1. Perfect cheekbones

To achieve a chiseled look apply a bronzer that is two times darker than your skin tone to the hollows of your cheeks. This is called contouring and creates the illusion of more prominent cheek bones.

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2. Plump lips

Want to add some oomph to your lips? Use a colorless lip balm with shimmer and apply it to the skin right above your cupid’s bow – the area below your nose and between the peaks of your top lip.

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3. Flawless skin

To achieve that perfect skin look use a concealer brush to apply your favorite concealer to cover up blemishes. A brush works best because the tapered bristles can get into the crevices of a blemish better than your fingers can.

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4. Bigger eyes

To widen your eyes and make them appear larger and more awake use a white eye liner on your lower water line. Then add a light shimmery shadow in the corner of your eye so that it will catch light and make the eye appear bigger also.

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5. Matching eyebrows

Do you have one eyebrow thats thicker than the other, or even one with a scar? For longer lasting filled-in brows use a tinted wax or cream to achieve a symmetrical look.

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6. Smaller forehead

Don’t want anyone calling you a five head? Dust a matte bronzer along you hairline and on your temples. The bronzer will create a shadow that will make you forehead appear smaller.

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7. Smaller nose

To create the illusion of a smaller nose, dust a highlighter powder down the bridge of your nose. The lighter color will make the sides of your nose appear smaller.

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The first step is to determine what your weight goals are.  Do you want to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain your current weight?  Do you want to build muscle or just trim fat?  Discuss these goals with your doctor to determine the best route for you.  You can also use a personal trainer.

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Then determine the amount of calories, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins your body needs every day.  You can do this by seeing a doctor, or you can use a number of different sites on the internet.  You can also determine how much sugar, salt, potassium, etc. your body needs on a daily basis.  This is all determined by your age, height, sex, and level of physical activity.

Once you have determined these basic figures, you should start a food diary.  Track everything you eat every day, including water and vitamins.  You should also track how much you exercise.  This will help you balance your meals throughout the day.

Everyone knows there are foods that are good for you and foods that are bad for you.  Foods that are bad for you contain lots of bad fats and calories.  The truth is, carbohydrates aren’t bad and fats aren’t bad.  In fact, you need both to maintain a healthy diet.  You just need to balance how much you eat of each.  According to WebMd, about 20-35% of calories should come from fat, less than 10% of that from saturated fats.  Approximately 45-65% of calories should come from carbohydrates, and about 10-35% of calories should come from protein.

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Try to avoid Trans fat altogether.  Nuts and lean means are great sources for healthy fats and protein.  For carbohydrates, try eating whole grain.  Choose wheat over white  breadwhenever you can.  Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.  They contain the vitamins and minerals you need.  Of course, avoid sweets and empty calories.  Empty calories are foods that don’t have any nutritional value beyond calories and fat.

Water is one of the most important parts of your diet.  It makes up 55-65% of body weight. Water helps flush out excess salt and nutrients and keeps your body functioning.  Since the body can’t store water, you have to drink it to keep your body hydrated.

Reward yourself with treats!  After a week of eating healthy and exercising, reward yourself with your favorite dessert or snack.  It’s alright to have something unhealthy every once in a while.  The important thing is to balance everything you eat.

FACT #1

The most important thing you will learn from this post is there is no such thing as organic hair dye.  At least not in the sense we would like to believe.  Some companies use the word “organic” as a marketing technique to increase sales.  These brands will often describe the harsh effects of synthetic chemicals found in almost all hair dyes in attempt to scare buyers into choosing their product over another.  They omit that their product also contains them.  However, there are hair dyes made with natural ingredients.  Choose a product that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients, such as ammonia, peroxide, coal tar, lead, toluene, resorcinol, and PPDs.

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FACT #2

PPDs (para-phenylenediamines), a chemical found in most hair dyes, is widely thought to be carcinogenic.  Most hair dyes that claim to be organic do not contain this chemical.  Some hair dyes contain PTD (para-toluenediamine), an alternative to PPD.  It has only been on the market for a short time, therefore its effects have not been studied as harshly.

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FACT #3

Henna is one of the only known natural dyes, but its results are often unpredictable or undesirable.  In most cases, the hair color comes out much more orange than anticipated.  Even people that use the same natural dye products over and over may have varying results with each application.  There are also vegetable dyes that produce even fewer consistent results.  However, natural dyes can leave hair looking healthier and shinier than before dyeing if you find one that works well with your hair.

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FACT #4

Natural dyes do not penetrate the hair shaft.  As a result, their color does not last as long as synthetic dyes, which do penetrate the hair shaft.  Synthetic dyes produce the best results in most cases.  The only issue is the chemicals used are often harsh on your hair and body.

