Happy New Year!!

Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go!!_ Brooks Atkinson...Happy New Year everyone!!

Oh la la - Ethiopia !

The first example of our Oh la la treatment has been found in Ethiopian culture and salons. Many of us prefer their butter to be on the raffles or muffins, but in Ethiopia the product is taking a whole different direction.Usually, women are indulged by offering them butter massage all over their bodies, not to mention it’s been a classic recipe for ages and it’s been popular since then. Plastic bags are rapped around the women and the lucky diva is given a large chunk of butter to spread over her body parts. Then the women will be asked to sit on the toilet (surrounded by smoke holes) with her legs wide open and her sensitive area positioned over that hole with heavy blankets rapped around her body. the main concept behind this technique is to  let as much smoke as possible to penetrate and melt the butter, and to tighten up the vaginal muscles for new moms ( post pregnancy) and  brides to be!! VA VA VOOM!

What Should You Know About Cancer?

According to statistics, below is the top 10 most common types of cancer diagnosed in U.S. women:

1. Breast Cancer (117.7)
2. Lung (and Bronchus) Cancer (54.2)
3. Colon and Rectal Cancer (42.7)
4. Corpus and Uterus, NOS (23.1)
5. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (16.1)
6. Skin Melanomas (14.0)
7. Thyroid Cancer (13.8)
8. Ovarian Cancer (12.5)
9. Kidney and Renal Pelvis Cancer (10.0)
10. Pancreatic Cancer (9.7)

A possible genetic contribution to both breast and ovarian cancer risk is indicated by the increased prevalence of these cancers among women with a family history . Additionally, about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, caused by abnormal genes passed from parent to child.

Genes are particles in cells, contained in chromosomes, and made of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA contains the instructions for building proteins, not to mention proteins control the structure and function of all the cells that make up your body. Furthermore, Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and the function of these genes is to repair cell damage and keep breast cells growing normally. But when these genes contain abnormalities or mutations that are passed from generation to generation, the genes don't function normally and breast cancer risk increases. Abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may account for up to 10% of all breast cancers, or 1 out of every 10 cases.

You are substantially more likely to have an abnormal breast cancer gene if:

• You have blood relatives (grandmothers, mother, sisters, aunts) on either your mother's or father's side of the family who had breast cancer diagnosed before age 50.
• There is both breast and ovarian cancer in your family, particularly in a single individual.
• There are other gland-related cancers in your family such as pancreatic, colon, and thyroid cancers.
• Women in your family have had cancer in both breasts.
• You are of Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European) heritage.
• You are African American and have been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35 or younger.
• A man in your family has had breast cancer.

Source: National Cancer Institute; Healia.com

Best Skin Care Products- Award Winners for 2011

As if being  close to Christmas and New Year's Eve isn't exciting enough, we also have revealed a list of the Best Beauty Buys Products that have been chosen by Instyle Magazine, UK. Also, most of them have been chosen for a Hall of Fame award. Happy Holidays 

• Best radiance mask (Radiant Glow Express Mask ) by Sisley
• Best eye make-up remover (Bi-Facil Non Oily Instant Cleanser) by Lancome 
• Best facial exfoliator by Dermalogica
• Best wipe off cleanser (Eau Micellaire Doucer Express Cleansing Water) by Lancome
• Best wash off cleanser by Eve Lom
• Best toner (Tonique Doucer Softening Hydrating Toner) by Lancome
• Best hydrating mask (Express Flower Gel) by Sisley
• Best mask for congested skin by Eve Lom
• Best instant line filler (Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler) by Good Skin Labs
• Best for Serious dark circles by Bremann Research Labs
• Best spot treatment by Dermalogica
• Best eye de-puffer Mask For Puffy Eyes by Origins
• Best age-spot treatment by Clinique
• Best facial oil (Aromessence Néroli Essential Serum)by Decléor
• Best moisturizer with an SPF 15 by Estée Lauder
• Best inexpensive moisturizer with an SPF 15 by Olay
• Best eco/organic range by The Organic Pharmacy
• Best anti-aging cream by Sisley
• Best night cream by Sisley
• Best moisturizer for normal to dry skin by Crème de la Mer
• Best inexpensive anti-aging cream
• Regenerist Replenishing Cream by Olay
• Best moisturizer for normal to oily skin by Dermalogica
• Best Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Serum by Estee Lauder

Do Makeup Samples Worth The Trouble!!

