CVS BH114 Reinventing Beauty Magazine 4th Quarter, 2009 by Compendium Systems

WOMEN’S

ORAL CARE AND YOUR HEART THE

HEALTH

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guide

beauty

TEP

do’s and don’ts

WORKOUT

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& YOUR

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guiDe Gray.Gardens............................................................... Glamorous colors that brighten even Old Man Winter's day. celeb VieW

Black.and.White....................................................... 26

Sublte yet soďŹ sticated. That's why we love ebony and ivory.

beauty Beauty.Do's.and.Don'ts................................................ Picture-perfect nails, hair and eyes.

HoW to.SKIN.FOOD.101:.NATUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S.GLOSSARY........................ Natural ingredients to keep your skin young and supple.

bio.Genie.Francis:.Where.is.She.Now?................................... Is Laura Spencer on daytime soap's General Hospital coming back?

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D-i-y proJect Make.A.Holiday.Wreath..............50 Do-it-yourself holiday centerpieces, wreaths and more.

security.Child-Proof.Zone:.Home.Safety.......56 Child-safety 101. Cover image Credit ÂŠ imago/zumapress.com

HouseHolD.Laundry.411...............................58 Do's and don'ts.

kitcHen.Lo-Cal.Holiday.Treats......................60 Baking without worry.

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health

life

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Quick Fitness 5-Step

Office Workout . ........... 64

When you can't get to the gym.

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Celeb close-up Courtney Cox.......................... Hollywood's favorite cougar from Cougartown.

86.

Diagnosis Oral Care and Your Heart .............. Your toothbrush can save your life! Who knew?

72.

Action Budget Travel.................................. Wallet-friendly places to visit.

Community Swine Flu H1N1 .......................... How to boost your immune system.

Finance Credit card Nightmares .................. Wrangler that credit card into financial submission.

Jennifer Cassetty . and Your Health .................................... 82

Last Word Social Media Breakdown . ............ Facebook, Twitter and the Social Media phenomenon.

Stay Informed

Positive post-image weight-loss perception.

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editor’s letter Charu Suri, editor

Contributing Photographers

The holiday season is always particularly cheery because it brings families together. We hope this issue will give you a reason to celebrate that spirit with us and our familes. We have given you ideas on how to make your own wreath, whether it’s from fresh pine or plastic. There are recipes for the holidays that are both rich yet low in calories so you can indulge your sweet tooth without worrying about watching every mouthful.

Jen Fellows

www.jenfellowsphotography.com

Contributing Writers

We’ve given you some spice in the icy season: fashion wise, at any rate. Our Gray Gardens style guide will show you how to showcase sprigs of color while sporting gunmetal gray. If you’ve wondered how to apply flawless eyeshadow, makeup and sport a mess-free chignon, then flip the page to the Beauty Dos and Don’ts which will give you pointers on how to put your best makeup foot forward. We give you a step by step guide to some of the best office moves to keep in shape; and also give you tips on how to help avoid getting the H1N1 swine flu by building up your immune system. Also learn how important it is to take care of your teeth – if you want to prevent a coronary. Really!

Jennifer Cassetty

www.jennifercassetty.com

Megan Sarah Johnson

http://meganjohnson.tumblr.com/

Our cover girl is all American Courtney Cox, our favorite cougar. Find out some fascinating facts about her life and some trivia. For the moms out there, learn how to kid proof your home as well as do your laundry effectively and efficiently, while saving water and the Earth’s precious resources. Who knew there was a trick to making laundry spotless as well as effortless? The most important part of the Winter holiday season is always family, so we hope you enjoy the time spent with your loved ones and give thanks for a beautiful year. See you in 2010!

Sabina Covo

Susan Pogorzelski

Suzy Bales

Becky Ellis

sabinacovo@hotmail.com

www.suzybalesgarden.com

www.susanpogorzelski.com

Charu Suri

whttp://twitter.com/Earthygrrl

Have some feedback? Email me at editor@beautyhandbook.com

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Reveal younger-looking skin with anti-aging skincare from CVS/pharmacy. You’ll get all of the same skin-perfecting results as the national brand, and you’ll pay up to 42% less. Compare to Olay Regenerist .* ®

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staff

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER. John “Jack” McAuliffe SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kevin H. McGivney

business OPERATIONS MANAGER James Anagost DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Lauren Yarish DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS Patti Herron GENERAL COUNSEL Joseph Cassin, ESQ., . Cassin, Cassin & Joseph

editorial EDITOR Charu Suri ASSOCIATE EDITOR Hawley Hilton McAuliffe HEALTH & LIFESTYLE EDITOR Michael McCooey, Esq. CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jesse Parris WESTERN OFFICE PHOTO MANAGER Hilton I. McAuliffe PHOTOGRAPHER Conrad Hilton, III GENERAL OFFICES 346 N. Main St., Port Chester, NY 10573 TEL (914) 935-1000 FAX (914) 935-1054 FLORIDA OFFICE John “Jack” McAuliffe, Manager 5605 South Flagler Drive. W. Palm Beach, FL 33405-3332 TEL (561) 540-4400 FAX (561) 586-2111 WESTERN OFFICE 13020 Maxella Ave #3. Marina Del Rey, Ca 90292 TEL (310) 866-0398

Member, NACDS

National Association of Chain Drug Stores Direct all inquiries to the publisher, John McAuliffe, Beauty Handbook/CSC. ©2009 Compendium Systems Corporation. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted in the United States and countries signatory to the Berne Convention and to the Pan American Convention. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Comments? Email us at editor@beautyhandbook.com Some of the items advertised in this issue may not be available in this store. If this is the case, the store personnel will be happy to suggest a similar item.

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He’ll love it.

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Blade personal care for men offers the essentials to keep him smelling good all day, no matter how hard he works or plays. With a wide selection of signature scents, you’ll be sure to find one that’s perfect for him. Starting at 2.99.

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fashion

GRAY GARDENS

The weather outside may be frightful, but there’s no question that among the folds of gun-metal gray, dark black and navy dresses is a sprig of color that is eager to shine and flourish. After all, who wants to be a plain ordinary Jane? This winter, the predominant colors are darks, no doubt. This means your Little Black Dress (or dark solid variation thereof), brilliant dark purples, stone washed jeans, and the general tone of gray which is pervasive. The term “Gray Gardens” is no misnomer, and we’ve showed you how to use that solid dark backdrop into something a bit punchier. The 80’s style is so hot right now that you can slip and be Rihanna as well as Madonna using the same wardrobe. The cut of the dresses is more demure than glitzy but the trend here is all about using accessories (shoes, jewelry, belts, earrings) to do the technicolor talking.

Office Essentials Tiffany: Sweater, Urban Behavior. Trousers, Bebe. Jen Fellows makeup aNd hair Flora Wade WardroBe Arekah C models Tiffany and Korrina photography

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Patent Pumps, Costa Blanca. Vintage Necklace and Ring. Leopard Clutch, Urban Behavior. Nails, Milani Cosmetics.

WINTER FASHION

Winter Fashion

Date Night This gunmetal gray dress is as subtle as you can get. Demure, yet the neon lining and neon belt communicate edgy without being too crazy. Throw in a killer pair of stilettos of the same shade and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a date worthy of all the attention you deserve. And who says your hair color canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count as an accessory?

Tiffany: Satin Dress, Single. Necklace, Safia. Metallic Clutch, Costa Blanca. Gladiator Pumps, Costa Blanca. Nails, Milani Cosmetics.

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Fuel plus Protein contains 110 calories per 3oz serving. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance with Fuel Energy Shots. At only 4 calories, they’re formulated with B Vitamins, amino acids and nutrients to keep you fueled for 7 whole hours. Available in Fruit Flavor, Orange, Fruit Extra Strength and new Fuel Plus Protein.

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010091PBM09

Winter.Fashion

WIN ER FASHTIO N

Holiday Party

This simple, metallic halter dress is all yo u need to make a soph isticated entrance wh en you walk into any pa rty. Pair with beautifu l, girly pumps (either plain or with a dollo p of accessories) and yo uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be the most talke d about girl in the roo m. You can play up the accessories or tone the look down by wearing simple Vintag e pieces that do all the talking.

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Winter Fashion

WINTER FASHION

Weekend Cool

The birth of cool starts with a cool pair of jeans. Wear a bright tee or tank underneath a knit sweater and you can accessorize with pumps and scarves that complement the bright hue. Carry a brightly colored bag that match all your marvelous efforts to color coordinate.

