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5 Benefits Of Dead Sea Mud Masks...My New Favorite Beauty Product!
I am not really one for trying new things. Once I find a product I like, I tend to be brand loyal and stick with what I know. Historically, I usually only change things up when a product is discontinued, hard to come by, or they change the formula, to my dismay.
I have been working on being more open to trying new things, and I was in the market for a new exfoliator and face mask. I started my research a few weeks ago to find just the right face mask for my skin type. I Googled of course, and then starting searching on Amazon. After I narrowed my choice down to three face mask brands, I settled on New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Face Mask, which had great reviews.
I have been very fortunate most of my life when it comes to my skin. I never had acne as a teenager, but my skin does to run a bit more on the oily side, which helps when it comes to skin aging. I am in my forties, and while my skin is wrinkle free, I have started to notice larger pores and some loss of elasticity. Although I have no desire to go back to my twenties, and I am very proud of my age, I still want to look good.
There are many benefits to using dead sea mud and I plan to reap all of the them.
5 Benefits Of Dead Sea Mud Mask
- Brightens Skin
- Reduces Pores
- Removed Toxins From Skin
- Improved Skin Elasticity
- Treats And Prevents Acne
Once my Dead Sea Mud Mask arrived I was very eager to try it. I read the ingredients and was pleasantly surprised that I recognized all of the ingredients including Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Aloe Vera. The mask is charcoal colored, creamy and smooth in texture, and has a very light scent.
I followed the directions to apply a thin layer of mud to my clean face avoiding mouth and eye areas. After 10 minutes I used warm water to gently remove the mask, by using circular motions. I dried my face and moisturized with my favorite night cream, Resilience Lift Night by Estee Lauder.
It has been four weeks since I started using New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask, and I have noticed positive changes in my skin. After using the mask twice a week, my skin is brighter, softer, and my pores appear to be smaller. I highly recommend adding this mask to your beauty regimen. I am excited to see how my skin looks in another four weeks!
What are you using as part of beauty regimen? Do you have a favorite mask or exfoliator? Please share!
5 Signs He May Be The One...And Why You Need To Explore The Possibilities
I have always been reluctant to refer to a man in my life as "the one”. Being the one comes with a lot pressure, expectations, and the huge opportunity for failure. None of us want to fail, and we sure do not want to feel like we are letting someone down.
Having said all of that, I actually do believe in "the one". I am not sure when my opinion changed on this particular subject, and I make no promises that it won’t change again, but I do believe in the one. Now, this doesn’t mean that I think being with the one automatically guarantees your happily ever after.
Timing is everything. You and the one you are truly meant to be with have to come together at the right time in your lives for the magic to happen, and you have to continue to fan the flames to keep your fire going.
The 5 Signs He May Be The One
Amazing Chemistry
I am a big believer that great chemistry is the key component to a great relationship. If you have great chemistry, chances are you share similar interests, similar backgrounds, and similar values and life views.
When there is amazing chemistry, in addition to your commonality, you also tend to have a strong attraction on a mental, physical, and emotional level.
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Can't Stop Thinking About Him
When apart, he is never far from your mind. Your mind wonders frequently, and you often day dream about him. You wonder what he is doing, is he missing you too, and if you are thinking about each other at the same time.
It feels like torture because everything reminds you of him. His cute smile, his sexy voice, and most of all the way he looks at you.
The Way You Feel When With Him
When you are with him you feel happy, excited, and safe. There is an affect his presence has on you. When you see him or are with him, you feel giddy, and have butterflies in your stomach. You also feel safe. He knows you, he understands you, and he accepts you, flaws and all.
There is no judgment, just support and good advice when needed.
He Listens To You
Whether you are venting or talking about your life's dreams, he listens. He listens because he cares. He listens because your thoughts and feelings matter. He is willing to sit quietly and listen, or offer advice when requested. Either way, he is reassuring and supportive, and somehow always makes you feel better.
He Remembers
He remembers what you say because he actually listens to you. He remembers your favorite places, your favorite movie, and of course your birthday. Not only does he remember, but he does and says thoughtful things based on his knowledge of you. We tend to remember what matters most to us.
There are no guarantees in life, so a relationship with the “one” may not work out. But isn’t it worth a shot? The possibilities for a wonderful life with someone who truly gets and understands you is worth the risk of possible disappointment and heartbreak.
If you have found the one and you are not in a relationship with them currently, make it happen. Be brave, make your feelings known, and let what is meant to be “be”. If you are already in a relationship with the “one” don’t let the fire go out.
What are your thoughts on "the one”? Have you found him yet? Did you find him and it not work out? Please share!