There’s one potential of having a serious consequence when using makeup samples!! According to a study conducted by the MayoClinic, sharing eye makeup can result in conjunctivitis (which is also referred to as pink eyes). This infection of the lining of the eyelid results in red, itchy, watery eyes and can last for up to two weeks . Conjunctivitis is very contagious, so it is easy to spread among people sharing the same makeup sample at beauty stores. Therefore, if you get infected with this disease, your doctor can prescribe medicated eye drops to cure it!!

Additionally, sharing lipstick with a friend/ person who happens to be infected with the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, can pass the virus on to you. You can contract herpes even without visible cold sores present on the infected person.Always remember that this virus is responsible for a wide array of human diseases, and just one incidence of sharing your lipstick can lead to a lifetime of contamination with this condition!!

Does Your Morning Coffee Love you Back?!!

Recent studies have shown the following benefits of the morning coffee:

• It may help Reduce depression.

 A study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that women who regularly consume moderate caffeinated coffee have a 20% lower risk of depression than non-coffee drinkers.

• It may help promote a healthy weight.

 Drinking an espresso or cappuccino after a meal can help to slow down the digestion of any meal. According to David Levitsky, PhD, professor of nutritional science at Cornell University, "Caffeine decreases the rate at which the stomach dumps its contents into the duodenum ,a part of the small intestine where digestion takes place and also increases metabolic rate."

• It may boost fertility in men.  

 "Studies have shown that caffeine has a positive effect on sperm mobility by accelerating the ability of sperms to move toward eggs and increase the chances of [getting pregnant]," says John Wilcox, MD, FACOG, managing partner and reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility in California. On the other hand, a study have shown that Approximately 20% of adult Americans consume greater than 300 mg of caffeine daily. Additionally, some studies have reported that increased caffeine consumption (eg, >300 to 500 mg) is associated with a modest, but statistically significant decline in fertility, while others have not found an adverse effect.

• It may reduce the risk of skin cancer. 

  A new study of Brigham and Women's Hospital found that women who drank more than three          cups of coffee a day had a 20% lower risk for basal cell carcinoma, and men had a 9% reduced risk. However, the research did not indicate if coffee consumption might reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Additionally, according to Mayo Clinic, new study have shown that coffee protects against Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and liver cancer as it has a high content of antioxidants.

I Can't Get Enough of HP Mini by Studio Tord Boontje!!

The HP Mini by Studio Tord Boontje is supposed to be the world's first mini notebook with HP imprint 3D!! Additionally, it includes different features that make your computer unique and environmentally friendly!!

The Art of Makeup - Estée Lauder

                                                                 With love,

                                                                     BT

It’s time to switch to Plan B !

Plan B One-Step pill is a backup plan, which is basically an emergency contraception in just one pill. The sooner you take it, the better it works and prevent any unexpected pregnancy ( if you’re not planning to have one).You should take it within 72 hours (3 days) after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex. According to a study, approximately 7 out of 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant after taking Plan B One-Step pill.

Plan B One-Step is believed to be safe, effective, and FDA-approved. It contains levonorgestrel, which is the same ingredient found in many birth control pills, not to mention it doesn’t contain any estrogen, only progestin. Additionally, it isn’t an abortion pill, and it won’t work if you’re pregnant already!! Additionally, it’s important to have another reliable source of birth control as it won’t work as a birth control by itself and it doesn't protect you from HIV or STDs. Last but not least, Plan B Pill was approved in 1999 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Until August 24, 2006, it was available by prescription only. However, after three years of debate, the FDA announced that the pill would be available to women 18 and older through behind-the-counter inquiries at select licensed drug wholesalers and pharmacies in a number of states, including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Washington !!

A Dose of Inspiration !!

Wangari overcame incredible obstacles to devote her life to serve her children, to her constituents, to the women, and indeed all the people of Kenya and to the world as a whole" Former Vice President Al Gore.
Wangari Maathai is the first woman in central or eastern Africa to hold a Ph.D., first woman head of a University Department in Kenya, and most importantly, first African woman to win the Noble Peace Prize !!

In 1977, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which is  an environmental non-governmental organization focused on the planting of trees, environmental conservation, and women's rights . In 1986, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award , and in 2004, she won her Noble Prize

Wangari passed away in 2011 in Nairobi at the age 71.

The Impact of Divorce on Children!

The Emotionally Damaging Statistics Regarding the Impact of Divorce on Children

• Studies have shown that the death of a parent is LESS devastating to a child than divorce!! 

