Summer Skin Hydroquinone

It is Summer again, kids are off from schools, beaches are full, barbeque grills are out and it’s time for fun in the sun!! Remember though between the hours of 10:30 am to 3pm the sun’s ultra violet rays are at their peak. This also means peak burning hours and will cause damages to the skin if not protected. Being exposed to the sun causes most of the skin changes we deem as a normal part of aging. But over time the sun’s UV rays damage the fibers in the skin causing it to break down resulting in sagging and stretching .Continuous exposure without protection results in the skin’s inability to go back in place after stretching.


Wearing sun screen is very important especially for people who have done chemical peels or are using products containing hydroquinone and other skin lightening products. Most sunscreens have organic compounds that absorb ultraviolet light and inorganic particles that reflect or scatter, and absorb the UV light. Hydroquinone seems to be the preferred method of treating hyper pigmentation or darkening of the skin. Hyper pigmentation is as a result of many different circumstances. This darkening occurs when there is an excess of melanin and therefore it deposits on the skin. Pregnancy, acne spots, cuts and burns can also trigger off hyper pigmentation. Hydroquinone decreases the production of melanin and also increases its break down, it does this by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase which is the enzyme needed to make melanin.

When using hydroquinone to treat hyper pigmentation you should stay out of direct sunlight as the ultraviolet rays break down the active ingredients of the medication making it inactive. Never forget your sunscreen, recommended is the Arbonne Revelage Age Spot Brightening Day cream with SPF 30.” Wearing protective clothes such as hats and long sleeves will give added protection, although it is our natural tendency to wear fewer clothes at this time of the year or all the time for people living in the tropics. Hydroquinone quickly loses its potency when exposed to either light or air changing into a brownish colour when spoil. Keep it stored in an opaque container that is airtight. Although Hydroquinone is an effective treatment for skin lightening it should be noted that prolong usage can lead to skin cancer.

Any trauma to the skin causes hyper pigmentation. A chemical skin peel is also considered trauma and renders the skin weak. Exposure to the sun’s rays only weakens it more and cause hyper pigmentation and even permanent scaring. Therefore, exposure to heat whether it maybe sun or just a kitchen oven is not recommended after a peel. Give the skin time to heal and renew itself.

The Chocolate Charms and their Effects

For centuries chocolate has been a favorite among many. It has been a prized treat enjoyed in so many different ways; starting as a drink in the Mayan civilization, it has evolved into more delightful and well desired treats. Many of us enjoy hot chocolate or the devilishly sweet bar that melts away in our mouths. As one study indicated that melting of chocolate in one’s mouth increased the brain's activity and heart rate that was more intense than passionate kissing, and that it lasted four times as long after the activity had ended.


It is popularly believed that the consumption of chocolate can lead to acne. Scientifically, however, this belief is not supported. Studies point not to chocolate but to the high glycemic nature of foods such as sugar, corn syrup and other simple carbohydrates as the cause of acne. Chocolate itself has a low glycemic index. However it should be noted that while manufactured, fats, sugars and milk are added to make candies and other treats which will increase the caloric content of the chocolate.

Cocoa, from which we get chocolate, contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine which can affect our bodies. Theobromine has a similar effect to caffeine, only ten times weaker and does not affect the central nervous system. It can lower blood pressure and is used to relax the bronchi muscles in the lungs. For centuries South Americans and European cultures have used cocoa to treat diarrhea. Cocoa possesses a high amount of antioxidant, probably even more than other rich foods and beverages with same properties. Although theobromine has positive effects on humans it is, however, toxic to some animals because they lack sufficient capacity to metabolize the theobromine.

The chocolate has molded itself in today’s society as a suggestive ritual to show ones affection or just appreciation. So whether enjoyed alone as a favorite guilt food or as a well received gift, when taken in moderation will have more positive than negative effect on our overall well being.

