Pampering4life Healthy Eating Series: Mediterranean Crunch Salad

Serves 4

A quick and easy salad featuring the bold flavors of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can no salt-added garbanzo beans
1 cucumber, chopped
1 cup small broccoli florets
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup finely sliced kale, tough stems removed
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped Kalamata olives
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Method

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Per serving: 130 calories (35 from fat), 4g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 21g total carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 6g protein

Leading Chemicals In Make-Up Link To Cancer

While cosmetics can enhance a woman’s physical appearance, makeup can also bring with it potentially dangerous health risks. In fact, chemicals in makeup have been linked to cancer, immune dysfunction and depression, among other illnesses. If you are worried about the effects that these chemicals could be having on your skin and your health, our chemicals to avoid in makeup guide will provide you with a detailed list of chemicals to watch out for the next time you’re in the beauty aisle. Read on and discover the chemicals that may be lurking in your favorite cosmetics.

Phthatale Family: Also known as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylexyl) phthatale (DEHP). Use: these chemicals are used to make plastics supple and pliable and are found in nail polish, body lotions, hair-straighteners and sprays. Risks: phthatales are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as well as carcinogens which have been linked to a variety of problems such as damage to the reproductive organs, premature breast development, lung, liver and kidney cancer. They have also been linked to lowered sperm counts and testicular injury.
Lauryl Sulfate:Also known as SLS and Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Use:a foaming agent and emulsifier, this chemical is derived from petroleum and is usually deceptively described as being extracted from coconuts. These chemicals are found in shampoo, body and shower gels, bath salts and toothpaste. Risks: lauryl sulfate is believed to be a carcinogen which has been linked to kidney and liver damage. Other health risks associated with this chemical include nervous-system disruption, eczema, dermatitis as well as skin inflammation. It can also cause eye damage, notably cataracts.
Amine Family: This chemical family includes Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA).Use: these ammonia compounds (amines) function as a preservative, emulsifier, pH adjuster and foaming agent added to coconut oils. They are used in face powders, shaving creams, hair-coloring products for both men and women as well as hair sprays. Amines are also used in soaps, sunscreens, foundations, concealers, eyeliners, talcs and face powders. Risks: amines can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come upon contact with nitrates and are toxic when absorbed on a long-term basis. These chemicals found in common cosmetics have been linked to kidney and liver cancer. They are also irritants to the hair and skin and damaging to the eyes. They also cause contact dermatitis.
Formaldehyde: Also known as Diazolidinyl urea, 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Nitroopropane-1, Formalin, Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide, Morbicic acid, Oxymethlylene. Use: functions as a preservative, defoamer, germicide, fungicide, disinfectant due to its inexpensive nature and the fact that it mixes easily with water. Chemicals found in this family are used in a variety of makeup products and other personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, nail polish, mascara, mouthwash, makeup remover, bubble bath, hair-care products, anti-perspirants and talcs.Risks: chemicals of the formaldehyde family are carcinogens which can cause depression, headaches, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction. They also cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis and irritate mucous membranes. Formaldehyde can also lead to joint and chest pain.
Paraben Preservatives: Also known as alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates (methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl. Use: parabens are found in nail creams, foundations, concealers, mascara, facial masks, deodorants, sunscreen, hair-coloring products and conditioners. They function as a germicide and preservative.Risks: parabens can disrupt hormones, namely estrogen, which can lead to cancer. They have also been linked to breast cancer. Parabens also cause skin rashes.

Avoid Chemicals

In order to avoid these chemicals in makeup, carefully read product labels and consider purchasing your makeup products at natural health stores that sell organic lines.
Other ingredients to avoid in cosmetics include synthetic fragrances and synthetic colors, many of which contain carcinogenic properties. In addition, while there is concern regarding the inclusion of lead in many lipsticks and lipglosses, it is illegal for cosmetic companies to add lead to makeup products and no cosmetic may contain more than trace amounts of lead.
However, if you are concerned with lead content that may be found in cosmetic products- particularly in long lasting lipsticks, lipglosses and lip liners- perform a lead test by applying the product directly onto the skin of your hand, and then rub the area with gold jewelery such as a ring. If the product turns black, this indicates lead content.

If you are like me you would agree that your health comes first. Over time just by using something as simple as make-up will eventually go into your skin right into your cells. I recommend a line of hypoallergenic make-up without the chemicals but with excellent quality. Go to organicmakeupnow learn more about products that is great on the environment and gentle on your skin. You deserve it!!

Exfoliate and Revitalize Your Skin

Achieving great looking skin isn't necessarily that hard. You do have to know what to do (and what not to do) for good skin care. While most people understand the importance of hydration, sunscreen and cleansing, they often overlook exfoliation in their skin care regimen. Exfoliation can help bring out a fresh, youthful look to your skin and will help prevent blemishes. The key is to perform the exfoliation properly.

