know a lot of you like the skin blogs and those will return. I think a lot of people enjoy beauty blogs and I want to be set apart for the things that I do.

My health tip for you today is: Get your flu shot!

I'm not joking. Do you realize if nobody got their flu everyone would get the flu because then no one would be immune to it. Why did I get mine? Well several reasons.

Reason number one for me getting a flu shot was I am going to be doing a lot of traveling the rest of the year. I do not want to be susceptible to getting the flu and therefor not able to continue travelling. I have so many plans for the reason of the year and I do not like being sick. Also I am a huge germaphobe anyhow so I'm like number in stocking up on hand sanitizer.

Reason number two is because I want to be able to see Jackjack all the time and whenever I want. Not three weeks after getting over flu or something. I highly recommend getting a flu shot if you have children around. Since not only am I a student but I also teach preschool children and so I'm surrounded by germs on a daily basis and I want to stay healthy while the germ months kick up.

The third reason has to do with the fact that the flu can turn very serious. According to Prevent Influenza's official website influenza is the 8th leading cause of death among people of all ages. Also flu worsens all chronic problems and therefor problems rise up even more.

Fourth reason it doesn't hurt at all and I'm very terrified of long needles. Yes my boyfriend works for the pharmacy and made fun of me because I was shaking like a leaf and chalk white when going to get it. I was also on the verge of hurling while thinking about it. If you are nervous be upfront with them. I had mine given to me by a pharmacist that I go to all the time for my medicine and health questions. I only bled a tiny bit whereas Mr. Chris didn't bleed at all. Neither of us had an allergic reaction and only a slight soreness.

Fifth and final reason, I didn't want to gamble with my own health, family and friends health. I don't like missing school, work, church, or vacations. I also like grocery shopping and feeling like I have a barrier to the flu germs that will surround me.

I encourage everyone to get vaccinated. If you are unsure of where to go visit AAFFA's website (click the link) and it will tell where flu shots are available or if it's allergies or the flu shot.

Floo Powder? Take a handful toss in fire and shout clearly "Walgreens!" or "CVS!" Trust me I trust either of them.

Steps to Great Skin

Well summer has officially ended for almost everyone (YAY! Sorry I hate hot weather) and that means that your skin has probably been the last thing on your mind with the exception of sunburn. Your skin is probably a little dry (drier if you have spent time in the sun, tanning.) R. Patrick Abergal, MD, a dermatologist, says "A simple skincare routine is all you need to get and keep your great skin."

If a product tells you that it will be an overnight miracle beware! Chances are give it time and your skin will have a different problem because of the "miracle" ingredient. Also, you need to get to know your skin type as well so you know what products to go for to help your skin. A recent post I did called Skin Typing was where I explained how to find your skin type. So be sure to research your skin type and what products need and do not need to be used.

Abergal says it takes 3 weeks of routine regular use for any product to really show true results. There are three types of products your must have just get the ingredients right for your skin. I am fixing to go further into detail about all three of them.

Cleansers: Everyone knows that washing your face in the morning and at night is a good thing. However, some cleansers do more harm than good. That means you need to choose a facewash carefully. If you skin feels tight for a few minutes after washing, your cleanser is too harsh and that can cause major problems like zits. If a cleanser is too drying then it has a reverse affect. Your skin will freak out and overproduces oil. Find a cleanser that is lightly foaming. And be sure to rinse off all the cleanser every time you wash.

Toners: To be honest up until almost 5 months ago I had no idea these even existed and now I can't function without it. As a matter of fact I'm positive that's what my first review was on was my toner. Toners are meant to finish off the dirty job your cleanser started. They are great for people with oily skin. I happen to be a combination person and I have weird T zone because between my eyebrows is not oily but extremely dry. If you have a T zone oily skin, then swipe the toner on your T zone. How do you know if your toner has done its job? When it the cotton ball comes back completely clean without dirt, make-up, etc. I love mine because it tingles and smells fresh.

Moisturizers: Go for a lotion that's designed for facial skin (please please please do not even think about using a body or hand lotion for double-duty!) Got oily skin? You still need a moisturizer. Look for a light gel formula. Whatever brand you choose you need to make sure it has a SPF 15. You might be wrinkle-free now but unless you use sunscreen you won't like how your skin looks in 10 years.

I plan on doing more skin posts. Hope you enjoy.

Via

Skin Typing

I have recently acquired a love for make-up. I was quick to discover that there are certain ways to keep your skin looking healthy, even after cleansing. In finding that I also discovered something else, certain products that my friends raved about just didn't work for me. I learned why, I have a different skin type than them.

