Anti-Aging Tactics You Should Know

Taken from an article by Yvonne Finn 

Do you want your life story to be a long and joyous one, without having every line written on your face? Of course, we all do! Is there anyone who doesn't want to look as good as they can, for as long as they can?

Here are some ideas you can use to look and feel younger on a daily basis. 



(1) Check your attitude!
How do you feel about life? Is your life going the way you want it to? Do you take responsibility for what you have created, good or bad? How about accepting who you are? Be grateful for what you have, family, friends, a job etc. Then do an assessment of the things you want to change, if any.



(2) Know your nutritional needs!
What you eat has a huge impact on how you look and feel. The foods you eat help make and maintain soft, smooth, glowing skin. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks, instead of over-processed manufactured "fast foods". Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated.



(3) Take time outs!
When was the last time you had some fun? A good laugh? If you cannot remember, it's been too long! 
What about pampering? Done anything special for yourself lately? A facial, or manicure? It’s easy to do these at home.  It's the time you spend just focusing on yourself that will make you feel special and cared for.



(4) Grooming is ageless! When did you last update your looks? A new hairstyle or wardrobe is a very effective anti-aging tactic. Subtle changes in hair coloring can make you look years younger. Find skin care that's right for your skin type. Take care of your nails and teeth. Beautiful well cared for hands are a must if you want to appear younger!

**Meaningful beauty is not just smooth skin (which is nice), but it is also an outlook on life, your life. Treat yourself and others with respect. Balance your physical, emotional and spiritual life. Get rest when you need it, and play when you have the opportunity. These are the best anti-aging tactics!! 

Wordless Wednesday

I really, really, really don't want to wear this hat.

Wordless Wednesday

Five Minutes with Jesus

This is a review of 5 Minutes with Jesus (Making Today Matter) by Sheila Walsh. It is a small book of 49 short essays. Each essay is followed by scripture passages that pertain to the essay. It will really only take about 5 minutes for you to read each one. The book is small enough to fit into your purse or carry-on bag if you travel. 

I feel the author didn’t come up with anything new. Many of the essays are about her life and didn’t hit home with me. Her writing style is very average and I don’t feel terribly inspiring. I’ve read works by other authors that I found more interesting and enlightening. I do like the fact that the essays are short. Perfect for reading one a day and doing some reflecting. 

I was disappointed that there is not a table of contents or index. So if you want to go back and find a particular essay you have to page through the book. (I’m not a fan of marking up books or adding flags.)

I was give this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Beauty Boosters You Can Start Today

Have you ever thought about a plan to boost your health and beauty regimens? This list of beauty boosters will help you get on the fast track to looking and feeling good both inside and out. 

Invest in a quality hairbrush


Did you know that a cheap hairbrush could literally tear your hair out? Even the most healthy scalp loses a minimum of thirty hairs a day, so ensure that your hair will stay where it belongs -- on your head -- with a quality brush designed for your hair type. Boar and nylon are the most commonly used bristles in hairbrushes. Natural boar bristles are good for long, normal, fine and damaged hair; while the nylon variety tend to be better for short, coarse or heavily-damaged hair. Look for brushes with widely-spaced rows of bristles, as they glide through the hair more easily. 

 Moisturize your skin every day


Your skin, the largest organ of your entire body, needs special care and attention. Especially in the winter months, skin loses moisture and can easily become dry and flaky. 

Get enough sleep


Not getting the right quantity -- or quality -- of ZZZs can affect your appearance. Without enough rest, your cells don't have a chance to repair themselves, which will make your skin look dull and dry, and age more quickly than it otherwise would. 

 Scrub your way to soft feet


Taking time out for salon pedicures is not always in the budget, time or money wise, so take matters into your own hands... or, in this case, your own feet. Purchase a foot file (it is a bit like a giant nail file) or a pumice stone and use it to scrub any areas of your feet with dry or rough skin once or twice a week. Use the file or stone after a bath or shower -- or in the shower when your feet are wet -- because warm water softens the skin. (I like to moisturize my feet after.)

Make time for you, because you're worth it


Never forget that the most important person in your world is little ol' you. Make time to rest, relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Promise that once a month you'll plan a special treat, all for you. It might be dinner with a friend, a massage, a good book -- what ever works for you.  Remember that "me time" is the fuel that keeps you going in this hectic world. You have a lot  to do and lots  to be thankful for. When you make yourself a priority in your own life, you and everyone around you will reap the benefits!

Wordless Wedneday

These windmills remind me of dancers...

Remedies for Chapped Ski

It’s hard to believe that winter is fast approaching when we’ve had such nice weather the past few weeks! So unusual for Minnesota this time of year and we definitely won't complain! We know it's going to change and so will the condition of our skin. 

Here are some tips to deal with winter skin: 

In winter, use a humidifier or place bowls of water near the heater to counteract the moisture loss created by central heating. 

A healthy diet is essential for healthy skin. Here is where fruits and veggies come in. Vitamin C is required for collagen production; beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, a substance essential for maintaining skin tissue; vitamin E is vital for skin condition; and vitamin B helps repair the skin. 

Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase. 

Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow. Regular exercise will nourish and cleanse your skin from within. 

Dry brush skin in the mornings to stimulate circulation and the sebaceous glands. 

At bedtime use a moisturizer on your face and a lotion/moisturizing cream on your hands and feet. Limit the use of soap, because soap dissolves the fats from the skin and takes them away from the surface. 

15 minutes of sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon is healthy for the skin, and activates the production of vitamin D in the body which, in turn, will promote healthy skin. Here in MN because of the reduced sunlight this time of year a Vitamin D supplement is recommended. 

Half an hour before you take your bath, massage yourself with a bath oil or if taking a shower, apply a bath oil immediately after. Blot yourself dry; do not rub vigorously with a bath towel. 

Wear gloves in cold weather to help prevent chapped hands. (I do this religiously!)