Thursday, October 8, 2009

Pregnancy Tips for First Time Moms

Pregnancy tips for first time moms a couple should know

Pregnancy Tips for First Time Moms


Here are some useful pregnancy tips for first-time mothers as well as those who are expecting another addition to the family.

1. Sleep Routine


When you have a new baby, getting up at night can be exhausting. New babies are likely to sleep for around two to four hours in one stretch, rising to six hours by the time they are three months old. Start as you mean to go on by making 'night' different from 'day', using soft lights, voices and sounds to encourage your baby to stay sleepy rather than waking up to play.


2. No Bed-Sharing


You should never share a bed with your baby if anyone in the bed has a sleeping disorder, is a smoker, has been drinking or taking medication that causes drowsiness or is very tired.

3. Encouraging Sleep


Try to encourage good sleep patterns early on with your newborn by putting the baby down to sleep when nearly asleep, but not quite. The sooner they learn to do that last bit of falling asleep on their own, the easier it will be for everyone.


4. Stressed-Out-Cries


Some research have shown that babies left to cry for long periods in the first few months of life might stop crying, but their stress levels remain high. Most babies are fine if left for five, 10 or 15 minutes, but if crying continues, they might be becoming stressed.

5. Stay Smoke Free


The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death, increases if one or both parents smoke or if anyone is allowed to smoke in the same room as the baby. Keep your child away from second-hand smoke and ask all smokers to refrain for an hour before they handle your child.

6. Lay Baby Flat


Don't leave your baby to sleep for long periods of time in a car seat or reclining seat where their backs are bent. Babies's bones are very malleable, so laying them flat is better for their backs.

7. Raise The Bed


If your baby has a cold, it can often cause sleep problems. Try raising one end of their cot (crib) so that they are sleeping on a slight slope, which will help clear their nose. But avoid this if your child has weak lungs as it could make any cough worse.

8. Cry little baby


Most experts agree it’s impossible to spoil a young baby with attention. The more attention a baby gets, the more secure he/she will feel. Some will take advantage of this habit to get what they want – like crying for food, to have their napkin changed or just to be held and caressed.

9. Support the head


A new baby is not strong enough to support its own head, so be sure to avoid injuries by carefully supporting the head and neck when you hold, carry or pick up your baby.

10. Stop the exercise


You shouldn’t exercise for around six weeks after you have given birth because your body needs to rest in order to allow the abdominal muscles to contract as well as to tighten the ligaments.

11. Get some rest


Having a baby can be stressful. Not only are you exhausted from giving birth, there’s no chance to catch up on that much-needed sleep now that your baby’s around. Try to get as much rest as possible and eat well too.

12. Mummy blues


Mothers who have undergone difficult deliveries are more likely to be among the one-in-10 women who suffer post-natal depression. Speak to your family doctor or join a support group with other mothers to work out your feelings.

Do You want to have your DREAM BIRTH and make it Memorable Forever?



Source: Family Ties, theSun, September 29 and October 6, 2009

Friday, September 7, 2007

Best Skin Care For Oily Skin

The Best Skin Care For Oily Skin

by: Low Jeremy

Oily skin can be really tricky to take care of because one wrong move can spell disaster for the skin. One must remember that among the basic skin types, oily skin is perhaps the most sensitive and easily triggered.

Although having oily skin will lessen the possibility of developing wrinkles and lines early in life, one will compensate by being prone to acne, pimples and all sorts of blemishes. This is because over-activity of the sebaceous glands make it more likely for the pores in the skin to get clogged. Clogging of pores with grime, dead skin cells and bacteria trapped inside, can result to swelling and red bumps.

Below are some of the tips that will help you take care of your oily skin.

1. Choose what you put in your face

Oily skin can be very sensitive to irritation. This makes choosing the products that will not irritate the skin all the more difficult. For despite having products that are made especially for oily skin, there are skin types that are very allergic to some ingredients.

