New Cleansing Brush...I like it!

I have to admit, I've always wanted to purchase a Clarisonic Cleansing Brush...but I've had a hard time getting over the $195+ price tag.

VS.

Well, recently I noticed that Olay launched a cleansing brush of their own...only $30 and available at Walgreeen, Walmart, etc. At first I was skeptical....would it cleanse as well as the pricier version??? I also, had to get over my aversion of OTC products. As a trained and licensed Master Esthetician, I am a big believer in professional products vs. products sold in the big box stores!!!

So I did a little research...and then decided to buy...I saved my receipt and will submit w/my taxes, I consider it research so I can inform my clients on whether they should spend their $30 or save for the big-bang product.

Click on review if you want to read one of the reviews I found online.

Here's what I found....I like it....really like it! My skin feels, softer and less dry. It's a great exfoliator. My skincare products seem to penetrate better and maybe it's hopeful thinking, but I'm sure my skin is much more glowy!!! It has 2 speeds, I use the slower speed under my eyes...my husband thinks the faster speed is too iritating for his skin, but he's not as tough as most women. (One year I told him for his bday I was giving him a rejuvenating facial laser treatment....oh yah, that's a story for another day!!!!) The biggest difference between Olay and Clarisonic is that Olay only spins in 1 direction, where Clarisonic rotates in either direction. The Olay cleansing brush did come w/an exfoliating cleansing scrub...but I have only used it with my favorite products...Image! Also, I just keep it on the ledge in my shower....I makes me excited to cleanse my face!!! Gotta love that!

Final Decision....Like It!!!!

I made a "Shoe Connection"!!!

The Runner's Corner in Orem may have saved me! One day I had an after lunch appt cancel, so with an extra long lunch in my favor, I decided to drop by "The Runner's Corner, something I've been meaning to do for several months and hadn't taken the time to do. I was a little intimidated at first, the store really looked like a place for pro-runners, I definitely did not belong here. I met the owner, Hawk, a super nice guy...explained my (old woman) foot issues to him and after spending an hour with him, he had me outfitted w/some new shoes!!! He had me run for him...of course at first I was mortified...me, run, outside, in my skinny jeans, people might see me...but I got over myself and I ran. I must of tried out 10 different types of running shoes...learned that for my problem, I had to lace/tie them a special way and even though I'm a size 6 1/2 shoe...I needed a size 8 running shoe!!! That also freaked me out! As the typical woman, I always have issues with numbers....whether they are on the scale, on calories listed, on clothes and yes, I guess shoes, call me crazy. Again, I got over myself and now I am running in a SIZE 8!

I found a few shoes that would work for me...but some of them were to crazy for my conservative self. Hawk said that finding the right pair of running shoes is like finding a mate. At the end of my hour of trying on shoes, running in them, I finally found my mate...they are actually the shoes pictured at the start of my blog. I want to give Hawk a HUGE thanks for all the time/energy he spent with me, he was the best. I never felt as though he was out for a sale, but only there to help me!!! I was so impressed and I recommend them to anyone who is looking for the PERFECT MATE shoes!!! I have actually taken my new shoes to the indoor track a few times now....so far....we're a match!!!

p.s. Hawk, next time, I'm going for the neon pink!!!

Running....it's a love/hate thing!

As most of you know, my 1st choice of exercise is lounging by the pool reading a book, but since that doesn't really count as exercise I guess I'd have to choose running. It's easy, pretty inexpensive, no special equipment is needed and I can get it done without going to a gym (I always been an anti-gym gal). Since I live in Utah, I usually take a BIG break on the exercise thing from the end of fall until Spring arrives. I know, pretty whimpy! Especially since last year there was not spring, basically winter until the 11th of June! But this year, I found out that our local rec center only charges $.50 to use the indoor track...it's actually a pretty nice track and it doesn't stink, so I'm not counting it as a gym. So I starting running again the last week of Feb...that is really early in the season for me!!! Luckily, I have several clients that are "real runners" and give me all kinds of motivating advice and make me want to be a "real runner". That's why my 1st book on my current reading list is, "Born to Run", so far, it's pretty good.



My biggest challenge with running....I have a bad foot, and it can be very painful for me to run. I even had considered giving up running this year and to start biking, but then I would have to do the expensive equipment thing.... but last week I may have found my answer to fixing my foot pain!!

Have I got your interest yet....I'll post more soon on my new hero(s)!!!

Winter Hand Help!

There are 2 areas of the body besides the face that tend to give your age away...the hands and chest. I don't know about you, but during the winter, my hands seem to age a decade, not exactly what I want to happen. I find that especially in my line of work, I am always sanitizing and washing my hands which only tends to dry them out even more. Here is what I've found to work for me...