"True love cannot be found where is does not exist, nor can it be denied where it does." - Torquato Tasso -t
30 Day Health and Fitness Challenge - Week 3
30 Day Fitness Challenge - Week 3
Welcome to week 3 of the Health and Fitness Challenge. I hope you enjoyed weeks 1 and 2 and are finding your stride. Just remember if you find what I have laid out below to be too hard, push through. If you find it to be too easy, do more. Let's push ourselves, our minds, and our bodies, and see what we can accomplish in 14 days.
Week 3 is more challenging than week two. Do your best and share your successes and challenges. Just 2 weeks to go!
Health
Take Out
Any One Of The Below, Plus The Two From Weeks 1 And 2:
Sugar
Soda
White Bread
Alcohol
Fried Food
Red Meat
Pasta
Fast Food
Add In
10 Minutes Of Light Stretching Before Bed, +16 More Ounces of Water, 1-2 Cups Green Tea Daily, 20 Minutes Of Extra Sleep By Going To Bed Earlier
Fitness
50 Minutes Cardio Everyday - Walking, Running, Swimming, Elliptical, Cycling, etc.
Arms (Mon, Wed, Fri) - 20 Bicep Curls x2, 20 Shoulder Press Ups x2, 25 push ups
Planks - Daily 40 seconds x2
Legs (Tues, Thurs, Sat) - 15 Squats, Lunges 10 Each Leg, 20 Calf Raises
Abs - 60 Crunches daily, 20 Bicycles
Equipment Needed
Good Walking/Athletic Shoes
Gym Access/Great Walking or Hiking Trails Access
10-15 lbs. Free Weights
Please share your thoughts and progress on this week’s Health and Fitness Challenge!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research.
30 Day Health and Fitness Challenge - Week 2
30 Day Fitness Challenge - Week 2
Welcome to week 2 of the Health and Fitness Challenge. I hope you enjoyed week 1 and are finding your stride. Just remember if you find what I have laid out below to be too hard, push through. If you find it to be too easy, do more. Let's push ourselves, our minds, and our bodies, and see what we can accomplish in 21 days.
Week 2 is more challenging than week one. Do your best and share your successes and challenges. Just 3 weeks to go!
Health
Take Out
Any One Of The Below. This Is In Addition To The One You Removed In Week One.
Sugar
Soda
White Bread
Alcohol
Fried Food
Red Meat
Pasta
Fast Food
Fries
Chips
Add In - 16 More Ounces of Water, + 1-2 Cups of Green Tea Daily, 20 Minutes Of Extra Sleep By Going To Bed Earlier
Fitness
40 minutes cardio everyday - Walking, Running, Swimming, Elliptical, Cycling, etc.
Arms (Mon, Wed, Fri) - 15 Bicep Curls x2, 15 Shoulder Press Ups x2, 20 push ups
Planks - Daily 40 seconds x2
Legs (Tues, Thurs, Sat) - 20 Squats, Lunges 15 each leg, 15 Calf Raises
Abs - 50 Crunches daily, 15 Bicycles
Equipment Needed
Good Walking/Athletic Shoes
Gym Access/Great Walking or Hiking Trails Access
10-15 lbs. Free Weights
Please share your thoughts and progress on this week’s Health and Fitness Challenge!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research.
Love...Falling, Being, Crazy In It and Why It Feels So Amazing
Love...the intense feeling of deep affection. I love the idea of falling in love, and being in love. I am not someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, and I have been described as aloof, but actually I am a romantic.
Being in a relationship, and in love is nice. It feels safe and comfortable to look over at the person sitting or laying next to you, and truly feel like you know them, and that you are in it together.
You feel like you have found your other half, your soulmate so to speak, and all is right with the world.
As wonderful as it is to be in a relationship, in all honesty nothing gives the euphoric feeling like falling in love. The newness is what makes it so different. It's obsessive. You eat, breath, live the other person.
You cannot get enough of them. You could stay up all night talking to them, or staring at their face. You miss them the minute they leave, hang up the phone, or text goodnight.
They are the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning, and last thing you think about when you fall asleep at night. It makes you feel alive. It's an amazing feeling that cannot be replicated.
Falling in love is great, but a true, deeper love comes with getting to know the other person. They are not perfect, but a flawed individual. They share your interests, but have their own too. They truly "see" you, and not the fantasy person they want you to be.
“Seeing “me has been my request with love. See me, and all of my flaws. No masks! Someone is sure to have buyer's remorse otherwise.
I know everyone loves differently, and that's okay. For many it is all about longevity, and truly knowing your partner. While for others, it is all about the excitement of falling in love, and being with someone new.
