Yoga Shoulder Stand ---Keeps You Skinny

Here's some excellent news for those of you trying to stay skinny:

The yoga shoulder stand. It does a body good! No kidding.

Many yoga students have experienced incredible weight normalization with the aid of the shoulder stand. The thyroid gland is stimulated during the pose. The shoulder stand helps to promote the correct functioning of the thyroid by increasing the blood supply into the throat area.

Not only is the shoulder stand great for weight control, it also helps those suffering with asthma. As Raghuram, a yogi who has taught yoga to some 16,000 asthmatic patients worldwide, explains it, "In this posture, the diaphragm muscle is strengthened because it has to work against gravity. This opens the chest and improves lung capacity."

The yoga shoulder stand is also good for those with varicose veins, since it allows the blood to flow out of the legs. The exercise pose does wonders for your belly and legs, too. It strengthens them and tones them up.

If you can do the shoulder stand for 2 minutes, once a day, you will gradually pick up the benefits. Start out slowly, and be sure your chin is pressed against your chest during the pose. Breathe slowly and deeply.

Do not attempt the shoulder stand if you suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or slipped discs (always best to check with your doctor before trying). And do not get into this position during your period. The inversion of your body can cause dizziness or nausea. However, doing the shoulder stand when you don't have your period, is said to relieve menstrual cramps in the long run.

Botox and Restylane With Dr. Brandt

First there was Botox, and now there are fillers to plump you up. Learn what Dr. Frederic Brandt has to say about the hottest shots around-- Botox and Restylane.

They say Dr. Frederic Brandt is so sought after, that he has a mile long list of celebrity clientele. No, he’s not naming names, but the Hollywood A-listers flock to him at his Miami and New York City offices, and so do unfamous folks.

It’s been noted that Botox procedures have jumped some 400% in the last several years. Botox cosmetic is really from the botulinum toxin type and continues to hold the distinction of number one injectable in the United States. Dr. Brandt isn’t surprised at its popularity.

“Botox cosmetic has revolutionized our field,” Dr. Brandt says. “Botox is easy to administer, safe and effective, and not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but also has the effect of preventing the future formation of wrinkles and fine lines if used appropriately.”

Dr. Brandt has been credited with creatively injecting botox to “lift” the face and make patients appear several years younger and refreshed. “The Botox cosmetic is used to create a ‘face-lift” by raising the eyebrows and tightening the neck platysmal bands and diminishing the appearance of the horizontal lines of the neck. As always, these procedures have to be performed by trained physicians.”

Restylane is a newer injectable on the block, and like Botox, it is a non-invasive procedure. Restylane does something Botox does not, and that is, add fullness to skin that is aging.

Restylane is still one of the most popular FDA-approved injectables out there. Dr. Brandt explains. “It is a filler, so it is different from Botox. Restylane is used to restore volume and fill in the wrinkles and folds temporarily. Botox is a paralyzing agent–it does not have an effect on volume. However, the combination of these therapies creates amazing results without the potential of surgery. Patients love these therapies since they get results or ‘instant gratification’ with one or only a few treatments.”

Restylane is a cosmetic filling agent made of Hyaluronic acid, which already occurs naturally in the body. It’s effects on the skin last up to 9 months.

With the right set of injectables like Botox and fillers, Dr. Brandt suggests that an adult can erase 5 to 10 years from their age. In the meantime, he says we could all benefit by being sensible about the sun and general lifestyle.

“It is important that patients take care of their skin by avoiding sun exposure (always use an UVB-UBA sun screen). They can be using a very expensive repair cream at night, and then the following day, they play golf or tennis under the sun all day without proper protection. Clean your face extremely well, especially before going to bed, and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine,” Dr. Brandt says.

Dr. Brandt has his own skin care line at: http://www.drbrandtskincare.com.

Madonna, is said to be a big fan of his products.

How To Look Younger By Bobbi Brown

We all want to look younger, and yes, the right makeup can take us there. Women love Bobbi Brown's no nonsense makeup routine, and her healthy, natural approach to looking good.

And as Bobbi would remind us all, try to be the best you can be. Don't try to look like someone else. When she was growing up, all-American model, Cheryl Tiegs, was Bobbi's beauty icon. Cheryl was tall, slender with blonde hair and blue eyes. Bobbi Brown looked nothing like her and was disappointed in not resembling Cheryl Tiegs, until she saw actress Ali MacGraw with her long dark hair and eyes. Bobbi then finally "saw the possibilty of my own beauty."

Well said.

Bobbi has more advice on how to look younger instantly. She told Harper's Bazaar Magazine:

"Use color to bring out your cheeks. Everyone should have a beautiful pink blush. As soon as you put it on, you won't notice anything else. Playing up your features will draw attention away from lines."

Try Bobbi Brown's Pink Satin Collection Blush in Pale Pink ($20).

For more information, visit: http://www.bobbibrown.com/.

Bobbi Brown's lifestyle appears at her website. This is the philosophy she tries to follow:

1. Always be on time.
2. Look people in the eye.

3. Tell the truth.

4. Don't smoke.

5. Drink lots of water.

6. Exercise.

7. Eat healthy.

8. Read.

9. Be nice.

10. Never give up.

How To Lose Weight During Your Menstrual Cycle

Ladies, we all want to lose a little weight, but it can get complicated because of our menstrual cycle. There are many ups and downs, days of bloating, days the body doesn't want to move, etc.