It is also recommended that people with oily skin refrain from using cosmetics and skin care products that are oil-based or those that are oily. Using oily products will only add to the oil already on the skin. They should instead use water-based products that are easily removed.

2. Wash your face

Another solution to a problem is the frequent washing of the face. This is done to prevent the build-up of oil on the skin which in turn will prevent the occurrence of acne. Basic hygiene is the single best solution to acne problems in oily skin.

3. Remove Make-up

Another reason why pores are clogged is the interaction of chemicals and oil on the skin. To prevent this, avoid sleeping while there is still make-up on your skin. This is actually a no-no for all skin types but all the more important for people with oily skin.

4. Be consistent with your treatment

In taking care of oily skin, it is important that you are consistent with your treatment. Most people with oily skin will probably be asked to use cleansers and then toners. Astringents are also popular as it helps exfoliates the skin and remove dead skin cells on the surface. Moisturizers are sometimes forgone because the skin is oily and moisturized as it is.

About The Author

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Skin-Care & other useful information, please visit http://skin-care.articlekeep.com

“You don't have to waste your money on expensive products, creams, and lotions that simply do not work. No matter how oily your skin is, I want you to know I have a solution for you.” Click Here: Oily Skin Solution



Four Secrets Beauty & Wellness

4 Secrets for Beauty & Wellness

by: Chanelle Washington

4 Secrets for Beauty & Wellness: Learn basic tips that “really” work to look and feel your best

Invest in Self-Care

No amount of expensive beauty products can hide fatigue, stress, unresolved drama and suppressed anger. Look in the mirror, declare that “I am worthy of uninterrupted time, to nurture my body, mind & soul” Create a dates for relaxing facials, perfect pedicures, serene baths, exciting makeovers, and tranquil massages.

Maintain Healthy Hair

Healthy hair looks more attractive, it provides more styling options, and enhances your natural beauty. Once a month massage a plant-based oil into your scalp and hair, after shampooing. For additional aromatherapy benefits, try Indigofera’s Jojoba Hair Oil. Then, sit under a hooded dryer or bask in the sun for 30 mins. Rinse hair, dry and style as usual.

Learn to apply a “minimalist” look

Every woman can enhance her look with basics like bronzer, mascara and lip-gloss. Neutral shades and sheer color on lips can work for the office, cocktails or romantic evenings. Experiment with creating your look ahead of time.

Tip: well-shaped brows make a real difference in your appearance.

Keep your smile white naturally

You deserve a beautiful smile. Before you spend a fortune on whitening kits or procedures, try this: Make a paste with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a drop of peppermint essential oil. Brush teeth thoroughly, **do not swallow and rinse well. Repeat daily for one month and observe a remarkable improvement.

“Be Radiantly Beautiful…..”

©2006 Chanelle Washington, Indigofera
For more tips sign up for our newsletter.


About The Author
Chanelle Washington is a passionate, powerful and effective speaker, author and entrepreneur. She is President of Indigofera “treasures for body, mind & soul. A beauty and wellness company” She empowers others with “Optimal Wellness ” & “ Entrepreneurial Success” workshops. Her audiences leave inspired with valuable skills and relevant knowledge. Contact her at wellness@indigofera.com


Makeup Secrets

Makeup Secrets

by: Asuncion Parra Llorente

Makeup secrets to correct the most common problems

1. A secret to liven up dull, lifeless skin.

2. A trick for correcting acne, eye rings and skin blemishes.

3. An easy guide to knowing what skin-type you have

4. Tricks for making yourself up in 10 minutes

1. A secret to liven up dull, lifeless skin.

Though it may seem complicated; with a few quick steps your skin can change in a matter of seconds.

Three basic steps ;

1. Cleansing

Cleanse your face with your usual make-up remover and finish cleansing by rinsing your whole face in cold water

2. Exfoliation

Apply an exfoliating face pack over the whole face, not forgetting the neck, and avoiding the eye and lip areas (Follow the product-specific instructions), later remove the face pack with water and pat the face dry, without rubbing.