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Winter Fashion

TER WINH FAS ION

Weekend Cool This is a variation on our Weekend Cool look we talked about previously; in this case, instead of jeans, sport some leggings in a very Madonna meets Papa Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Preach Way. Sport that roomy studded hobo but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make everything matchy matchy. Varying the shades of color is the right technique to use. Ko Ur rinn a b Ca an : Sw B s e ea h Le gg mere havi ter, Le or ing S Ch athe s, E wea . r Ne ines Bo xpre ter V e L ots es c ss k Pu t, la , . a Lo Na rse, ce, S und lly r ils Co . y a . fia ,M s ila ta B . ni Co lanc sm a. eti cs .

Sunblossom. Enjoy the fresh, soft scent of Essence of Beauty Sunblossom. Discover the entire collection of Essence of Beauty bath and body, offering an assortment of exclusive fragrances. Starting at 5.99.

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Excite your senses.

WIN ER FASHTIO N Winter.Fashion

Work to Evening By day, maybe you’re wearing a gray blazer, Celine-Dion style, over this number. But by night, va va voom! The purple top half is definitely a welcome shock but the demure lower half makes this a very versatile from Boardroom to bar look. We love the punchy purple shade because it’s suitable for several skin types and is not overkill. Paint your nails a bright shade of crimson, wear some classy pearls and let your hair down for an evening on the town. In general the styles for this season range from understated to the slightly accessorized this winter (think military coats, Burberry-inspired trenches and studded belts and jeans). The trick is to find a solid basic and then accessorize. Make sure you buy a plain enough number that will be appropriate all year round (and not just at the club, for instance). In these economic times, being a smart shopper doesn’t translate into a dowdy look.

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Wear your Gray Gardens in style.

in at

Gary Lewis / Zuma Press

Axle / Zuma Press

style

Celeb.View

Black.& White Hey,.Who.Needs.Color?.

Trend Alert Celebrities are shunning the scarlets, golds and turquoise shades and are happy dressing in the sterile colors of black and white: but they pull off dresses with edge. Why these basic colors are ruling the red carpet. We’re not talking your 1950’s secretarial black pencil skirt and stiff white collared blouse. We’re talking space age, almost futuristic shapes paired with ruffles and different shades of black and white. Experiment with varying gradations of the two colors and you’ll easily put together an outfit that is a far cry from being insipid. This means looking at eggshell, off-white, cream along with ebony, pitch black and soot shades. Kelly Rowland’s outfit featured here is a perfect example of how choose pieces with two tones of the same color. Frieda Pinto’s architectural dress could have looked stiff and too mod. Instead she opts for a dress with both structure and a sweet feminine grace. If you decide to sport black and white, remember to pick pieces with a distinct voice and focus on interesting shapes, textures and accessories. Salt ‘N Peppa’ never really go out of fashion. 26

Freida Pinto At the GQ Men of the Year Awards, Freida Pinto shows us how to mingle black rufﬂes and still look super sexy without being too sweet. A great example of the patterned two-tone dress. Notice how her shoes are also architecturally interesting.

Shenae Grimes Shenae Grimes w ears a deep V neck satin dress to the premiere of the ﬁlm ‘Whip It’ at Grauman’s in Hollywood. A simple concept (stripes) makes it far from boring: the deep V, the bubble skirt and the shoes all echo the same theme.

Paul Fenton / Zuma Press

Ash Knotekt / Snappers

Glenn Weiner / Zuma Press

Black.&.White 2

Erika Christensen

Lauren Crace

Olivia Munn

Erika Christensen attends the “Couples Retreat” movie premiere in Los Angeles in a cute, sleeveless black & white blouse, slim pencil skirt and tightﬁtted belt. With a printed blouse the skirt must remain a solid color. This classic, tailored outﬁt is timeless.

Lauren Crace arrives for the Inside Soap Awards wearing what could have been a white sheet of a dress. A cute belt with bow detail, neat black and gray collar and hemline put the spotlight on the accessories – not the empty white space.

Actress Olivia Munn attends the LA “Whip It” premier wearing an arresting black and white patterned outﬁt. The position of the belt – in a distinctly unusual below the waist move – serves to focus the eye on its pattern. Never bland!

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style BEAUTY DO’S AND DON’TS W

e’ve all been there: applying foundation that’s too thick and streaked, messing up our eyeshadow, and cluttering the cat eye. How many of us have perfected the chignon on first attempt? Here are some beauty do’s and don’ts that will help you avoid common mistakes when it comes to makeup and hair care. You know how to get to Carnegie Hall, right? Practice, practice! The same applies to beauty as well. Jen Fellows Nathalie makeup hair and nails Flora Wade

photography model

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Beauty.Do’s.and.Don’ts

Eyeshadow

DON’T

Applying eye shadow perfectly can be a tricky task. In fact, how it looks in the pan usually comes out completely differently on your face. The high intensity pigment in a typical eyeshadow quad will look a bit pale on your lids if you don’t use primer. Ideally, you should use an eye shadow primer but your face foundation primer is also a good base. Apply it evenly all over your eyelids. Then, with a flat brush, smooth over a paler version of the eye shadow first, all over your lids and brow bone. You’ll also find that using gold or beige bases are the best for darker shades. When you apply the eye shadow, do it in layers. Apply a layer on your lids and use a contrasting shade for the outer corner of your eyelids and inner corners.

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d o yo u c o m p ro m i s e M O I S T U R E f o r yo u r c o l o r ? With new Nexxus Dualiste Intense Hydration shampoo and conditioner, you don’t have to. The dual-chamber pump delivers dual beneﬁts: 40%* better color retention plus deep moisturization. So there’s never a reason to compromise.

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Beauty.Do’s.and.Don’ts

Lips

DON’T

Applying lipstick and getting full, rich lips isn’t as hard as people think it is. Again, the trick here is preparation. Lips that are moist will absorb lipstick beautifully; so before you even think of applying lipstick be sure to moisturize your lips thoroughly (use pure Vitamin E oil if you must because it is extremely rich). Apply lipstick first. Make sure you stretch your lips and make them nice and taut before applying the lipstick. Use control when you apply lipstick. Make sure the edges and corners are beautiful and precise. Use a color coordinating lip gloss to layer and seal the lips with shine!

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Eyeliner

When we think of perfect cat eyes we think of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra, or Bollywood actresses like Aishwarya Rai who have mastered the art of eyeliner to a “T.” But applying eyeliner should not be considered a real chore; whether your choice is pencil or liquid, it all comes down to a steady hand.

DON’T

If you’re a pencil kind of gal, then consider applying it wet. A “wet” pencil goes on smoothly and does not leave a chalky effect. If you opt for liquid liner, then with a steady hand, draw a thin line on your eyelid first, then apply another layer if you need to. Extend the thin line for a cat eye effect. If you mess up, then use makeup remover to erase everything completely and start again.

For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

Beauty.Do’s.and.Don’ts

Foundation

Finding the perfect foundation shade has always been a tricky task for most women. In fact, several experts agree that even they end up mixing two shades and even two different brands to get the perfect shade of foundation.

DON’T

The trick to get flawless looking skin is to prime. Choose a nice oil free primer like Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Luminizing Face Primer that also imparts radiance to your skin. Before you apply the primer, make sure your skin is thoroughly moisturized. A healthy, dewy skin will not look parched and the skin won’t look lifeless. Once you have put primer on, then apply the foundation in little patches and blend in thoroughly. Finish the layering process by using mineral powder, like Maybelline’s Mineral Power foundation for a flawless finish.

For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

Chignon Beauty.Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.and.Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts

When it comes to a chignon, having the right control over the hair using bobby pins and elastic bands is key. The chignon is a great updo for a special occasion, and showcases the neck and shoulders. The best way to get an elegant chignon is to wash the hair (ideally the day before) and brush out the hair smoothly.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T

Choose what type of parting you want hair to have (middle or side), then use a paste or texturizing product (mousse, gel, paste) so that it stays in place. Pull the hair into a ponytail and secure with an elastic band: divide it into two parts, then twist them into a spiral and secure the end with an elastic band. Twist the entire ponytail into a bun and secure with pins.

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style

SKIN . FOOD 101: NATUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GLOSSARY The skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs vary each season. During the summer, the excess humidity can cause excess oiliness and breakouts. If you have dry skin, then winters are particularly harsh on you. In this age of store bought goods, we often forget we can get some good, wholesome skin nutrition from the soil and the fridge. Here we pick out some good fruits, vegetables and concoctions that will complement your beauty routine perfectly. 42

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hese recipes are taken from Return to Beauty by Narine Nikogosian who, has beautifully written about the rich properties of what your local greengrocer has on the shelf for your skin.

with warm water.

