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Showing posts from 2008

Quarterly roundup of best posts

Since I was burdened with personal problems, I couldn’t come up with too many interesting posts this quarter (October-December 2008). Nevertheless, here are some posts that have received the maximum pageviews. Enjoy! Interesting eye facts Honey extremely good for burns? Avon Nail Experts Conditioning Nail Enamel Remover Emami Hair Life – Instant Hair Pack Brazilian Butt Lift for a rounder rear . Your personal bill of rights . Mythbuster: Mixing curd and fish can cause vitiligo Winter skin care at home Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: Review Himalaya Kajal Herbal Eye Definer Lip care with Lotus Herbals Dove Beauty Bar Pink/Rosa

Acai Berry Fruit Facial Mask

Let me tell you about a remarkable acai berry fruit facial mask that I often use to pamper my skin and this has the same effect on your skin as one of those 100 dollar clay facial masks that you get at your day spa. The amazing little acai berry that comes out of the rain forests of Brazil has antioxidants. And antioxidants are known to prevent free radicals that produce harmful oxidation and oxidants that tend to speed up the aging process. Now let’s talk about Green French clay. This clay has enormous cosmetic and health benefits. Read all about  the beauty uses of green clay here . A combination of these two ingredients makes an amazing mask that works like charm on skin that feels like burlap due to the harmful effects of pollution, stress , lack of sleep , poor diet, exposure to sun , tobacco smoke etc.

Merry Christmas!

Dove Beauty Bar Pink/Rosa:Review

I’ve been using Dove Beauty Bar Pink/Rosa to protect my skin from the perils of winter. I chose to buy this beauty bar after my friend raved about its virtues and since I had already used their Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash before and loved the way it left my skin feeling exfoliated, soft and smooth, I decided that I should also try this particular Dove product. Further it was also mentioned on the cover that it contains a good amount (one fourths) of moisturizing lotion and doesn’t dry the skin like any ordinary soap , also Dove soaps are known to be pH neutral and non-alkaline; so without much ado I purchased it. Besides as I love the color ‘pink’, pink/rosa seemed a better choice compared to the other white Dove beauty bar . Dove Beauty Bar, Pink-Rosa Eight 4.25 oz. Bars (Pack of 2)

Dry winter hair-Tips

Experts say that the sebaceous glands in the scalp which produce oil to lubricate the hair are less active in cold weather. They also slow down with age . So you should get them working by stimulating your scalp; this can be achieved by brushing your hair few times in a day. Furthermore, the frosty winter air and dry indoor heat can also leave hair frizzy and split . To get it back into shape they recommend an intense conditioning treatment. This can be done as follows. Comb in a conditioner from root to ends. Then slick hair into a ponytail or pile it under a cap and head out for a walk or run. The conditioner will penetrate your hair as your body heats up. Related: Winter hair care Oil massage for your hair Aparna’s winter skin and hair care routine (Guest Post by RJ)

Did you know?

Did you know some recent studies have revealed that- women have a greater variety of bacteria on their hands than men do. women carry an increased risk of miscarriage if the father is over 35. women are up to three times more likely to develop serious heart disease if they live the mother-in-law. women feel they are sexiest at 34. women get more cavities than men. soothing music reduces stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy. women are more virtuous than men, as per the survey conducted on more than 20,000 people by Times Online. bigger and taller baby girls have greater risk of breast cancer in adulthood. smoking puts women at a high risk of miscarriage. girls who feel they are unpopular more likely to get fat. working moms happier than homies. Hormone replacement therapy could double a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

Ward off frequent colds this winter

Common cold is so common in winter and here’s the reason for it. Moreover if you have a tendency of catching colds too frequently, then you need not worry as there are several ways to stave off this malady. Incidentally there was a brief mention in ‘The Daily Mail’ that there is a sharp rise (up to 50%) in cold and flu infections this week and this is quite likely to blight the Christmas break. So if don’t want the cold/flu bug to ruin your Christmas week, see to it that you follow these precautions scrupulously and yes, prevention is always better than cure. Frequent Handwashing : Hand washing has long been touted as a way to prevent a cold during cold and flu season, and experts agree that is wise. But here's the newest twist: Paying attention to where you put your hands - and scheduling your hand washing around where your hands have been, rather than the clock - appear to be important, too. That's because cold viruses may linger on surfaces longer than suspected, ac

