5 tips for a romantic Valentines at Home

Every year the vast majority goes through the same routine on Valentines Day. They receive roses and chocolate at work, and then go out to dinner that night. Some lucky ladies receive diamonds. Although these are all nice ways to celebrate, after awhile it becomes repetitious and meaningless. Where is the true romance? Here are some tips to make a romantic Valentines at home.

1. Cook his/her favorite dinner.
I must say that a home cooked meal by candlelight is much more meaningful and romantic than dinner out any day.

2. Write him/her a love letter.
Instead of buying a card, write a letter telling him/her how much they mean to you and how much you love them. They will cherish it forever.

3. Make chocolate covered strawberries.
Buy long stem strawberries and a a few dark chocolate bars. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in a bowl, then dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate. Set the strawberries on a plate and put in the refrigerator to harden the chocolate and present it on a nice tray when ready. Mmm.

4. Draw him/her an aromatic bubble bath.
Add scented candles around the tub, sprinkle some rose petals in the water, and pour in her/his favorite bubble bath. You can also turn on a romantic CD to enhance the ambiance.

5. Give him/her a massage.
Buy some scented lotion or oil. Warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds before putting in on him/her. Give a him/her a back and neck massage. What a way to end the night (or get it started)! If you are not so great with massages, then buy a gift card to a day spa.

Stress Less Holiday Tips

It’s that time of year again. Time to pull out the decorations, cook the holiday dinner, prepare for guests (invited or not), buy presents, clean the house, mail holiday cards, attend holiday parties, plan and prepare your own holiday party, and purchase your secret Santa gift for work. When it’s all said and done, you’re left with credit card debt, a house full of toys, and relatives that won’t seem to leave. This holiday season can be less stressful by following some of these simple tips.

• Remember the reason for the season.

Everywhere we turn we are pressured to buy, buy, and buy. It’s really easy to charge now and pay later, but keep in mind that later is only next month. Don’t get stressed because you can’t buy all the toys and gifts your family wants. Remember the holidays are for spending time with your family and friends.

• Make it a potluck

Take some of the load off yourself for the cooking. Why not cook the main entrée and assign everyone a dish to bring? There is always someone with a great recipe that the family loves, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

• Take a walk

Studies show that a brief walk outside in the fresh air can reduce stress. So if the pressures of the holiday season are upon you, get out and walk. Take some deep breaths, clear your mind and relieve your tension, not to mention burn some calories in the process.

• Drink herbal tea

Chamomile is a great tea to drink during the holidays. It has a natural calming effect and is perfect to drink before bed for a good night’s rest.

• Have some “My Time” each day

After a long day of working, shopping, and preparing the house for guests, you are in desperate need of some time to yourself. Establish a designated time frame that no one can disturb you.

• Meditation to reduce holiday stress. Find a quiet room and turn on a relaxing CD with sounds of ocean waves or a river flowing. Light your favorite scented candle and sit or lay down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes, listen to the music, and think of nothing.
• Wash your cares away with a nice hot bubble bath with some lavender oil to help you have a good night’s sleep.
• Take a much needed nap or read a few chapters in your favorite book. Just do something for yourself that you enjoy.

• Stretch

Stretching is a great way to relieve tension in the body. You can take a yoga class, or buy a yoga DVD and stretch at home on your own schedule.

• Get a massage

Massage is one of the best ways to relieve stress during the holidays and anytime of the year. Find a therapist that has been licensed for at least 3 years, that way you know they should have enough experience. Ask the therapist to work on your upper body because this is where most people carry their stress.

Winter Skin Care Tips

In the winter months the humidity is very low. As a result, the skin is easily dehydrated. Unfortunately, many women don’t know how to take care of their skin during the colder months of the year, and the results aren’t very pleasant. Their skin becomes drier, more sensitive, and loses its elasticity. The signs of aging become more noticeable.

Follow these simple steps in order to keep your skin healthy looking, supple and soft during the winter:

1. Your skin still needs moisture
One big misconception is that the thermal sprays and the hydrating creams are only for the summer. If your skin feels too dry and taut during the winter months, it simply means that it needs more moisture. So buy hydrating sprays, moisturizing serums and hydrating masks. Avoid using face soaps or lotions containing alcohol as they can make your skin even drier. Even those women with oily skin should use alcohol-free cleansers during the winter. If your skin becomes hypersensitive, choose cleansing products with a neutral pH. Also, drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

2. Change your face cream or moisturizer
It’s not true that during the winter your cream or moisturizer have to be heavy and thick. One interesting fact is that during the winter your skin type may change. For example, if your skin is oily, it can become normal; the normal skin may become dry and the dry may become hypersensitive. These changes will last only during the winter months with the low humidity & temperatures. Your best choice, no matter your skin type, will be a hydrating cream containing vitamins, essential oils, and nourishing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile extract, honey, or Olive Oil.
If your skin is oily you can use your usual face cream, but you can add a moisturizing serum or fluid to your skin care routine. If your skin is dry, look for a product containing lipids, fatty acids, or essential oils. If your skin becomes reddish due to the cold, you should use specially designed products for sensitive skin against redness and broken capillaries.

3. Moisturize your whole body.
You should exfoliate your body regularly to remove the dead skin cells. Moisturize your skin after taking a shower. Choose an oilier hydrating body milk or body lotion to hydrate, soften and nourish your skin. If your skin is very dry or sensitive you can use baby oil or a body oil formula to moisturize and nourish your skin deeply. Apply baby oil immediately after the shower, while your skin is still wet, to trap the moisture in your skin. Apply the oil generously. The winter’s wind is harsh on your skin, so make sure your skin is covered. Always wear gloves, a hat and a scarf. They will prevent the brutal winter weather from causing excessive dryness.

4. Take care of your hands.
It’s essential to moisturize your hands during the cold winter months, especially before you go out. Choose a hand cream that contains vitamins and other nourishing ingredients. Apply the cream at least twice a day to keep your hands soft and moisturized.

5. Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun.
Using a sunscreen isn’t only for the hot summer months. The winter’s UVA and UVB rays are as harmful as the summer’s. Look for a sunscreen that offers sun protection (SPF 15 or higher) and apply it over your moisturizers or over your face cream to prevent brown spots, redness and skin discolorations. Some of the sun protection products contain cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil or Aloe Vera, which also make the skin smooth and soft.

6. Protect your lips.
Chapped lips are something very common during the winter months. The skin on your lips is very delicate and becomes dehydrated very easily. An oilier lip balm is the best way to prevent chapped and sore lips. Use a lip balm with moisturizing ingredients, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly to keep your lips moist and soft. Another way to prevent chapped lips is to exfoliate them with a mild exfoliator and a soft toothbrush, to remove the dead skin cells. Also use lip balms that offer sun protection (with SPF 15 or higher) which are a great choice both for the summer and the winter months. Wax balms are best for preventing dry, chapped lips.