Other ingredients beneficial for winter’s dry skin

In addition to picking out a recipe that best suits your skin, remember to keep a good a good hydrating cream on hand. We love 24-7 Skincare Smoothing and Moisturizing Créme as well as Cetaphil DailyAdvantage Ultra Hydrating Lotion. The reason why we recommend complementing both types of routines (synthetic and natural) in your regimen is to get both types of nutrients: sometimes, synthetic ingredients work well for the skin (almost better than only natural ingredients). The ideal way to do it is visit your dermatologist and find out what he or she recommends for your skin (natural and organic-wise). Then put together a regimen whereby you use both types of skincare routines on a weekly basis and see how well you do. We also recommend you continue to use your daily eye cream but substitute occasional moments of purity and wholesomeness into your routine.

Caring for Winter’s Dry Skin IIn the winter, there’s no question that hydration for the skin becomes the main concern. Fine lines appear mysteriously like ghosts. Applying makeup is difficult because your skin’s canvas is parched. This is because of your skin glands slowing down in producing essential oils. A simple recipe to make that will give you soothing moisture is one with almond milk, coconut oil and olive oil. Simply create a blend with these ingredients and apply as a daily or weekly hydrating mask (the frequency should vary with the amount of intensive moisture your skin needs.

Avocado is beneficial as a standalone mask or a moisturizer because it contains vitamins A,D,E and a bounty of minerals. Coconut oil is also a good skin softener. Blend both together to heal dry skin, along with a dollop of yogurt. There is an ingredient that few women would associate with good skin because it’s usually found in bars: cognac. Cognac can help tighten pores and because it is distilled using white wines produced in the Cognac region of France, it is also warming to skin’s arteries and can stimulate the circulation. If you mix egg yolk and cognac and cottage cheese along with honey you have a rich and effective self-heating mask that you can leave for 20 minutes. Finish by rinsing off with warm water.

Your Skin-Friendly Raw Ingredient Glossary Apple Juice: The juice in apples contains a good and well known exfoliator called malic acid. Carrot: Carrots contain an amazing load of vitamins and minerals for the skin. If you boil carrot pieces and mix it with plain yoghurt, you’ll have a delicious moisturizer ripe for the application. Cocoa Butter: This is a great emollient and great particularly for the under eye area which is thin and in desperate need of moisture most of the time. Dill: Dill has several uses, apart from Italian cooking. It is effective at curing bad breath and when combined with cucumber, it makes a killer face toner. Heavy Cream: While this can certainly clog pores, using some in judicious quantities can be extremely hydrating. Plus, you can brew up your house-made latte when you’re done catering to your face.

In the winter, you should not use a toner if you have particularly dry skin.

Lemon: Lemon has fine astringent properties and is good for acne prone skin. It helps make your skin achieve a healthy PH balance.

Sparkling Almond Cleanser Almond milk is rich in Vitamin E and therefore has rich moisturizing properties for the skin. Honey is another great hydrator. You will need: 2 tablespoons almond milk

Pear: Pear contains a cartload of Vitamins C and K, which are great for healing bruises and dark circles. Mint: A fixture in herb gardens, mint is energizing and soothing at the same time. Mint also helps remove excess oiliness and acts as an astringent to skin.

¼ cup mineral water

Potato: This vegetable has had a long-standing ovation in cultures for being a healing vegetable, and is often used for curing sunburn and acne, as well as puffy under-eye circles.

In a small cup, combine the almond milk and honey, then add the mineral water. The aim behind this recipe is to wash the face and neck with the cleanser at night. Rinse off

Yogurt: Live cultures are great for the skin, and it also imparts a cooling effect if you’ve been out in the sun too long.

1 teaspoon honey

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Witch Hazel: This acts as an excellent toner for skin, and is also calming, soothing and hydrating. White Bean: White beans contain calcium, potassium and folate and deliver a shot of rich nutrients to skin.

Skin Food 101

ENERGIZE-ME MINT TONER You will need: 1 cup water 2 mint tea bags 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar In a small saucepan, bring to boil the water; then add the tea bags, then turn off the heat. After you’ve steeped the bags for 10 minutes, add the apple cider vinegar and transfer to a bowl. Use this toner after you’ve cleansed for a quick “pick-me-up.” LUSCIOUS ORANGE MOISTURIZER For normal to oily skin, Greek yogurt is rich and creamy. When orange is added, it gets zesty! You will need: 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt ½ teaspoon cornstarch

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Mix all the ingredients together until they are all creamy. Apply a very thin layer of this mixture to your face, every morning and night after you cleanse. BLUSHING APPLE CARROT MASK Apples contain malic acid and carrots give your skin protection from the elements. Plus the amino acids in the cottage cheese will help bleach out uneven skin tone. You will need: 1 tablespoon shredded carrot 1 tablespoon shredded apple (unpeeled) 1 tablespoon cottage cheese

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Mix the carrot and apple together and then add the cottage cheese. Apply this mix all over your face and relax for about twenty minutes; rinse off with warm water.

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HOPPED-UP SWEET POTATO MASK Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A (beta carotene) and also contain Vitamins C and E. They are great antioxidants for skin protection. Ingredients you’ll need: 1 small sweet potato 1 tablespoon beer

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Peel and cube the potato and boil it for 10 minutes, drain and then smash it with a fork. Then combine the potato and beer and mix well.

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Apply a thick layer of this mix for your face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. You can even drink the residue and feast on the hops. Rinse off the mix with warm water. COMPLEMENTING YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE Natural beauty recipes take time to do, so you cannot expect to perform them on a daily or even weekly basis. These garden-grown ingredients should find a way into your beauty routine naturally and gracefully, and complement your already existing anti-aging and moisturizing efforts. As we’ve mentioned before, remember to use sunscreen, and drink several glasses of water a day. Beauty is as much from within as it is from the exterior.

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IMAGE | Erika Larsen Francis

style Bio

Genie Francis

Everyone knows Genie Francis as Laura Spencer on General Hospital – a character that she played for 26 years from 1976 – 2002, and then briefly again in 2006 and 2008 as well as her role in “The Note”, a Hallmark Card Channel Special. Among her many talents she is also a singer and is coming out with a Christmas CD for the holiday season. We interviewed Genie to get the latest scoop. Beauty Handbook: What have you been doing since leaving General Hospital as a regular? Genie Francis: I’ve been involved with several charities, and I hear there are plans for another Note film on the Hallmark Channel. I don’t really know right now! I want to do more charity work, for sure, and I like contributing to underprivileged pockets of the world. 46

BH: When you started out with your acting career, would you have ever dreamed you’d end uplike this? GF: Not in a million years…I think it’s pretty amazing that I‘ve been around this long. BH: What was the hardest role or scene for you to play? GF: I guess the whole world was shocked by the rape scene of Luke and Laura; Tony Geary couldn’t have been more kind, respectful and more protective of me…he was just an angel. He actually sent me flowers the day we were scheduled to shoot that scene. But for me the hardest scene to play was the death of my child. It affected me so personally and it was too dark of a place to visit after I was done with the scene. BH: Do you still stay in touch with Tony? GF: No not really, but we saw each other at the (Daytime) Emmy Awards recently. BH: I heard you felt at times you missed out on school and

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social groups when you were filming General Hospital. Were you lonely? GF: Yes, at times I was. I was doing GH 365 days a year, it was so popular. I was having a fabulous time and I didn’t know what I was missing out on…you don’t know who you belong to and you sometimes make bad choices because you don’t know how to fit in with people, so I’m thrilled to see my daughter fit in with others of her own age group. BH: What do you think about the young actress playing your daughter, Lulu? Did you have any advice for her last time you worked on the show? GF: I didn’t really offer any advice for her, because she doesn’t really need it. She’s really a very accomplished actress --very facile and very strong. I was really in awe of her, and how strong and how talented she is. BH: Is there a chance that you may come back to the show full or part time at some point in the future? GF: I would love to come back, and my agent made a bunch of phone calls to stir the pot but so far they haven’t expressed a need. BH: I’ve heard that raising your children and spending time with your family is very important to you. Would you like to share any advice or experiences you’ve had with young moms out there? GF: I would never give advice to another parent – it’s the hardest job in the world. And on the hardest day, no matter how hard it is or how tired you are, you know it’s all gone in a blink – suddenly they’re all grown up and gone. So it’s completely worth it and also the most rewarding thing. BH: Well said! You’re a great inspiration to families. So tell us about the Christmas record you just made… I didn’t know you were a singer! Is this the first CD you’ve recorded? Why a Christmas album? GF: I studied singing all through my childhood but I never sang professionally because I was always getting acting jobs and also because I was kind of shy. Why now? Why not? Probably because as I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten less shy. The whole CD idea started with my brothers. I invited them over to my house, and we sang just for fun and my brother came with up an idea of making a Christmas album. My brothers have the biggest role in this CD: they chose the music, arranged it, and taught me the songs, directed me…. If it sounds good it’s because of them. BH: So these are all popular Christmas tunes? GF: Yes, we sing everything from Away in a Manger to Winter Wonderland and a couple of our original songs are on there as well. The song, It’s Christmas Time Again, is sung by my brother, my daughter and her friends. My daughter has a group of girls that she’s very close with – they call themselves “The Foxy Girls” – and they wanted to sing this new song my brother Ken wrote for us (It’s Christmas Time Again).