Stress can make your skin to itch

Several factors can cause itching and the urge to scratch your itching skin is a natural phenomenon and some of these sure-fire home-remedies are bound to help. But did you know that even stress can contribute and aggravate your itch? A new study has found that stress can activate immune cells in your skin and cause the familiar yet irritating sensation. Immune cells in the skin over-react resulting in inflammatory skin diseases. Though it is not clear how stress aggravates skin diseases, researchers led by Petra Arck of Charité, University of Medicine, Berlin and McMaster University in Canada, hypothesised that stress could exacerbate skin disease by increasing the number of immune cells in the skin.

Interesting facts

Did you know that some new studies have found that - women who regularly attend religious services may reduce their risk of death by about 20 percent. having a bad boss is bad for the heart. women prefer men with deep voices sipping three cups of green tea a day helps to reduce weight. a substance found in red wine could help to mend damaged backs. meditation 'as effective as medication' in treating depression. sleeping pills 'double' risk of having car crash the next day. a new plague which jumps from rats to humans has been discovered by scientists. women who have one healthy pregnancy experience lower blood pressure that can last until their firstborn enters university or even beyond.

Doy care Aloe Vera Soap

Doy Care Aloe Vera Soap Aloe Vera is an awesome herb with innumerable medicinal and cosmetic uses. Pure Aloe Gel’s moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory, revitalizing and rejuvenating properties together with the fact that it helps with acne and blemishes make it an ideal ingredient for use in skin care products. In fact, it’s scientifically proven that it soothes burnt skin quickly and effectively. So like me, if you are a big fan of Aloe Vera and love all things ‘aloe’ then you might give Doy Care Aloe Vera Soap a try. Doy Care Aloe Vera with glycerine is a beautiful translucent green skincare soap containing genuine Aloe extracts which provide you with all the benefits of Aloe Vera, keeping your skin beautiful, fresh and glowing around the year; be it spring, summer , monsoon or winter .DoyCare AloeVera comes in two sizes: 75 g. and 125 g.

Homemade nourishing creams

If you have read the post “ Winter Skin Care ” thoroughly, then you maybe on the lookout for rich nourishing and emollient creams for your face, arms and skin on other parts of your body . Some of these night-time homemade creams claim to do just that and will definitely help you to nourish and heal dry skin in winter . Do read Skin care at night in detail before proceeding further. Marigold nourishing cream Ingredients: Marigold flowers 500 grams Spirit of wine 500 ml Vegetable lard 500 gram Essenceq.s Tincture of benzoin 1 tsp Method: Place marigold flowers in a large glass jar and cover them with spirit of wone. Leave it in the sun for a week’s time. Shake the jar everyday. Heat vegetable lard and when it melts stir in essence. Add tincture of benzoin to preserve it. As it starts cooling pour into a jar slowly and mix thoroughly. Good for oily skin . Related: Homemade moisturizer for oily skin Almond nourishing cream Ingredients: Sweet alm

Inspirational quotes for this weekend

Awesome collection of inspirational quotes from some great, articulate minds who have put forth their thoughts on life so lucidly. Hope some of these inspire and motivate you. We can not direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails. -- Author Unknown Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it. -- Buddha Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty. -- Frank Herbert, Dune Chronicles Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win. -- Jonathan Kozel Don't look where you fall, but where you slipped. --African Proverb Life is what happens, while you are busy making plans. --John Lennon Never explain. Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe it anyway. -- Elbert Hubbard There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. -- Albert Einstein The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be cont

Himalaya Kajal Herbal Eye Definer

Wish to define your eyes? Try Himalaya Kajal herbal eye definer. It’s a gentle blend of herbs like almond oil, castor oil, camphor and Triphala that makes your eyes look fresh and bright. It also has Damask rose that cools your eyes. Himalaya Kajal herbal eyeliner thus brings out the best in your eyes Naturally! Details about Ingredients: Himalaya Kajal Herbal Eye Definer