3. Moisturising

First apply a moisturising tonic if your skin is dry or normal, and a descaling cleansing tonic if your skin is combination or greasy. Apply it over totally dry skin with a cotton pad in small touches without spreading it, so as not to irritate the skin.

Apply eye contour treatment if you need it, or if you normally use it.

Apply a moisturising serum for your skin-type (this is normally sold in ampoules at the chemist’s. Most make-up brands also produce different serums according to skin type)

Finally, apply the moisturising cream over the whole face, once the serum has been properly absorbed.

THE KEY STEP: The most important step here is the exfoliation, as skin normally appears dull and lifeless when there are dead skin cells that need removing. You should do the cleansing and moisturising steps daily (except for the serum which would be for specific occasions, according to the indications on the product used).

2. A trick for correcting acne, eye rings and skin blemishes.

The corrector/concealer is the star product here, but if you don’t have one, we are adding a trick to be able to use foundation instead of corrector.

Eye rings

Apply foundation the way you normally would (foundation should be liquid or in a cream texture) once you are done, apply the foundation with a synthetic-hair brush, once again on the eye ring region. When you finish, using a large powder puff, apply a little loose powder that is lighter than your makeup base. Apply the powder in small touches and in tiny quantities, so as not to produce folds in such a delicate area.

For acne or facial blemishes

Just as in the last step, but in the area you need to correct, here the powder you apply should be the same tone as the foundation, or totally transparent.

With this step what you have done is concentrate the foundation over the area to be corrected. Of course, the ideal thing is to use a specific corrector for eye rings, and another specific one for acne (there are brands that do acne correctors which treat as well as correct) in this case you can follow the same steps, and use corrector instead of the foundation, and you’ll see how much better the result is than when you use corrector alone.

3. An easy guide to knowing what skin-type you have

These are the most common skin types; pay attention to the characteristics of each, and identify your skin type. The best thing is always to consult a dermatologist or aesthetician.

DRY SKIN

The skin feels dry and tight.

Wrinkles appear easily, and it has no grease unless you moisturise.

Dry skin normally has a soft aspect, with small pores. It’s uncommon for it to have blackheads or zits.

Dryness may increase or decrease depending on the environment, the weather, computers, air conditioning.

One way of determining the skin’s dryness is to take it between thumb and fingers, pushing it up and then letting it go. If it snaps back to place immediately, then it’s sufficiently moisturised, if there is a little delay, then it needs moisturising.

To keep this skin soft and smooth, you need highly moisturising products, products with nutrients, moisturising face packs and eye contour treatment for day and night. Soaps should be avoided as they tend to dry up the skin. The same goes for products that contain alcohol.

NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin is neither greasy nor dry, and tends not to have zits.

The skin is perfect and appears fresh and smooth. This perfect-looking skin has small pores, and can be a little greasier in the T zone. This skin-type is not very common among adults, but can be found among almost all children.

People with this skin-type should use products specially for normal-to-sensitive skin in order to maintain this type of skin. They should avoid products that contain alcohol.

COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin has a greasy area: the T zone, and is normal over the cheeks and neck. One needs to choose products very carefully. Moisturising a lot, and avoid drying the skin, putting a particular emphasis on cleanliness.

GREASY SKIN

Greasy skin tends to appear dull, and have blackheads. This skin is constantly producing grease. Greasy skin keeps young for longer. This skin type should be treated with specific, oil-free products but that should be sufficiently moisturising. Besides this, cleansing should be done with cleansing face packs, together with other products for greasy-skin care. The quality of this type of skin will vary from one day to the next, depending on external factors such as tobacco, stress, weather, food, etc.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Irritated blood vessels below the skin are typical in sensitive skin. Skin often feels dry and gets irritated very easily. Perfumed products and soaps can irritate this type of skin. Even products specially designed for sensitive skin can cause inflammation. The only way to find the right kind of product for it is to try them out beforehand. Products should be tried out on the inside of the arm, as any potential reaction will not be as strong here as on the face. Sensitive skin is most common among blonde or red-haired people.