Dandelion And Its Uses

Dandelion is used as an appetite and a bile stimulator. People who have removed their gall bladder should not take it. Used traditionally to treat liver, gallbladder, and spleen ailments, it is also helpful in relieving fullness in the stomach and flatulence. Available in many different forms, from tablets to tinctures, dandelion can also help in correcting hormonal imbalance, water retention and breast problems. The roasted dandelion roots have a similar taste to coffee and is said to be the very best laxative. Some animal studies have suggested that dandelion helps to normalize the blood sugar levels and improve lipid profiles.

The Alphalfa Plant

The Alphalfa plant, commonly known as buffalo herb, Lucerne or purple medic, comes from the legumes family with broad clover like leaves containing high amounts of nutrients in them. The entire herb can be used dried for medicinal purposes or the blooms which can be collected at the beginning of the flowering season. Vitamin K is found in many green leafy plants but especially abundant in Alphlfa. It is one of the most nutritious foods known containing calcium, chlorophyll, carotene, and vitamin K. The Alphalfa root can inhibit the increase in blood cholesterol levels by 25% in experimental animals fed a high cholesterol diet. Young Alphalfa leaves have been used to treat throat disorders related to the digestive tract and the kidneys. The seeds can be used on boils as a poultice.

On a negative note the roots are said to be hemolytic (destroying red blood cells faster than the bone marrow can produce them) and may interfere with Vitamin E metabolism. Pregnant women should consult a practitioner before ingesting this plant in any form as the seeds are said to contain stachydrine and homostachydrine which promotes menstruation and in some cases can lead to miscarriages.

When Your Body Speaks to You

The human body has a way of telling you what’s wrong, but only if you can read the signs will you understand what it is saying. You should try listening to it in order to maintain good health. Feeling thirsty is the body’s way of telling you to replace some loss fluid. A need to sleep says you are overworked and your muscles and organs are becoming tired and fatigue.


It is said that the eyes are the windows to your soul but the eyes are also very important in telling you something else. You can tell you have an iron deficiency by pulling down the bottom lid of the eye. If it looks white you have a deficiency. This will also be accompanied with other symptoms such as fatigue, headache and weakness.

Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, before the bones start breaking easily signs can be seen in the white patches in your finger nails and also your teeth gets brittle. It is recommended that Calcium should be taken in with vitamin D as this helps with its absorption.

Vitamin C helps in the making of connective tissues in the body. Therefore it is particularly helpful when recovering from wounds. A lack of Vitamin C, however, can result in a person having muscle weaknesses, swollen and bleeding gums and other illnesses. Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Have you ever had a craving for a food type? Well it could be the nutrients in that particular food the body needs.

When the lymph nodes become swollen it is a sign of infection. The seriousness of the condition varies from a simple sore throat to other life threatening diseases such as cancer. A swollen gland is usually found near the area of an underlying infection. This can be resolved by using a simple home remedy or something prescribed from your doctor. Always consult a professional when in doubt.

Oil Spill and its Effects

A ghastly sight it is to see the poor little feathered creatures and other marine life covered in oil. Thickly coated on the birds’ body, oil prevents them from flying, diving and feeding, resulting in starvation and finally death. It is not only birds that are affected as other crustaceans; dolphin, sharks and worms are at risk. Other deep sea creatures such as jelly fish and corals will also find themselves in peril. Not only will this affect marine creatures but also those who sustain a livelihood from the coastline whether it may be for fish, crabs or lobsters.


What about the food chain? A fish seeing floating objects on the water’s surface will likely be tempted to feast therefore adding toxins to its body. Other sea creatures that feed from shoals of fish may also be attracted to the oils. These marine creatures travel out and if death by toxins doesn’t occur then Mother Nature will play her path allowing for the feeding of bigger creatures of these toxic bearing smaller fish. Now the final stage of this food chain would therefore be us humans.

