GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

The majority of women who are trying to lose weight look for healthy, convenient, delicious and cheap diets. Unfortunately, most nutrition plans leave dieters feeling hungry, depressed and frustrated when they do not see immediate results. Thus, just like fashion and beauty, everyone wants to know what is the next “hot” thing in weight loss and health.

Sunset Health Products, Inc. is proud to introduce a variety of diet products that is not only effective in helping to shed pounds, but is healthy, safe and will leave women feeling satisfied throughout the day. Now, you can have that beautiful physique too!

The Hollywood Cookie Diet® offers dieters the chance to eat delicious cookies, while still maintaining a sensible diet and staying full longer. A woman on The Hollywood Cookie Diet®, simply eats a cookie (a variety of flavors are available) for breakfast, lunch and as two snacks throughout the day. The website offers sensible recipe choices for dinner. The beauty of this diet is it relieves hunger (each cookie contains approximately 150 calories and necessary nutrients for the day) while helping women lose weight. People can stay on the diet for as short or long as they choose—until they reach their weight loss goal. Cookie choices include chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and lemon or the variety pack for just $19.95 a box. With 12 cookies in each box, The Hollywood Cookie Diet® offers 3 days of meal-replacement, which is less than $2.00 per serving. Also, in these busy times, it is perfect for meals on the go—with life moving so fast these days, eating well has taken a back seat to other things. Over 3 million cookies have been eaten .

BUY IT : The Hollywood Cookie Diet are available at Walmart, Rite Aid and Walgreens. The Hollywood Cookie Diet® has appeared in publications such as InTouch Magazine, OK Magazine and on programs such as “The Early Show” and the NBC television program, “Lipstick Jungle.” For more information, you can visit http://hollywooddietstore.com

WIN IT : Thanks to Hollywood Diet Store, I’m giving away two boxes of The Hollywood Cookie Diet® each to two lucky readers. All you need to do is:

• One mandatory entry – Visit www.hollywooddietstore.com and “name three ingredients in The Hollywood Cookie Diet. Please  leave your answer in our comment section in this post.
• Two additional entries – If you tweet this giveaway (please leave your twitter id)
• Five additional entries – If you blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post (please leave your post url)
• Giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only and closes on 3rd September 2009.
• A winner will be picked using Random.org. Remember to subscribe so that you will be updated with the contest result.

Since more women than ever are being diagnosed with breast cancer, it makes  this story particularly important to be shared with every one of you today.

New York, NY (July 28, 2009) – According to the American Cancer Society a staggering 70 percent of women eligible for breast reconstruction forgo it simply because they are unaware of their options. This glaring oversight leaves the roughly 250,000 American women who each year battle breast cancer uninformed about what’s often considered the finishing touch of a treatment plan.

New York City board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Sterry says that even though women feel scared after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis and overwhelmed by the treatment that lies ahead, neglecting to discuss reconstruction options serves only to limit her.

“Nearly all the breast cancer patients I work with for reconstruction tell me they were concerned early on about how their treatment would impact their physical appearance, but that those concerns weren’t addressed,” says Dr. Sterry. “The trauma of her battle with breast cancer will be with her always and so will some of the scars, but there is great technology today that makes it possible for pretty much every patient to expect a pleasing aesthetic result after breast reconstruction and it’s important that every patient be educated about it.”

Breast Advice
There are many options for breast reconstruction. Because multiple factors – including the method of treatment, the style of mastectomy, and certain characteristics of each individual patient -determine which option is best, the most successful outcome results when a plastic surgeon is included on the treatment team from the beginning.

“Most breast cancer patients tell me they feel deformed by their treatment, sometimes even comparing themselves to Humpty Dumpty,” says Dr. Sterry, “They feel that after this traumatic ordeal they’re left in pieces and are relieved to learn how they can restore their body to a shape they associate with femininity and health.”

According to Dr. Sterry there are some basic terms associated with breast reconstruction that all patients should be aware of including expanders and autologous reconstruction. Dr. Sterry advises all women to also learn about up-and-coming procedures, including those that use tissue matrices and alternatives to mastectomies also known as oncoplastic surgery, which he believes will eventually dominate the field.

Not your mother’s breast reconstruction: One of the most common complaints about reconstructed breasts is that they more closely resemble “mounds” rather than natural breasts. It has long been accepted that reconstructed breasts are meant to allow women to better wear clothing, including bathing suits, after mastectomy but exciting advances have made it possible for plastic surgeons to more closely replicate a true breast.

• Tissue Matrices like AlloDerm and Strattice have proven vital in enabling surgeons to recreate the most natural looking breasts during reconstruction, says Dr. Sterry. “Essentially what they’ve done is provide patients with an additional layer of tissue, helping us overcome many challenges typically associated with breast reconstruction,” he explains, going on to say the use of tissue matrices grants the surgeon more control over the placement and shape of the breast. “With the assistance of a tissue matrix, which functions essentially as an ‘inner bra,’ the surgeon can better control and predict the long term position of the implant and the shape of the breast.”
• Alternatives to mastectomy comprise a burgeoning field known as oncoplastic surgery, which in some cases can preserve much of the original breast while also removing cancerous tissue. One example of oncoplastic surgery is the growing number of women Dr. Sterry has seen opting for a breast lift procedure instead of a mastectomy. “In the past it wasn’t uncommon for a woman to opt for a mastectomy out of fear, but thankfully we’ve benefited from some advances that allow us to successfully remove the cancer without necessarily eliminating the entire breast. Because of that, breast conservation surgery like lumpectomies and breast lift in place of a mastectomy are increasingly being used and seem to be just as effective,” Dr. Sterry explains. The trick, he says, is to discuss at length with your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon the pros and cons of traditional mastectomy versus oncoplastic surgery.