Fish oil for a younger looking skin

Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil Concentrate with Omega-3 Fatty Acids No doubt fish oil keeps your heart healthy but did you know that it keeps your face young too? When scientists at Seoul University treated human skin with EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil and then exposed the epidermis to ultraviolet light, there was a 75 percent drop in the proteins that destroy collagen, the substance that gives skin its elasticity and strength. However don’t go overboard and slap fish oil on your face twice a day, instead saturate your skin from the inside out by swallowing fish oil capsules.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: Review

A few months back, one of my friends gave me a mask called Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque . And I must admit that it is simply fabulous and is extremely effective on my oily, acne-prone skin. Designed to dry up acne /pimples, scrub off blackheads and shrink enlarged pores , it certainly lives up to its claims. It has a strong mint smell, which you may find rather pleasing, if you love minty fragrances. And when you apply it to your clean face and neck , at first you experience a cooling sensation and then a slight stinging feeling which disappears as the masque firms and hardens to draw impurities from your pores. Even if your oily / combination skin does not break out and is otherwise problem-free, this masque is still great for you as it also acts as a refreshing ‘ facial ’, making your face feel very tight, thus relaxing your tired muscles and easing tension lines on the face and neck . You can then wash it off using a warm wash cloth and your skin is left feeling fresh and cl

Beauty quotes for this weekend

What does ‘beauty’ mean to you? How do you perceive it? Do you agree/disagree with the views of famous personalities mentioned below? Let me know in your comments. Beauty is an outward gift which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused. - Edward Gibbon Beauty's tears are lovelier than her smile. - Campbell Honesty coupled to beauty is to have honey a sauce to sugar. - Shakespeare Beauty is truth, truth beauty, that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know. - John Keats Everything beautiful has its moment and then passes away. -Luis Cernuda If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere. -Vincent Van Gogh Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference. - Aristotle Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. - Ralph Waldo Emerson By its very nature the beautiful is isolated from everything else. From beauty no road leads to reality. - Hannah Arendt (Rachel

Software to count hair?

Australian researchers have developed new software that can count hair in a patch of skin and can also help in testing the effectiveness of baldness treatments and depilatory creams. This software relies on images captured by a small flatbed scanner pressed onto the skin. Using a mathematical algorithm, the software then identifies and traces each individual hair based on an understanding of a hair's unique features, such as its relative straightness. The software is able to distinguish between hair and other features on the skin such as wrinkles, wounds or moles. To check the accuracy of the software, the researchers had to resort to the old-fashioned method of counting hair and after such a laborious and time-consuming process, the researchers were pleased to discover that the software results was almost accurate with the manual count. (Guest post by Dhanya)

Mysore Sandal Herbal Care Soap

For an amazing bathing experience with an herbal twist, try Mysore Sandal's Herbal Care Natural Soap . It’s an excellent formulation of essential oils and herbal fragrances with neem extracts. The formulation includes scents of herbs like Basil , Citronella, Clove , Eucalyptus, Geranium, Palmrosa, Rosemary and Ylang Ylang. Just perfect for day long freshness, it has excellent antiseptic properties as well and has been found to be highly beneficial for various skin afflictions and problems. Mysore Sandal Herbal Care Soap

Interesting tidbits for this weekend

Did you know that an average person laughs about 15 times a day? that only one out of every three people wash their hands when leaving a public bathroom? that the oldest known disease in the world is leprosy? that close to fifty percent of the bacteria in the mouth lives on the surface of our tongue? that every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer? that on an average a person walks the equivalent of twice around the world in a lifetime? that about 10% of the world's population is left-handed? that the average person has at least seven dreams a night? that having guilty feelings may actually weaken your immune system over a period of time? that on an average, men spend 60 hours a year shaving ?