Some people love the beginning of a relationship, and the middle of the part not so much, which leads to the end of the relationship. Boredom sets in, and for them it is time to find another love.
What are your thoughts on love? Do you love hard or play hard to get? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“You have no idea how fast my heart races every time I see you.” - Unknown
5 Ways To Get Over Him
You cringe at the thought of letting go and moving on. You want to fight to be with the one you love. Unfortunately, there comes a time in many relationships where we have to let go. The relationship is no longer fulfilling, or your other half just doesn’t love you anymore.
Sometimes the love is still there, but the relationship just doesn’t work and is not meant to be. Or maybe you have grown apart, or lack compatibility.
It's a possibility you were always the only one in love. The person you gave your heart was never available to you. They were never available emotionally or physically. Perhaps they belonged to another.
Whatever the circumstances, you recognize that it is time to move, heal your heart, and find your happy again. But where do you start?
Healing a broken heart can be a slow and painful process if you were truly in love. In all honesty, you may always love that someone just a little bit forever, but there are things you can do to help you move on.
5 Ways To Get Over Someone You’re In Love With...
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Get Busy
Get busy and stay busy. Finding things to do is a great distraction from your broken heart. I recommend joining clubs, lots of exercise, and starting a new hobby. Not only will staying busy keep you from cyberstalking your ex, though I am sure you will a little or a lot in the beginning, you will also find some self-improvement happening.
As you start new hobbies, and work on that body, you will find that your confidence and self esteem grows. Plus your back on the market, and you want to be at your best.
Spend Time With Friends
Hanging out with your friends will be fun, relaxing, and another great distraction. A girl's night out, or a weekend trip may be just the prescription needed for an aching heart. Your pals can be great listeners and shoulders to cry on, but don't push it.
They have heard it all already, and have been listening to your love woes for quite a while before you decided to call it quits.
Make A List
Make a list of all the reasons the relationship couldn't and didn't work. When you sit down to write your list think about all the things that annoyed you, made you feel bad about yourself, and hurt your feelings in your relationship.
Was your love kind, honest, and trustworthy? Did you really have much in common? Was it an abusive relationship? Were they your forever person?
Break ups happen for a reason. One or both of you didn't want to be in the relationship any longer. Do not romanticize the relationship. Be honest about their faults, and about how the relationship made you feel.
Be Open
Dating after a difficult break up will be the most exciting, and scariest thing you will do. The good, and the bad thing, is that there are many ways to meet new people. It used to be that you would go to clubs and bars to meet someone.
But with all of the online dating possibilities, you can learn a lot about a potential mate without leaving your home.
The important thing to remember is to be open. Chances are there is someone you already know, who's currently in your life in some capacity, who is your best potential mate. But regardless of whether or not you have met the "one" or if you have to toss a lot of fish back into the sea until you find just what you need, be open to the possibilities.
Give It Time
I know it sounds cliche, but it is true that time heals all wounds. When you are in the middle of heartbreak, you wonder was there something wrong with you. When will you start to feel like yourself again? How will you ever go on? The answer is "you just do". One day at a time.
Resist the urge to look at old pictures, old text messages, or anything else that reminds you of them.
Return any of their belongings you might have, especially your favorite article of clothing of theirs that you cannot stop smelling because it still has their scent on it. Let go.
We have all been there. No one escapes heartbreak in this life, even if you were the one to initiate the break-up. These 5 ways to get over someone you are still in love will work. Just be strong, patient, and know that you are enough.
Do you relate to this blog? Have you ever broken up with someone you were still in love with? How did you get over them? How long did it take to move on and let go?
5 Signs You Are Obsessed... Who Or What Consumes Your Thoughts?
Obsessions are such odd, powerful feelings. An obsession is a persistent, dominating idea, desire, thought, or feeling. We all obsess at some point or another. We obsess about our bodies, and our lovers, or potential lovers, and food, or money, and even cars. Honestly, the list could go on and on.
My Obsessions
I am currently obsessing about shoes, Jamba Juice, health and fitness, and scents. Truth be told I really don't think I have a shoe obsession, but those close to me would disagree. Fortunately California Closets designed my master closet around my shoe collection, so there is always room for a little more of my so called obsession.
Now my Jamba Juice obsession is pretty guilt free. I could drink a Berry Upbeet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and at only 400 calories for a large, I would still have a few calories to spare.
As I approach my mid 40's I have really started to take my health and fitness very serious. I have a bad back and knees, but regardless, I make sure to hit my target active calorie burn everyday. Whether it's with walking, weight training, or elliptical, I make the effort. I am not getting any younger, and a lot of health issues run in my family, so I had to step up my game.