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FACT #5

The best hair dye for you depends on your hair type and sensitivity level.  Anyone can develop a sensitivity to any material, natural or synthetic.  Always do a skin test prior to dyeing your hair.  It is best to avoid certain chemicals that are harsh on your hair, but if you want to use them, go for it.  After all, it’s your hair.

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Sunscreen

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Sunscreen is the first step in protecting your skin from the sun!  Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.  Put it on at least 30 minutes before going in the sun.  Make sure to get all areas that will be exposed.  Don’t forget your scalp and ears!  Reapply every 2-3 hours and after swimming or sweating.  If you are in an area that is closer to the sun or at a higher elevation, make sure to choose a higher SPF.  All children, even babies, need sunscreen if they are going outdoors.  There are formulas made specially for them.  It is also a good idea to choose a daily moisturizer that contains an SPF.  Be sure to get a lip balm that contains SPF as well.

Sunglasses

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Your eyes are just as vulnerable to the suns rays as your skin.  Choose a pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection.  What girl doesn’t like to accesorize with a stunning pair of sunglasses?

Hats

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Wide brimmed hats are  the finishing touch to any summer outfit.  Plus, they’re a perfect way to block sunlight from your head, face, neck and even your chest if they are wide enough.  A brim of at least 4 inches is ideal.

Clothing

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Clothing that is loose fitting and tightly woven is perfect for protecting your skin from UV radiation.  Choose light colors to help you stay cool.

Umbrellas

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Umbrellas aren’t just for the rain!  They can help keep the sun from reaching your skin.  You can usually find one for rent on the beach or purchase one from a store if you want one with a little pizazz!

Don’t Use Tanning Beds!

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Research has shown that tanning beds are more likely to cause skin cancer than sunlight.  It is important to avoid them altogether.  If you like the glow of a tan, try sunless tanning options.  They’ll give you the look without the harmful rays!

Following these steps will help keep your skin looking flawless and young!  Let us know how you protect your skin from the sun while staying in fashion!

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist.  She is widely known for not giving up her bus seat due to her race.

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Eva Peron

Eva Peron was the wife of Juan Peron, president of Argentina.  She was an advocate for the poor and for women’s rights.

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Florence Nightingale

Also known as “The lady with the lamp,” Florence Nightingale was a pioneer in modern nursing.  She was also a writer and a statistician.

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Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst was a British political activist.  She helped win women the right to vote.

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Joan of Arc

A patron saint of France, Joan of Arc is also known as “The Maid of Orléans.”  She helped lead her country to several victories during the Hundred Years’ War.

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Corazon Aquino

Corazon Aquino was the first woman President of the Phillipines.  She brought democracy back to the Phillipines by leading the People Power Revolution.

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Susan B. Anthony

Susan B. Anthony was an American civil rights leader.  She helped win women’s suffrage in the United States.

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Harriet Tubman

Using the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman helped over 70 people escape slavery.  During the American Civil War, she was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy.

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Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft was a British writer and philospher.  She was a strong advocate for women’s rights.  She argued the supposed inferiority of women in one of her most famous pieces,  A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.

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Boudica

Boudica was queen of the British Iceni tribe.  When her husband’s will was not followed after his death by the Roman Emperor, she led an uprising against the Roman Empire.

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Choosing Your Product

The most important part of contouring is picking colors that match your skin.  You always want to choose shades of brown, not pinks or purples.  Ideally, the contouring shade should be the color of your skin when it’s tan.  You will also need a highlighting shade that isn’t too light.  Contouring products come in creams and liquids, such as concealer or liquid highlighter, or in the form of powders, such as bronzers or highlighting powder.  Choose whichever product tends to work best with your skin.  You will also want to invest in brushes designed for the type of product you choose.

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Forehead

You will want to contour the sides of your forehead and highlight the center.  This creates a slimmer forehead.  It is important to blend the contouring product into your hairline down the sides of your face to continue the slimming effect.

Cheeks

To make your cheekbones more prominent, apply contour in the hollows of your cheeks.  Then highlight just accross the cheekbone.  Be sure to blend the products where they meet to create a seemless flow.

Eyes

For your eyes, apply highlighter underneath the eyes and contour in the crease of your eyes.  Then apply highlighter just under eyebrows.  This will make them appear bigger.  Follow the natural shape of your eyes.

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Nose

To make your nose appear longer and more even, apply contour down the sides of your nose.  It might be best to use an eyeshadow brush for this.  Then apply highlight along the top of your nose.  If you have a long nose, applying contour just under the tip can make it appear shorter.  Stay concise with your applications.

Mouth

If you have want to thin full lips, wear a dark shade all over with little to no shimmer.  To plump thinner lips, apply a light shade with gloss or shimmer.  Then highlight the between the peaks of the upper lip and below the bottom lip.  This will create a pouty look.