Along coastlines will be inhabitable after an oil spill both by plants and animals. Since plants get their nutrients through their roots; mangroves and other plant life close by will have their roots covered with oil. Along with the oils that wash ashore, there are also dead carcasses of marine creatures making it impossible from humans and animals to enjoy the beaches. Oil spills, a deadly predator with no mercy!!

Easy Ways to Add Life to Your Room

So often we tend to get bored with the way things look or are positioned in a room. But did you know by rearranging your furniture or adding a few accent pillows can give it a whole new look. For some, a new paint job of the entire room or accent walls will give that wow effect. Whether inspiration comes from a flower on your pillow or a beautiful lamp you love, when thinking of a new paint job we should firstly, decide what effect we want it to have. Example green suggests restful, calm while yellow says sunny, bright. Generally a muted color is best for backgrounds. While basic colors are nice to work with, by adding white to them we get a different tint or by adding black for another shade. This will indeed add interest and creativity to your work.


In a room lacking sunshine a warmer color is advised. A well decorated room should have areas of peace; a nice reading corner or a comfortable kick back chair, excitement; if using lighter colors for the background add a splash of color with window treatments, rugs or pillows and of course some texture, whether it may be a mix of different fabrics or surface areas.

Always decorate with a view of the room’s occupants; the type of fabric and furniture that would be most suitable for the room’s purpose. If you should make a choice between beauty and comfort… choose comfort!! I’d rather have a comfortable chair to sit on, rather than a beautiful one that offers nothing.

Effective Study Habits

It is said that the human mind forgets eighty percent of the knowledge it acquires within three days. And over the next eighteen days it continues this loss till it settles with only three percent of the original acquired information. It is therefore very important that we apply repetition in order to gain as much knowledge on particular topics. As the saying goes practice becomes perfect!


How much time do you need to study? A recommended two hours per day is sufficient. Anything more is an over kill and chances are not much will be retained as the brain needs time to absorb the inflow of information. When studying try not to be distracted, lock yourself away in a quiet area where you can focus. With all the study material at hand and no disturbances you can achieve a lot. Don’t forget, everything done in moderation is always better. When studying get a timetable so you can have fixed study periods each day, this will evidently prevent last minute cramming sessions.

Maintain your health; all work and no play make Jack a dull boy! Schedule for family, exercise, rest and you time. Eating healthy will make a big difference in your concentration level. Try eating smart foods such as berries and fish. Your brain prefers sugar to fuel it. But sugar in the form of glucose, having a healthy drink such as acai or orange juice before settling down will give the brain cells an extra boost. Fish is great brain food rich in omega 3 and fatty acids. Blueberries is said to help prevent oxidative stress in the brain. While some people take six hours rest per day or less. It is, however, recommended that you have eight hours to enable the cells to be strengthened and repaired.

Impress Her In 30 Minutes

Guys have you ever wanted to impress the other half but not enough time to do so. Well here’s a quick recipe that could help. It’s healthy and easy to do. For those who want to run home from work, make dinner, take a shower, get dressed and still look fabulous when the date arrives. They’ll be so surprised when they find out you did this all by yourself and of course you’ll have me to thank!!!


What you’ll need

½ bell pepper sliced

1 large carrot

2 stalks celery

handful of snow peas

2.5 oz water chestnut

½ tin baby corn

12 large deveined shrimps

1tsp garlic

2tablespoon oyster sauce

olive oil

1 cup rice

Slice celery, carrots and bell peppers .Wash and season shrimp with salt. Remove water chestnuts and baby corn from tin and allow draining. While rice is being cooked stir fry vegetables separately, in a wok, to bring out their natural flavors. Stir fry cooked shrimp with garlic; this should take no longer than 5 min. After shrimp has been cooked add all the vegetables together continue stirring on medium heat. Add oyster sauce and stir in wok for about 2 min more.

Remember appearance is everything! Bon Appétit!!