My last obsession is scents. Scents in many forms. I am obsessed with lovely perfumes, clean smelling candles, and beautiful flowers. I have several vases in my home currently filled with Freesia, which is such a fragrant, pretty flower. I cannot get enough of wonderful smells. Thank goodness my olfactory system is working well.
Many of us obsess about things, our passions, and sometimes people. When we have an obsession with people, or to be more specific, that certain person, we can develop obsessive love. When we initially start to fall for someone we tend to be obsessed.
All thoughts and feelings revolve around that particular person. After time that obsession fades to a more realistic, sustainable love. But sometimes the obsession persists, and those feelings become unhealthy.
5 Signs Of Obsessive Love
Obsessive Thoughts About A Person
Extreme Jealous Over Their Interaction With Others
Constant Need For Reassurance
Possessive Thoughts and Behaviors
Monitoring Their Actions
Obsessive love is real and considered a disorder called obsessive love disorder (OLD). Obsessive love disorder is a condition where a person becomes obsessed with someone they think they are in love with. Obsessive love disorder can negatively impact your life, and ruin relationships.
Do not fear that being madly in love with someone means you have a disorder. OLD is rare, and usually goes hand in hand with other diagnosable mental disorders.
Now tell me what are you obsessed with? Who are you obsessed with? I am sure that when I ask those questions, a face, or image comes to mind immediately. Please share your experience!
“Extinguish my eyes, I'll go on seeing you.
Seal my ears, I'll go on hearing you.
And without feet I can make my way to you,
without a mouth I can swear your name.
Break off my arms, I'll take hold of you
with my heart as with a hand.
Stop my heart, and my brain will start to beat.
And if you consume my brain with fire,
I'll feel you burn in every drop of my blood.” - Rainer Marie Rilke
For more information on obsessive love disorder please visit www.Medicinenet.com.
30 Day Health and Fitness Challenge - Week 1
30 Day Fitness Challenge
Welcome to week 1 of the Health and Fitness Challenge, key word being challenge. If you find what I have laid out below to be too hard, push through. If you find it to be too easy, do more. Let's push ourselves, our minds, and our bodies, and see what we can accomplish in 30 days.
The challenges and the expectations will increase each week. Hold yourself accountable. Have fun, and get your fitness on! Please share your successes and struggles in the comment section.
Health
Take Out
Remove Any One Of The Below Bad Diet Vices That You Might Have:
Sugar
Soda
White Bread
Alcohol
Fried Food
Red Meat
Pasta
Fast Food
Chips
Fries
Add In
Green Tea 1-2 cups daily (no sugar added), 15 Minutes of Extra Sleep (Naps, Or To Bed Earlier)
Fitness
30 Minutes Cardio Everyday - Walking, Running, Swimming, Elliptical, Cycling, etc.
Arms (Mon, Wed, Fri) - 10 Bicep Curls x2, 10 Shoulder Press Ups x2, 15 Push Ups
Planks - Daily 30 Seconds
Legs (Tues, Thurs, Sat) - 15 Squats, Lunges 10 Each Leg, 10 Calf Raises
Abs - 40 Crunches Daily, 10 Bicycles, 5 Leg Raises
Burpees - 5 Burpees Daily
Equipment Needed
Good Walking/Athletic Shoes
Gym Access/Great Walking or Hiking Trails Access
10-15 lbs. Free Weights
Challenge Starts Today! Get Ready!
Please share your thoughts and progress on this week’s Health and Fitness Challenge!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research and consult your doctor.
Chorizo (Soy) and Eggs Recipe
Chorizo and Eggs Burrito
As a southern California native, I grew up eating a lot of Mexican food. I could honestly eat Mexican food every day. I think when many people think of Mexican food they primarily think of tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. But there is so much more.
I love breakfast! Breakfast is probably my favorite meal of the day, and it is great any time of the day. Bacon, eggs, and pancakes are yummy, but sometimes you want to change things up. When I want to change up the breakfast menu I usually make chorizo and eggs.
The chorizo is a little spicy and has great flavors. You can eat it by itself, or serve with flour or corn tortillas.
Some of you may be asking, "what exactly is chorizo?" Chorizo is sausage. It is seasoned sausage with bold flavors. There are two kinds of chorizo. There is Spanish chorizo, and Mexican chorizo. Spanish chorizo is fully cooked, sometimes dried, and made with pimenton and garlic.
While Mexican chorizo is uncooked in casing, and flavored with vinegar and chile peppers, as well as many other seasonings.
I think you will find that cooking chorizo is simple, fast, and delicious. With only 4 ingredients, you have a crowd pleasing breakfast in 15 minutes. Bon Appetit!