Winter skin care at home

Winter has set in with its lovely, bracing chill in the air and as we all know, this cold weather causes the glands of the skin to become less active and robs skin of its moisture, leaving it dry , flaky and itchy . And as one grows older , winter dryness gets worse; it affects one with greater intensity. Facial skin feels dry and itchy, lips chapped and cracked and knees, heels , wrists, elbows, upper arms – all become rough and you can't afford to neglect them. Even though the face is just a small part of your anatomy it is one of the most exposed parts and hence has to bear the brunt of cold weather. So be sure to nourish it with a good nourishing cream or a cold cream, twice a day depending upon the intensity of the weather and its effects on your skin. You also cannot afford to neglect other parts of the body especially your upper arms, legs, nape, shoulders and waist. 

Everyuth cleanser and toner

Removing makeup and cleansing your face thoroughly is an absolute must before you go to bed. Splashing your face with cold water is not enough; you need to use a good cleanser to remove all traces of makeup and impurities that have been lodged deep inside your pores . I’ve used Lakme Deep pore cleanser before and it’s quite good. I’ve also tried Everyuth’s cleanser and toner . Made from pure & natural Rose Water, a perfect 'natural tonic' which soothes, moisturises and tones your skin. It also has Glycerine that h elps maintain skin's natural moisture balance while making your skin soft & supple and Tea Tree Oil , which is well-known for its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties and which helps control excess oil secretion. Overall, this alcohol-free Face Cleanser and Toner soothes your skin and leaves it with a soft after feel and a tingling freshness.

Emami Malai Kesar Cold cream

Emami Malai Kesar Cold cream To combat the harsh effects of cold winter airs, Emami has come up with Malai Kesar cold cream. As the name suggests, Emami Malai Kesar Cold Cream has the natural goodness of time-tested ingredients such as Malai ( milk -cream), Kesar (saffron) and Aloe Vera. Malai has been traditionally used by Indian women from ancient times and is the ingredient of choice for winter chapping and skin dryness .   Kesar or saffron is well-known for its skin lightening and rejuvenating properties while aloevera is a great skin nourisher , moisturiser and a soothing sunburn gel as well. Emami claims that the softness of malai makes your skin supple while the radiance of kesar enhances the natural glow of your skin; so go ahead and experience the goodness of this non-greasy Emami Malai Kesar Cold Cream and face the winter with a soft and glowing skin.

Beauty quotes

Awesome Beauty quotes for this weekend: Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. - Unknown Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it. - Ivan Panin Whatever is in any way beautiful hath its source of beauty in itself, and is complete in itself; praise forms no part of it. So it is none the worse nor the better for being praised. - Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. 121-180 A.D Let the beauty we love be what we do. - Rumi Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears. - Edgar Allen Poe Nothing's beautiful from every point of view. - Horace

Energy saving fluorescent bulbs may cause skin rashes

In a bid to save energy and do our bit to the environment, most of us have installed those slightly expensive, energy-saving, eco-friendly fluorescent light bulbs in our homes. But it looks like these bulbs are not as picture perfect as previously thought. A recent study has found that some of these energy-saving fluorescent bulbs (particularly those 'open' light bulbs, which are not surrounded by a glass case.) can cause reddening of the skin if used close to the body and for longer periods of time. UV radiation from these unencapsulated energy-saving bulbs can damage the skin if used closer than 30cm to the body, the experts warn. However, there is no significant risk of skin cancer from these bulbs. They also hasten to add that this is only precautionary advice and people should not be thinking of removing these energy-saving light bulbs from their homes. They further go on to say that in situations where people are not likely to be very close to the bulbs for any length of

Mythbuster: Mixing curd and fish can cause vitiligo

Mixing curds and fish does not cause vitiligo. Taking curds and fish together can cause leucoderma (vitiligo) – this myth has been doing the rounds for quite sometime now. If this were true, many people whose primary diet is fish, Bengalis , for instance, would show the maximum signs of patchy white skin or vitiligo . But vitiligo is seen even in vegetarians, so there is no proven connection between the two. As a matter of fact, vitiligo is caused due to the destruction of cells (melanocytes) that make the skin pigment melanin and the fact is this food combination has no such devastating effect on skin cells. So as long as one is comfortable eating such a combination, there is nothing to worry about. But if you feel that you are allergic to this particular food combination then by all means avoid it in your diet. See also: Gingko herb and vitiligo Black pepper may cure vitiligo It’s a myth that wearing contact lenses can prevent your myopia from getting worse.

