Hair Color Ideas

Precision cut bobs are huge this year, coupled with smooth, sleek styling, a blunt fringe and heaps of shine. Your bob should be carefully crafted to accentuate your unique facial structure, or highlight a long, beautiful neck. Bob hair styles range from ear level to shoulder skimming and are best for straight or slightly wavy hair.

If you're looking for all of the hot styles worn in Hollywood, Celebrity Hairstyles could be just the hair style magazine to bring it all together for you. Ever wonder how Hilary Duff and Faith Hill got those softly tousled locks? Wonder no more. Not only is this hair style magazine full of color photos of the latest celebrity styles, it also has technical how-to information that you can take along with you to the salon.

If you have wavy, shoulder-length hair in a brunette tone, don't go for all-over color. Instead, add texture to your style plus some caramel highlights scattered throughout the crown and part areas. The textured waves combined with the highlights will reflect the sunlight and create a dazzling effect.

Double sided coloring - underneath, choose a darker color like chocolate, and over the top, and for most of the hair, choose lighter shades like copper and bronze. The darker color will frame your face, and if you go for any flicks or curls when styling, you'll see it contrasted against the lighter colors. But the main colors when hair is straightened will be the lighter ones. It's great for variety.

Hair needs to be in reasonably good condition to take peroxide based lighteners, especially if you are going for a look that is a lot lighter than your natural or base hair color. Use protein treatments to strengthen your hair first, if its not in good condition. Or go for a few highlights to complement your cut instead.

If you are looking for a more permanent hair dye then you may want to consider a demipermanent hair coloring. This treatment uses a hair color cream that has a mild developer. This type of coloring will typically last a few months. This option is great for covering grey hair.

Weaving is a two-part process. First, the stylist weaves a series of threads into your own hair, using underneath sections so the work won't show. She then uses that weave as a base upon which she will attach the hairpiece, or weft (a curtain of hair, attached at the top and free-flowing at the bottom).

Hair coloring can add spice and enhance many hair styles. A good hair color can add shine, drama and fun to your hair style. It can make some hair types easier to style. Permanent hair coloring breaks down the hair cuticle and deposits pigment into the hair shaft.

Hair color is a reflection of light off the colored pigment of the hair shaft. Different colors add or subtract from the hair color giving it various hues and shades. Colors that are too beige or ashy don't complement skin tones. Try using gold or warm tones, this gives the skin a more youthful, healthy glow. Try not to panic and rush to find a solution that might cause even more harm.

Low-Carb Diets & Type 2 Diabetes

Low-carbohydrate diets may lure clients with promises of rapid weight loss, but the long-term health effects of these popular diets are unknown. Researchers recently conducted a prospective trial to determine whether low-carb diets used for weight loss increased or decreased the risk for type 2 diabetes in women over time.

Using data from the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study, the researchers examined the association between a low-carbohydrate-diet score (based on percentages of energy as carbs, fat and protein) and the risk of type 2 diabetes among more than 85,000 women over a 20-year period. Females who ate more carbohydrates had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those who ate fewer carbs during the study period.

“These data suggest that diets lower in carbohydrates and higher in fat and protein do not increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in women,” the researchers concluded in the February issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “In fact, diets rich in vegetable sources of fat and protein may modestly reduce the risk of diabetes.”

Keep in mind that not all carbs are created equal. If you do reduce your carbohydrate intake to lose weight, make sure you retain the healthy “complex” carbs, such as fruits and veggies. Instead, toss out the “simple” carbs, like those found in processed foods.

Soups: healthy and filling

• Soup contains less calories but they are nutritious than any other meal. Soups are found to keep you full for longer than most other meals and this has been proved by the age old phrase "nothing fills me up like a hot bowl of soup". The researchers at Penn State found that foods high in water content had a very strong impact on satiety (the feeling of satisfaction/fullness).

• They are one of the most nutritive method of consuming vegetables because the vitamins and nutrients in the soup are retained in it.

• The antioxidants present in vegetables and garlic have excellent healing properties for diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma etc . Diabetics would also benefit from drinking soup as the high antioxidant content of soups helps rectify the damage by the high blood sugar levels. Remember, only the fresh soups have the antioxidant properties.

• Soups are filling and very low calorie, therefore they are great for someone trying to decrease the quantity of food.

• Soups are a great substitute to excessive tea/coffee.

• Kids often enjoy soups and it is far tastier than cooked vegetables.