Recommended products for this skin-type are gentle and very moisturising ones. Avoid very perfumed products or those that contain alcohol. Sensitive skin should not be overly exposed to the sun or to very warm temperatures.

4. Tricks for making yourself up in 10 minutes

These are the steps to follow once the skin is totally clean and moist:

Apply corrector in the areas that need it

Put the foundation on

Put the rouge on

Put on eye pencil

Put on mascara

Put on lip pencil

Put on lip gloss or balm

And that’s it. You’ll be completely made up and with a natural and pleasant aspect.

And yes, this make up should last all day, except of course on your lips, and besides, it should take you no more than 10 minutes to put on.

Below we describe each step:

-Apply corrector where necessary

This step should take a few seconds, and the difference between doing it and not doing it can be significant.

Those among you with perfect skin can avoid it, and just use it as an illuminator.

I recommend using it before foundation, although there are products on the market which are meant to be used afterwards; it doesn’t matter, as the question is to correct these areas.

The key thing here is to use the corrector in the areas where the foundation will not be able to unify the tone: a zit, a very noticeable eye ring. Once you are through you can switch to putting on the foundation.

Put on the foundation

Use a make-up sponge (with or without latex, according to preference and skin type) and moisten it (just lightly) so as to be able to spread it more quickly (naturally, I am referring here to liquid or cream foundation, which are the easiest and quickest to put on).

For the liquid version, apply some on the upper part of your left hand (or the other way round if you are left-handed), and dab the liquid foundation lightly with the dampened sponge, but don’t pick it all up.

Start to apply the foundation from the forehead towards the sides, next from the nose towards either side, then the chin towards either side and upwards, and lastly the neck and the ears, if you are short-haired.

Once your whole face is made up, with another part of the sponge, go over the areas where you can see too much make-up, and spread it in small upward strokes.

Put more emphasis on the areas that need correction most, for instance on the outer corner of the eye (this tends to go red) on the nostrils and around the lips.

Applying rouge

This is the easiest bit. Use a tone that flatters you and apply it on the cheekbone and on the mobile eyelid with a rouge brush, blending well so that it ends up looking natural, with a loose powder brush, or using the same rouge brush but with no product on.

That's it. You can go to the next step now.

Applying eye pencil

This step is a perfect trick if you have few eyelashes or want to make them look thicker than they are.

Sharpen the pencil, and for daytime makeup use one in dark brown or grey (for it to look more natural) and apply it in small touches (not in a line) among the lashes on the mobile lid, avoiding the tear duct area, and end up three or four lashes short of where the eye ends.

The idea is that it look like we have more lashes, not like we are wearing mascara.

If it is too noticeable, its because you have put too much product on. Don’t worry: just blend it out with a fine brush or a Q-tip.

Applying mascara

This is an indispensable step in make-up. I know that many of you don’t like mascara because you’ve got to remove it later, it runs, etc. The truth is that, yes, obviously you have to remove it in the end, but if you use a good mascara (for daytime it needn’t be water-resistant: normal ones come off easily) as well as protecting your eyelashes all day, it’ll come off when removed.

A good trick is to always do the lower lashes first, to avoid staining the upper eyelid. Apply the mascara in zigzag fashion, then apply the mascara on the upper lashes, firstly downwards, then upwards. You needn’t put on too much mascara, as this is daytime make-up.

You can use a dark brown mascara but as we are using so little colour in the face, I recommend the black, unless you’re a very light-blue-eyed blonde.

Applying lipstick

Although this is basic daytime makeup, I recommend not to forget the lips. If you’ve paid attention, you’ll have noticed that at no time did I say that I recommend making the lips up with foundation , since, the way I see it, foundation on the lips does not look very natural.

Use a pencil very close in tone to your lip, tending towards the pink but with brown pigments, outline the lips and put some inside the lips also. This way it’ll last you a lot longer and you won’t need to use lipstick unless you so desire.