Your personal bill of rights

This thought-provoking personal bill of rights that every woman should be aware of was forwarded to me by an old friend. Go over it again and again and let it be etched deep in your memory. MY PERSONAL BILL OF RIGHTS I have the right to make my own choices. I have the right to follow my own values and standards, as long as I am not abusive towards others. I have a right to dignity and respect. I have a right to all of my feelings. I have the right to express myself as long as I am not abusive toward others. I have a right to determine and honour my own priorities. I have a right to recognize and accept my own value system as appropriate. I have a right to have my needs and wants respected by others. I have the right to say no when I feel I am not ready, unsafe, or if it violates my values I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect. I have the right not to be responsible for others behaviour, actions, feelings or problems. I have a right to be uniqu

Botox for piles?

Botox may have its own share of negativities but it’s usefulness in treating several chronic health conditions like facial paralysis, severe migraines , drooping eyelid syndromes etc is particularly laudable. Recently it has been found that botox can also help with piles . Italian research showed that a single injection of the toxin significantly reduces the problem within 24 hours and the doctors are of the opinion that Botox could be an effective conservative treatment for this condition.   See also: Home remedies for piles

Brazilian Butt Lift for a rounder rear

The renewed desire for the perfect derriere- has sparked a hot trend in cosmetic surgery: the Brazilian Butt lift. Whether someone wants a bigger butt, a more rounded rear end, or simply a behind that is higher, firmer and more toned, it seems there's a popular form of butt augmentation called as Brazilian Butt lift that can do the job conscientiously. Also called fat injections, fat transfer, or fat grafting, it is exactly what those alternatives suggest. In this procedure, fat is removed from one of more areas, purified, and then injected into the buttock area. This results in a rear that is fuller and more rounded. As with any surgery there are pros and cons and you should not go ahead with the procedure without a through understanding of the procedure, the risks, recovery time etc. You won't be able to sit normally for several weeks following the surgery. There are also other complications such as infection and the issue of anesthesia. In addition, it's important to ch

Everyuth granular face wash: Review

Everyuth granular face wash. (For normal to oily skin.) Recently I’ve started using ‘ Everyuth’s Granular face wash ’ and as the name suggests it’s granular and gel-like in consistency. It isn’t too harsh on the skin either and after washing my face with it, it I experience that fresh and clean feeling. I think it’s just wonderful for my oily skin , although I would prefer Garnier’s Deep Pore Exfoliating Face Wash in the hot summer months. As for the ingredients, this particular face wash has the natural goodness of Tea Tree Oil, Neem and Chamomile - all of which are believed to work wonders on an acne-prone skin by preventing the occurrence of blackheads , whiteheads or pimples as also in dealing with excessive sebum (oil) secretion capably.

Quotes for this weekend

An awesome collection of quotes for this weekend. Enjoy! Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. -Anonymous Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. -Francesca Reigler The spaces between your fingers were created so that another's could fill them in. - Unknown The doors of wisdom are never shut. -Benjamin Franklin To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have. - Ken S. Keyes, Jr. Politeness is half good manners and half good lying. - Mary Wilson Little Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do. - Benjamin Franklin It's better to keep your mouth shut and give the impression that you're stupid than to open it and remove all doubt. - Rami Belson A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. -Herm Albright A conclusion is the pla

Karmin Titanium Hair Straightening Iron

The Karmin Titanium Hair Iron takes ceramic and tourmaline and combines them with titanium for one of the most durable and beneficial hair irons on the market. Ceramic is known for its ability to maintain an even heat distribution, producing negative ions and sealing the hairs cuticle for smooth, shiny hair. Tourmaline works to amplify the negative ions emitted from a hair iron making the results that much smoother. Tourmaline and ceramic together work to fight frizz, static and repel humidity as well as provide you with longer lasting straightness. Now, take these two amazing benefits and combine them with Titanium and you have the ultimate hair styling iron. The benefits of titanium in a hair straightener are that not only will you have a much stronger, longer lasting hair iron but titanium also works to enhance hydration and shine and when combined with ceramic and tourmaline, improve the overall look of your hair. The Karmin Titanium Hair Iron also features Infrar

