Archive for August, 2009
August 30th, 2009
Why does almost every woman think they have large pores?I have been practicing skin care for almost 5 years and I still find it amusing that majority of the women I consult with think they have large pores. With all the technology and do-it-yourself skin care that is out there, this is still what women believe. Lets face it: ladies majority of you do not have large pores!! It seems like you do because you stare at your face every day. Also if you do not get facials on a regular schedule your pores will get clogged and appear larger. Also if every other product in the beauty aisle says it will “minimize pores” you will tend to believe that you do have large pores.
Listen ladies you should be able to look at your skin and see pores. Thats natural. Thats normal. Just because you can see your pores does not mean they are LARGE. If you had oily skin as a young adult your pores will be more visible. If you have excessive sun damage more than likely you will have more visible pores. If you have never had a lot of professional treatments done to your skin(ex: facials, microdermabrasion, used quality products,) your pores will tend to be more visible.
Still think you have large pores? Talk to your Aesthetician and set up a skin care program that meets your needs. I still enjoy educating people about their skin. Its my passion.
I haved moved to High Maintenance Salon and Spa in Peak Fitness. Please feel free to stop in and I would be happy to talk to you about your skin.
See you at the Spa….
August 26th, 2009
Once the travelbug bites, you’re a goner for life. Either he bites you or he doesn’t. I have some friends who have no desire to leave the city limits. They have no interest in seeing the great big world. I may not understand that mentality but I try to respect it. For me, I want to travel.
I want to see all 50 states and I want to see whatever else I can see. It fascinated me that most folks I met in Europe had limited knowledge of the USA - they knew of Vegas and Disney World. Can you imagine basing an opinion of a country on those two extremes?
As a tourist it is hard to get a real flavor of a country if you just hit what is in the travelogue brochures. Getting a little lost can be good. Hanging out with a local can also be the way to experience what a place is really like.
One place that has been on my wish list since college is Ireland. Last fall I announced a trip (via my newspaper column) to Ireland with fellow writer friend and Irishman PJ Francis and his wife Helena. Long story short the economy tanked and everyone was too hesitant to spend the money so we cancelled our plans.
Like I said, when the travelbug bites, there is no fighting it. The trip is back on and we are going St. Patrick week, March 2010. This allows plenty of time to save money and get your passport. The weeklong trip will cost about a grand plus airfare. If you sign up before October 30, there is a $200 discount per couple. For all the details, email me at kel_epperson@yahoo.com.
The Emerald Isle. I think it will be good for you. I know it will be good for me.
August 25th, 2009
Think of all the money we’ve spent on lotions, potions, creams, tonics and other alluring elixirs we apply during our daily beauty rituals. We can cleanse, tone, exfoliate, hydrate, masque away the “toxins” and protect from the ravaging damage of UV sunlight. Yet, we can still look tired, worn out, angry, sad, constantly surprised, shocked, bewildered, harsh and arrogant. Yes, arrogant.
A client called wanting some new miracle cream to get rid of her wrinkles. Had to tell her that I was sorry because I don’t have a license to get rid of them. She would need to see a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. I can help her lessen the appearance of what she already has with the combination of monthly facials and a specific at-home regime but what she really needed was a “lift”. Not a face or eyelid lift from her physician but something that can be done for only15 minutes a month.
What is the first way we communicate with other people? It’s not talking but with our eyes. Eyebrows frame our face and eyes. Eyebrows can cause us to project an image or emotion in either a positive or negative way. I advise woman and yes, men to look at the brows of people in magazines. Then look into the mirror at their own eyebrows. Try it yourself. You’ll see.
Gone would be the sharp, wiry hairs that hang down or stick out straight making her look a little disheveled. As time goes by, more and more women notice this strange phenomenon happening from these unruly hair beasts. Blame it on hormones. I blame everything on hormones. I told her she has eyelids but she can’t see them due to all the extra eyebrow hair. If only we can remove the hair she doesn’t need by waxing it off, it would instantly open her eyes. Then with a little tweaking and shaping by my tweezers she would see her brow bone instantly reappear from years ago. Hence, instant eyelift! Being that she’s blonde we’ll need to fill in the hair with a bit of taupe eye shadow to enhance her new eye frame.
Makeup Artist advice: If you need to fill in or define your brows use a brow pencil to create the illusion of hair. A powdered shadow applied with an angle brush is to add color.
What does this have to do with wrinkles? Well, if our eyes are the first way we communicate then other people will now notice her beautiful, vibrant green eyes and not her wrinkles. Sound a little farfetched? Perhaps, but Ms. Client told me she not only thinks she looks younger but also has more confidence in herself. She can actually see her own eyes, so can everyone else and with a regular 15 minute monthly visit she can keep her new look and shape. It’s easy. Discuss the possibilities with your Licensed Esthetician or Cosmetologist. Next, how do I tactfully let Ms. Client know her mustache is aging her?