Saving Your Indoor Plants

A friend of gaealove wrote to me the other day. His concern was for his potted plants that bring outdoor green and life to his office every day. One, his Bonsai tree was losing its leaves and the other was; the leaves of his bamboo plant were turning yellow. I am so sorry about your plants but first of all I should let you know; there are no indoor plants! All plants thrive best outdoors. No matter how we try to acclimatize them our beautiful insides they need fresh air, sunlight and rain water.


I am not sure what type of tree you have that has been trained in the Bonsai art, but the Chinese Elm naturally loses its leaves every winter. It seems a shock to you, so I suppose your faithful plant has kept her beautiful foliage throughout the years you’ve had it, trying to adjust to your environment giving you maximum pleasure while not living its natural course. Forcing the tree to keep its leaves all this time will weaken it to critical levels. Some trees lose leaves while others don’t but maybe you could put the plant in a cooler part of the office during winter seasons and see what happens.

Your bamboo plant, I assume to be the “lucky bamboo”! Yellow leaves are caused by too much fertilizer or too much light. Water evaporates from the tip of the leaves and if there is too much fertilizer in the water it will block the veins in the tip of the leaves and prevent the water from nourishing them causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Ensure that the lucky bamboo is not exposed to direct sunlight.

I do hope I was able to help with this information, all the best with your beloved plants!!

Five easy ways to improve your health

Plunge in the Stock Market

The Stock market today, May 6th 2010, went in a sell- off as the Dow Jones went down more than 1000 points. Other traded markets reacted likewise. Some may wonder why it fell so much. But the real question is, was the market in an uptrend or still in a down trend. Therefore, were we too eager in expecting a full bullish move? Were there any real strong indicators that market movements have changed momentum? As we all know when the US economy was heading into recession the markets fell; Britain, Europe and Asia falling into the same fate added even more fall. It was all one big drop! The U.S. had introduced “stimulus packages” to help the economy bounce back; one of which was for first time home buyers. All other countries have done similarly whether it maybe large sums of money thrown into the World Bank or otherwise. We, however, cannot expect a full turn over when the situation at hand was a worldwide crisis and affected many first world countries. These countries would have to show steady growth, may it be jobs, homes or otherwise. In the U.S. there are a number of homes still in foreclosure and recently a number of commercial properties. Is this a sign of a full bounce back?


A fundamental trader would argue that the market reacted this way on an account of the debt crisis in Greece. A technical trader would say, the market is moving in a downtrend and is therefore testing previous lows made in late 2008 early 2009.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinger

Organic Apple Cider Vinger is a cheap and healthy way of detoxifying organs in the body.It therefore, promotes the health of the vital organs as it has a means of breaking down fatty, mucous and phlegm deposits within the body.
By preventing an excessively alkaline urine it promotes  healthy kidneys, bladder and liver.

Running nose. Excessive mucous formation, watery eyes, sinus and catarrhal troubles. Teeth decay and the splitting of finger nails are all signs of potassium deficiency this  can be averted with a little apple cider

When the blood is deficient in some minerals or biochemic salt, ill-health is the outcome e.g. boils break out, suppurating blisters become apparent, pimples appear on the face etc. It has been found however, that cider vinegar helps with the cleansing as well as the clotting of the blood. Oxidation of the blood is very important and cider vinegar is again an effective treatment for this. Besides introducing the important minerals into the blood stream, as mentioned above, cider vinegar also helps in the clotting of blood. This is of tremendous help to those people who are commonly termed 'bleeders', as they live their lives in fear of cutting themselves due to the bloods inability to clot, and it will also enhance the healing process.

Aloe Vera

As a child growing up I use to see my Aunts and older cousins fuss about the Aloe Vera. At least once per week they’d all get together and apply the sliced plant to their faces. Like a puppet in the midst I’d follow suit. Bitter tasting thing it is, but my aunts would take a few slices, poured water over it and drank it throughout the day. As a teen, however, I had no acne problems. Whether I owe this to the Aloe Vera or good family genes, I don’t know but I am sure it contributed.


