I have found that when I chew gum, (a very new habit…. and I will explain why soon) that I am much more effective at blog writing. YAY!! Just found out why……. New research by the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that chewing gum revs up alertness and boosts recall. In the 14 week study, children that were allowed to chew gum during tests had better scores and higher final grades that the children that went gumless.

According to Japanese research, the act of chewing gum increases heart rate, which means that more memory-boosting oxygen is being sent to the brain. Yay!! Now you have your gum………… and chew it too!

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Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital medical experts have found that Niacin (vitamin B3) cannot only restore brain function to stroke victims, but it can promote the growth of new blood vessels in the brain. “Niacin essentially rewires the brain,” explains Michael Chopp, M.D., lead study author. Niacin is best taken on a full stomach…… Not hip on taking supplements? Get your niacin in food form…….. Tuna, peanuts, beets, salmon and brewers yeast are great ways of getting that essential vitamin in your system.

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Spray air fresheners can get rid of odors, but once again we are bombarding our bodies with chemicals. Get rid of odors the eco-friendly way……. Slice two lemons, layer on a foil lined cookie sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 225 degrees for 75 minutes……….. Turn off heat, open the oven door and let the refreshing smell of fresh lemons engulf your home!

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I can always tell that summer is on it’s way when I drive along the famous Mulholland Drive and the strawberry trucks are lined up and selling the most amazing fresh hand picked strawberries from Oxnard. They are so fresh, so delicious and so loaded with all things great for our skin and health……….

Studies have shown that women with the highest levels of vitamin C in their systems have the plumpest and least wrinkled skin. They also have the highest production of collagen, which keeps skin smooth and firm. Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, but on top of that they are also a high source of ellagic acid, which research now shows protects the elastic fibers that keep skin from sagging. So here we have a fruit that not only tastes amazing but is amazing for our skin too! Get out there and eat your strawberries! Aim for at least a cup a day to enjoy the benefits of beautiful skin!

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Paraffins, petrochemicals and artificial dyes……. Do you really want that in your child’s mouth? In comes……….. Clementine Art all natural Soy Crayons. Silky soy crayons, made with sustainable, biodegradable soy wax and natural mineral pigments, create bright, bold color that will rival Crayola! These thick and sturdy crayons make for easy gripping for even the littlest hands.

Don’t have kids? Get yourself a box and bring back your childhood by playing with color! Get way to reduce stress and bring out your inner artist!

www.clementineart.com

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What will they think of next? When I was younger my mother always made me take off my watch before going to sleep (I liked to sleep with mine on). She told me that watches emitted an energy that disturbed sleep patterns. Well, in comes “FRUITZ”!

According to the company, “Fruitz watches use a proprietary Natural Frequency Technology that resonates at 7-9 hertz, encompassing the chief resonant frequency of the earth and it’s harmonious and grounding to all life. Everyday people wearing Fruitz report better sleep, less stress, more focus and better concentration when wearing their Fruitz watch.”

Well, I have read several reports that people actually DO feeling better when wearing their Fruitz. I am ordering mine today and hope to report back on a calmer, better focused and well rested Laura.

www.fruitzwatches.com

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Made from the root of the konnyaku plant, Miracle Noodles have less than one gram of carbohydrates per serving. They are also nearly calorie free and loaded with glucomannan………. A filling soluble fiber. Mine arrived last week and I must say they are an amazing pasta replacement! I mixed them with Grandma’s meatballs and if I wasn’t paying attention………. I would have thought that I was eating a gooey angel hair pasta. I was full without that loaded down pasta feeling.

Each bag of noodles comes packed in a plastic bag filled with water. Just open the bag, rinse in cold water, then boil for one minute. Add into soups, broth, mariana sauce or toss with some sautéed vegetables. You simply must try these noodles for that healthy pasta alternative!

www.miraclenoodle.com

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I am suffering from “June Gloom” here in Los Angeles. What is it you ask? I tell you that it’s a phenomenon called Marine Layer. It’s caused by the desert air, 100 miles east, heating up and rising, pulling in cool air off the Alaska current. The air over Los Angeles mixes and condenses over night causing ominous Nubian skies every single morning. Meaning we wake up every single morning to gloomy skies! It usually burns off by mid morning to afternoon, but I need my sunlight upon awakening! What’s a girl to do?