August 25th, 2009
Margarine came out ahead of butter when manufacturers figured out how to lower or remove the artery-clogging trans fat in margarine. Today, more and more margarines are carrying label claims of “0 g trans fat” or “No trans fat.” But there are differences that make some margarine products better than others.
- Stick margarine is generally higher in fat, saturated fat, and trans fat, compared to tub margarine. But be sure to compare labels. Stick margarine will contain between 8-11 grams of total fat, 1-3 grams saturated fat, and 0-2 grams trans fat per serving (1 tablespoon). Look for the lowest combined total of saturated and trans fat. Keep in mind that when trans fat is removed, oftentimes the saturated fat increases. Both types of fat are known to raise blood cholesterol levels and increase risk for heart disease.
- Look for tub margarine with 5 grams or less total fat, less than 2 grams saturated fat, and no trans fat per tablespoon. Be sure to look for products that do not contain “partially hydrogenated” vegetable oil, a trans fat, in the ingredient listed. Manufacturers are allowed to claim “0 grams of trans fat” when a product contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. So you may still be spreading on trans fat with some products.
- Don’t be lured by claims of margarines that contain omega-3s, flax, yogurt, calcium, or vitamins A, D, or E. Not to say these aren’t healthful ingredients, but your main focus should be on the amounts of harmful saturated and trans fats.
- Rather than spread, consider butter-flavored spray or powder. These products offer buttery flavor with very little or no fat.
August 25th, 2009
Have you ever taken a close look at your grocery cart and the foods you put in it? What percentage comes from the produce department, (that is fresh fruits & vegetables), and what percentage is not. Have you ever thought that once you leave the produce department you leave the “living” foods area of the grocery store and enter into the section of what is essentially, “dead” food. Some like to say, dead food equals dead energy. We all know, cooking our food damages or destroys many of the nutrients in our food. Fresh fruits & vegetables together with natural fats, (like avocados, nuts & seeds, flax oil etc), do have what your body needs in a form without the added “junk”, your body struggles to get rid of. Modern culture is a massive state of synthentic, denatured, fast, frozen, cooked, pesticided foods that are also high in refined carbohydrates like white sugar & flour and trans fats that are high in acid and low in fiber.
Many fruits, vegetables & grains are also grown on deficient soils which only adds to the problem. Organicly grown foods are not only safer and free from pesticides & herbicides but the soil is richer in minerals. It is important to have quality soil because we must have minerals in our soil to create quality food. Have you ever visited a farm of conventionally grown foods v. organic foods and looked closely at the soil? The soil difference is incredible and is a true depiction of the difference in quality of your food. Organicly grown produce also notably tastes better as well.
The common modern diet not only lacks nutrition but also has a degenerative effect physically and mentally. Poor nutrition depletes healthy reproductive power which not only affects your personal energy levels, state of mind, moods, overall health, weight, allergies, illness’, disease, skin quality, breath & body odor, weight, etc, etc, but also leads to congenital malformations and a degeneration of mental and physical function in the offspring. With proper nutrition one may be able to stop, prevent or reverse these matters.
A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and natural fats is satisfying, delicious and enjoyable, you simply need to learn alternatives and variations from plain vegetable sticks and boring salads. Learn the basics, the rejuvenating & fun aspects of raw foods. Take a class or listen to a brief talk on the benefits of raw foods. Contact Raw Energy at 815-543-1207 or email myrawenergy@yahoo.com. Website: myrawenergy.com
August 20th, 2009
The Tabata protocol may be the best fat burning method in existence. It is brutally hard but takes only 18 minutes including warm up. Here are two different protocols:
Stationary Bike Tabata Intervals
- Easy ride for 5 minutes
- Sprint as fast as possible for 20 seconds, easy ride for 10 seconds (30 seconds total)
- Repeat 8 times for a total of 4 minutes
- Easy ride for 5 minutes
- Perform another 4 minute session of intervals (20 second sprint, 10 seconds rest)
Squat Tabata Intervals
- Perform as many body weight squats as possible in 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds
- Repeat 8 times for a total of 4 minutes
- Rest for 5 minutes
- Perform another 4 minute session of intervals (20 seconds of squats, 10 seconds rest)
Send hate mail to tfagan@815bootcamp.com
Tyler
August 19th, 2009
The concept of long, slow duration work (commonly known as “cardio”) is one of the worst things you can put your body through. Repeated pounding on the joints causes an increase in cortisol levels and is stressful to your body. The often touted effects of “fat burning” are minimal and there is no better way to destroy muscle tissue. Why waste your time, energy, health and muscle tissue when there is a better way. The thing that most people lack in their workouts is intensity. Nothing else matters. Intensity is the key for fat loss, weight loss and increased energy levels. Here is a 4 minute workout that will get you on your way:
Jumping Jacks - 60 seconds
Push Ups - 30 seconds
Burpees - 60 seconds
Squats - 30 seconds
Split Jacks - 60 seconds
Rest for 1-2 minutes and repeat as needed!
