GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Endless hot summer days inevitably bring about the battle to protect our skin. As we unpack our favorite beach blankets and swim suits, we also pull out bulky hats and goopy sun blocks in an attempt to ward off the damaging rays of the sun.

As we know, prolonged exposure to the sun- UVA and UVB rays, pollution, and even wind can damage and age our skin.  According to a study published in the scientific journal Biogerontology, “environmental factors have been shown to cause major changes in both the structure and biophysical properties of the skin.”  Over exposure to the sun actually changes the DNA of the skin, free radicals are produced feeding off of naturally occurring antioxidants found within the body.  Antioxidants can work to ward off free-radical damage and can slow or even prevent oxidative damage (the aging process) to the body.

AminoGenesis Skin Care is leading the way by developing the first amino acid-based skincare line. Combining plant derived amino acids with anti-oxidants, AminoGenesis has created Perfect Reflection, an all natural anti-aging serum. By utilizing:

• Vitamin A – Improves skin elasticity, texture, firmness and smoothness
• Vitamin C – Protects collagen from oxidation, reduces dark spots, helps the skin remain soft and supple
• Vitamin D – Helps improve skin feel and texture and is an important factor in epidermal cell turnover
• CoQ10- This element is the spark that helps cells create energy and helps preserve vitamin E

Perfect Reflection has been proven to repair sun damage, relieve dryness, decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity, texture, firmness, and smoothness. This silky smooth water-based formula penetrates the skin rapidly delivering moisture and skin-rejuvenating nutrients for the most beautiful, youthful and healthy skin possible! Price: $69

TO ENTER AND WIN A BOTTLE OF PERFECT REFLECTION:

• One mandatory entry – Leave a comment letting me know why you want to win this product
• Two additional entries – Tweet this giveaway (please leave your Twitter id)
• Five additional entries – Blog about this contest and link back to this post OR add me to your blogroll
• Giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only and closes on 1st July 2009.
• A winner will be picked using Random.org. Remember to subscribe so that you will be updated with the contest result.

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life, heralding the onset of motherhood and the chance to fulfil her maternal ambitions. Nonetheless, the physical changes associated with pregnancy are a source of not just discomfort for many, but the perception is that pregnancy is a time of life wherein the woman temporarily loses her physical beauty. Harmful as this notion is to a woman’s self-esteem, not many realise that pregnancy can equally well mark a time wherein the woman gains that special glow associated with the fact of giving birth to a new life, and can look as good, or even better, than when she is not pregnant. All that this process entails is a few easy steps which can alleviate any form of insecurity within the pregnant woman, and make her look as well as feel like the beautiful being that she is.

Some of the steps that can be adopted while one is pregnant include:

• Wear clothes designed especially for pregnant women: Pregnant women ought to flatter the changing contours of their body and wearing clothes which which are too tight,or which are too big – the perennial two mistakes of pregnant women, ought to be avoided. There are clothes especially designed for a woman carrying a child, and comfortable yet fashionable clothes need to be worn. Experimenting with clothes and accessories that one can still use while pregnant can do wonders for the self-esteem of pregnant women.
• Groom yourself: In light of bloating bodies and morning sickness, a lot of pregnant women neglect their personal grooming and thus make themselves even more vulnerable to the fact of looking worse than their usual selves. Getting a new haircut, investing in pedicures, manicures and facials only add to the special feeling of contentment of the pregnant woman.
• Eating right : To help your baby grow and feed your body during pregnancy, ensure that you take the required nutritional food and supplements like folic acid and multi-vitamins prescribed by your doctor. Eating correctly will ensure a steady, healthy weight gain and keep you looking bright and energized.
• Wearing a smile: All outward appearances, however, count for nothing unless the feeling of satisfaction is viewed in the pregnant woman’s smile, radiating happiness and satisfaction with the joy of the expected little one.

Cultivating sculpted abs have always been a major area of concern and focus for die-hard enthusiasts of health and fitness. Acquiring the much coveted possession however, is a task which requires devotion which is much easier said than done. Washboard abs with well defined muscles are not only the owner’s pride but the envy of many a friend or colleague, and acquiring them requires dedication which not only includes a well-balanced diet, but regular sets of exercises executed competently and efficiently. Here are some time-proven tips on the exercises which can ultimately lead you to acquire those killer abs you have always wanted:

• Step one: Proper postures for exercise is an integral part of the ab routine, so start exercising by taking your arms over the head and holding onto a bench. With both legs in the air and with toes pointing upwards, hold this position with your knees slightly bent.
• Sitting with bent knees and holding your arms in front: Lean backwards till you make a forty five degree angle with the floor and straighten your legs, albeit they must be positioned lower to the ground. Now hold this position for half a minute at a time and repeat the exercise.
• Sit with bent knees and flat feet: Place each arm on the opposite shoulder, and lean backwards with your back as straight as possible. Twist from side to side using only your torso i.e. waist above only.
• Lie with bent knees: Make your legs perpendicular to the ground i.e. A 90-degree angle. Put your palms at the base of the head such that the fingers interlace. Now execute twisting motions from your waist, first by bringing your left elbow towards your right knee, and simultaneously extending your right left. All the while, your other elbow should remain flat with the floor.

Repetition of this set of exercises is an essential task, and begin the abs routine by starting at 2-3 sets of 20 crunches, and gradually increasing the tempo to 5-10 sets daily. Do remember, however, that acquiring the much desired abs also exacts a fair amount of attention to dietary details, as muscle work alone cannot lead to the goal. Although an Elle MacPherson like body might seem a distant and slightly difficult task, acquiring abs that support your body well is not exactly an impossible goal, and do check with your doctor before staring on the exercise regimen.