• Studies in the early 1980's showed that children in repeated divorces earned lower grades, and their peers rested them as less pleasant to be around ( Cherlin, A.(1981). Harvard University Press.) 

• Teenagers in single-parent families and in blended families are three times more likely to need psychological help within a given year( Hill. P. (1993). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry) .

• Children of divorce are at a greater risk to experience injury, asthma, headaches, and speech defects than children whose parents have remained married) (Dawson, (2003). Journal of Marriage and the Family).

• Children living with both biological parents are 20-30 % physically healthier than children form broken homes( Dawson, " Family Structure and Children's Health and Well-being" Journal of Marriage and the Family) .

• Most victims of child molestation come form single-parent households are the children of drug ring members. ( LA Times, 1985). 

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup - Kim Kardashian

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup - Kim Kardashian: Enjoy this Makeup tutorial demonstrating how to create Kim Kardashian's smokey eye look with her makeup artist Stephen Moleski!

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 2)

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 2)

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 3)

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 3)

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 4)

Bella Taro: The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 4)

Bella Taro: The Miracles of BIrth Control Pills

Bella Taro: The Miracles of BIrth Control Pills: Oral contraceptive are very effective pills and many studies have shown that they can reduce risk of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer. ...

Bella Taro: Viagra for Hair !

Bella Taro: Viagra for Hair !: Once upon a time, there was a hair dresser that was inspired by everything unique and edgy and she came across “ Aberdeen Organic Bull ...

Viagra for Hair !

Once upon a time, there was a hair dresser that was inspired by everything unique and edgy and she came across “ Aberdeen Organic Bull Semen Treatment”. Hari’s, a salon in London, is offering clients a conditioning treatment made out of bull’s semen. Basically, the treatment used is semen from Aberdeen Angus bulls, and it’s combined with the root of the protein-rich plant called Katera. the product is an organic product enriched with protein (which is made from the same element as hair). Additionally, the semen is refrigerated before use and doesn’t smell, not to mention it leaves your hair looking wonderfully soft and thick!!!( and NO, you won't look like Cameron Diaz on SOMETHING ABOUT MARY!!)

The Miracles of BIrth Control Pills

Oral contraceptive are very effective pills and many studies have shown that they can reduce risk of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer. According to Dr Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine, "Many women experiment with a few different types before they find one they like," Given below is a list to help you choose the best birth control for you

Note: (check with your gynecologist before trying any of these pills!!)

If You Have: Persistent acne

Try : Ortho Tri-Cyclen 

Why: All women produce some level of testosterone, which can increase oil production and increase breakouts. Ortho Tri-Cyclen contains the skin-friendly hormone norgestimate, which helps minimize the body's testosterone levels and reduce acne . 

If You Have: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) which is basically the emotional symptoms that occurs 5-11 days before the monthly menstrual cycle. 

Try: Yaz or Yasmin 

Why: Both contain drospirenone, a hormone that minimizes water retention and bloating. Additionally, a study found that taking Yaz helps reduce severe pre-period mood swings.

If You Have: Heavy or painful periods 

Try: Seasonale, Seasonique, or Lybrel 

Why: These pills can significantly minimize or even end painful bleeding by reducing the number of periods you get per year

If You Have: A new baby

Try: Nor-Qd, Orthomicronor

Why: Pills that contain estrogen can decrease breast-milk production by up to 5 percent. Progestin only pills (Progestin is synthetic progestogen that has similar effects to progesterone) don't interfere with lactation; however,their effectiveness rate is slightly lower than combination-hormone pills( 92 % vs 98 %). 

If You Have: Menstrual migraines

Try: Mircette 

Why: Usually for many women, migraines are associated with period. Studies have shown that Mirecette can decrease the headache-period combination.

If You Have: Breakthrough bleeding 

Try: Femcon Fe 

Why : Compared with other brands, this gives a lower dose of estrogen, which helps to  minimize breakthrough bleeding, not to mention these pills are mint flavored and chewable! 

Source: Women’s Health Magazine

The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 4)

The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 3)

The Art of Makeup- Kim Kardashian ( Part 2)

The Art of Makeup - Kim Kardashian

Enjoy this Makeup tutorial demonstrating how to create Kim Kardashian's smokey eye look with her makeup artist Stephen Moleski! 

Have You Ever Tried Sheseido Tsubaki?

Shiseido Tsubaki Shining Series contains concentrated pure Camellia oil which enrich your hair and add a significant elasticity and nutrients, not to mention it repairs the damaged hair!!