What if there were a way to learn exactly when your body burns the most fat?

Wouldn't you pay a high price for that precious nugget?

Muscle & Fitness Magazine did an article on the female fat cycle. And according to researchers from Australia, all women are equal and alike during certain times of their menstrual cycle. For instance, one study found that,"the female body burns much more fat, especially during high-intensity aerobic exercise, during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle than it does during the follicular phase."

In other words, you will lose more weight during days 14-28 of your period than during days 1-13 of your period. It has to do with the estrogen and progesterone levels during a woman's cycle.

Now to take advantage of your own fat burning machine, do lower-intensity exercise when you get your period. Use about 60%-70% of your maximum heart rate for about 40-60 minutes per session for days 1-13. Do cardio on the treadmill or elliptical climber.

Around day 14, switch over to high-intensity exercise, where you use 80%-90% maximum heart rate for about 30 minutes per session. Do that tougher exercise regimen for days 14-28. Push your cardio on the stationary bike or stair-stepper.

This plan will help you really strip the fat and lose weight.

Yogurt For Natural Beauty

Sometimes, our mothers and grandmothers knew best. Yes, yogurt is really good for you and is a wonderful natural beauty treatment. And it's delicious!

Yogurt delivers lots of vitamins and minerals to the body. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium and as most of you already know, yogurt maintains good gastro-intestinal health.

Here are two perfect reasons to eat yogurt for natural beauty on the outside:

1. For clear skin. If you suffer from acne, try plain yogurt.

Some women find benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid to be rough on their sensitive skin. And there are others who don’t like putting such ‘chemical’ treatments on their faces.

Just add plain yogurt with live cultures to your diet. The acidophilus present in yogurt is that of ‘friendly’ bacteria. It will clear up your skin and also prevent vaginal yeast infections. Well, that’s what some women swear by.

2. For healthy gums. Any flavor is fine for periodontal purposes.

According to a recent study at Japan's Kyushu University, researchers found that those who ate fermented milk products such as yogurt (at least 2 oz. a day), had significantly improved gum health. The key 'magic' ingredient being calcium.

Of course, you would want to choose your yogurt carefully. We're talking natural and organic.

Celebrities like Cindy Crawford have given thumbs up to Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt.

Cindy makes a smart choice, too. Stonyfield Yogurt has been around for 25 years and is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The popular yogurt brand adds six live cultures to its yogurts to help keep folks naturally balanced. And with flavors like Black Cherry, Key Lime, and Lotsa Lemon, what's not to love?

For more information, visit: http://www.stonyfield.com/.

Face Serums And How To Use Them

Serum or cream? That's a skin care choice that many women become confused about. Usually, women with oily skin, select the face serum, because it is lighter and won't clog pores. Those with dry skin, pick the face cream because it's heavier and provides moisturizing effects. But not always....

If you want to battle the signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin, always opt for the serum.

According to New York City dermatologist, David J. Goldberg, the face serums are more potent. "Creams usually contain less than 10 percent of active ingredients; serums have up to 70 percent," he says. So, in other words, you are getting more bang for your buck, with a serum.

Here are 3 top-notch face serums:

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement, 1 fl. oz, $60. http://www.bobbibrown.com/.

Good for all skin types. Bobbi brown's face serum is made with white birch extract to reduce the look of fine, dry lines. Grape extract is also featured in this serum, to brighten the complexion. After one month, you should see firmer skin with a smoother surface and a lovely glow.

Skin Biology Super CP Serum, 1 oz, $23.95. http://www.skinbiology.com/.

Skin Biology's Super CP is a strong skin remodeling face serum made with its patented copper peptides. Just a few tiny drops smoothed over the face in the morning, followed by an hydroxy acid at night. Skin will tighten up and complexion will brighten after a few weeks of usage.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum, 1 oz, $19.99. http://www.neutrogena.com/.

A highly concentrated formula with a good amount of Retinol combined with anti-oxidant multi vitamins. After four weeks, you should notice a healthier glow with smoother skin, and wrinkles appear less noticeable.

Perfume. Design Your Own Fragrance

Ladies, let's be honest. Perfume is a very personal thing. Your fragrance is your own. In fact, don't you hate it when you're smelling your own perfume on the woman behind you in the checkout line?

I once complimented a friend on the cologne she was wearing. She told me the label, how unique a fragrance it was, and that not too many women knew about it. Then I went out and bought some. The next time I bumped into my friend, she smelled the fragrance on me. And she was fuming that I had stolen HER scent.

You get the picture. Well, now you can design or create your own perfume! How wonderful is that?! Check out www.perfumelab.com.

Perfume Lab is a company located in France. For 30 euro, or about $47, you can 'build' your very own fragrance. And for about 75 euro, or $118, you can receive your individual perfume creation kit.

According to Perfume Lab, a single perfume can contain up to 300 ingredients and take up to 2 years to create. But Perfume Lab has made the process so much easier.You can choose from 21 ingredient bases, like vanilla, amber, and citrus. You also get an education in fragrance-making. Perfumes have top notes, middle notes and end notes. You choose the amount of this and that.

The only drawback to such a special website like perfumelab.com, is its inability to provide smell-a-vision. You cannot inhale the aroma of your creation. However, the folks at Perfume Lab are more than happy to assist your in your fragrance design.

Come on. How romantic and lovely would it be to receive your own perfume! Wouldn't this make a super gift?