My other brother, Ivor, wrote When Santa Comes Down the Chimney Tonight, another original song on the album. It’s got a more jazzy feel to it. Ivor is getting a doctorate in music, but Ken also composes. He’s more a rock and roll kind of guy. BH: Would you ever tell your daughter to get into acting the way you did? GF: She’s into acting and musical theatre…mostly school productions. She has a beautiful singing voice and an ear for music. But I would not interrupt her formative years to push her into acting; I’m very happy for her to learn the craft of performing but prefer that she stays during these years with her social groups at school. BH: How do you keep your skin so flawless? GF: I’ve been using Yonka pure essential oils from plants, and the line is from Paris. I’ve used them for years. I also use lots of self bronzers, mascaras and lipsticks from Guerlain. BH: I understand that 100% of the record sales from your portion of the album will be donated to the Cuernavaca Children’s Mission in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Can you tell us why you chose to support this particular charity? GF: Yes, my mother’s first cousin is Sister Margaret at the Mission, and she’s been asking me for help since she saw the Note movie and I thought the album would be a perfect way for us to get money for her mission. My portion of every sale is going to these children and since these kids are so poverty-stricken (they are often sent to work when they are five or six years old because there’s no way for their family to stay alive without their help). A lot of children being born have little or no hope of rising out of this situation. These kids might never get an education, so what we’re doing is funding their education. BH: I see that you have an interesting visual element accompanying the album—a small family photo album of Christmas pictures that shows you and your brothers growing up. Are the album and artwork available online as well? GF: Yes, the album and the artwork are downloadable from iTunes and the physical album is on Amazon.com. The artwork on the album is very familial and intimate: this is stuff that’s never been released to the public; it has pictures of us opening presents when we were kids, so we wanted the record to have a very retro feel – kind of like what we would have listened to growing up. BH: Thank you Genie and all the best. Enter the Genie Francis Christmas Contest at Pictographrecords. com. Winners will receive an autographed CD from Genie and can enter the promo code “Santa” to win an autographed copy of the sheet music used in the making of the record. Genie’s Christmas CD will be available at ITUNES and Amazon.com. For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

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D-I-Y.Project

Make Your Own Holiday Wreath With Craft and Garden Expert Suzy Bales The Beauty of Wreaths The concept of wreath making may have Greek roots, stemming from the word “diadem” which means a thing “bound around.” The Romans made wreaths from olive trees to decorate their victors, and they were a sign of royalty, athletic ability or social standing. Wreath making today is associated more with holidays and festivities, and many makers have taking this concept to a high artistic level by adorning it with holiday ornaments, feathers, pine cones and paper doilies. People also use silk flowers and vines, but there is something intensely pleasurable by using fresh pine, although the efforts don’t last quite so long (it’s like receiving a bouquet of roses only to have them wither in a few days). So when you decide to make a wreath, you’ll need to decide what sort of base is right for you. Would you like long-lasting plastic foliage? Or do you want the real thing? In this guide, we’ve given you some suggestions of basic flora and fauna you can purchase. Once you’ve achieved the base, the rest is open to imagination. Take some old silk ties to festoon the wreath; use dried berries and holly; let your creativity take over and you’ll have a wreath to remember.

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A ﬂoral foam wreath covered in boxwood and conifers: tiger-eye pine, blue spruce, chamaecyparis ‘Crippsii’ and ‘Compacta Variegata’. Pieris japonica red ﬂower buds provide the bright red color.

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Make a Holiday Wreath

Basic Materials Floral Foam Wreath: these are wreaths that hold water so that the flowers and foliage will last longer indoors. You can also sprinkle floral preservatives on the water to ensure that the leaves last longer. Metal Frames (round metal frames come in a variety of sizes). Basic pliers to cut foliage stems.

Wreaths and Variations Rose Wreath A rose wreath is simple to make. Cut pachysandra stems or another evergreen from the garden for the background and then buy an assortment of roses (all colors and sizes). Cut the pachysandra stems so that you have at least 4 inches to insert an inch or two into the middle of the foam ring. Once you’ve made a bed of greens with the pachysandra, then cut the roses and poke them in on top. Or, personalize your wreath adding any flowers that strike your fancy. You’ll be done in minutes and you now have a beautiful wreath you can set on the table around a pillar candle or hang on your door.

Metal Frame Wreath The other wreaths are made around metal frames. Round metal frames come in an assortment of sizes. The traditional way to decorate them is with evergreens, with each bunch wired in place, overlapping the next bunch as you move around the frame. They are simple to make, but unless you are using unique foliage it’s easier to purchase a readymade, plain wreath such as a Frasier fir and then customize it with conifers. This same technique works for other metal shapes, stars, trees and squares, as well. The star wreath, ( 1.) is made of boxwood sprigs (short clippings) wired together with rose hips (the fruit of the rose) then overlapped around the frame and wired on. If you use a paddle of floral wire it is easy to unwind it around the frame holding the groups of evergreens together as you move around the frame. The swag, (2.) is made with the tip of a branch of blue spruce with allium seedheads and a ribbon. The dried allium are from the Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ plant. In this photo, they were spray-painted white and dusted with glitter. A floral foam wreath, (3) covered in dried mophead hydrangea blooms spray-painted red, perfect for a stone mantle!

The conifers and berry wreath, (4.) has the same base as the one shown above, but it is accented with red winter berries. You can also add white lilies and hydrangeas instead of the winter berries to get a more elegant variation [insert Lily wreath]. This wreath base will take you from Christmas to New Years Eve and you can simply have the flowers and berries added to change the mood. 52

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“The concept of Make a Holiday Wreath

wreath making may have Greek roots, stemming from the word ‘diadem’ which means ‘a thing bound around.’”

This wreath, (5) is a floral foam wreath hanging up on a metal wreath holder. It has assorted conifers including blue spruce and tiger eye pine, magnolia leaves, variegated holly and winter berries. Once you have found the basic materials (in this case, the floral foam wreath) the sky is the limit in terms of variations. Once you have the basic color and structure of the wreath handy, then you can add berries and other variations as the season permits. Let your creativity run wild and pick flowers that will last (you don’t want your efforts to last only a few days) and you’ll have a variety of highly elegant seasonal centerpieces to last you through the New Year.

About the Expert Suzy Bales is a garden writer and floral arranger, and author of 14 books. All her crafts use flora and fauna found in her garden, and she rarely buys flowers from the stores because she has such an abundance of it, all year round. For step by step instruction check out her how-to videos on Youtube. Suzy won the Garden Writer of the Year Award from the American Horticultural Society in 1995, and has twice been awarded the Quill and Trowel Award by The Garden Writers of America. In 2007 she received the Elizabeth Hamilton Great American Philanthropist award for her twenty-five years of volunteer work with abused and homeless children. In 2009 she is receiving an award from the New York Horticultural Society and being honored by Old Westbury Gardens for her garden writing. Many gardeners and cooks recognize Suzy from her frequent TV appearances on ABC and NBC as well as her series of garden spots on Good Morning America. Check out what Suzy Bales is up to at her website suzybalesgarden.com 54

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Images /tiburonstudios

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Child Safety

Child Proof Zone: Home Safety 101

By Sabina Covo

You just had a baby and the next thing you notice, your little bundle of love is crawling and walking around, becoming more curious that the proverbial cat. Watching your baby stand up and grab every other object that catches his or her attention can be as fascinating as watching a Trapeze artist. Letting your kids run around the house and having the most welcoming area when friends come over after school is not only necessary but vital for peace of mind. For a child’s development there is nothing more important than being free to explore, move, and exercise around his or her home safely. This is precisely the time when your skillfully-decorated house becomes a “playground” and when you think your bronze finish lamp, your beautiful suede love seat, or your stylish decor needs to be transformed to a safety zone for everyone’s well being. But there are many practical and smart ways for making your home harmless for your children, without sacrificing your style. As you know, keeping your children safe is priceless and the key is to understand what items and situations are dangerous and which house spots demand a little bit more of work. 56