Color!! A big splash of color upon awaking can boost your adrenaline. It’s that simple. A bright yellow bathrobe, a bowl of bright oranges next to the bed, or remember those bright flowers that we have on our night stand? Anything colorful that will catch your eye when you wake up will give you that boost to get up and get going!

March on soldiers! Get that morning color burst!

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There is an interesting study that has come out from Psychologist Paul Rozin….. He is reporting that “benign masochism” is a way to increase the pleasure center in your brain. Think…….. A bath that is too hot, kick ass spicy peppers, freezing cold pools….are you getting the picture? It may be the endorphin rush or just simply the contrast you experience when you escape the pain. Either way……. Let’s get out there and pamper with suffering!! Think low level, controlled discomfort.

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Stretch marks………. I always thought that they were caused by rapid weight loss or gain…. Not true. They can also be caused by puberty, pregnancy and major hormonal changes. They are not simply over stretched skin as previously thought according to Zoe Diana Draelos, consulting professor of dermatology at the Duke University School of Medicine, in Durham, North Carolina. “During pregnancy, puberty and weight changes, elevated levels of hormones called glucocorticoids are produced by the adrenal glands. “Those hormones are what causes the collagen and elastin to tear, weight gain itself does not cause stretch marks…. It promotes the hormonal changes that cause them.” “Genetics play a big role in whether someone gets them or not.” What are we to do? Read on……….

Treat them early!!! So important! Catch them when they are pink, red, purple and inflamed. Once they are fully mature (silver/white) there is not as much that you can do. To reduce the appearance of new stretch marks….. Apply a vitamin A oil or over the counter cream with retinol once a day. You should see results in 6 weeks. For larger and deeper stretch marks get a prescription form of retinol from your doctor.

Retinols can be very irritating….. peeling and redness. If you find you can’t tolerate them, there is still hope in a tube! MEDERMA STRETCH MARK THERAPY……. An over the counter cream that contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates skin and onion extract and the herb Centella Asiatica which is anti-inflammatory. After 12 weeks of use 50 out of 80 women reported that their stretch marks were smoother and less red.

Last but not least, we have a very effective option, but also very expensive……… Laser treatment. The Pulsed Dye Laser is a very effective option as is the fraxel. Both require at least four visits to the doctor and are not covered by insurance. Please ask your dermatologist about these options.

If you need a quick fix to hide or camouflage stretch marks….there is always self tanner. If you have any questions, please go to the comment area and ask away……

www.mederma.com

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So we have all heard the rumblings that we need to stop with the Java….. Caffeine is bad for us….. Coffee is evil…..Besides staining our teeth, there is not a reason in the world to give it up!
Let me explain…………

According to Mark A. Smith, Ph.D., professor of pathology at Case Western Reserve University, there is increasing evidence that coffee and caffeine are of significant benefit in slowing and reducing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. WOW! Bold statement! Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and metabolic alterations are underlying factors in Alzheimer’s disease. While the exact pathways that coffee or caffeine impact are still under investigation, several factors appear to play a role in this protective effect. Including coffee’s anit-oxidative actions, as well as caffeine’s ability to protect the blood-brain barrier. Based on this, including coffee as part of a balanced diet may be beneficial.

For several years now, studies have been coming forth that indicate coffee drinkers are less prone to suffer from a variety of diseases. These diseases range from cirrhosis of the liver to colon cancer and Parkinson’s disease. It’s also true that many of the studies are complex, with odd outliers that mean some people in some situations probably should not drink too much coffee.

Very exciting news!! You can have your cake………… And coffee too! YAY!

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The easiest way to kiss belly bloat good-bye? First of all cut the salty foods and carbs…. Replace of gas producing foods like broccoli, beans, onions and iceberg lettuce with cucumbers, celery, spinach and tomatoes which are diuretics…..add some Greek yogurt….. And then…….. Go on Internet and order “TUMMY TUCK STICKS” by Rodial. Those crazy Brit’s have come up with a bloat reducing powder that will help annihilate any bloat!

