Showing posts with label bibi's take. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bibi's take. Show all posts

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Chapped lips anyone ?

Having healthy lips in winter, may be a dream come true for many.

The skin on your lips are very thin and has no oil gland to prevent it from chapping. So it is up to us to keep them from cracking.
 
There are many reasons for those dry nasty lips:
  • Weather change
  • Aging
  • Lip biting
  • Licking your lips is a definite NO!
  • Dehydration
To keep your lips locked with moisture, you need to protect them from the outside to inside.
Drink plenty of Water!

If your diet has low levels of Vitamin B, you are prone to dry lips. So .... eat :
  • Red meat 
  • Skim Milk
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Tofu
  • etc..
Always keep your lips moisturized by using natural lips balms. Make sure they contain elements such as:
  • Shea Butter 
  • Aloe Vera
  • Glycerin
  • Coconut Oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Beeswax
  • Vitamin A & D
DON'T LICK your lips. It keeps your lips moisturized for a split second. Once the wind blows, your back to square one.



So keep it nice and kissable ;)
Stay tuned for some home remedies for those dry lips.....

SweetReading :)


Friday, December 4, 2015

DIY Homemade Makeup Remover Pads


What you need:
  • coconut oil (I recommend organic, virgin coconut oil)
  • cotton rounds
  • jar (an 8 oz canning jar will work)

Directions:
  • Place the cotton pads in the jar
  • Pour the melted oil over the top of the pads.
  • Press down on the pads so coconut oil evenly absorb into them.

How To Use:                                                                                                                                       
Use one pad at a time to remove makeup from your face. Dispose of pad after use. Keep the lid on the jar to prevent the pads from drying out.
SweetReadings :)

Monday, November 30, 2015

Benefits of Coconut Oil in your Beauty Routine.





You may have already made the switch to coconut oil in the kitchen, but did you know you can also swap out some of your beauty products for this beauty hack. Coconut Oil is super healthy and has a great scent. This ingredient can be used to moisturize skin and remove make-up and many more… Here are all the ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine (until we discover more!). 

Use it as a Hair Mask 
Coconut oil is amazing for your hair, and because it is all natural you can leave it in your hair for as long as you want. One way, could be to leave the coconut oil in the hair and let it work overnight, and cleanse it out in the morning. This is a great way to moisturize any damaged hair. It will leave your hair with a silky smooth feel and a scent of coconut. 

Moisturize your skin 
As a solid, coconut oil's creamy texture makes it the perfect light moisturizer to lather all over. Apply a quarter sized amount right after you get out of the shower so it can sink into your warm skin. The light tropical scent that lingers after it's applied. Add in a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil for a massage mix.  

Unchap those lips 
Your chapped lips don't have a chance with that coconut oil! Just use those fingers to dab and smear it all over. Just pour some into a small container, and carry it on.  

Natural Make-Up Remover
Coconut oil can also be used as a great make-up remover. Apply the oil on a cotton ball, and wipe away any make-up. This even works on waterproof mascara, while hydrating the eyelashes and under eye area. 

Shaving-Cream 
So you don’t have any shaving cream…and you need to shave those hairy legs..? Coconut oil to the rescue! Just warm the jar under the water and smooth onto legs before shaving. Your razor will glide smoothly, allowing for a super-close shave, and your legs will be moisturized from the oil in the process. Tip: shave outside the shower. The oil is very slippery, so you'll have an easier time holding onto your razor if your hands are dry.


So let's be resourceful and start being natural. 

SweetReadings :)


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Spice up your Metabolism


It's that time of the year again... trying to slim down and look all pretty in our summer dresses.

This year, try adding a kick to your diet by introducing more spicy ingredients to your meal plan.There are many benefits to adding spice to your diet. Adding ginger, turmeric or cinnamon to your diet can boost your metabolism for hours after you’ve finished a meal.

Spices also make you feel happier, as these types of foods activate pain receptors, which release endorphins. A food that can increase your metabolism and make you happy...is a great combination. :)

So have fun spicing things up a little :






Cinnamon
Cinnamon is high in antioxidants and effective in stabilizing blood sugars. Packed with anti-inflammatories it is most effective in dishes that have sugar, helping our bodies digest them.

Turmeric
Turmeric is like the super spice and been around for centuries. It has been linked to weight loss and the prevention of obesity and diabetes. Ideally we would add 1 1/2 teaspoons to our diet each day.
Turmeric is bright yellow in color and is usually found in curries and Indian dishes. Drinking turmeric tea is a popular way to add this spice to your daily routine.

Ginger
Ginger promotes digestion and increases our metabolism. It promotes a feeling of fullness and is calming to our digestive tracts. It has anti-inflammatory benefits and gets our blood flowing. You can take supplements, use ginger powder or fresh ginger to get the benefits.