I strongly suggest going to a dermatologist. I learned so much by going to mine here in my area. Like with any doctor you need to be honest. Not honest as possible, just plain honest will help you get the best care. Write down medications, what you eat, and what you use on your skin before going because all of those factor in to what your skin looks like.

There are four major skin types. They are based on how your skin feels and looks. For further information on your skin, like I said I highly recommend a dermatologist.

If you skin belongs to a normal type, the tissue will not reveal any traces of oil. Your skin should feel vibrant, elastic, and supple. Normal skin is the least problematic type.It looks clean and smooth and has a good circulation and healthy complexion. Even with a minimum care, it will look good well into your advanced age.

If your skin is dry, the paper (regular paper sometimes will work, but beauty oil absorbing blotting paper will work better) will be clean, too, but your face skin will feel flaky, dry, and tight after you have wiped it. Dry skin can easily develop a sallow tone, wrinkles, and fine pores, and it is very prone to aging and irritating. It might still look great on a young person, but, to keep it healthy, you should apply thorough care and use regular skin or beauty treatment with natural masks and moisturizers.

If you have oily skin, the paper will have spots of facial oil on it, corresponding to the areas of your cheeks, nose, and forehead.Oily skin is problematic – it usually looks greasy, thick, coarse, and shiny, has enlarged pores, and tends to break into acne. A good thing, though, is that oily skin is not prone much to aging and wrinkling. Careful cleaning, minimizing of carbohydrate consumption, and avoiding rich creams can be helpful in improving the quality of oily skin.

If you skin is combination, like that of most women, the tissue will have traces of oil coming from your nose and forehead, but will be clean in the areas that touched your cheeks. Combination skin has patches of both dry and oily skin, and it requires different types of care in relation to particular facial areas. Dry zones, which are usually located on the cheeks and around the eyes, should be treated with rich creams and moisturizers, while oily areas, usually on the forehead and nose, will benefit from frequent and thorough cleaning.

Monica: I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I should probably leave you girls alone.

Ross: Yeah, laugh all you want but in ten minutes we’re gonna have younger looking skin!

Knowing what kind of you helps you give the best care to your skin. Caring for your skin through products, food, what medicines you take and also the rest of your health. So you are doing your whole body a favor by finding out. 

Happy Monday!

Bloodsuckers - Updated

Nope no Twilight post here, however, with the rate of West Nile going up people are starting to really freak out. I am among those people. I do not like being sick and I do like a little bit of outside exposure.

First and for most experts are saying that it will be held back if it doesn't rain a lot. However, with Hurricane Issac rearing his ugly self through the south part of the country, does that mean we could end up like Dallas, Texas? (Link) I am going to take plenty of precautions and I figured I would share with the rest of my followers.

• Dump any standing water on your property
• Use bug spray with DEET
• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants when outside.
• Avoid going outside at twilight (ok so the word is mentioned) and dawn

***Update***

Although deet still ranks as the overall best repellent, several others have compared favorably to it. Picaridin, for instance, works well as a repellent. Permethrin is not technically a repellent since it kills mosquitoes and other bugs, and it should be applied to clothing and gear, not skin, but it too works well to keep mosquitoes from biting. One natural and effective option is lemon eucalyptus oil, though you have to apply it more frequently - Buck Tilton, Backpacking Expert

My neighborhood has been sprayed for mosquitoes. If yours hasn't I strongly suggest writing to your town council or city council and suggesting so. Also check to see if mosquitoes in your area or around your area. Children and elderly people are the ones be affected the most but anyone can be infected.

West Nile virus experts claim that many times the virus passes through people without anyone knowing they have it. Death tolls are starting to rise which means some people have a worse case of the virus. People need to be aware of the symptoms:

The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. 

Most commonly people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. So if you are worried after getting a mosquito bite go have blood work done. If I am bitten I will get test and then get a second opinion as well. That's just my own personal feelings though.

West Nile fever is characterized by symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache and sometimes swollen lymph glands and rash. West Nile fever generally lasts only a few days, though in some cases symptoms have been reported to last longer, even up to several weeks. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. (Link)

Doc, Dopey, Sneezy, Bashful, Grumpy, Happy, .... Sleepy?

Sleepy?

Yes I am, but during the day. Not at night like most people. It gets about 4 and I crash here in the past week. I work pretty good with just getting 4 hours of sleep. So for those of you people thinking I get 8 hours of sleep, well you'd be wrong. Aha! I told you people I am not perfect.