Celebrate the Uniqueness..Celebrate Shu Uemura

I've been fascinated with makeup, and I've tried every brand you can find!! I solely believe there's nothing in the world like Shu Uemura..It's the magic of beauty!!

Understanding The Body Language!

• Having anything more than a glance indicates initial interest.
• Establishing eye contact then looking a way or down is showed by many experts to be the standard initial sign of interest designed to hook male reaction
• Pupil dilating indicates interest, and arousal
• Lowering head, slightly sideways and looking up with eyelashes slightly lowered shows interest and vulnerability /coyness and this was famously employed by Diana Princess of Wales in her interview wit Martin Bashir following her split with Prince Charles
• Straightening posture, standing taller, chest out are signs of the urge to appear more appealing
• Standing opposite as confrontational positioning in flirting allows direct eye contact and optimizes engagement. 
• Personal Space rules: Less than 4ft between people is personal; less than 18 inches is intimate, and only sustainable when there is mutual interest and attraction.

Autism

Autism is one of the disorders that has grabbed my attention for years, for that reason, I’ve decided to address the correlation of the disorder with Mercury on my Doctorate dissertation. Usually in the brain, nerve cells transmit important messages that regulate body functions , everything from social behavior to movement. According to many studies, autistic children have too many nerve fibers, but not all of them are working well enough to facilitate communication between the various parts of the brain. Additionally, scientists have also discovered irregularities in the brain structures of Autistic children themselves, such as in the corpus callosum (which facilitates communication between the two hemispheres of the brain), amygdala (which affects emotion and social behavior), and cerebellum (which is involved with motor activity, balance, and coordination). They believe these abnormalities occur during prenatal development. In addition, scientists have noted imbalances in neurotransmitters , chemicals that help nerve cells communicate with one another, and two of the neurotransmitters that appear to be affected are serotonin (which affects emotion and behavior) and glutamate (which plays a role in neuron activity). Together, these brain differences may account for autistic behaviors.

Polyvore

Polyvore is one of my favorite websites as it offers the ultimate virtual styling tools, helps you shop the latest fashion clothing , and it aids people to mix and match products to create sets.. You might end up being America's next top stylist!!

How to choose the Sex of your baby

Dr. Landrum B Shettles is a pioneer in infertility treatment, and one of the first experimenters with human conception outside human body, not to mention he was the first to develop the Gamete intrafallopian transder method or ( GIFT). Additionally, he had developed methods for photographing babies in the womb at only a few weeks of gestation; therefore, his work with human conception led him to oppose abortion. According to Dr. Shettle’s theory, the sperm contains the sex chromosome, which predetermines the gender of your baby to be. Additionally, and according to his studies, male sperms are generally smaller, faster and weaker while female sperms are larger, stronger and slower. Based on this observation, scientist were able to determine the gender of the baby and made your dream come true. Finally,there were 1.5 Million copies sold of his book ( How to choose the sex of your baby), which was utterly supported by scientific evidences. If you’re planning to have a baby, then this is the ultimate book to start with!!

My favorite city in the world!! Take a moment in Tokyo

Endometeriosis

Endometriosis is an endorcrine disease or “ disorder” that occurs when cells from the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other areas of the body. This can lead to pain, irregular bleeding, and to infertility in most cases. Endometeriosis affects an estimated 89 million women and girls around the world, regardless to the ethnicity and race. The frequency of allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities in women with endometriosis is higher than in the general population. Additionally, Women with endometriosis are at higher risk of autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancers. According to a study addressed by Endometriosis Association, Infertility affects approximately 40% of women with endometriosis and can be related directly to dioxins which has been used in sanitary napkins and tampons.These products have a semi-synthetic substance called rayon which has been used in these products to achieve maximum absorption. The pads are bleached during the final stage of production, not to mention this bleaching process releases dioxins from the rayon as a bi-product and it can contribute to Endometeriosis in the long run!!

APHRODISIAC

Many countries and cultures have been fascinated by different kinds of food that stimulate the sexual desire and  ameliorate performance. These substances are innumberable and span a wide spectrum of the food chain like: spices, herbs, meat, shellfish and even insects!

Fish Pedicure !!

According to a clip reviewed by CBS News, some of the salons in the U.S. had offered Fish Pedicure. It had started in Thailand, korea and Turkey few years a go and It's becoming a trend in Europe and the rest of the world!!

Are You Aware?!