Wheat Soup

Ingredients

• Whole Wheat - 2 cups

• Yogurt - 4 cups

• Chicken Stock - 4 cups

• Egg - 1

• Flour - 2 tbsp

• Salt to taste

• Ground Pepper - 2 tbsp

Method

• Take Wheat and soak in water for 8 hours. Drain the water. Place the yogurt in a sieve lined with cheesecloth and let the excess liquid drain out for a minimum of 5 to 6 hours, or overnight if possible.

• Take a deep (soup) pan and add the chicken stock to it and boil the wheat in the chicken stock. On low heat cook for 1 hour.

• Once the wheat is cooked strain the soup using sieve.

• In a frying pan add the yogurt, flour and egg and mix well. Cook on a low heat until it thickens.

• Add ½ cup of water and cook until the mixture gets boiled. Add this mixture to the soup and boil for 3-4 min and serve.

• Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped onions and sauces if desired.

Mediterranean Soup

Ingredients

• Butter - 50gm

• Leek - 1

• Water

• Flour - 1/4 cup

• Broccoli - 400 gm

• Carrots - 3

• Zucchinis Sliced - 2

• Red pepper Sliced - 1

Method

• In a frying pan add butter and once the butter is melted add the leek to the pan. Fry for 10 min.

• Add the flour to the leeks and fry for 2-3 min and add the vegetable stock and water to the pan and boil for 15-20 min on medium heat.

• Once the soup starts to thicken, add the rest of the vegetables and cook for 15 min on medium heat.

• Once the vegetables are cooked and become soft. Turn off the heat and serve.

Roast Tomato and Chickpea Soup

Ingredients

• 6 large plum tomatoes

• 1 medium onion, halved

• 2 garlic cloves

• 300ml / 1/2 pint / 11/4 cups vegetable stock

• 430 g can chickpeas, drained

• 30ml / 2 tbsp tomato puree

• 30ml / 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

• salt and black pepper

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 200^oC. Place the whole tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

• Place in a food processor with the vegetable stock and half the chickpeas, and blend until smooth.

• Press through a sieve.

• Return to the pan, add the tomato puree, the remaining chickpeas, and the coriander. Bring to the boil and serve hot.

Anti Aging Secrets to Healthy Looking Skin

Many of the secrets to healthy looking skin have been passed down through the generations. In some cases, they have been in use for thousands of years. Modern-day researchers have evaluated some of these secret treatments. Now, we know "why" some of them are effective. Here's a look at them.

Wakame Kelp

There is no way to know how long women have been using wakame on their faces. It is a kind of seaweed, native to the Sea of Japan, but now present throughout the world. It was used traditionally to prevent sunburn and to soothe existing burns. Women called it an "anti-aging secret". What do the scientists say?

Wakame contains:

• Minerals important for maintaining the skin's moisture balance
• Compounds that act as minor sunscreens
• Nutrients that inhibit the activity of hyaluronidaise, an enzyme responsible for the age-related loss of the skin's hyaluronic acid
• Antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage caused by the sun's UV rays

What's the bottom line? Wakame kelp extracts are one of the secrets to healthy looking skin that work according to scientific evaluations.

Shea Butter

Although the cosmetic industry has started to take advantage of the benefits of Shea butter and pass them along to their customers, it is still popular primarily in Africa. That's where the Shea nut tree grows. The tree is sometimes referred to as the "tree of life". The medicinal uses of Shea butter in Africa are numerous. It has been used to treat everything from acne to eczema. It is used for the prevention of wrinkles and to fade away age spots. Is Shea butter one of the secrets to healthy looking skin that is really effective?

Here's what the science says:

• It contains vitamin A and E-most newly diagnosed acne patients have low blood levels of those vitamins
• The fatty acids are nearly identical to those present in the skin's sebum on a molecular level, which makes it an effective moisturizer for dry skin and eczema
• It contains emollients, which are compounds that soften
• It has natural anti-inflammatory activity-acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and allergic reactions are all inflammatory conditions
• It contains compounds that have minor sunscreen activity
• Clinical studies have proven its effectiveness for softening, smoothing and de-aging the skin's surface. It is one of the effective secrets to healthy looking skin.

Avocado Oil

In areas where the avocado grows, its oil has been used for cooking and as a treatment for itching and dryness. Like Shea butter, it contains the vitamins A and E. Like wakame, it contains minerals necessary for maintaining the skin's moisture balance. It is also an effective moisturizer. But, that's not all. Scientists have learned that applying avocado oil increases the skin's collagen content. The skin's collagen content normally decreases with age.