Child Proofing the Zone According to Kids in Danger Executive Director Nancy Cowles, there are two crucial factors to take into consideration: accidents caused by choking, and accidents that could be caused by water. “Choking is a major hazard for all babies and toddlers. Anything small enough to fit in a toilet paper tube is too small for a young child to play with. Check your home carefully for small items or toys that may be in reach and remove them and be especially careful that older children know to keep their toys away from younger siblings. Also, remember to not buy any toys for children under 3 that have a small parts warning.” Check for recalls, both of toys, children’s products and other household items. You can find listings of recalls at CPSC.gov or sign up for email alerts when a product is recalled. At the Kids in Danger website (kidsindanger.org), you can learn about more product hazards and sign up for a monthly email alert with recall listings and other product safety news. Surprisingly, the most common accidents that may happen around the house are not the ones from furniture or the marble coffee table you inherited from grandma

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(Note: these items must be secured to the floor with a special tape). There are so many accidents that are generated by electricity, water, cars, improperly assembled nursery furniture, accidental poisoning or tripping and falling on the stairs. “Children should always be supervised around any water. A baby or toddler can drown in just inches of water. Never leave a child unattended in the tub – always keep them within arm’s reach. Other dangers are pools – they should all have a four sided fence with a self locking gate. If you have a pool or any sources of water, always look there first for a child who is missing,” says Cowles. Children should be taught not to play in or around cars, which is another source of accidents. They can get locked in a hot car or trunk or even cause it to shift out of gear and roll away. Another important aspect is to check your nursery products (such as cribs) carefully for loose hardware or broken parts. Never use a crib that has broken or missing parts. Following sleeping guidelines is of great value when keeping your infants or toddlers safe, even children should never sleep in an overcrowded bed or crib. “Following safe sleep guidelines is extremely important – your baby should sleep in a safe crib on his back with no extra padding or bedding,” adds Cowles, “Unintentional injury is the main cause of death among children in the U.S. but the good thing is that prevention can eliminate almost all of these injuries. It is simple to keep, and doesn’t require lots of changes around the house.” Unfortunately, Data reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that about 2.5 million children are injured or killed each year by dangers at home.

Follow these steps and make your home saFE! • Install safety latches on all cabinets and drawers to prevent them from opening accidentally when your child explores. • Install toilet locks • Unplug all hair dryers, electric rollers and kitchen appliances • Keep plates and glasses in the kitchen out of reach • Cover all electrical outlets with safety caps • Put covers and edge bumpers on pointy furniture • Use safety gates around stairs, pools and rooms with hazards • Remove all curtains and blinds that may contain thin ties for opening and close • Secure windows and doors, especially the ones that lead to balconies • Keep garage doors secured and cars locked • Check all child’s furniture for security after assembled

Poisoning The CPSC reveals that an average of 30 children die from poisoning each year in the United States, it is important to always be prepared and ask for help if an accident that could seem like poisoning happens. Keep the National Poison Control Center’s number handy at all times: (800) 222-1222 within the U.S. Keeping poisonous products out of children’s reach is the most important step to follow, but disposing unused and expired medication is another step to take. Some buildings built before the year 1978 may contain lead paint, which is especially dangerous material when it starts to peel. This material can also be found in tap water from old pipes. If any of these is the case, better to consult an expert and have the paint removed permanently.

More Information at These Sites • KidsinDanger.org • Parenthood.com • www.diapers.com • www.babycenter.com • http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/where2buy/ childproofwindows.html For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

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Household

Laundry 411 Some Do’s and Don’ts from Bleaching to Tumble-drying

t’s not the sexiest topic in the world, but ask anyone who does laundry and they’re apt to roll their eyes. From the college student who operates the corner coin-slot machine to the housewife or house husband who has their hands full with the kids, America has no alternative but to get clean clothes each week, no matter how tired we may be. In 1908, The Yale Alumni Weekly reported that the most frugal student at Wellesley College only payed $5 a year for laundry work while the most economical laundry expenses of a student at Yale was $15 a year. Well, chances are that college student pays no less than $20 a week in doing laundry these days ($1.25 per load for the washer alone… you do the math). The household’s laundry costs are not cheap either: remember you are paying for water and electricity to power your machine. In 1996, Procter and Gamble reported that Americans did more than 35 billion loads of laundry or more than 100 million tons annually. Given these costs that multiply over time, don’t you think you owe it to get your laundry done right? Here are some idiot-proof tips to make your clothes shine, sparkly and be stain free. Use Bleach or Baking Soda to Whiten Clothes Either one works, but remember baking soda is often preferred by some because it masks the odor that bleach causes. Some people like to use ½ cup bleach, ½ cup baking soda when doing their whites. When you put the whites in, you can definitely go for the Warm Water cycle because the high temperature works 58

well with bleach to remove stains more effectively than cold water. Do not use the warm water option if you have clothes that tend to shrink. Clean Your Lint Trap on Your Clothes Dryer Frequently We have all forgotten to clean the lint filter before starting the dryer cycle emptying it out not only is useful for getting optimal drying time but also prevents fires. Over time, built-up lint can be a fire hazard. Check for seasonal buildup of lint around the dryer and don’t be afraid to use warm soap and water to clean the filter once every three months. Use Your Full Load Space Especially if you’re washing for the whole family, less loads is more. Tap into your machine’s full potential and use the load to the max. Typically machines will tolerate 7-8 lbs easily (this would be a medium load). A bigger capacity machine would hold about 12-15 lbs but you definitely don’t want to overwhelm the machine all the time. Use discretion but remember you’re using the same amount of water no matter what your load size, so why not fill it up? Keep the Color Everyone knows that it’s somewhat of a pain to keep the colors from fading. The best strategy to employ here is to read the label of the clothing item, and wash it sparingly. Dry cleaning the item occasionally may extend its shelf life. You also want to wash the dark colors together (that goes without saying, of course!). Turn the clothes inside out so as to prevent liquids from ruining the fabric and avoid drying clothes in the sun, which can remove all color from the fabric (this is also the reason why your hair color fades faster in sunlight).

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Always use cold water when washing your colored clothes. Adding a bit of vinegar to your clothes can also help keep the colors from fading. Who knew?

Stain Removal 101

Keeping Black Clothes Black Another aspect that’s often not mentioned is how difficult it is keep your clothes black (ever noticed how your cotton skirt or shirt tends to fade over time?). Wash the darks separately, once again, and a word to the wise: if you absolutely need your black shirt or skirt, hand wash it separately. If you wash it in the dryer, then select a gentle cycle.

There’s no question that stains can be tough to remove. That tomato juice all over your white cotton shirt. Chocolate syrup over a baby’s onesie or red wine spilled over your blouse. There are several types of stains and their solvents:

Always Use Fabric Softener The reason to use fabric softener is to give fabric a softer feel and reduce static cling. Liquid fabric softeners should ideally be added to the final rinse cycle. Keep the softener in an area where it will not freeze. When putting the clothes in the dryer, use Bounce® static cling dryer sheets for added softness and to separate lint from sticking to your clothes. The Bottom Line Always read the instructions on your clothing label, select the right water temperature and hand wash all your delicates. If you don’t want to hand wash the delicates, consider putting them in a laundry delicates bag (a little mesh bag with a zipper) and then putting them in the washer. It’s definitely not rocket science, but little tips like sorting whites and darks, hand washing stains and delicates and using cold water instead of warm water for colored-clothing will definitely extend the shelf life of your clothes.

Protein-based stains: These stains typically include blood, grass stains, dairy products, body soils, formula, baby food and eggs. Tide is a great protein-based stain solvent, especially the Tide Liquid with Bleach-fighting alternative or Tide Powder with Bleach. You need to pretreat the area and soak the cool. Ideally, you will not use too much warm water because heat makes proteinbased stains adhere to the fabric surface even more. Dye-based stains: This includes punch, inks and fruit. The best tactic is soaking: soak the fabric in water and suds as soon as possible to prevent setting. Dye based stains can be removed with warm water. The trick here is speed: you want to act as fast as you can before the stain sets into the fabric. Tannin-based stains: Typically your tea or coffee stain. These stains don’t penetrate fabric all too deeply, so you can run the fabric under hot water to superficially remove the stain before washing it in the machine. Oil-based stains: These include butter, mayonnaise, cooking oils etc. They darken over time, so the key is to let the detergent thoroughly soak in that area (leave it overnight, preferably). For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