Aloe Vera is a natural healer, good for scrapes, burns an excellent colon cleanser. For those like me who can’t stand the natural taste there are tablets you can purchase at the health food store. From juices to shampoos the Aloe Vera’s use is extensive.

Infidelity

Pharaohs, Shoguns, Emperors and Kings, all men with powerful titles and a whole list of accolades to follow. They have conquered nations, been husbands fathers and of course they have all had mistresses. It’s nothing new in history and not uncommon in today’s society. Infidelity! Throughout time it was always accepted even expected that men should have women outside their marriage. It was not accepted then, or now, for a woman to have more than one man. In today’s society however, public figures are judged more harshly than our neighbor who has committed the same act. Is it not the same pain inflicted whether it maybe Tiger Woods or Tom Brown?

Bromelain

According to researches carried out; noni and pineapple fruit are very good sources of Bromelain. Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme. It helps with symptoms of varicose veins and its anti- inflammatory properties also helps in healing the body’s cell. I find it easier to drink my noni when mixed with other fruits, purchased in the health food store. Pineapple, a tropical favorite is enjoyed in so many different ways. When the time allows, I usually do a detail cleaning of  the skin washing it under running water .Slicing it into eight pieces so I can send it through the juice extractor easily. That way I get all the nutrients from the skin and fruit. Since the pineapple is a sweet fruit I never need to add honey or any other sweeteners. Just enjoyed chilled with a few cubes of ice.

Activated Charcoal

Not many of us are aware of the benefits of charcoal in the diet. Did you know it helps with indigestion, flatulence and by my experience food poisoning? My son loves crabs; however he has a terrible allergic reaction when he eats it. So in order for him to enjoy his seafood special I often travel with my activated charcoal so he can have it right after he has his crabs. I try to take it everywhere I go, especially to new places to eat where I am not familiar with the cooking. If they are feeling uncomfortable with gas pains or diarrhea I usually give them a dose. I am no doctor by profession but in my home I am Dr. Mom.


Charcoal can be easily purchased at the pharmacy or any health store outlet.

Beauty in the eyes of the beholder

In ancient Chinese custom women with broken, bounded feet were considered to be beautiful. This beauty no doubt came at a price. As early as age seven, young girls had their feet bounded by their mothers, in an attempt to get the toes and heel to meet forming a cleft. Women with flat feet were not seen as beautiful; therefore, a girl with broken feet would fetch a high bride price. In other cultures, beauty is viewed in many ways. The Arawak Indians use to press the foreheads of their babies between boards, as a flat forehead was seen as beautiful.


In today’s society women wear high heel shoes to create a leaner, longer and sexier appearance. This too comes with a price, as wearing heels can damage tendons in the feet and also put a strain on the woman’s womb and lower back. My dear friends I am sure you have your own ideas of beauty…what is your idea of a beautiful woman?

Orchids

The word orchids, scientifically called orchideace, comes from the Greek word “orkhis” which literally means testicles, because it’s roots have similar shape. There are over 22,000 accepted species; most of them are found in the tropics. In ancient Greece orchids were associated with virility. Greek women believed if the father of the unborn child ate large new orchid tubers the baby would be a boy. On the other hand if the women ate small tubers the unborn child would be a girl, according to Teleflora. Likewise the Chinese believed the orchid was a symbol of fertility.

According to other beliefs the orchid flower means love, beauty and refinement. It is no wonder why this flower has been the choice of many gifts and household plants. Over the years there have been many orchid shows worldwide. These have always attracted many competitors from all over boasting their favorite and most prized species.

Eggshells in the garden

Eggs are always a favorite in many homes. They go from smily faces on your kids plate, to being thoroughly whipped for the perfect cake. The white and yolk all have nutritional values that are needed to help sustain the body. But did you know the egg shells are also quite useful? Crush the egg shells and mulch them into your pots or your garden area. The calcium carbonate in the shells provide well need nutrients to soil. The shells also help to airiate the soil,enhancing drainage. So the next time we crack an egg and make a tatsy treat, don’t throw the shells away. The egg is not only good for you but great for the enviornment.