Good Luck!
Tyler
Tyler Fagan MS, CSCS
www.815bootcamp.com
August 18th, 2009
You know the song, “Food, Glorious Food” from the musical Oliver? I like to parody songs and make up my own words. My version is called, “Carbs, Glorious Carbs.”
Carbs get a bad rap. Someone needs to take up their plight and defend their honor. I will mount my trusty steed and go into battle, carrying a banner proclaiming CARBS GLORIOUS CARBS.
Fruits and veggies get all the glory. Carbs are shunned. My mama taught me to be nice to everyone. Carbs are welcome in my house and on my plate. I try to introduce carbs to my friends, but they look at me with horrified stares.
“You can’t eat carbs!” they gasp.
“Here, try a little,” I say, as I rip off a hunk of fresh warm French bread loaf.
They shudder and back away. A health-nut friend recently invited me over for a cookout. I brought potatoes, pasta salad, and bread. Maybe a pound cake too. No one touched the carbs but me. Poor ostracized carbs.
A day without starch is like a day without…carbs. Pasta. Hafta eat it. Weekly. Rice. It’s nice. With anything and everything. A freshly pressed shirt requires a bit of starch. A yummy meal requires a bit of starch too.
I have always championed the underdog and will continue to do so. I will fight for equal rights for carbs. Something that is so enjoyable must have some redeeming nutritional value. Carbs want to bring pleasure into our lives. I know they do in mine. And that brings to mind another song: If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
August 17th, 2009
Back to school means getting your kids back on track with healthy eating. If you’re packing lunch, here are some tips to help ensure your child is getting proper nutrition to help them learn and grow. Think of lunch foods in terms of food groups—and make it a goal to include something from each food group. Get your kids involved in choosing and packing their lunch and they’ll be more likely to eat it.
Grains Group: whole grain bread, pita, or crackers, leftover pasta or rice dish in a thermal container
Meat & Beans Group: peanut butter, lean lunch meat, tuna salad, hard-boiled egg, nuts, bean chili
Milk Group: yogurt, string cheese, low-fat pudding, and of course, milk is always available
Fruit Group: any fresh fruit—cut or peeled to make it easy to eat, fruit cups (in juice), 100% fruit juice, dried fruit
Vegetable Group: lettuce on a sandwich, baby carrots, celery sticks, sugar snap peas or green beans (pack a small container of salsa or dip, too)
If you pack a treat, make it something small, and limit foods that are high in sugar and low in nutrients, such as soda and candy. These tend to fill kids up before they can get the nutrients they need from healthier foods.
Need ideas for school snacks? Help your kids’ teachers by sending healthy snacks to provide nutrients that support learning. Here are just a few ideas:
String cheese
Whole grain crackers or baked chips
Trail mix (make your own with whole grain cereal, pretzels, dried fruit, and nuts)
Mini-sandwich on a dinner roll
Snack kabob with cubes of cheese and grapes
Raw veggies with low-fat dip
Low-fat granola bar or mini-muffin
Mini-waffle or bagel spread with peanut butter or cream cheese
Check out more fun and healthy snack ideas.
August 12th, 2009
Tonight at midnight, I camped out on my deck in my lounge chair to watch the hyped Perseid meteor showers. They might have been there, but I didn’t see them. Well, I saw one. That is a meteor sprinkle, not a shower. But you know what? The anticipation of a show got me outside to study the night sky and that is a good thing.
My suggestion is to make star gazing a nightly gig, but I know most people won’t do it. We rush more than we relax. We watch the TV or internet more than we watch the sky. So how about a weekly date with the moon and the stars? It does not have to be planned. Sometimes spontaneous is better. Tonight was perfect. Quiet, calm, cool, ahhh…. as Goldilocks would say, it was just right.
The only constellation I can identify is the Big Dipper so you will have to get your serious star education elsewhere. My advice is to simply look up. Take in the vastness. Realize that you absolutely cannot take it all in. The universe defies understanding. Sometimes the more we try to figure things out, the more the answers elude us.
Sometimes you need to take a breather, literally. Just be. There is no better place to clear your head than to sit outside and stare at the stars. Flush your brain of the to do lists. Don’t worry about what to wear, what to eat, what to say; just listen to the crickets. Tell the moon what’s on your mind. You might get some answers or you might discover that your current issues are not such big problems in the grand scheme of things.
I was slightly disappointed that I didn’t see a meteor shower. But I am glad that I spent some time with the sky. You can make your time with the stars just for you or you can share it with your kids, your honey, or your pals. Make a wish on a star. It really is good for you. Vincent Van Gogh once said, and I agree, “I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of stars makes me dream.”
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