The First owner of tobacco company Marlboro died of lung cancer!! Philip Morries was the first owner of Marlboro company, and he opened a shop in London's Bond street in 1847, selling tobacco and rolled cigarettes. After posting several articles regarding to the correlation between lung cancer and smoking by Reader's Digest magazine , Philip Morris, and the other cigarette companies took an action and began to market filtered cigarettes. The new Marlboro with a filtered tip was launched in 1955.

Did you Know? ( Cont')

• Quaker Oats can be used for fast pain relief, and it's not for breakfast any more! If you mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain!
• There's a honey remedy for skin blemishes! Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Did you Know?

• Did you know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers?
• Did you know that Colgate Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?
• Did you know that you can get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine Mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
• Vinegar can be used to heal bruises by soaking a cotton ball in white vinegar and applying it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process!!

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf !!

It's Time to Have a Unique Nails!!

Enjoy this very cute technique by cute polish.com

The Art of Makeup- Chanel

Love Gold and Red Chanel 2011 Holiday makeup collection..Very impressive!!

The hair is the Richest Ornament of Women ~Martin Luther

Learn how to do the side Bun Hair style by L'Oréal Paris

The Art of Makeup -Yves Saint Laurent

Enjoy the Yves Saint Laurent 2011 look by YSL

The Art of Makeup - Dior

Enjoy this makeup lesson " The Dior Addict Glow" look by Dior.

It's not only you !!

According to many studies, one in four women will experience severe depression at some point in life, and it’s the number one cause of disability in women. Additionally, married women experience depression more than single women do, and depression is most common among young mothers who stay at home full-time with small children!! Last but not least, at least 90 percent of all cases of eating disorders occur in women, and most of the cases are strongly related to depression. Hence, it’s normal to have symptoms of depression, so talk about it and take an action to cure it!!!

Do you know?

According to a recent study published by Organic Consumers Association and Which has been addressed by recognized Universities. Tha Nanoparticles which are commonly used in sunscreens and cosmetics have powerful harmful effects on certain type of beneficial oil microbes.This finding was published at the National meeting of the American Chemical Society in Salt lake City. However, there is controversy on the severity of the harmful effect of nano particles in beauty products. Therefore, it's better to spend time reading the ingredients label before using any products!

Bella Taro Beauty Tips

It's imperative to apply any collagen or DHC creams before wearing any makeup. Doing so will help your skin maintain its radians and nurturing it's cells. Additionally, applying the sunblock every day( even during the winter season) will help protect your skin and minimize the wrinkles in the long run. Last but not least, be extra careful when using makeup testers!!
According to a study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Brooks, M.D. which was published by the Los Angeles Times, showing that all makeup testers detected the presence of strep, staph, and E.Coli bacteria as well as traces of the cold sore virus herpes, and viral conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Also, it's known that E.Coli equals feces, which can cause some serious infections to your skin and eyes so make sure not to apply any makeup testers to your face or eyes!!!

belles filles

Looking attractive, at any age, is just what Frenchwomen do all the time , especially the urban ones. For French ladies, maintaining their the nice image is as natural as tying a perfect scarf or wearing stilettos on cobblestone streets. Beauty is a tradition handed down from generation to generation! According to many studies,  french women emphasize on maintaining their skin hydrating. Also, they appreciate that good circulation makes one glow, not to mention  they believe that the ultimate solution for having a great look is by having a great haircut, and a divine perfume!!!

The Secret of Japanese Beauty

     
         I really respect the Japanese women who prolong their beauty into middle age and who persistently keep off the pounds. Additionally, the Japanese are the first ones to diet if they think they are even one kilogram overweight. According to study addressed by the University of Florida College of Medicine, the average Japanese person consumes about 25% fewer calories per day that the average American, which could partly explain their lengthy lifespan. Eating just 8% fewer calories per day, while moderately increasing the daily activity level, may be enough to promote longer life !! 

Do You Know?

Do you know that you can get the best facial mask ever by adding 1 egg yolk , 2 Teaspoon egg white , 1 Teaspoon honey , and  1 teaspoon rose water. Mix all the ingredients together and then apply to the face and neck. Leave on for about 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. You will be impressed with the results!!

For your hair mask,  mix 1/2 banana, 1/4 avocado, 1/4 cantaloupe, 1 Teaspoon wheat germ oil, 1 Teaspoon yogurt (and the oil from one Vitamin E capsule, if you want extra conditioning). Blend until smooth then work into hair, leave on 10-15 minutes, then wash out.

Also, do you know that the ultimate treatment for sunburn is Vinegar!! YUP!!

All these recipes were collected by Kirsten Anderberg over a 30 year period.