Jawline

If you want to make your jawline appear stronger, apply contour below your jawline all the way to your shirt.  Then highlight your jawbone.  If you want to make a strong jawline appear stronger, continue the contour along your jawline instead of highlighting it.

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Once you have finished contouring and highlighting, you are ready to apply your eye makeup and blush to complete your new gorgeous look!  Let us know how these tips work for your face!

1. Judge Others on their Merit

It’s easy to sit back and judge someone for the circumstances they’re in.  This is especially true when you don’t know what they have been through.  Try to give people the benefit of the doubt.  Judge them based on how they act, not by what they have.

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2. Think About How You Can Help Others

Instead of looking down on someone, think about how you can help improve their situation.  Volunteering is a great way to gain some understanding and it makes you feel better about yourself.

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3. Conduct Yourself With Integrity

When no one is looking, it’s easy to take the easy way out.  Skipping corners and cheating can leave you with bad results.  Always do the best you can, no matter what the situation.  People will respect you, and you will respect yourself.

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4. Treat Others How You Want to be Treated

This should go without saying, but some people forget what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes.  If you treat people with kindness and forgiveness, chances are they are going to give it back.  If they don’t, you don’t need them in your life.

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5. Smile and Have Fun

Always look on the positive side.  Whatever your situation, it could probably be worse.  Enjoy the little things and appreciate the big things.  Doing the right thing can be fun.  The more you smile, the happier you will feel.

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Finding the Perfect Eyebrow Shape

To determine the perfect eyebrow shape for your face, you first need to determine the shape of your face.  Is it long, square, round, oval?  With your hair pulled back and no makeup on, take a good look at your face to determine the shape.

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Once you have determined the shape of your face, you can determine the best shape for your eyebrows.  The basic goal is to balance out any negative features of your face shape to make it appear more oval.  An oval face shape is general considered ideal.

Oval

If you have an oval face shape, the best eyebrow for you is a soft angle (you lucky woman!)

Round

The goal of a round face is to make it look longer.  You can do this by creating a brown shape with a high arch.

Long

If you determine you have a long face shape, the best eyebrow shape to shorten it is a flat eyebrow.

Square

For a square face, you want a strong eyebrow to balance your strong jawline.  Go with an angle or a curve, and keep it thick.

Heart

A heart shaped face needs a round brow to create the appearance of a round face.  Choose a higher curve for a shorter face to add length.

Diamond

The best eyebrow shape for a diamond face is one that is curved.  This will help balance sharp angles.

How to Get Your Eyebrow Shape

There are numerous ways to go about getting the eyebrow shape of your dreams.  Some people prefer to do it themselves while others leave it to the professionals.  If you have never tried shaping your eyebrows on your own, you might want to start with a professional.  Tell them the type of eyebrow shape you want and feel free to ask any questions.  This can help you get an idea of what to do, and will give you a shape to maintain on your own.

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In most cases, it is best to start with waxing to get the general shape.  Then you can use a good set of tweezers to pluck any stray hairs and to maintain the shape.  If you are terrified of the pain of waxing, you can just pluck your eyebrows.  However, this will likely take longer than waxing and you will have to suffer through each hair being plucked one by one instead of all at once.

What Not to Do

Shaving your eyebrows is much harder to do and harder to maintain.  It can also make eyebrow hair look thicker.  Even though it might be painful, waxing and plucking are your best options.

Don’t use ice to dull the pain.  This makes the skin tight, causing it to have a tighter hold on the hair.

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Try not to get too rough when tweezing.  You could break skin and cause bleeding or scaring.

While creating your eyebrow shape, don’t stand too close to the mirror.  Give yourself perspective to make sure you are keeping the shape even.  This can also prevent you from making your eyebrows too thick or too short.  You don’t want to pluck your eyebrows to nothing like Katy Perry!

Once you have determined the best eyebrow shape for you and figured out how to get it, you are on your way to a more beautiful you!

1. Disciplined and Driven

People of this fitness personality are self motivated and goal oriented.  They know what they want and they go for it.  Fitness is an integral part of their daily routine.  They use a number of methods, including heart rate monitors and exercise jouranls, to track their progress.  You won’t catch them slacking off!  Good exercises for people of this type include cardio workouts, weight training, and martial arts.

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2. Relishes Routine

While people of this personality are not as serious about their exercise routine, they are serious about the consistency of it.  Whether it’s running on the treadmill for 30 minutes or doing the same pilates routine, it’s almost guaranteed that they will have their favorite exercise and they will do it around the same time every day.  For them, the only way to make exercise a habit is for it to be predictable.