The very outer layer of your skin is actually dead skin cells. Your skin creates new cells underneath and the old ones on the surface slough off on their own. This occurs each and every day, whether you notice it or not. Sometimes this dead layer will build up on the surface of your skin and you will notice your skin has a dull look to it. You may also find you are more prone to blemishes, if the dead skin cells clog your pores. Getting rid of these skin cells will promote healthy skin. To exfoliate, you can choose one of these methods: chemical or abrasive. Chemical exfoliants usually contain some form of mild acid, such as alpha hydroxy or salicylic acid. The acids work to slough off the dead skin cells. These actually come in different strengths and can be applied on their own, or in conjunction with an abrasive exfoliant.

Abrasive exfoliants are creams or liquid cleansers that contain particulate matter, such as ground botanicals, jojoba beads or groundnuts. The use of the abrasive will physically remove the dead skin cells. The particulate matter can come in many different sizes and the type you choose will depend upon the application. You don't want to use the same abrasive on your face that you would use to exfoliate your feet.

Start your exfoliation with clean skin. Wet the skin with warm water and apply the exfoliant. Rub gently in circles with your fingers or a facial sponge, avoiding the under eye area, as this skin is too delicate for exfoliation. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. Apply a toner to help balance the pH of your newly exposed skin cells. Follow this with a moisturizer. Your skin may tingle for fifteen minutes or so after the application, especially for your first couple of times. After that, your skin will become used to it. With the chemical exfoliants, discontinue their use if your skin burns too much after application. Exfoliation only needs to be done once or twice a week. Since you have exposed new skin cells to the surface, it is very important that you use a sunscreen if you will be outdoors.

Why Is Exfoliation Important?

The skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sending them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.
As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.
It is possible, however, to overexfoliate, especially on the delicate skin of the face. Overexfoliating will dry and irritate the skin.

What You Should Know About Body Exfoliation:

• You can use a body scrub once or twice a week with no problem.
• Body brushing every morning is a gentle way to exfoliate -- and wake up!

To exfoliate your body on a regular basis will also enhance your circulation and help your body to revitalize internal cells and increase the oxygen flow throughout your body. If you are looking for a great organic exfoliant to provide you with all the great benefits mentioned. Go to organicskincarenow  

Pampering4life Style Series: Dressing To Slim Your Body Shape

Find out what cuts and styles work best for your body shape. Learn how to accentuate your best features and minimize your trouble spots. At Pampering4life we not only want you to feel good by eating right but it is important to look good. It's about pampering all aspects of your life to be the best you possible. To look your best sometimes may take some extra help by using slim ware garments to fit your particular body type or style. To learn more about Pampering4life Slim Ware visit our website to schedule your consultation lovemeslimware enjoy the new you.





Apple Shape
Apple's tend to have a large and less defined midsection. The key for dressing the apple shape is to take the focus off of the midsection.

 

When choosing shirts

• Go for the empire waist line look, this will draw attention to the smallest part of your midsection just under the bust.
• A classic V-neck will draw the eye upward away from the midsection and make you appear taller and leaner.
• Avoid high necklines. Since most apples have a large bust, a high neckline will hide any upper body definition. (This is not to say apples need to wear plunging necklines so low they leave little to the imagination, but choose shirts that fit and flatter your bust area.)
• In cold weather opt for a nice scarf to make your neck appear longer and draw attention to your beautiful face.
• Avoid wide necklines that will make your naturally broad shoulders appear wider and throw off your balance.

When choosing pants

• Remember the apples are naturally larger up top so choose pants that balance your lower with your upper half.
• Stick to straight cut or boot cut pants that will fit comfortably around the waist and flow evenly down.
• Apples have fewer problems in the hips and thighs area, but more trouble fitting around the midsection.
• Avoid tapered pants, or pants that are smaller at the bottom near the ankles, this style creates a visual line that widens as it gets to your midsection making you appear larger than you are. Stick to pants that are straight from the knee down. This rule applies to wide leg capris as well.
• While some flare style pants are ok, don't go too wide on the flare.

Skirts, Dresses, and Shoes

• Pick skirts with higher waistlines. This will help hide your tummy and draw the eye up to the smaller part of your midsection.
• Go for empire waistline dresses. Don't be afraid to show off those legs!
• Shoes are free reign for apples since the idea is to create balance. Heels, boots, and even some thick wedges help create balance with your upper half.

Pear Shape

Pears are typically larger in their hips, butt and thighs and are slimmer up top. The idea here is to take the focus off of your lower half and bring the attention upward by creating balance.
When choosing shirts

• Go for wider necklines such as boat neck or scoop to create balance with your lower half.
• Don't be afraid to draw attention to your waist. Try a belt or wrap.
• Shoulder pads, while not as common, are ok for pears. Just don't go crazy with them, when used properly they can broaden the shoulders and create balance with your lower half.

When choosing pants

• Opt for darker colored jeans and pants to minimize hips and thighs
• Choose a waistline for you pants that is a little lower than your natural waist line to make your torso appear longer.
• Avoid tapered pants and choose pants that flow easily from the hips down.

Skirts, Dresses, and Shoes

• A-line cut is the best for skirts and dresses. This style flows evenly over trouble spots concealing them.
• Heels can lengthen legs and make your lower half appear slimmer.