Currency trading

Currency trading is not for everyone. It requires a strong sense of discipline, keen equity management and of course the understanding that it is not an overnight get rich scheme in which one merely sets a trade and hopes the market goes in their direction.

There are two types of traders, fundamental and technical traders. Fundamental traders analyze economic data such as news reports. They believe that the market moves based on economic and political conditions. A technical trade analyzes charts, studying pass data to predict what the future market movements are likely to be.

A few key points to remember are; not all trades will go in your direction no matter how good a trader you are. Always remember to put your stop loss in. Before taking the trade, know exactly how much you are willing to lose should the trade go against you. Always run with the big dogs, go with the trend. In an uptrend or Bullish markets buy. In a down trend or bearish market sell.

Cures for common cold

 Bring to boil a cup of water with ginger, garlic and add a tea spoon of honey for taste.

1tsp lemon juice with half tsp honey, this should help ease pain of sore throat

 A few drops of eucalyptus, lemon grass and tea tree oil mixed with a few drops of water gives off a soothing aroma which invites you to relax.

Common Cold

Common Cold

 Nine out of ten doctors would agree, there is no cure for the common cold.  A mild case of it can run up to ten days while an infectious one can last up to weeks. Although we cannot stop it from running its course we can, however, take antihistamines and pain killers to control the discomforts that accompany this viral infection. While there are over the counter drugs that most people use, there are others who look to more conventional medicines for cure. For the stuffy nose you can pick up a pack of Breathe Right at your regular drug store, such as Walgreens.

Cutting Cholesterol with Oats

Cutting Cholesterol with Oats

A friend of mine wanted to loose weight. It was also his intention to introduce more fiber into his diet. Therefore I suggested oats. Oats is a soluble fiber and it stops cholesterol from being absorbed in the body. I also suggested he added berries into his diet as they are low in sugar but high in nutritional value. Blackberries, blueberries and the rest all contain high amounts of antioxidants which are particularly useful as immune boosters. Whether it was a misunderstanding of information given or pure genius he decided to mix 8ounces of Yoplait yogurt, hand full of berries and of course about a quarter cup of oats. I really didn’t think having raw oats would appeal to my sense of taste, as I, like many others, usually have my oats boiled and served as porridge. Might I confess, it was quite tasty and not at all what I had expected. The strawberry yogurt added flavor, while making the oats a bit softer to chew. I’m not eager to lose weight but it was a great way of adding my fiber.

Another must have Dr Weil for Orgins

The first time I walked into an origins store I was captivated by the various scents spun in a spa-like sensation. The ginger, eucalyptus, lavender and whatever else fragrances combined were alluring. I started using Dr Weil’s products about a year ago. I was hesitant at first, the fact that I had tried so many other products and none seemed to have given me the results I wanted. My problem, as with many women out there, a lot of the over the counter products do not work for us.& The lovely attendant advised me that the products sold were natural therefore, I decided to embark on a new journey, from which I had no return. Within a month I saw dramatic changes. My skin has never looked better and I use far less makeup or foundations….why hide my new beautiful skin? I would highly recommend it to anyone out there looking for something made with natural ingredients.

Echinacea

Is a superior blend of several species of Echinacea Root (Echinacea angustifolia, purpurea, pallida) designed to boost your immune system. This narrow-leaved flower is sometimes called Sampson root and Red sunflower. Echinacea stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection. Antibiotics are directly lethal to bacteria; Echinacea makes the cells more efficient in attacking the bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells. It is widely used to treat influenza, colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Often times professional herbalists recommends Echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections. This plant is good for making teas and juices, or the extracts, good for external uses.

Gaealove is an online commitment to the environment and ourselves. This site speaks of fashion trends from all over. From wedding day bliss to everyday must haves. As we inspire our friends on outer beauty, interest is also placed on the things we eat as we promote healthy lifestyles.