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3. Constant Contemplative

Think of this fitness personality as the more spritual of the six.  People with this fitness personality tend to gravitate towards activities that provide escape and relaxation.  These often include outdoor activities, such as hiking, or indoor activities, like yoga.  This individual seeks quiet, solo activities that offer them the oppurtunity to look inward.  T’ai chi or other exercises that focus on the mind-body connection are favorable to this fitness personality.

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4. Plays Well With Others

This fitness personality is all about presence.  They need others to exercise with to feel motivated.  Without the social connection, they are likely to stay at home and do nothing.  Popular activities for this fitness personality include group activities, such as tennis or dance classes.  They also do well when they go to the gym or take exercise classes with a friend.

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5. Compulsive Competitor

This type of person is motivated to stay fit by outdoing their competition.  They need individuals to compete against, and their main goal is to win.  The best type of activity for this fitness personality is team sports.  They could join community sports teams at the local YMCA or find a regular one-on-one partner for racquetball or tennis.  Marathons are also a good way to keep up with their competitve personalities.

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6. Avid for Adventure

This fitness personality is always on the lookout for something new to try.  They enjoy extreme sports, such as cross-country skiing or mountainbiking.  Zumba and kickboxing are some indoor activities they enjoy.  As long as their routines keep changing and they find new routines to try, they will stay motivated.

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1.  Eat Breakfast

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Skipping breakfast is probably one of the worst choices you can make.  You are never running too late to grab a granola bar and some orange juice at least.  Studies show people who regularly eat breakfast are of a healthier weight than those who go without.  It provides the necessary energy to get your body started in the morning and keeps your metabolism running all day long.

2. Drink Water

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Choosing water over other beverages helps keep your calorie count down, and helps keep you hydrated.  Hydrating your body is important to maintaining energy levels.  When you’re dehydrated, you are tired and are likely to have more headaches.  Drinking water helps flush toxins out of your body, leaving you feeling energized.  Also, that hungry feeling you get isn’t always a need for food.  It can be your body saying it needs more water.

3. Stay Reasonable

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If you are trying to lose weight, setting a goal of losing fifteen pounds a week isn’t reasonable, nor is it healthy.  You want to set goals that are manageable for you.  Take baby steps.  If you’re just starting to exercise, set a goal of exercising twenty minutes every other day.  Then work your way up as your endurance grows.  The same goes for food.  Don’t consider any food completely off limits.  Instead, decrease proportions of unhealthy foods and increase your intake of healthy foods.  Try using your favorite dessert as a reward at the end of a week of eating healthy.  Every little change you make matters!

4. Walk More

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Take the stairs.  Park at the back of the parking lot.  Stand up and walk around the office when you can.  Every extra bit of movement will help burn calories.  Try walking two out of every 30 minutes.  It may not seem like much, but over time you will notice the difference.  Walking can help you feel more energized.  Instead of grabbing a soda or cup of coffee, just walk for a few minutes.  Walking is good for your cardiovascular system.  Doing so regularly can decrease your chances of having a heart attack.

5. Find a Weight Loss Partner

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Working towards a mutual goal with another individual can be motivating.  You have someone to discuss your results with and to go to when you are feeling discouraged.  Studies show people who exercise with a friend lose three times the weight than those who go it alone.  Think about it.  Those days you really don’t feel like working out, someone is going to be there motivating you to do it anyways.

6. Enjoy Your Food

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You may think that enjoying food is your problem to begin with.  Overeating can be easy.  However, there are ways to prevent it.  Eating with friends can help you model good eating habits.  There are social and emotional benefits to eating with others.  Sitting in front of a computer or television can make you less aware of how much you are eating.  This increases your chances of overeating.  Listen to your body and eat slowly.  Enjoy each bite one at a time.  It takes your body a few minutes to register when it is full.  If you eat slower, your body will have a chance to recognize being full before you have eaten that entire tub of ice cream.

7. Find What Works for You

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Figure out a routine that fits your schedule.  Work them in comfortably.  Choose days you know you will have time to exercise.  If you know you can’t make it to a gym, don’t join one.  There are exercise programs that you can do from home.  If you aren’t a morning person, don’t make up your mind to work out in the morning.  Choose the time and days that work for you.

8. Getting Fit isn’t Easy

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Advertisements showing lean, fit models standing on a beach claiming a pill sheds pounds instantly can be very appealing.  The before and after pictures fail to report the effort that went beyond taking that diet pill.  Getting fit isn’t easy, there’s no magic wand that can be waved to instantly cause the weight to fall off.  The truth is, it takes a lifestyle change.  You have to be sincerely motivated and dedicated.  You have to always eat healthy and exercise regularly to keep the weight off.  Yeah, their pill might speed up your metabolism.  The latest diet fad might help you lose those extra fifteen pounds, but if you don’t continue to diet and exercise, the weight will come back.

Sources:

Good Housekeeping

HelpGuide.org

The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

WebMD