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Have a Healthier Holiday! Sweet Treats Towers of chocolate. Tins of caramel corn. Trays of cookies. Before the first Christmas carol hits the airwaves, the deluge of food lets you know the holidays have arrived. Whether at the office or at home, it seems that everyone celebrates the season with sweet treats. It’s no secret that these goodies pack a powerful caloric punch, and for anyone watching their waistline, the site of that first fruitcake can evoke nearly as much dread as desire. So each year, experts come out touting their tips on how to avoid holiday weight gain: Fill up on low-cal fare before going to a party so you’ll be less tempted to over-indulge. Pick one treat and just eat half. Drink lots of water so you’ll feel full. All good advice, but hydration, portion control and good old-fashioned willpower only go so far. The truth is, holiday food is fun. Whether it’s the egg nog you get only once a year or the smell of freshly baked pies that that makes you feel like a kid at grandma’s table, the combination of great tastes and tradition can be too powerful to pass up. Of course, memories don’t have to come wrapped in a cinnamon swirl, but who wants to miss out on the annual sticky-bun breakfast on Christmas morning, or give up jelly doughnuts at Hanukkah? Plus, when you’re the one cooking up the family feast, a fresh fruit salad for dessert doesn’t seem like much of a reward. You don’t need to possess superhuman strength or spend two months avoiding the coworker with the fudge on her desk to avoid packing on the pounds. These simple modifications will let you cheat the system, not your diet. • Decrease sugar in recipes by ¼ to 1/3; compensate by doubling vanilla or almond extract, increase sweet spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or add citrus zest for a bit of zing. • Substitute egg whites for whole eggs in cakes and quick breads. • Substitute half of the butter or oil in a recipe with applesauce or prune puree • Forgo crowning your pies with a second pie crust and use a streusel topping instead. You'll save fat and calories. 60

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• To intensify the flavor of chocolate, add ½ to 1 tsp. of instant coffee granules • Make your treats do double duty: dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) reduces blood pressure; cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar; and peppermint oil (the real stuff) can aid in digestion and help alleviate stress. For those who prefer to stick to a recipe, nurse and food scientist Kumiko Ibaraki wrote The Worry-Free Bakery: Treats without Oil and Butter (Vertical, Inc, October 2009). She’s spent years perfecting recipes that allow us to indulge our sweet tooth without racking up the calories that come from butter and oil. The Worry-Free Bakery has lower fat versions of everything from apple pie to chocolate souffle to scones and muffins, and not only are they healthier, they’re easier and cheaper, too. Cookie Cutter Cookies - (Yields 14) This quintessential holiday favorite gets a low-fat face lift. Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar before baking to give them a festive touch. (Keep in mind that the yield for this recipe is smaller than most traditional cookie recipes. Double or triple it if you’re making them for parties or gifts. Ingredients ¾ cup low-gluten cake flour 1 egg yolk 2 Tbsp condensed milk Dash vanilla extract Beaten egg, for basting ½ tsp egg white

1/3 tsp baking powder 3 1/5 Tbsp sugar 1 1/2 Tbsp milk Cake flour, for dusting A) 2/3 Tbsp sugar

Instructions: 1. Sift together flour and baking powder 2. In a bowl, combine egg yolk and sugar and whisk until pale yellow. 3. Add condensed milk and flour and mix with a plastic card or spatula. Knead lightly and shape into a ball. Place in plastic bag and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Transfer dough to a board or flat surgace and add vanilla

that Don’t Pack on the Pounds extract. Knead lightly and shape into a ball. Place in plastic bag and let sit for 5 minutes. 5. Sprinkle work surface with flour and roll out dough with a rolling pin until dough is 1/8” thick. Line tray with parchment paper. Cut out shapes from dough and place cookies on parchment-lined tray. 6. Baste cookies with beaten egg, then place in oven and bake for 6 minutes at 350 degrees.

6. Pour batter into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. 7. In a microwave-safe bowl, add starch syrup, sugar and water from mixture A and heat for 10 to 20 seconds. Stir in brandy. 8. While the cake is cooling, coat with mixture A and garnish with halved chestnuts. Regular chestnut cake (1/9 piece): 337 calories

7. Combine mixture A and make a cornet for piping. Remove cookies from oven and let stand on a wire rack to cool. Decorate while still warm.

Low-cal recipe: 161 calories

Regular cookie (2 per serving): 170 calories

(Yields eight 3” souffles)

Low-cal recipe: 122 calories

Ingredients:

Chestnut and Brandy Cake (Yields one 9” x 3 ½” x 2 3/5” cake) Ingredients: 6 candied (sweet boiled) chestnuts 2/3 cup low gluten cake flour 1 Tbsp almond powder 2 Tbsp starch syrup Dash vanilla extract

2 eggs 2/5 cup sugar 1 Tbsp milk 2 ½ Tbsp brandy

Mixture A 2 ½ Tbsp starch syrup 2 Tbsp sugar

1/3 cup brandy 2 Tbsp water

Instructions: 1. Bake almond powder at 340 degrees for 10 minutes to treat. Sift together toasted almond powder and flour.

Becky Ellis

Pumpkin Cheesecake Souffle

2 egg whites 2 Tbsp condensed milk 2/5 c boiled kabocha pumpkin, mashed 4 2/3 Tbsp sifted low-gluten cake flour Dash each cinnamon, vanilla extract

3 2/3 Tbsp sugar 4/5 c plain yogurt 2 egg yolks 2 Tbsp whole milk

Instructions: 1. Drain yogurt overnight. You should end up with about 2/5 c after draining. 2. In a bowl, add egg whites and whisk with a hand mixer. Add sugar gradually and continue to whisk until very stiff peaks form. 3. In a separate bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar, then whisk using a hand mixer. Add yogurt and pumpkin, then blend on low speed. 4. Add both milks and flour and blend on low speed.

2. In a microwave-safe bow, combine starch syrup and milk, and heat for 10 to 20 seconds.

5. Using a rubber spatula, gradually stir in egg whites meringue. Add cinnamon and vanilla extract and stir.

3. Slice 2 chestnuts in half and set aside (for use as garnish). Dice remaining chestnuts into 1/5” cubes. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

6. Pour batter into oven-safe souffle cups. Place cups in a baking pan filled halfway with hot water. Bake at 340 degrees for 18 minutes.

4. In a bowl, combine eggs and sugar, then whisk with a hand mixer until thickened. Add syrup mixture and blend. 5. Stir in sifted flour with a rubber spatula. Stir in diced chestnuts, brandy and vanilla extract.

Regular pumpkin souffle: 180 calories Low-cal recipe: 116 calories There you have it! Sweet treats that don’t pack on the pounds! For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

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health s

health Fitness

Unwind at The Office with Five Simple Steps Let’s face it, office settings can be tough. Tension buildup, a constant flow of work and meetings can take out a sizeable chuck of your day, and before long you can experience cramped muscles and body tension. Many companies now purchase ergonomic chairs to relieve their workers’ backs from chronic pain. This is also true if you are particularly tall- since back support on chairs will only be partial. Lumbar is the back support in the human anatomy that supports your entire body weight; in the United States, the number of workers with poor back support and chronic pain is so high that backaches are the second most frequently cited cause for missed days at work (the first is the common cold). Medical studies have found that improper and incorrect seated postures are the reason why the majority of back issues arise. In fact the anatomy of your body is not suited for continuous periods of computer activity. This is all the more reason why you should consider performing some sort of yoga-like stretch exercise in between your day. It takes 21 days to form a habit, so why not start now? While you may be apt to forget a few times, with practice you will be able to naturally make this part of your routine. YogaWorks’s Yogi Irina Ovsiannikov has given you five tips to detox the afternoon so that you can end up being as limber as a ballerina even after that siesta hour. YogaWorks has four national locations: Los Angeles, New York, Orange County and Northern California. All classes remember and take into account the steep and deep history of yoga and there is a range of levels from beginner to intermediate to advanced. Visit www.yogaworks.com

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ONE Mid-day Pick me Up Seated Stretch When we found out this helps you to avoid feeling sleepy in the middle of the day, we were all over this exercise.

Sit up straight on your chair with both feet on the floor. Inhale and stretch both arms overhead and interlace your fingertips. Turn your palms toward the sky, keeping your fingers interlaced and breathe for five breaths. Think of length in the torso as you breathe, and soften your front ribs. Reach for the sky. Repeat a few times a day as necessary. For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

Unwind In Your Office

TWO Mid-day Pick me Up Seated Stretch When we found out this helps you to avoid feeling sleepy in the middle of the day, we were all over this exercise.

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30 Minute Workout

THREE Be a Friend to Your Feet and Back Stretch Finally an

exercise you can actually do in the office that helps relieve lower back and hip pain. The culprit? The dreaded, lumbar support-less office chair. This exercise soothes the heels and feet from wearing those high heels and tight shoes.