Ingredients:
1 12oz package of Soy Chorizo
6 Eggs
4-6 Large Flour Tortillas
Shredded Cheese
Directions:
In a medium skillet drizzle about 1 tbsp of olive oil. Slice open chorizo casing, and add chorizo to skillet and break up meat with spoon or spatula. Cook the chorizo on medium heat, for about 5 minutes. Beat eggs in a bowl and add to cooked meat. Reduce heat to medium low and continually stir until eggs are completely cooked. You should see a fluffy texture of scrambled eggs. Place tortillas on microwave safe plate and heat for 30 seconds, or individually heat tortillas on stove top fire on low flame.
Add large scoop or ¾ cup chorizo filling to center and sprinkle cheese and fold into a burrito.
Serves 4-6
Not into soy – Try with turkey, pork, or beef chorizo. Also, for the occasional switch up, use fried potatoes instead of eggs. Garnish with pico de gallo and fresh avocado.
7 Signs He’s Definitely Interested In You...
We have all been there. It can be both exciting, and torturous all at the same time trying to figure out if a guy is interested in you romantically. You try to decipher if he likes you just as a friend, or if there is a possibility of more. His lack of confession may be confusing, and seem like he playing games.
Take comfort that it is not always about playing games or being a player. Just like women, men want to protect their egos and their hearts too.
He wants to know how you feel before he puts himself out there. But as much as he may try to hide it, there are some definite signs that he has feelings for you, and is interested.
7 Signs He's Interested
The Way He Looks At You
A guy who is interested will lock eyes with you a lot. I call it the love gaze. He cannot help himself. And it's not just about the eye contact itself, but the look in his eyes. His desire for you, and his happiness to be in your presence is difficult for him to hide.
Check for dilated pupils. When someone is looking at someone they are interested in their pupils dilate.
The eyes truly are windows to the soul. An interested man's eyes will beam at you. Pay attention to the way he looks at you versus how he looks at everyone else. The difference will be obvious, even if he tries to mask it.
The Way He Remembers
When a man is interested he pays attention. He will remember your favorite food, your favorite color, and of course your birthday. He will even remember your allergies, and pet peeves if you have mentioned them. He wants to know everything about you. The more he knows about you, the better chance he will have of winning you over.
We tend to remember what we care about. Sure, he may just have a great memory, but we all data dump useless information. Your guys knows your likes and dislikes because you are important to him.
He Lets You Vent
Guys generally dislike drama and long conversations, especially via text and over the phone. But if a guy is willing to let you vent to him, he may be a keeper. Not only does he let you vent, but he tries to come up with solutions for your problems, and to cheer you up. A fella doing all of this is probably already in love.
The foundation of any good relationship is a strong friendship. A guy who is willing to listen to your frustrations, is a guy who is demonstrating that he can be there for you as a friend, and maybe more as well.
His Body Language
A guy's body language can tell you almost everything you want to know, without him having to say a word. He may show that he is nervous by being fidgety in your presence. Your guy's nervousness is because he cares about what you think of him. He may also be smiling really big, which is telling you that he is happy to see you.
Take a look at where he looks when something funny happens and you are in a group setting. Does he look to you first? If yes, he feels closest to you than any other person in the room.
Also notice where is feet are point in group setting. Is he facing your direction? His feet point towards where he wants to look. He want to keep you in his line of sight.
The Time and Effort He Gives You
We are all busy, and our time is valuable. So a guy who is willing to make time for you is showing you how important you are to him. Whether it is giving you a ride to the airport, or helping you with a school or work project, he is showing you that you mean something to him.
We make time for what is important to us. If he is interested, he will make the time and effort to see you. And if he is unable to see you, he will find a way to communicate with you to let you know you are on his mind.
He Asks About Your Day
his goes hand in hand with letting you vent. When a man asks you about your day, he is telling you he cares. He wants to know what is going on in your life, because he wants to be part of it.
Asking about your day is a big deal. He knows it can lead to a long conversation, and possible venting, and he's okay with that because you are a priority to him.
Your Gut Feeling
Even though we sometimes play coy or oblivious, we are usually aware deep down when someone is romantically interested. If he seems interested, then he probably is interested. You can either give him time to make his move, or you can take the lead.
Yes, guys can be confusing at times, and almost seem wishy washy. But just remember, just as you are trying to figure out how he feels about you, he is doing the same with you. Someone has to be willing to put themselves out there if anything is to ever happen.
Now you know the signs to look for in your crush. Is he interested? What are your thoughts? What other signs do you look for?
"The extreme form of passionate love is secret love." - Japanese Proverb