The Latest Studies... For a Healthier, Happier You!

    I am fascinated by the latest studies that come out month after month. It is in our best interest to use this information to achieve a healthier, happier life. So here are some recent, I feel, most beneficial, easy 'latest studies' adjustments to incorporate into our lives.

~ Water ~ We know drinking enough water is mandatory for optimum health. A study is now showing that drinking 17 ounces of water (2 glasses) half an hour prior to each meal will significantly help you lose weight. In the study, obese adults who did this lost almost eight pounds more than the control group over 3 months! Yes, it will fill you & help you control portion size, but studies have also shown that being even a little bit dehydrated will slow your metabolism! Have fun with your water by adding lemon or lime. Infuse your water with fruits, cucumber slices, sprigs of herbs like mint; the sky's the limit. Water is not boring... it is what keeps us going!

~ Healthy Fats (monosaturated & polunsaturated) ~ Studies have shown they can improve cholesterol levels, may reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, help promote healthy nerve activity & cell development just to name a few. You can easily incorporate nuts & seeds, oils (canola, olive & sunflower) , avocadoes, olives, cold water fish like salmon & tuna into your diet. Again, have fun with new recipes or sprinkle & drizzle away on your current mealtime favorites.

~ Gut Bacteria Healing Foods ~ Studies show that probiotic foods like probiotic yogurt, drinkable kefir, refrigerated pickles, kimchee & sauerkraut, (essentially refrigerated fermented vegetables) can promote healthy gut bacteria that been compromised by medication, poor diet, age. Prebiotic foods like raw garlic, raw/cooked onions & raw asparagus keep your 'getting healthy' gut staying that way.

~ Feel Gratitude & Happiness Will Follow ~ Studies show that writing down/reflecting on the things you are grateful for will bring for more happiness in your life. You are likely to feel more optimistic, you may feel less pain, live longer, catch fewer colds & strengthen your heart. The desire to exercise more may follow too! Write down three gratitudes a day & try not to repeat!

   So try these suggestions. I am optimistic there will be more studies in 2016 that will have the potential to offer us a healthier, happier new year! I promise to share.

Micellar Water ~ The Latest & Greatest in Facial Cleansers

   You know me by now readers! I usually will not dedicate an entire 'what's new' blog to just one item unless it is fabulous & amazing. So here is my first of 2016 (and hopefully not the last - I rather enjoy fabulous & amazing products - especially inexpensive ones!)

    The first award of the year goes to micellar water. Composed of micelle cleansing molecules that literally pull dirt & oils away from your skin. Yes, it's just that simple. No fragrance, no tingling, no rinsing. You are left with unbelievable smooth, hydrated skin! Originating in France and pronounced me-sell-are, I am truly sold on this. I am using Garnier brand, inexpensive ($6.99 for 13.5 oz. at Walmart without a coupon!) & ounce per ounce the most value. (Another 'drugstore' brand to try is Simple but fewer ounces for the money.) It is extremely effective in removing dirt & makeup. Garnier has a type that works on the more stubborn waterproof mascara too (the blue lid bottle).

    For my own cleaning regime it fits in perfectly. If you are cleaning thoroughly the night before (as you should!) you need not cleanse in the AM if you are say over 40. This is unnecessary & drying. So I use a thorough, non-drying cleanser at night, followed by serum & moisturizer. Those times when I am too tired to clean my face traditionally, this micellar water does a fabulous job. I take my two-sided cotton round & sweep the exfoliating side around my face. I then flip to the gentler side of the round and smooth gently around the eye area. When the AM rolls around this water becomes the perfect AM cleanser/refresher too. Wakes up my skin without over-drying. I then proceed with my moisturizers & SPF makeup. So easy!!

    Enjoy this latest 'technology' for the skin, Ladies & I will continue to test the latest & greatest for you in 2016! Micellar water is truly amazing...

Looking Forward to 2016...

   I believe we all love throwing the old year out & feeling the hope of a new year. Before stomping on 2015, first look back at how all your experiences may have affected you in a positive way. Yes, helping you to grow in ways you never expected...

That being said, here are some things I am looking forward to in 2016:

~ TUT - A Note From the Universe ~ Created by Mike Dooley ( a contributor to the best-seller The Secret). This is what I wake up to every weekday in my e-mail. It is a brief inspirational paragraph tailored just for me. To say they are life affirming words to start your day is an understatement! Sign up today to get your year started off in a positive way! Link below:

http://www.tut.com/Inspiration/nftu

~ Hover boards ~ Okay, so I don't own nor will I ever (not at this stage of development anyway) They may be an expensive fad, but what I look forward to are the endless possibilities that technology has barely grazed...

~ Star Wars The Force Awakens ~ Isn't it reassuring that something that can lay dormant for thirty years can suddenly rise like a phoenix from the ashes & make billions? Now it's our turn to rise & make our billions!

~ Downton Abbey Season 6 - I will savor every minute of this last season. I also look forward to the unique that TV will air in 2016

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~ Micellar Water ~ (I will be writing an entire blog on this one!) The latest & greatest way to clean your face. A cotton square & this water (that's been around for over a hundred years in France) is all you need. Amazing stuff. It also serves as a metaphor for all the new products to come my way in the coming year. I swear I keep looking younger!

~ Nestle Morsels Theater Box Candy ~ Yes, we may have thought we hit rock bottom with no chocolate in the house & indulged in that lovely golden bag of baking morsels. This now gives our cravings credibility. Nestle, what took you so long? Looking forward to all the new food products...

~ The latest studies... ~ What I am seeing moving into 2016 is what we need to add to our diets to achieve our optimums - not what we need to be taking away! (more on this in a future blog too) No one like being told what not to eat!