Sit straight in the middle of your chair, with both feet on the floor. Bring your right ankle on top of your left knee and flex your right foot. Keep your foot flexed through the whole stretch. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale slowly tilt your chest forward in the direction of your right foot. Hold for eight breaths, close your eyes if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re comfortable. Switch sides.

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Unwind In Your Office

FOUR Detox Spinal Twist

Fun fact! Twisting detoxifies the body. It also helps relieve back pain and discomfort and helps relieve shoulder tension. This is great after a night out. Sit straight on your chair, both feet on the floor. Take a breath in and as you exhale twist your body to the right first. Bring your right hand behind you, hold the back or side of your chair and bring your left hand on to the right knee. Let your head follow. Hold for five breaths, come back to center and then repeat the same twist to the left. 70

FIVE Goodbye Carpel Tunnel Wrist Release Hello typists and internet addicts. Ever

heard of this dreaded affliction? This simple exercise takes the pressure off your wrists and palms.

Extend the right arm straight out in front of you. With the left hand, grasp the right top of the hand and press the hand toward your chest keeping your arm stretched forward. Hold for 5-8 breaths. Try to keep your spine lifted your chest open. Repeat with the left hand.

health

Diagnosis

Oral Care: Clean Teeth Can Save Your Life

The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease It may seem like the most far-fetched theory of the year, but brushing your teeth and keeping your gums as clean as a hospital can help save your life. There have been studies that have been conducted: for several segments of the population, including those under 60, the Geriatric population, pregnant women and smokers. The findings are pretty unanimous: if you have bad teeth, or bacteria in your teeth, you are at risk for heart disease. Doctors have apparently known for years that gum disease and heart disease are linked, but the reasoning behind the connection have been left to debate for years. Since many heart disease patients have typically had high cholesterol or congenital issues, many doctors have not bothered to probe the dental relationship. And after all, how easy is it to prove that brushing your teeth X times per day can keep the heart attack at bay? Heart Disease and Cancer are the leading causes of deaths each year in the US (in 2009, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said heart disease claimed 631,636 lives in 2006 while Cancer claimed 559,888). But doctors generally agree that by reducing the number of inflammatory and diseased sites in the mouth, the risk for cardiovascular disease is lowered. The truth is that periodontitis has been linked with an 72

increased risk of heart attack. And given that America has enough health problems on its hands (from obesity to diabetes), we don’t need an added reason as to why we might be the most unhealthy country in the world. In fact, some people have compared the risks associated with periodontitis to those long term effects from the now defunct Vioxx and Bextra drugs: you don’t notice the effects until they creep up on you. If you’re the kind of person who dodges dental visits like a good boxing punch, then you need to take special care and pay attention to your teeth. Chances are that if you master the art of taking care of your teeth and gums properly, your gums will look healthier and they won’t bleed (bleeding is an indication of poor gum health). Studies have also suggested that the rate of heart disease increases with the number of teeth patients are missing. Also, if there is intensive treatment of periodontitis, the risk for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is also substantially reversed. C-reactive Protein Doctors suspect that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein that is naturally produced in the body may play a role in linking gum disease and heart disease. If you have an acute gum disease, the amount of the C-reactive protein is increased in the bloodstream (this is a natural response to

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the inflammation that emanates from injury or infection). This increased level of C-reactive protein may cause a signal for increased number of heart attacks, says the American Heart Association. Experts seem to agree that many people may have died from poor dental health without them even knowing it. But the jury is out on whether hs-CRP is a cardiovascular signal or a direct risk factor. It is still too early to say whether it plays the same role as smoking, drinking, diabetes or obesity. There are some researchers, like those at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, who are developing a drug based on the theory that bacteria can travel from bleeding gums into the bloodstream, where they attack the heart. In this aspect, gum disease could be compared to a deadly killer: DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), where clots from the leg lead directly to the heart. A medical team in Marseille also corroborated some findings that those who have the worst blockages in the heart also tended to have the most severe gum disease. The findings showed that the most severe teeth disease was associated with the most widespread arterial lesions. But it is hard, and will be hard to prove the link between bacteria in the bloodstream and heart attack. In fact, researchers say that a focus group with thousands of people

and a lot of money is needed to prove the link between the intangible and the tangible (in this case, the latter is the heart attack). But the jury is still out on the chicken and the egg syndrome: does gum disease give you heart disease? If you have loose teeth or cavities, chances are that you love your candy too much and may skimp on hard to chew food like fruits and vegetables and favor softer items like cakes and candy. Pregnancy and Periodontitis There is also, apparently, some evidence to suggest that periodontitis might contribute to pregnancy complications. Some studies have shown an increased risk for premature birth as well as a low weight for babies born to mothers with periodontitis. One study, published in the February 2006 issue of the Journal of Periodontology suggests that women with chronic periodontal disease are at risk for low birthweight babies among preeclamptic mothers. Preeclampsia is a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain and other symptoms; these may lead to eclampsia itself (convulsions during parturition) if left untreated. Researchers also found that chronic periodontal disease and the presence of the microorganisms, such as For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

Oral Care

Porphyromonas gingivalis; Tannerella forsythia; and Eikenella corrodens were significantly associated with preeclampsia in pregnant women. This might mean that periodontal bacterium could find its way into the bloodstream in patients with periodontal disease. And all this comes back to increased levels of C-reactive protein whose increased levels in the bloodstream are indicators of possible forthcoming heart attack, stroke, cancer and other health conditions. So, what can you do to keep your heart healthy and your mouth free from germs? Techniques to Take Better Care of your Teeth But in any case, better to be safe rather than sorry and take care of your teeth well. According to Dr. Irwin Smigel, who is considered the father of aesthetic dentistry and the creator of Supersmile brand, brushing your teeth everyday at a 45 degree angle is key, and so is flossing to prevent plaque. Here are some simple but very effective techniques for your teeth: 1. Brush your teeth at a 45 degree angle and if possible, use a brush like the Clarisonic which removes coffee and tea stains (and then some) from your teeth. 2. Always floss. Every day! Flossing removes plaque buildup in your teeth and plaque is bacteria that can end up rotting your teeth and causing those cavities. Also plaque will not install when teeth are taken care of properly.

spinach and kale are important because they help purify your bloodstream and can help strengthen your gums. 7. Try to stay away from sodas and lemon juice because these can corrode the enamel and leave sugars in your mouth that will eventually increase bacteria. Whenever you can floss and remove plaque by using your mouthwash, do it (even if it’s after every meal). 8. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and preferably after every meal. This should be done with an ADAaccepted fluoride toothpaste. You can also clean between teeth daily with floss or an incidental cleaner. 9. It is good practice to replace toothbrushes every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed and less than at the 45 degree angle. It won’t help your teeth if the bristles are frayed. 10 .Eat a good, healthy diet and limit mealtime snacks. Nuts and dried fruit are good choices because they don’t contain excessive sugars that can lead to plaque that can corrode your teeth. Keeping some trail mix on your desk or granola (unsweetened) is a good idea. 11 .Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce bacterial count and inhibit bacterial activity in dental plaque and fluoride mouth rinses can help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Also, brush with a toothpaste that controls tartar buildup.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that intensive treatment periodontal disease directly improved the health of blood vessels. And what better way to beat this disease than to floss? 3. DO remember to schedule and get that teeth cleaning twice annually. If you have dental insurance you should be covered. Brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth with Listerine can only take you so far, so make sure you get that professional attention. 4. Choose a good mouthwash. You may not like the stinging, burning sensation of the original Listerine formulation, so try the other versions in Orange or Cherry. The bottom line is mouth washing should be the “dessert” of your teeth cleaning ritual because it will seal the deal to eliminate any bacteria in your mouth. 5. If your teeth are weak, it is best not to chew hard objects for fear of the teeth breaking or chipping. But this does not mean you should only chew on cakes and sweets! Nutrition is very important so if you must liquefy your fruits and vegetables, go for it! Your body and heart will thank you. 6. Remember to get a diet rich in calcium, phosphorous and leafy greens because nutrition plays a big role in the health of your teeth. Iron-rich vegetables like 74

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Research shows chewing ExtraÂŽ sugar-free gum can help you reduce snack cravings. So to help reach your goals, start by reaching for a stick. Go to extragum.com.

ÂŠ2009 Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. Extra, Fruit Sensations and Sweet Watermelon are trademarks of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. Research funded by the Wrigley Science Institute.