Apply gloss or balm

The pencil will normally tend to dry a bit, and to blend the colour in you’ll need a little gloss or balm, which one is up to you; balm is more moisturising and natural, and gloss makes your lips thicker and more juicy.

Final touch

Apply an illuminator (or if you don’t have one, a bit of white, semi-pearl powder will do) in the space below the eyebrow , at the top of the cheekbone, and on the chin, so as to light up the face in a very natural manner, making you look spectacular.


About The Author

Asuncion Parra Llorente is a Beauty coach and founder and professional Make Up teacher at the Make Up school Elite Make Up. http://www.elitemakeup.com/beauty

How To Measure Bra Size

How To Measure Bra Size

by: Galia Ivanova

Do you know how to measure your bra size?

Do you know what your bra size is? Of course you do, otherwise how do you shop for a new bra, right? But do you know that measuring your bra size every six months is absolutely necessary?

If you don’t measure your bra size every six months you risk buying yourself an uncomfortable bra. That happens often when you shop online. Well, you can return the product if it does not fit you, but you can also save yourself a lot of time and troubles just by measuring your bra size every six months.

You want to know how to find you bra size now, but you are not sure how exactly to do it? I am her to help you, it is very easy.

Measuring bra size

Your bra size combines two sizes - your Band size (Band measurement) and your Cup size (Cup measurement).

For example: a bra size of “36B” combines the two sizes – “36” (Band size) and “B” (Cup size).

First you should measure your band size - the numeric portion in your bra size (ex: the “36” in “36B”). Here is how to:

Measure under your arms, high on your back, around the top of your chest.

If this measurement is an even number (assume 36 inches) that is your band size.

If this measurement is an odd number (assume 35 inches) add 1 inch to find your correct band size of 36 inches.

Second you should measure your cup size – the letter portion in your bra size (ex: the ''B'' in ''36B''). Here is how to:

Put on your favorite comfortable and supportive bra and measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust.

Let us assume that you measured 38 inches.

Finally subtract your band size (36 inches) from your cup size (38 inches) that equals to 2 inches. Each inch difference represents one cup size in this example that difference is 2 inches, which equals to cup size “B”. As you may guessed you need a bra size chart to determine your correct cup size and I will give it below.

Now you know your band size (38 inches) and you found your cup size is “B”, so you can combine these two sizes into your current correct bra size of 38B.

Bra size chart

Cup size chart - actually I can’t insert a table here, so I will give you the table in a list style:

1-inch difference: A cup
2-inch difference: B cup
3-inch difference: C cup
4-inch difference: D cup
5-inch difference: DD cup
6-inch difference: DDD cup
7-inch difference: DDDD cup
8-inch difference: FF cup

Conclusion

To conclude properly I must tell you that bra sizes differ according to the country of the bra manufacturers.

Example:

European E cups equal to American DDD cups, unless otherwise indicated.

French E cups equal to USA DD cups, and French F cups equal to USA DDD cups.

One more thing for all women, who measure their band and cup sizes into centimeters. Keep in mind that 1 inch equals to 2.54 centimeters, so after measuring your band and cup sizes, divide them by 2.54 and you will find your band and cup sizes in their inch equivalents.

Example:

Your band size in centimeters is 92 divided by 2.54 is about 36.22, ignore the fraction and you have your band size of 36 inches. If you ever get an odd number, add “1” to find your correct band size.

Your cup size in centimeters is 97 divided by 2.54 is about 38.19, ignore the fraction and your cup size is 38 inches.

You already know the rest. I know I got into too many mathematical operations, so I am really sorry, but it just could not do without them.


About The Author

Galia Ivanova
For more detailed bra size chart and the comparison bra charts for different countries, please visit: http://lingerie.clothesbest.com and http://sleepwear.clothesbest.com for sexy sleepwear.

A Woman’s Health Checklist

A Woman’s Health Checklist

by: Kadence Buchanan

Regular exercise and a balanced, healthy diet are the hallmarks of good health. However, although you may be doing your best to fulfill the requirements of these two essentials, there is still a lot to be concerned about. That is why it is advisable to have regular visits to the doctor to undergo tests to monitor your health and check for possible diseases.