Cayenne
Capsaicin, found in cayenne, increases your body’s ability to burn fat and calories by stimulating body heat. Some research indicates the heat raises our body temperature temporarily increasing our metabolic rate by 15 to 20%. The hotter the pepper, the higher the metabolic burn.

Capsaicin is also believed to suppress your appetite and help cut cravings for fatty, salty food. One caution: cayenne can decrease effectiveness of certain drugs like antacids, aspirin and blood thinning drugs.


So whether it is sprinkling cinnamon powder on to your latte in the morning or mixing in turmeric powder to your scrambled eggs... add a little spice to that life, you will love it.

SweetReadings :)




Monday, March 30, 2015

Dry and Damaged?

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All of us have those days where our hair just couldn't careless for us. Some of us more than others. Personally, my hair has not been my best friend for the longest period of time. She is very stubborn and unruly. In other words, dry and damaged.


However, the only time my hair listens to me is when I give her  an olive oil treatment. Every second week I like to condition my hair with olive oil and add in that extra love. Using olive oil adds the moisture back into my dry hair.

This is how you do it:

  • By warming up 1/2 cup olive oil (do not boil it)
  • Rub it deep into your hair
  • Wrap everything in a towel. 
  • Let it soak for 45min - 1 hour.
  • Rinse thoroughly with shampoo and water.

Now feel that silk touch...That's your hair!!

Give it a try...Let me know how it goes.

SweetReadings:)

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Pour me a bubbly...

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Are we feeling luxurious today? Or, do you feel like spending a little bit more on some ingredients? Then pop a champagne bottle. This bubble-infused wonder can be found throughout many beauty products whether in skincare or makeup.

Champagne helps us promote youthful skin and generally helps in treatment of aging. It can even help with minor skin blemishes.

Check out these three bubbly routines:

1. Use it as a toner. Every night before going to bed, dab a little champagne on a cotton pad and tone out that skin. 

2. Just like the saying sparkling champagne; champagne can leave your hair with that extra sparks and brings out the brightness in your natural or colored hair. Just mix 1/2 cup champagne with 1/2 cup hot water and rub it on your hair and let it sink for 15 min, and than wash it out. See that hair shine.

3. We all want that nice bubble bath, here and there. All you need to do is pour a cup or two of champagne in with your bubble bath. Before that, make sure to scrub yourself with salt scrub. This way the champagne soaks in the skin, and moisturizes.


Now, pour yourself a glass of bubbly and try out some of there beauty regime. Let me know would you ever use champagne again ? 

SweetReadings :) 

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Let's Grow those Lashes!

Want your eyebrows to grow longer, healthier, and fuller? Castor Oil! Did you know that this wonderful oil promotes eyelash growths.

Castor oil is one of the best kept secret in the world of natural beauty. Castor oil is a very pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds,, which is rich in omega-9 fatty acid.

It can also help you grow new eyebrow hair in bare areas that might have been over tweezed.  



Instructions

  1. Rub Castor oil over your lashes and brows before bed.
  2. Keep repeating this procedure every night to get these best results 

Let me know how this goes !!

SweetReadings :)

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Deodorant it!!

Hi!!
So as you all probably realized, I was MIA for a while... Doing some prepping and planning for my cousin's bridal shower. Now that it is done, I am back to my normal routine and writing.

So today, I am going to teach you all some major hacks that can come in handy :)

We all have heard about the use for Vaseline for many things BUT today I am going to tell you somethings our deodorant can do!

Prevent Blisters : 
Apply deodorant to the sides of your feet before slipping on a pair of new shoes. It’ll act as a barrier between your skin and the shoe, keeping blisters away.

Soothe an Insect Bite:
Is that mosquito bite itching you? A swipe of deodorant will give you instant relief, due to the aluminum salts in it.

Keep Your Feet Dry:
Just put on a layer of deodorant down the bottoms of your feet. This will fight off foot odor and wetness. Apply it right before you go to bed, allowing the product to sink in overnight—otherwise you’ll be sliding around in your flats all day.

Prevent Ingrown Hairs:
So, once you have done shaving, just apply deodorant on. This can help with the in-grown hair and any razor burns that gets in the way.

Remove Nail Polish:
Okay, so you ran out of remover, not to worry.. use that spray on deodorant. Just take a cotton-pad spritz some on and your good to go.

Stray Marks:
Are there pen marks on the wall... ? Use that spray on deodorant to clean away all those marks. Thanks to the high alcohol content, the spray on deodorant does wonders !!

There you have it guys... some hacks that will come in handy. Give it a try and let me know what happens.

SweetReadings :)

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Food that Whiten Teeth

Hello Everyone :)

Our teeth are very important in giving that first impression. We have been told by everyone to avoid red wine and black coffee in our quests for that pearly white teeth.