Rectangle Shape
Since the rectangle shape lacks overall definition, your job is to create curves.
When choosing shirts

• Make sure you give proper definition to the bust area. Make sure you are wearing the correct bra size.
• Sweetheart necklines are great for creating curves.
• Don't be afraid of drawing attention to your waist. Try a large belt at your natural waistline, find a style that cinches around the waist, or go for a wrap shirt that ties on the side.

When choosing pants

• A little flare is ok here. Choose pants that flatter the hips and thighs and then free flow from the knee down creating curves. If you're not too adventurous with the flare stick to straight leg or boot cut pants.
• Avoid tapered pants as they will only make you appear to have curves where you don't want them.

Skirts, Dresses, and Shoes

• When choosing a dress, find a style that creates a cinched waist. A-line cuts are great for fitting your upper half. However empire cuts should be avoided since they will only flow straight down and make you appear blocky.
• Try a tulip or bell shaped skirt to add some flirtatious curves.
• Avoid big or clunky shoes. Instead go for strappy sandals or kitten heels.

Hourglass Shape

If you're an hourglass shape you already have perfect balance. So the key is accentuating your natural curvatiousness without throwing off that balance.
When choosing shirts

• Go for fabrics that are soft and fitted. Avoid stiff bulky fabrics
• Emphasize your waist. Go for a belted looks, cinched fabric, or wrap at the natural waistline. Anything that draws the eye to your waistline works well for this shape.
• Keep necklines medium. Go for v-neck, sweetheart, or scoop necklines to compliment your bust.
• Go for a fitted tailored look up top. Fitted clothing doesn't necessarily mean tight.

When choosing pants

• Opt for straight cut or slightly flared pants.
• If you want to lengthen the appearance of your legs go with a higher waistline.

Skirts, Dresses, and Shoes

• A-Line cut dresses are great for hourglass because of it's fitted top. A-line cut skirts are also a good choice.
• Pencil skirts also work well for this shape also.
• You have free reign on shoes here so use your judgment.

Pampering4life Healthy Mind Series: Gratitude

The spiritual practice of gratitude has been called a state of mind and a way of life. But we prefer to think of it as a grammar — an underlying structure that helps us construct and make sense out of our lives. The rules of this grammar cover all our activities. Its syntax reveals a system of relationships linking us to the divine and to every other part of the creation.

To learn the grammar of gratitude, practice saying "thank you" for happy and challenging experiences, for people, animals, things, art, memories, dreams. Count your blessings, and praise God. Utter blessings, and express your appreciation to everything and everyone you encounter. By blessing, we are blessed.

Have you ever noticed that some people seem to be able to maintain a relatively positive attitude regardless of what’s happening around them? Like everyone, they can appreciate the good times, but they also seem to be able to focus on the positive in the face of some pretty negative events. They see the good in difficult people, they see the opportunity in a challenging situation, and they appreciate what they have, even in the face of loss. Would you like to increase your ability to maintain a positive attitude in your life, even in the face of significant stress?

Fortunately, a positive attitude can be cultivated, with a little practice. Although we are born with specific temperamental tendencies, the brain is a muscle, and you can strengthen your mind’s natural tendency toward optimism if you work at it.

While several factors go into emotional resilience and optimism, studies show that cultivating a sense of gratitude can help you maintain a more positive mood in daily life and contribute to greater emotional well-being and bring social benefits as well. Cultivating gratitude is one of the simpler routes to a greater sense of emotional well-being, and can be accomplished in several ways. For the next few weeks, try some of the following exercises, and you should notice a significant increase in your feelings of gratitude -— you will likely find yourself noticing more positive things in your life, dwelling less on negative or stressful events and feelings of ‘lack,’ and having a greater sense of appreciation for the people and things in your life.

Make Gentle Reminders

When you notice yourself grumbling about a negative event or stressor in your life, try to think of 4 or 5 related things for which you are grateful. For example, when feeling stressed at work, try to think about several things that you like about your job. You can do the same with relationship stress, financial stress, or other daily hassles. The more you gently remind yourself of the positives, the more easily a shift toward gratitude can occur.

Be Careful With Comparisons

Many people cause themselves unnecessary stress by making comparisons. More specifically, they cause themselves stress by making the wrong comparisons. They compare themselves only to those who have more, do more, or are in some way closer to their ideals, and allow themselves to feel inferior instead of inspired. In cultivating gratitude, you have one of two options if you find yourself making such comparisons: You can either choose to compare yourself to people who have less than you (which reminds you how truly rich and lucky you are), or you can feel gratitude for having people in your life who can inspire you. Either road can lead away from stress and envy, and closer to feelings of gratitude.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

One of the best ways to cultivate gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Not only are you combining the benefits of journaling with the active adoption of a more positive mindset, you are left with a nice catalog of happy memories and a long list of things in your life for which you are grateful. (This can be wonderful to read during times when it’s more difficult to remember what these things are.) Keeping a gratitude journal is simple; see this gratitude journal article for ideas on different ways to maintain one. Because habits are usually formed within two or three weeks, you will have to actively focus on maintaining gratitude less and less as you go, and the habit of a more positive (and less stress-inducing) attitude will be more automatic. And greater feelings of emotional well-being can be yours.