So, avocado oil is one of the anti-aging secrets to healthy looking skin. The better night creams contain Shea butter, avocado oil and wakame kelp. A night cream could be the secret you've been searching for.

Need further assistance? Then, be sure to visit Lita's site at http://skin-health-and-body.com/ that covers useful information on quality cutting edge skin care technology that works naturally and safely for your body, skin and health.

Fun and Safe in the Sun

Most everyone loves the sun. Bright light invigorates and helps boost your mood. Unfortunately the sun has some downsides, too. Spending a lot of time outside without taking precautions can lead to health problems.

We are programmed to think tans are a good thing. Pick up most any edition of a women's magazine published in the summer and you will see an article on how to get a healthy tan. Talk to any doctor at a south Chicago hospital and you will hear how unhealthy a "healthy" tan can be. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and 85% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Basil cell carcinoma looks like a smooth, raised bump which some people think is a sore that will not heal. It is the most easily cured of skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma resembles a red, scaly patch and is the second most dangerous skin cancer. Melanomas are the rarest but most dangerous form of skin cancer. They are often dark in appearance. A mole that changes size or appearance might be a melanoma that needs to be checked out.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer amongst young people. Wilmington Illinois hospital workers can tell you that this is in part due to the widespread use of tanning beds. Teens and young adults use tanning beds in part to look better and in part to feel better. Recent studies have shown that people who use tanning beds can become addicted to them as if they were a drug. Users report increased feelings of well-being after using the beds and depression if they have to miss a session. There is some talk of enacting legislation to limit tanning bed use, but education is probably a better choice. Advances are made every year in sunless tanning that enable you to get the sun-kissed look without the UV damage. Young people need to know as well that too much sun now can lead to increased wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging at earlier ages than if they avoided UV exposure.

The sun's main benefit is in helping the human body produce Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential in helping the body absorb calcium which is needed for strong bones. While Momence Illinois hospital workers will tell you vitamin D is important, you need to balance the benefits with the risks. Many food products, particularly dairy items, are fortified with vitamin D. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna, eggs, and mushrooms are good sources as well. While there is no consensus on safe sun exposure, research seems to indicate you can get all the vitamin D you need from sunlight with only 10-30 minutes of sun exposure a week. If you plan to spend more time than that in direct sunlight, you should use some form of UV protection. A shot glass amount of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen can provide adequate protection from the sun's dangers. More sunscreen will need to be applied every few hours or after spending time in the water. Another option is to buy clothing that has built in sun protection.

If you are concerned about your skin cancer risk, you can make an appointment to talk to a doctor at Riverside Medical Center. Their south Chicago hospital, Wilmington Illinois hospital, and Momence Illinois hospital locations make is easy to get healthcare in the area south of Chicago.

Healthy Snacks

Snacking can be good for you, or not, depending on what you eat (and how much). You can keep hunger at bay between meals and get extra nutrition by choosing nutrient-dense foods, or you can nosh on energy-dense foods and pack on the pounds quickly if you're not careful.
Think of your snack as a mini-meal and keep it balanced. Watch your portions and choose a little protein with healthy fats and high fiber carbs. You'll feel satisfied without over eating. Choose more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and fewer sugary, high-fat treats. Here are some ideas for healthy snacking.
Spread peanut butter on six whole grain crackers and serve with one ounce of cheese (about the size of a pair of dice).
Cut an apple into bite-size chunks and add them to 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese. Sprinkle one tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (and a little honey if you like sweetness).
Slice a whole-grain pita into 6 wedges and serve with hummus and a handful of fresh berries on the side.
Make a fruit and cheese plate to share. Slice on apple and one pear, and serve with fresh grapes, whole grain crackers and a few thin slices of your favorite cheeses.
Combine one cup plain low fat yogurt with 1/2 cup blueberries or strawberry slices, and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds. Add just enough honey to suit your taste.
Spread almond butter on a piece of whole-wheat toast and add a spoonful of 100% fruit spread. Serve with a glass of non-fat milk.
Serve olives and marinated red peppers with one slice of warm whole-grain bread.
Bake your own tortilla chips and serve them with a chunky mango-black bean salsa.
Make a bowl of hot oatmeal and serve with a sliced banana, 1/2 cup berries and a splash of non-fat milk.
Have a small salad with spinach leaves, broccoli florets, tomato slices and top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese and one tablespoon of your favorite dressing.