I have been going through my magazine clippings. Let me just say I have some from 10 years ago. I used to read so many teen magazines that it was slightly sad. I guess it's why I'm addicted to Pinterest. It's a virtual magazine that I can create. I still subscribe to a few magazines but that's for later. Technology has really taken over everything.

I found two articles that really stood out. With my new scanner I scanned them and they are below:

Cindy Fedida April 2004 YM

PDF Download Here

Real Simple May 2011

PDF Download Here

I am fixing to get some sleep myself. Enjoy it!

Unashamed and Interesting Concept

I won't lie I am suffering from the worst cramps I have ever dealt with in my life. Both doctors have said it is because of the heat stroke that the cramps have multiplied. I can honestly say that I'm super glad the doctor said no running or work the rest of the week. I don't think I could have made it through either.

My hormones have been through the roof this time as well. We are talking constant crying (some of it from pain) and bad attitude where I could give Ridge and Erica a run for their money on being mean. I have NEVER had a period like this before in my life. This one has left me paralyzed for the most part. My appetite has been very, very weak.

Chris, like he was on Monday, has been there for me through it all. He was and has been extremely concerned with me crying. He went to Walmart first thing this morning after he had walked Abby and while I was in and out of sleep. When I went downstairs after a very quick shower. He had set up the living room nicely. I wasn't hungry, but he insisted on at least some eggs and a banana. He lit a bunch of candles and played records. I fell asleep around 11:30 waking up every so often. When 3 o'clock hit I was in agony.

My friend Hannah came by to check on me and she was even freaked out by how pale and weak I was. Chris gave me some Midol PM and I was out. I slept from 4 to 8:30. In the midst of all that time. Chris managed to give Abby a bath and walk her again. What really amazed me was that he went above and beyond what I think most boyfriends would do.

I have a file folder full of health articles for women that I have clipped out of magazines. He made a list of things to make or to help me with my period based on what the articles said. He went and asked many of our friends that are female how to help me cope and also what he could do to make it better. It made me smile when he did that even though I was crying because of the pain.

I had to explain to him that I have insulin problems. My blood sugar has spiked to over 300 and it has gone down to 45 several times. Insulin can make your period extremely heavy that's why candy and white bread are not friends right before a period. Insulin makes the lining of the uterus build up faster and thicker. I think that is partly a problem this time because I was a little wasteful this time one eating healthy because of the heat stroke.

Chris has seriously been all about helping me through this and I have just been amazed. He found some interesting facts and tips. Plus some truly bizarre things as well. Leave it to us to find blogs completely about periods and people who make are with menstrual blood.... Yep. You read it right. There are people out there that create "art" with blood that comes out of them every month. See for yourself by clicking: Here. I was intrigued, but I was pretty grossed out as well. By the end of looking at art in the form of well menstrual blood Chris was as pale as me and swallowing to keep from throwing up.

This is probably why we get along so well. We are there for each other and we enjoy the weirdness. We spent time looking at period blogs such as:

• The Period Blog
• My Period Blog
• It's Just A Period People!

In a way it has been nice being able to be honest with Chris about this and him not going to look like he was going to barf. I finally asked him why he could handle it so good when other guys flip out or run for the hills. He shocked me by saying his youngest sister who is just 11 has been having periods for a while because she has a deficiency in her hormones. He used to take care of her and she hated all of the blood so he is used to helping with pads.

So apparently, God gave me the best thing for me. A man that understands women beyond belief. Chris has went to Walgreens three times tonight and Walmart once. He went prepared each time. He came back with low fat frozen yogurt, fruit, peanut butter, green tea, rasberry tea, and some other groceries. I had to laugh a little. In his words he bought "good toilet paper" I am sorry but it cracks me up when he says this because his Italian accent comes out in the word toilet.

He made me toasted mozzarella cheese sticks. Which were really yummy. All he did was put low-fat mozzarella cheese on wheat bread cut up into strips and toasted them so the cheese melted and made the bread crunchy. He gave me marinara to dip them in. It was so good! He also bought calcium supplement in the chocolate chews. He told me it would help with the mood swings and the cramps.

So while writhing in pain like this....

Source

I have been reading about periods and period products with my boyfriend. However, it is easing off and I think I will go to sleep for a short time. Tomorrow's post was a request and I need to do some background reading on the subject.

Stress is a Mess

It's back to school time for everyone including me. I stress about work piling up and going to a completely new school. A few simple tricks that I've learned over the years is something I have been telling my friends about. I've done some reading on stress signs or symptoms.

Stress usually hit me first in the morning. Laying there in bed thinking about the day and it's like a little black forms over my bed. Well to start getting rid of stress I literally lay on my back, while still in bed, and bring my knees to my chest. Lifting my head up to meet my knees and then hold for 3 breaths. Doing this three times will relax your mind and get your blood pumping so you're ready to face your day.