However, has anyone ever told you what to eat to brighten your teeth. Instead of emptying out your wallet for those teeth whiteners, I am going to tell you what to eat , to get that result.   




Onions
They may not do great things for your breath, but onions contain antibacterial sulfur compounds that prevent plaque from forming on your teeth. Unfortunately, onions must be consumed raw to reap the anti-plaque benefit, so include them on sandwiches and in salads whenever you can.

Strawberries
They may be bright red, however strawberries are made with malic acid. Malic Acid acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration. 

Apple
An apple a day keeps the dentist away. Their high water content increases saliva, washing away harmful bacteria that creates plaque and leads to discoloration over time.

Nuts
Like apples, munching on nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and sesame seeds stimulates saliva which can help wash away bacteria. To top it off , nuts’ abrasive texture can also work at removing existing surface stains, says cosmetic dentist Joseph Banker, D.M.D.

Citrus fruits
The acids found in citrus fruits are effective teeth whiteners. Also, their tart taste increases saliva production for a natural rinse and polish. Pineapples specifically contain an enzyme called bromelain that can assist in removing stains.

Raw Vegetables 
Foods that are high in fiber and slightly coarse act as a scrubbing agent for teeth. The high iron content in dark greens like broccoli also helps form a thin coat that protects teeth from enamel-eroding acids found in soda and carbonated drinks. And good news for celery lovers: Because it’s so difficult to chew, it increases saliva production and polishes teeth for a natural surface clean.

SweetReadings :)

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

8 Nighttime Musts

We all have some bad habits that we need to break. I need to stop junking on anything sweet and start hitting the gym.
However, there are some habits that can really effect us in a negative way. I have summed up about 8 nighttime habits that are a must.

                    

1. No TV or Phone
Fake lights from computers, tablets and smart phones puts down your melatonin levels, which can throw off your body clock. This also increases risk of obesity.

2. Remove your Makeup
Number one rule I beg you never to break. Throughout the entire day our face builds up a lot oil and dirt. This causes a lot of bacteria. So, for this just take a few minutes to give your face a clean wash.

3. Don't Tight your Hair
Tying your hair causes breakage to the hair. You are also encouraging a receding hairline over time. Just let your hair relax and free when you sleep.

4. Brush your Teeth and Floss
This will definitely give you great morning breathe. In short, you will not end up with cavities that can later ruin your teeth.

5. Staying Up Late
Having a late night causes red eye in the morning which also causes high stress. This can also lead to uneven skin tone, puffiness, bags under your eye. So to avoid all this just hit the bed on time.

6. Do Not Drink or Eat Sugar Right Before Bed
Not only will this increase your blood sugar, but you will be putting on acid (sugar) into your body that will sit in your body all night long eat. 

7. Apply Hand cream
Since your hands are constantly busy during the day, apply a good amount of hand cream while you sleep. This will give your hands time to moisturize overnight.

8. Switch Pillowcases
Between your face and your hair there are a lot of grease, that will gather on the pillow. Switch out your pillowcases for a clean one about once a week to minimize the bacteria that your face sleeps on each night.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

FYI : What does your label means?

While doing some readings for my next blog, I came across something very intriguing.  I realized that we trust labels to fast. We are in a world full of misleading words that have made their way on to food labels in grocery shelves almost everywhere. Companies have gotten very good at convincing us that their products are clean and green as it can be. 

However, it is up to us to read in between the lines.


Hypoallergenic
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: That somebody has test the product to make sure it will not cause any allergic reactions.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: Companies are free to define it however they like - no government regulations around this term.

Natural
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: This product is made from all natural things.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: Who knows? The government does not regulate this term also. It can basically mean anything. 

Organic
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: That every ingredient in this product is USDA Certified Organic farm.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: This means that some of the ingredients are certified organic, and the remaining others are not.

Unscented
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: Finally!!! A product with no fragrance.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: There could be a slight fragrance, it's just that you can not smell it because it's formulated with masking agents that block the smell of all the other ingredients.

Monday, January 19, 2015

How to say "Bye Bye" to Blackheads

Our annoying blackheads occur when your pores are clogged with excess amount of oil and dead skin. Let's just remember one important factor, blackheads are not caused by dirt. 

Scrubbing your face a lot is not a good way to get rid of your blackheads. It is only going to make it worse and you will just end up drying out your skin. All you have to do is clean out your pores, and the blackheads are gone.

There’s no need to squish and squeeze.

However, there is a PLUS point to this blackhead scenario. People with oily skin and large pores don’t wrinkle as quickly (because the skin is VERY good at replenishing the oils). So when you’re 60, this will be a blessing.



Here are some helpful tips :

Do a Honey Pat-Down
For this to work, your honey should be very sticky. The stickier it is, the more effective it is. 
Simply pour a small amount of honey on your fingers and start rapidly patting the areas on your face where you want to remove blackheads. The honey will stick to the stuff in your pores, and pull it out as you remove your fingers. It will also offer gentle antibacterial and antioxidant support, so any small remnants that may be left in your pores won’t oxidize (and turn black) quite as quickly.
Continue doing this for 3 or so minutes, and then just rinse your face with water.