Emami Hair Life – Instant Hair Pack

If making a hair-pack is not your cup of tea, then try Emami Hair Life-Instant Hair Pack . It’s a premixed, ready-to-use, non-coloring herbal hair pack enhanced with vitamins and proteins to make hair beautiful and healthy from within.No hassles of soaking, grinding or even mixing the ingredients. You have to just squeeze out the contents from the packet, apply it to your hair with a brush or gloved hands, leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off. And you are done with it. Enriched with the goodness of soya proteins, multivitamins and Keraherb-11, it’s a perfect balance of rare herbs that claims to revitalize and strengthen your hair roots without colouring the hair . Get manageable, strong and beautiful hair by just sparing only 10 minutes.

Interesting facts

Did you know that high fat diet is most likely to disrupt sleep? the number one supplement for your brain is choline? the biggest cause of stress in men is work? the most calming color is green? the minimum hours of sleep needed to be at your best is seven? the best exercise to lighten your bad mood is yoga? the food that most improves coordination is strawberries? drinking cranberry juice regularly is good for your heart? that an increased intake of pickles and papads may cause kidney stones?

Talcum powder dangerous for women?

This bit of news is alarming and certainly a cause for concern. For, it has been recently found that women who use talcum powder every day to keep fresh are 40 per cent more likely to develop ovarian cancer and not only that the latest findings from the U.S. suggest that the risks are much greater than previously thought. Scientists fear powder particles applied to the private parts may travel to the ovaries and trigger a process of inflammation that allows cancer cells to flourish. Experts from Harvard Medical School in Boston conducted a study on more than 3,000 women and have discovered that using talc just once a week raised the risk of cancer by 36 per cent, rising to 41 per cent for those applying powder every day. It was also found that the risks were greater still for those with a certain genetic profile. The findings, however, apply only to talcum powder used around the private parts, not on the rest of the body. By the way, Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated mag

Almond cleansing cream

Make your own cleansing cream with the goodness of almond oil in it. Here’s how: Ingredients: Almond oil – 5 tbsp. White wax – 1 tbsp Lanolin( PURE LANOLIN , 100% Pure Australian Anhydrous Lanolin Pharmaceutical Grade 2 oz. ) – 2 tbsp Rose water – 1 tbsp. Method: Melt wax and oil by the double boiling method. Stir continuously. Slowly add rose water and almond oil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store it in a glass bottle See also: Herbal cleansing cream Lanolin Cleansing Cream

Honey extremely good for burns?

Aloe Gel may be a great home-remedy to treat burns , but honey isn’t bad either. A New Zealand study has found that treating burned skin with honey from the kitchen cupboard promotes faster healing than skin treated with antibiotic creams or surgical dressings. It is already known that this sweet stuff from the kitchen has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and for long people have been using it to cure minor burns and wounds , but the fact that the recovery period is faster by as much as 4 days as compared to other standard treatments is something worth mentioning. In fact, recently it has been found that a cream popularly used to cure burns may actually delay healing. Furthermore, Cochrane Researchers after a thorough study have revealed that despite the wide range of wound dressings available for burns, there is no consensus on the most effective alternative treatment.