It’s not glamorous, or new, and your eyes probably skip right over it when you’re browsing the lotion section of the drugstore—but so many dermatologists say that this old-standby hand cream is a proven miracle worker. It’s Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. And it’s only four bucks at the drugstore!

I like that it doesn't feel greasy and absorbs quickly into my hands. You only need to use a small amount....before bed I like to use a little more and massage it into my often dry cuticles. So this weekend, hit Walmart, Walgreens or your fav drugstore and get your hands re-moisturized this winter!!! (Also works great on the feet)

Birth Control and Acne

Birth control for acne simplified.

Birth control pills are widely used today and prescribed often as a means to control acne. Most pills can
have the potential to cause acne and weight gain in those susceptible. Typically the pills are divided up as estrogen or progestin dominant and have varying degrees of androgenic (testosterone like) effects.
As a general rule of thumb, pills with the potential for higher androgenic symptoms should be avoided for people prone to acne because they promote breakouts.

As an acne sufferer it is important to speak with your doctor about a selecting a pill that is higher in
estrogen and lower in androgen potency.

The most commonly prescribed pills in this category are:
Yasmin
Diane 35(Dianette)
Demulan(Zovia)
Ortho tri cyclen
Nevicon modicon
Ortho evra
Mircette
Desogen(Apri)

It is best to avoid the following pills that are high in androgen activity and low in estrogen.
Loestrin
Estrotrep Fe
Levlen
Alesse
Ovral
Norestrin
Nuvo ring
Depoprovera shot

Only you and your doctor can determine what pill is right for you. The above is just a basic guideline that should be used to initiate a conversation between you and your physician. If you are considering taking birth control pills, it is important to know that they are associated with a high risk of blood clots, weight gain, nausea, mood changes, depression and breast tenderness. Serious side effects include strokes, digestive issues and embolism.

5 Tips to Stick with your New Year's Resolutions!

5 tips to help you stick with your New Year’s resolutions!



Are you planning on making any New Year’s resolutions for 2011? Are you one of those people who typically gives up on your resolutions after just a few months or weeks? Would you like to increase your chances of following through on your resolutions?

Why is it so hard to create lasting changes in your behavior? It’s because your brain is hardwired to resist change. When your brain tells you to stick with the same old habits, you need to fight back. It takes time to overwrite old neural pathways with new ones. These five tips will help you retrain your brain so you can stick with your New Year’s resolutions.

1. Don’t try to change everything at once. Rather than making a resolution that is so lofty it is virtually impossible for you to achieve, choose one or two specific behaviors you want to change.

2. Believe you can do it. If you don’t believe in yourself, you will never achieve your goals.

3. Reward yourself for the small successes. When you reach a goal or are following through on your resolution, reward yourself. If weight loss is one of your goals for the New Year, find rewards that don’t involve eating or drinking—a warm bath, a good book, a hike with a friend, for example.

4. Don’t swap one bad habit for another. Don’t stop eating cookies but start drinking diet sodas. Don’t quit smoking but start guzzling coffee all day long. Replace your bad habits with good habits.

5. Get back on track—setbacks don’t mean failure. Like I said, change is hard, so don’t beat yourself up if you have a setback. Just acknowledge that you had a setback and get back onto your program the next day.

Personally, I am very guilty of #1...I try to make too many changes at once and end up giving up! But this year I'll try harder to ease into all the changes I want to take on. Wish me luck!

Here are a few of my 2011 goals...

Eat healthier (eat less sugar, drink more water)
Exercise more (usually I only workout during warm months)
Be more organized
Take more time for myself (i.e. facial,massage,etc.)
Learn to say "NO" (that's a difficult one for me)

Here's to 2011, I wish you all the best for a wonderful, happy and prosperous New Year!

Homemade Peppermint Bath Salts

I just found another fun, homemade recipe!! When winter hits and the temperatures drop I have a hard time getting warm. I love to end the day with a relaxing bath, some chocolate and a good book. Why not try this simply, festive bath salt recipe that will help boost your mood and reduce fatigue?



Ingredients ~

1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil *
1 drop red food color (optional)
The magical creation ~

First grind the salt into a fine powder and pour into mixing bowl. (Hint: A coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle work wonderfully for this!) Then simply add the remaining ingredients. Stir well and let it dry overnight. Store your new bath salts in a sealed jar. Makes 4 ounces.

To use ~
Add 1 tablespoon to bath water and enjoy!

* Why chose Peppermint besides it’s obvious delicious scent? Peppermint oil, originally from Europe, is often referred to as the “world’s oldest medicine.” As hard as it is to imagine, the world has been using the oil for almost ten thousand years! Such uses range broadly from removing ticks to soothing the common stuffy nose. This recipe also makes a wonderful gift for your loved ones!!