Another way to relax before getting out of bed is a yoga trick. Lie on your back, bend your knees so your feet are flat and wide apart, and let your knees fall in until they touch. Then put your palms together and press your eyebrows. Hold for at least one minute.

I always wear an extra hand elastic for my next tip on dealing with stress. I am also prone to zoning out while I'm under stress. Snapping the elastic hair-bow or rubber-band around your wrist, and when you start to freak gently flick it against your skin. It seems silly, but it can snap you back into the moment- literally.

This one is just for the girls. If you are facing a mountain of to-dos, give your nails a pretty paint job. It makes your focus on one thing. This technique works because it makes your brain relax and recover from a hectic day. By the time your nails are dry, you'll be calm-and ready to get to work.

Those moments when you feel so frustrated that tears well up? Yep there is a cure for that as well. Makes a fist with one hand to find out where your ring finger hits your palm. When you find that spot press your there with your thumb from your hand. Keep pressing to stop your body's stress response- the one that might typically turn your face bright red.

Sometimes when you feel like you just need to let some stress loose, just scream. It will work and it feels like a small weight has been lifted.

If you are stressed out and panicking, tune up the volume. Dancing to your favorite fast pace music gets muscles to relax tense muscles and boost levels of calming brain chemicals.

Breathe deeply. Any yoga class or retreat class will tell you this is the best way to calm down when you are anxious. When you are anxious, your breathing gets faster and shallower, less oxygen reaches your brain. Start thinking calmly and clearly again by doing this technique for two minutes: Inhale through your nose for a 1-2-3-4 count, then exhale 1-2-3-4 out your mouth. For extra improvement sit straight up and breath so deep that you feel your diaphragm expand and contract.

The are other signs of stress:

Stomach troubles are one of the main problems people experience. Some people like to blame what they've ate for their stomach problems. Part of it might be, though it might not be the root of the problem. Your bowels can act up in major ways when you're stressed giving you constipation, diarrhea, gas or even bloating. If you feel like you have stomach troubles on a regular basis, see your doctor, who can prescribe the best treatment to keep your symptoms under control.

Bad headaches is another symptom of stress. When you feel like your head will explode from thinking about so much there is a reason. Low-level stress that builds up in your body can actually cause a dull pain or tight feeling across your forehead for days. Sure, painkillers like ibuprofen are a quick fix, but until you de-stress, the pain will return. Tension headaches go away with regular exercise.

Constant colds adding to your stress? Well stress could be the culprit for the cold. Stress causes your immune system to take a beating making it too weak to fight off viruses you come in contact with during the course of your stress time. People with higher levels of long-term stress are about twice as likely to come down with a cold.

The stress problem that most people hate the most? Weight gain. Stress makes your crave fatty foods like cookies because they calm you down. It also causes your body to create a hormone called cortisol- which can turn that extra food to fat!

So you still want a good snack? I have done my research there as well.

Morning-Wake-Up Drink? A skinny latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon which has been proved to be a smell to wake you up. A surgery energy drink or frappuccino with tons of syrup and whipped cream can make you crash fast. So pick a creamy latte made with a steamed skim milk instead. The caffeine in the espresso and the protein in the milk work together for a longer-lasting boost!

Midmorning snacks are the ones that really count. A good granola bar of fruit and nuts is the answer to the midmorning blues. Refine carbohydrates like chips  or cookies can make you sleepy during the day. So instead of grabbing a back of chips or candy bar stock up on granola bars. They are sweet and crunchy but with just enough healthy carbs, protein, and fat to rev you up. The nuts in the granola are high in magnesium a mineral that gives you energy.

A fast and easy afternoon is one of my favorites recipes. Spread two wedges of Laughing Cow Light cheese on 8 whole grain crackers (like Triscuits) and top with salsa. Eat this yummy snack that's low in fat but high in energy. The combo of ingredients and flavors (whole wheat, cheese, and tomato) will satisfy you.

If you have had an exhausting day and are looking for a quick pick me up that won't weigh you down. Jelly beans are the answer. Your body unlocks the energy in sugar super- fast. Straight-up sugar powers you best- 15 to 20 jelly beans will digest fast, so they won't sit in your stomach and slow you down.

Late night snacks are one that many people are guilty of eating. If you are up late a treat that's too big or too rich (like a huge bowl of ice cream) can make you toss and turn later as your body tries to digest it. Instead, satify your sweet tooth with something lower in fat and sized just right like Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. They are perfectly sized!