Reading the right kind of book may help in losing weight

Some time back, the Daily Mail had reported this interesting bit of news that reading a racy novel increases the BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) , which in turn helps to reduce weight. Recently a study was conducted by researchers at Duke Children's Hospital to look into the impact of literature on obese kids. Obese female kids in the age-group of 9-13 and who were already on a weight-loss program were asked to read certain books. These books mainly dealt with healthy lifestyle and weight management guidance. At the end of 6 months, the researchers found that out of the 31 girls who read such books showed a significant decrease in their BMI (Body Mass Index) when compared with 14 others who hadn’t. It is seen that the BMI increases rapidly in obese kids, which is certainly a cause for concern. And as such even a small decrease in BMI is a positive indication as it means they are they are either losing weight or getting tall and not gaining weight. And this research goes on to prove t

Whiten your teeth with these home-remedies

Don’t we all wish we had teeth sparkling white? Whiter than fresh snow or milk? Today, thanks to advanced cosmetic and dental technologies , white teeth are no longer a fantasy. They are possible to get with or without your dentist’s help. Here’s how: * Half a tablespoon of baking soda (soda bi-carbonate) mixed with a little water to form a paste should be gently rubbed on the teeth. This can make teeth pearly white to some extent. * Take a tsp of lemon juice and combine it with salt to make a paste. This paste definitely helps to get rid of those yellowish stains that mar the beauty of your teeth. * Use the inner white of an orange peel to rub teeth for a whitish shine. * Munch fruits like apples strawberries quite often. And as mentioned in one of the previous posts , they act as nature’s own toothbrushes to cleanse and whiten your teeth. Even rubbing a slice on your teeth helps, but do remember to rinse your mouth well. * You may even chew crunchy carrots and celery leav

Interesting eye facts

Eyes are the windows to our soul, it is said. So let’s get to know some interesting facts about these precious organs: A human eyeball weighs an ounce. The space between your eyebrows is called the Glabella. The average person blinks about 12 times a minute. That's an amazing 10,080 blinks in 14 waking hours. And in a year our eyes blink over 10,000,000 times! The reason why our nose gets runny when we are crying is because the tears from the eyes drain into the nose. It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. Men are able to read fine print better than women can. An eagle can see a rabbit about 1 mile or 1760 yards away. Now the average person needs to be about 550 yards away to see the same rabbit. All babies are colour blind when they are born. Being color blind does not mean you only see in black and white. People who are color blind just can't see things in as many colors as people who have normal vision, and they cannot see certain colors like red, green, and some bl

Quarterly roundup of best posts

A list of best posts from July-08 to September-08: Leaves as beauty aid Bindi Mint Eye Mask to relieve puffiness Himalaya Gentle exfoliating walnut scrub: Review Self-Moisturizing contact lenses? A pillow to wipe out wrinkles Hairs sticking out of your nose? Trim them using nose hair trimmers Permanent makeup Interesting hair facts Caring for your neck and some awesome neck-exercises Benefits of chewing gum Eggs for beautiful hair Bad breath? Take these tests

Pantene Sleek and Shine Shampoo with conditioner

My hair tends become dull and limp in a couple of days of shampooing . So I’m always on the lookout for a good shampoo. So when my friend raved about the goodness of this shampoo called ‘Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek Shampoo with conditioner ’, I decided to give it a try. Though my hair is a bit oily , I went in for this particular shampoo meant for normal to dry hair as I didn’t want to strip my hair of all its sebum by using other strong shampoos. And I must admit that it didn’t let me down; all I can say is Smooth and Sleek Shampoo & Conditioner really helped make my hair smooth and manageable and it stayed that way for nearly a week. I could feel the softness from the very first wash. It even did something to the texture of my hair; now it’s highly manageable with no unruly flyaway hairs and simply looking great. The shampoo itself has a pleasant and light fragrance and I am planning to use it for a long time.

Earrings according to your face shape

Earrings are a popular form of jewelry and are great as accessories . You can use them diligently to camouflage the imperfect features of your face. So go ahead and choose the right style of earrings according to the shape of your face. Funky earrings Here below are few face shapes, their defining features and some suggested earring-types: Round face: The main feature of a round face is the circular shape that is as wide as it is long and is usually characterized with a round chin. Earrings with lean, long and angular curved lines can be the perfect choice because it helps in elongating a round face. You can wear drop earrings in dangles, ovals and oblongs. Even an angular stud earring will look good on a round face. Make sure that you steer clear of small studs and hoops. Always avoid wearing chunky large earrings. Oval face: The main feature of an oval face is the forehead which is usually wider as compared to the chin. The hairline is gently rounded and the approxim