Use Egg Whites to Pull Out the Dirt
Starting with a clean face, spread egg whites all over using your fingers or a paintbrush. Start first with one thin layer and let it dry briefly. Then spread a second layer over the top and let the whole thing dry completely.
 You may want to focus on the blackhead areas a third time, even.
Allow this mask to dry for 15 minutes. Your face will feel tight and pull a bit. This is good. Then, with a warm, wet washcloth, scrub the egg whites off your face very gently.

Now... if any of these seem not suitable for you just use a typical pore strips from Biore or even Boscia. However, if we are within budget you can always watch this DIY video that Michelle Phan did.

Have fun removing those nasty heads ....

SweetReadings :)

Thursday, January 15, 2015

What does your Acne mean ?

Pimple anyone? Your skin is basically a map for what is going on inside your body. A pimple sends you a clear message about your health and hygiene.

The Ancient Chinese tradition of "face mapping" says that there is a correlation between your internal organs and different zone of your face.


Here are what your breakouts are telling you in 5 different zones of your face:

1. UPPER FOREHEAD : This is caused due to poor digestive health or your body having trouble breaking down food; which can lead to a build up of toxins.

2. LOWER FOREHEAD :  Breakout here can be caused by irregular sleep, stress, bad blood circulation or depression.

3. BETWEEN EYEBROWS : This area is linked too consuming too much alcohol or a diet that is fat. Also sometimes it means you have any kind of food allergies.

4. RIGHT AND LEFT CHEEK : Your cheeks are associated with your respiratory system. Those who smoke tend to have acne breakouts, and need better breathing method.  

5. SIDES OF CHIN : Hormonal changes and stress can leave this spot unbalanced. Breakouts happen during your menstrual cycle.

SweetReadings :)

Monday, January 12, 2015

Top 10 Beauty Foods

We all love our junk food ( especially me ). Junk food is the key to any heart and soul. But let's face it, no one is getting younger or going to stay healthy with these delicious, greasy, mouth watering junk.

So today, I decided to share with all of you the Top 10 Beauty foods. These fresh and delicious picks are filled with the nutrients needed for clearer skin, healthier hair, and brighter eyes. You can invest in the latest face mask or the best foundation in the market, but those beauty products have nothing compared to these natural beauties.



1. Purple Cabbage. If you are worried about wrinkles, eating lots of purple cabbage is the best way.
Purple cabbage is both anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which all help lower cortisol levels.

2. Water. Water is everything when it comes to beauty. When your body is dehydrated, everything suffers. Whether you want shinier hair, younger skin, a healthier body (or all three!) pure, clean water is the world's best beauty elixir.

3. Yogurt. Yogurt is high in calcium. Calcium equals strong bones, nails and even teeth. Believe it or not but yogurt can give you flat abs.

4. Walnuts. Eating just one ounce of walnuts a day (that's about seven shelled walnuts) is all you need to keep your scalp and hair healthy. The healthy fats in walnuts can make your skin more supple and resilient to issues like age spots and sagging skin.

5. Beets. Beets are valued for their support in detoxification and helping you purify your blood and your liver. However, keep in mind

6. Wild Salmon. Wild salmon is loaded with protein and omega 3. Eating salmon makes you smarter and happier. Statistics show that salmon reduces the risk and incidence of depression, hostility in young adults and cognitive decline in the elderly. 

7. Watercress. Watercress is a beauty food that can fight patchy and uneven skin tone. This is often a sign of poor circulation or not enough blood, oxygen and nutrients getting to the skin.

8. Citrus Fruit. Another beauty food you can fight cellulite with is with citrus fruit. Citrus fruit provides a high boost of vitamin C, which can help repair skin collagen and prevent cellulite from being so visible. The best time to eat citrus fruit in order to get the best results is in the morning.

9. Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health.
Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
Dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, this may protect your skin against the sun.

10. Almond Milk. Almond milk helps with the weight management.  There’s no cholesterol or saturated fat in almond milk. It’s also low in sodium and high in healthy fats, which helps to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Reading 101 - Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)


In, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), the actress, comedian, writer, producer, director, and the author of this biography, Mindy Kaling shows the readers on a tour of her life and her views on romance, friendship, and her life in Hollywood. This is a fun and easy book to read, and her anecdotes go down easy throughout the book.

Her humor and her awesome character, makes you want to keep flipping the pages for more chuckles and smiles. More than an actual biography, this book has a tone of a twitter feed. Reading this book is like listening to your best friend talk about her day and mess up in life.

Overall, I enjoyed it and I give it a two thumbs up.

SweetReadings :)