Rodial, an English company, has just introduced “TUMMY TUCK STICKS” which include all natural ingredients….. Green Clay, rich in silica and minerals which help reduce bloating….
Fennel Seeds, which eliminate waste and gas…….. And Pineapple and Papaya, which contain enzymes that helps split proteins and help break down food quicker. All really good stuff! Mine arrived today….. I am so excited to give it a go…… I will positively be reporting back in on this one! Please, if you have tried it let us hear from you in the comment area!

www.rodial.co.uk

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Now that bikini season is officially here (YAY) we need to pull out every trick in the book to look amazing on the beach! You can magically slim your waist by properly supporting your breasts….. Which will place them higher. Swim suits with an underwire are the best, but in a pinch you can use strategically place medical tape! You heard me gals!! Medical tape…… It’s waterproof!

Starting under the arm, tape inward, pulling the tape taught to lift and build your cleavage…… Repeat with three strips per side suggests image consultants Christopher Willshire and Michelle Anderson. This is best done with a full coverage bikini top to hide your magically placed handiwork. This is for professional beach loungers….. If you plan on doing long distance laps, this trick is not for you!!

Tomorrow……. Kiss that bloat good-bye! YAY!!

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Model/Actress/Artist Beau Dunn turns 23 years old today! YAY! Hope you have the most amazing day and we love you Beau! Could she be any hotter?

www.beaudunn.com

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On June 7th 2010, Michael Kors was honored with the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Lifetime Achievement Award. Michael is the youngest designer to ever win this accolade. Michael will also be celebrated on June 10th with the Hall Of Fame award at The Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards. Michael’s latest scent “VERY HOLLYWOOD” (We adore that name!) is nominated for fragrance of the year! This man is on fire!

Michael Kors just happens to be one of my all time favorite American designers! His designs are timeless elegance and his fabrics are absolutely to die for! Rich yummy cashmeres, graceful elegant silks, exquisite wool’s and luxurious cottons. This years spring/summer collection of women’s wear was made for the well-bred woman.

The Beverly Hills store is now on sale! Everything from the spring/summer collection is 50% off! You don’t live in Los Angeles? Just give them a call and they can ship anywhere in the world. The amazing Scott Meltzer (who looks like he just stepped off the pages of GQ) runs the Beverly Hills store……. Give him a call!!

Michael Kors we love you!! Congratulations!

310-777-8860
www.michaelkors.com

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This is genius!! Let’s say it’s 4pm on your sister in laws birthday….. You have completely forgotten the date…… It’s do or die time. No florist can get an arrangement there in time…… What are you to do? WWW.GIIV.COM! That’s what you do! Gift giving has never been easier! NEVER!

For the first time you can instantly text flowers from Teleflora, movie tickets from Fandango, wine, Krispy Kreme donuts, Exhale Spa yoga lessons and so much more…… So much fun! All you do is type in his or her cell phone number, their phone will buzz with the alert and a code will be sent that can be redeemed for the present. Simple, easy, fun and instant!! No one in a million years will ever know that you spaced out and almost missed the occasion!

No more stress……. Text some joy!

www.giiv.com

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Colors of the Rainbow……… The more colorful your diet is, the healthy you will be. And I am not talking about bright orange Cheetos here……The vegetables and fruits that are more vibrantly hued are the ones that have more antioxidants. Antioxidants equal greater health.

FUN…….. According to Dr. Bruce Rabin, medical director of The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Healthy Lifestyle Program, when we laugh or find something funny, our bodies produce less aging stress hormones. I promise you……. If you stop taking life so serious and get out and have fun you will prolong your life!

Sex…………I have said it before and I will say it again……. Sex will help you live a longer and healthy life! According to Dr. Terry Grossman, co-author of “Transend:Nine Steps to Living Well Forever,” sex has been linked to lower blood pressure and a heartier immune system.

Volunteer……… According to a 2007 review of more than 32 studies…….. People who volunteer live longer and have fewer overall health problems, including heart disease and depression. Do some good and get out there and help……. It’s a great way to make new friends, help build your social network and it will give you a sense of purpose.

Floss…….. Keeping our gums healthy will keep our arteries and immune systems healthier. Studies show that people with gum disease have an increased risk of heart disease and a higher mortality rate.

Walk the walk……… And talk the talk! Getting out there and walking 30 minutes a day with a friend will not only help with the physical benefits of antiaging, but the social contact will help bolster your immunity.