During your visits, the doctor will usually ask about your personal medical history and that of your family to determine past incidence of heart disease, breast cancer or thyroid disease.

The following is a simple health checklist that every woman must be aware of.

1. Teeth

Upon turning 18, women are encouraged to visit their dentists at least once a year for a dental exam and cleaning.

2. Eyes

It is recommended that women undergo an eye exam every other year. Upon turning 40, women should have eye examinations at least once every year even though they may have no problems with their sight. And after age 45, women are encouraged to undertake regular testing for glaucoma.

3. Hearing

Doctors recommend that women past the age of 65 should have their hearing checked annually.

4. Blood Pressure

Most doctors advise their women patients to have their blood pressure checked at least every two years.

5. Physical Exams

When a woman is in her twenties, she should have at least two physicals during a 10-year span. Each physical should check her height and weight as well as her cholesterol levels. If the cholesterol level is normal, succeeding check-ups can be undertaken every five years until the woman reaches the age of 65 and then every three to five years afterwards.

From the ages of 30 to 65, women should have a physical examination every one to five years based on her overall health. After the age of 65, she should have regular check-ups that monitor blood pressure and other tests including a blood test and urinalysis.

6. Breast Exam

The American Cancer Society recommends that women undergo a self-examination of their breasts every month to detect any bumps that may signify the onset of breast cancer. Their website provides detailed instruction on how to do this properly.

7. Mammograms

After the age of 40, women should undergo annual mammogram testing to determine the possible presence of breast cancer. If a woman has breast cancer in her family, then she should subject herself to a mammogram earlier than that. For the best results, it is advisable to undergo the mammogram at the same medical facility and, if possible, using the same machine, to ensure accuracy.


About The Author

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://forahealthywoman.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://iwomensworld.net/ and http://thenursingcenter.com/.

Natural Skin Care

Natural Skin Care

by: Sandra Alviar

There are a lot of good reasons to make your own skin care products. Many people are opting for a natural approach to lifestyle, from dietary choices to skin care products. By making your own treatments, you can be sure of exactly what goes into them. Some of you may have had an allergic reaction to many commercial products and seek natural skin care products out of necessity. Maybe you feel that commercial skin care products are too expensive and you just don't want to pay high prices.

A healthy diet is also essential to radiant skin. Eating fruits and vegetables everyday is very important. If you don't like fruits or vegetables, experiment with them until you find something you do like. Healthy skin is a result of many factors: a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, good skin care practices and a positive, relaxed mental attitude.

Water is also crucial for healthy skin, keeping it soft and supple. Many of the natural skin care recipes include water to cleanse the skin externally; but it is even more beneficial when consumed internally. Doctors recommend drinking 8-ounce glasses of water each day, and more when you are sick or out in the sun or heat. You will get much better results from your skin care treatments if you consume the recommended amounts of water.

Another way to help hydrate the skin and receive vitamins and minerals is by drinking herbal tea. They are easy to make and there are a number of different teas to choose from. Do some tea tasting to see which herbs you like best, and try combining several. Mixing herbal tea with fruit juice is a great way to get natural sweetness and the benefits of the herbs at the same time.

Some Herbs for the Skin and Hair:
Black alder (for skin eruptions)
Bergamot tea (cleanses the system)
Burdock
Dandelion
Horsetail
Nettles
Oat straw
Sarsaparilla
Stevia
Yellow dock

Regular exercise promotes good blood circulation, which in turn helps maintain healthy skin. Try to find a form of exercise that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. Exercise also helps relieve stress and promotes a healthy mental attitude, another element in achieving healthy radiant skin. Relaxation is the key to getting the most these herbal treatments.


About The Author

Sandra Alviar is a writer for http://SkinCareCompany.net. She has written many articles and has worked in the skin care field for the last 5 years. To view more of her articles please visit http://www.skincarecompany.net.