Oldies but goodies – breast reconstruction for the ages: The standards for breast reconstruction are autologous reconstruction (using tissue from another part of the patient’s body such as in TRAM flap or latissimus dorsi reconstruction), and tissue expansion, where a device resembling a water balloon is inserted under the skin and muscle in the area of the breast and inflated slowly over a few months. Eventually, the expander is removed and a permanent implant is put in its place.

Associated with each of these procedures are complications such as decreased function of the donor site when tissue from another part of the body is used and unnaturally shaped breasts due to the lack of tissue when an expander and implant are used. If the implant is fully shielded by muscle, high-riding, poorly defined breasts often result but when there’s only partial coverage, the risk for “bottoming out,” exposure of the implant, a “uni-boob” and visibility of the implant increases.

In the past women and their medical teams accepted these risks because there wasn’t much else to choose from. Today, Dr. Sterry believes these procedures can be dramatically improved upon by incorporating new technology such as tissue matrices and oncoplastic surgery.

While the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer steadily rises, the rate of death due to breast cancer is on the decline thanks to early detection and improved treatment options, making it more important than ever to consider “after cancer” plans before surgical treatment.

Did you know that every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer at some point during her life is about 1 in 8. This is why it is incredibly important for women to do what they can to maintain their breast health.

Here are some simple steps to help support your breast health:

• Conduct self-exams.
• If you’re over 40, it is advisable to get an annual mammogram.
• Eat a healthy diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Don’t forget to include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
• Always remember to exercise. Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. Examples include walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Stretching and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness level.

Now, here’s an opportunity for you to join the fight against breast cancer. Check out the TAKE A STAND widget below and join the virtual march, by creating a customizable character in honor of someone special. In addition, for each character created, One A Day will make a donation to a breast cancer cause selected by consumers. The organizations that will be included are: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Network of Strength. OneADay will donate $0.10 per character created and coupon redeemed with a combined maximum donation of $75,000. Why wait? Do your part for a good cause today.

Trends and styles change every season, and if you’re a fashion conscious person, it is not only important that you follow the latest in style but are also in the know regarding the various fashion faux pas and mistakes. A fashion disaster can completely ruin even a seemingly elegant outfit, and in this article we tell you how to steer clear of them.

The most obvious fashion disaster is the appearance of undergarments peeking out from underneath your clothes. While g-strings and panty lines peeking out from above the too-low jeans may seem very stylish on TV, in real life they look messy and coarse. Instead, opt for low-rise underwear or boy-briefs that sit below the waistline of your pants.

Another terrible fashion disaster is the formation of sweat stains. Yellow colored patches under the armholes look absolutely gauche and turn even the cutest outfit into a disaster. Anti-perspiring deodorants are manufactured to prevent the very same from happening but if you suffer from the medical condition which makes you perspire excessively, botox injections can help you deal with the problem in the long run.

Our next tip is to always wear clothes that fit you well instead of wearing clothes in a size you wish you fitted into. Squeezing into a smaller sized garment may feel like an achievement but it is important to understand that it will only make you look bigger. Clothes that are tight will cause your skin to roll up in unattractive folds and will make you look fat. It is important to wear comfortably fitting clothes even if they are of a larger size.

Reusable bags have helped people eliminate thousands of plastic and paper shopping bags choking our planet. Without a doubt, they are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to paper and plastic bags - if you can remember to take them with you to the store. Many times, the store-branded, 99-cent bags are either left at home or are too small to hold everything. If you’re planning to do your part to save the environment, here are some sites you can check out for reusable bags:

1. www.joeytotes.com -  Joey Totes were designed to make it simple for people to get in the reusable bag habit.  Each bag stows into a tiny storage pouch that is sewn directly into each Joey Tote, so it’s impossible to misplace. Better still, each pouch can also store at least one other tote (two for the “Big Joey”), so all of the bags are conveniently kept in one place that’s still small enough to easily fit into a purse or coat pocket.

Great for use at the mall, the beach or even the gym, Joey Totes are made from rip-stop nylon, hold up to 40 pounds each and are machine washable.

2. www.reusablebags.com -Envirosax are for the environmentally-conscious consumer who wants a practical, stylish option to plastic and paper bags. Made of durable, waterproof, lightweight polyester, built for toughness and extra strength.

Design features include double-fabric handle for comfort, reinforced seams for added strength, and long handles for carrying over the shoulder. Each Envirosax Graphic Series bag rolls up into a tiny, compact package so it’s easy to always have one with you – small enough to stow into a glove compartment or a handbag. To use, unsnap its closure tab and unroll. The bag expands to hold the equivalent of two grocery plastic bags.

3. www.simplygreensolutions.com – Foldable Curve Bag is one of the most stylish reusable promotional bags in their collection. With its curved shape and unique fold-up feature, its easy storage without sacrificing style. Perfect if you’re looking for a unique bag for your organization or as a giveaway. Perfect for promotional and retail stores. Comes in non woven polypropylene only.

Congratulations to this very deserving reader:

 Kirsten P

for winning the Perfect Reflection giveaway

Please email me your shipping address by using the Contact Form here. If the prize remains unclaimed by 10th July 2009, we will be doing another random draw.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Paris Hilton was recently spotted outside of Newark Airport wearing Niki Biki’s Seamless Denim Leggings in Blue.

Knit from nylon, cotton and spandex, the super comfy and stretchy faux denim leggings are sure to be a popular wardrobe staple this fall and winter.

Niki Biki Seamless Denim Legging in Blue, Black and Charcoal are available at Repeat Posessions for $33. Now, that’s something all of us can afford!

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.