Pop some pills………… According to Dr. Michael Roizen, co-author of You: Staying Young, there are five vitamins we need to look and feel better. They are….. DHA/Omgea-3 (fish oil, remember Dolphin Pals) 1,000 IU Vitamin D, 600 milligrams of Calcium, 200 milligrams of Magnesium and one Multivitamin.

Sleep……. As I have reported before……. Sleep is essential for health! Sleep deprivation increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and weakens our immune systems.

Weight…….. Not only is sticking as close as possible to your teenage weight great for your health….. It’s great for your vanity! Lowering your daily caloric intake by 10 to 20 percent has been linked to a longer life.

Last but not least…….. Research has found that leaving those annoying tasks such as unpaid bills, cluttered drawers and closets, can have the same cumulative impact on health as a major life event such as death or divorce. Get going on that to do list…… This type of generalized stress and age you by 8 years!!

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Movie critic I am not……… A woman who………… LOVED this movie I am! For a really fun time this weekend head out to see ‘SEX And The CITY 2″!! If you love fabulous clothes, great locations, lots of laughs without taking yourself or the movie too seriously, I guarantee you will love this movie too! The clothes are to die for as is the scenery! Can’t wait to hear back from you on this one!!

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My dog Bob is doing so much better….. It has been a long process and we still have a ways to go, but we are now on the up swing. I wish to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers.

He has lost bladder control, but to have him alive…… It is worth any mess. Since he had neurological issues, I have now gone “CLEAN GREEN” in my home. I figure why have any chemicals around him or even my family for that matter. All of our cleaning products are now chemical free and natural. I have researched and tested around 20 of the all natural products ………Then at the pet store I stumbled upon the Dog Whisperer……….”The Dog Whisperer Stain and Odor Remover” is about as good as it gets for cleaning up those tough and smelly messes. It’s Eco Friendly with essential oils….. The lemongrass scent is amazing!!

On a daily basis we are bombarded with chemicals, from our food, water, make up to our air. Going chemical free with our cleaning products will not only help our environment, it will help you…… Majorly!! Chemical free cleaning products…….. YAY!!

www.amazon.com

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On average, I get stopped five to ten times a day by people asking what fragrance I am wearing. It’s called “Saks for Her” and it’s by Bond no. 9. It is a very springy and floral scent……. Jasmine, tuberose, sardinia, vetiver and vanilla scents make up this amazing perfume. The best way to describe the smell is…….. Hawaii. Kind of that suntan lotion mixed with ocean breeze scent, but in a very sophisticated way.

If you are looking for a new scent and you love the smell of summer, this one is for you!

www.bondno9.com

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Cell phone etiquette……… Have you ever listened to someone talk on a cell phone who thinks they have to yell into it so the person on the other end can hear them? Although cell phones are tiny and they are not connected to wires they are freakin powerful and really more efficient than people give them credit for (Unless you live in Beverly Hills). I beg of you to NOT be a loud cell phone talker!

While we are on the subject……. Can we please ax the “Sex and City” theme song? Remember when you program a song as your ring tone, you are not the only one that has to listen to it……

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We all have those times in life where we need to apologize to another human being for something we have said or done. To be human is to make mistakes. First of all, we need to own up and then comes the hard part………….”THE APOLOGY.” It is part of life….. Be big and apologize! I am going to list 6 ways to apologize with grace. Here we go…..

#1. No excuses……. Own up…. Call or e-mail the offended person, say you were wrong and offer the olive branch. An apology with an excuse is often insulting and it’s simply not a true apology.

#2. Be silly…… Send the offended party a strip-o-gram, a bunch of balloons, a heartfelt silly card.

#3. Be sweet and spend…… If the crime was really bad you can send an amazing floral arrangement, a fabulous silver frame with a photo of the two of you together, an amazing box of chocolate….. Get creative and don’t forget to include a note with the gift.

#4. Creative writing….. Write the offended a poem…. In the poem state your offense and offer a soulful apology.

#5. Help out where most needed…. Offer the olive branch by helping out at their home, baby-sit if they have children….. Think of something that would be really appreciated and then follow through. Everyone could use a hand and it’s a really nice personal way of saying “I’m sorry” and really meaning it.

#6. Be a man……… And pretend nothing ever happened!!

Life is too short to let rifts get in the way…… You were friends for a reason in the first place. Don’t ever let egos get involved when dealing with friends and lovers!!

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