Oral Care

12.Everyone has heard about the benefits of flossing daily but studies also show it is important to floss every 1224 hours so bacteria does not build up in the mouth. Gone are the days when you can simply skip out on your anti-bacterial regimen. The repercussions these days mean a lot more than just bad breath. 13. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re smoking, quit. Not only is smoking directly linked to heart disease, it is also indirectly linked to periodontitis and other diseases of the mouth, like oral cancer. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a smoker and you have periodontitis on top of that, it may take longer to treat. 14. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and make sure you attend regular doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visits, especially your physical and dental visits. The Geriatric Population and Heart Disease Also if you are elderly, you need to take special precautions. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, elderly people with active root carries (which is a type of tooth decay), have an increased risk of irregular heartbeats. Root caries are generally more prevalent in the elderly; basically it is a disease where bacterial progressions damage the hard tooth and enamel. These tissues progressively break down and produce dental cavities. Several types of bacteria are responsible for this initiating these types of caries and they are more common now more than ever. The acid causing bacteria are responsible for these caries: oral hygiene is, obviously a solution. Taking care of your teeth might seem like a tedious, everyday ritual, but necessary for the bigger picture, which is your health. Nip those bad habits in the bud and ensure you give your toothbrush and floss an everyday workout. Periodontitis and the Younger Man A study conducted by Boston University researchers conclusively proved that periodontal disease was a risk factor for coronary disease in men under the age of 60 years of age. The pivotal study cemented the association between chronic periodontitis and heart disease. The sample population was a sizeable 1,203 men in the Veterans Administration Normative Aging and Dental Longitudinal Studies and lasted for three years. The researchers took into account age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, cholesterol and blood pressure. This study lasted for as long as 35 years and the men received medical examinations every three years. The Bottom Line The bottom line is that the bare minimum brushing and teeth cleaning may not be enough anymore. Given the substantial link between brushing, flossing and heart disease, it is prudent to be more regular than not. After all, this is an easily preventable disease: why put off performing such simple and daily tasks? 76

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healthflash Q& A:

halitosis

Q. What causes bad breath? A. Most people who suffer from bad breath are unaware of

Q. Is bad breath treatable? A. The best news about bad breath is that in most cases it

Q. How can I tell if I have bad breath? A. Bad breath can often be difficult to detect. Your olfactory

Q. What type of treatment is available? A. In most cases, recommendations for treatment will

Q. Where does bad breath odor come from? A. Contrary to what many people believe, bad breath gen-

Q. What should I do if I have bad breath? A. If you think have a problem with your breath, consulting

their condition. Bad breath or oral malodor, as it professionally referred to, is a common problem caused by bacteria that grow in the mouth and on the tongue.

senses often play tricks on you by blocking out smells that emanate from your mouth, including occasional bad breath and more serious halitosis.

erally comes from the mouth and tongue, not the digestive tract, or even less likely, from unhealthy teeth and gums. The tongue commonly collects bacteria which, when left unattended, releases volatile sulfur compounds referred to by dental professionals as VSCs.

is treatable. The first step to treating it is detection. Many people who have bad breath are not aware of their condition.

involve the enhancement of your oral care routine. This may include necessary hygiene visits, a change in hygiene products to those specifically designed to treat bad breath.

a dental professional is a great first step in the treatment and prevention of oral malodor. When you make an appointment to see your dentist or hygienist, it is a good to explain in advance that you will be asking for advice about improving your breath and solving a potential malodor problem. Also, reevaluate your oral care products. Are they designed to address bad breath?

health

Diagnosis

The Swine Flu Scare: Building Up Your Immune System Last issue we wrote about the H1N1 Virus and its symptoms, how it spreads and a few tips to help you from getting infected.

per se will ward off the swine flu. But there are some nutrients that will help:

Since flu activity is spread in 37 states now, the risk of infection is really everywhere. Flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are increasing. The most vulnerable age groups seem to be the youth (rather than the elderly) and a total of 76 laboratory confirmed H1N1 pediatric deaths have been reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention since April 2009.

Vitamin C This is a very popular vitamin and its chief sources stem from fruit. Vitamin C products bioflavonids which fill up cell receptor sites so H1N1 germs cannot get into cells and cause infection.

Now, we’re going to put a spotlight on building your immune system so you don’t catch it; or, if you’re unfortunate enough to get it, how not to succumb to it.

There is no question that building the immune system helps you ward off the flu better than for those who resort to mere vaccination or treatments. It’s common knowledge that increasing antibiotics or introducing anything foreign into your body can do more harm in the long run because it impairs your natural immune system. Since everyone in the world is getting nervous about H1N1, it makes sense to know what to do to improve your immune system. Here are a few tips. No particular vitamin 78

Vitamin A Vitamin A is particularly notable in staving off infections and diseases and helps bolster the immune system. Taken in extremely large doses will result in toxicity, so be careful.

Vitamin E This vitamin supports blood flow and oxygen transport to the cells. Vitamin E is found in small doses in supplements but you need at least 400 IU for it to be effective, and since it is expensive, many supplements will fail to put the required amounts in the capsules. Remember to check. Several studies have shown that nutrients work best in tandem with others, so food cofactors increase the likelihood of absorption. For example, Vitamin C works well in the presence of bioflavonids, and calcium in the company of vitamin D and magnesium. Remember to also take your zinc! If you have a strong

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ÂŠ RBI 2009 1070 080709

Maximum Strength Mucinex pulverizes mucus. ÂŽ

To fight your worst chest congestion, you need something that can really pummel mucus - Maximum Strength Mucinex. One pill has the most mucus fighting medicine to get rid of congestion for a full 12 hours. So the next time you have big, bad mucus, run it out of town with Maximum Strength Mucinex.

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Use as directed.

Swine Flu

immune system, you will not get the swine flu. However, it’s not enough to take small doses: you need to ensure you’re getting your full-level dose of that particular Vitamin, otherwise it won’t save you from the flu! Yes, it’s all very well to say, take these vitamins and supplements but what are the best source foods? Fruit It goes without saying that you need your Vitamin C, and where else to get it from than your blackberries and strawberries? The Food Pyramid was created for a reason, so remember to maintain (or increase) your daily fruit intake. A cup of fresh squeezed juice is a convenient way to pack punch. Oils Cod liver oil is rich in Vitamins A and D. Coconut oil is also beneficial in bolstering your immune system from the swine flu because the flu virus is a lipid coated virus and is not triggered if your body has a substance called monolaurin. And, guess what, the coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is converted by our bodies into monolaurin.

Handwashing 101 One of the most important ways you can prevent your body from being attacked by viruses and germs is by washing your hands. You and your kids are in danger of getting the flu virus from contaminated surfaces, so always carry some antibacterial hand wash or wipes with you wherever you go. Here are some of our recommendations: Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and aDual Action Wipes The 4 in 1 are great for use in the kitchen and the bathroom because they offer a strong decontaminating effect. The main sources of germs in houses are people, pets, food and water. The Dual Action Wipes have a scrubbing side that removes tough messes and a wiping side that kills 99.9% of bacteria.

Probiotics Healthy gut flora is also helpful to ward off the germs. Gut flora provides around 85% of protection against diseases and the way you can get them naturally is to consume lacto-fermented foods and beverages and avoid foods that disturb gut flora.

Burt’s Bees Hand Sanitizer with Aloe and Witch Hazel This 100% natural sanitizer contains aloe, and Vitamins E, B and C to soften and moisturize the hands. The witch hazel is an anti inflammatory that soothes the skin. This is an ideal sized product for your pocketbook.

By definition, probiotics are dietary supplements of living microorganisms that are supposedly healthy for the host (in this case, the host is you). It is supposed to improve intestinal microbial balance and inhibit pathogens and toxin producing bacteria.

Tom’s of Maine Moisturizing Hand Soap Unscented If you’re into natural hand soaps, then you may just love this combination of wheat protein and glycerin that moisturizes skin. It also has coconut and palm soaps that lather and cleanse beautifully.

Vitamins and Supplements Taking your one a day supplement can help but make sure your Centrum or Centrum version contains the adequate dosage of vitamins. We also love the green energy supplement called Shaklee Vitalizer, which is taken by some members of the U.S. Olympic Ski and Snowboarding team. The Vitalizer contains 80 bio-optimized nutrients to improve your daily energy level, immunity strength, stress, daily diet and overall health. Smoothies and Shakes An effective and efficient way for you to get your dosage in one shot; fluids go straight into your bloodstream. Try getting shakes with low or no fat milk or use orange juice as a base. Ask for extra powdered supplements whenever possible: wheatgrass shots, protein powders etc., are all great extras for your shake. 80

Addition a l Tips - Remember to get your sleep! Studies have linked lack to sleep to a weaker immune system. - Brush your teeth regularly: oral hygiene plays a big part in helping your system stay germ free. - Avoid smoking or drinking too much (a few glasses a week is fine) - Remember to keep wipes for your hands or use a hand sanitizer every few hours. You can never be to careful. - Exercise! Over time, your inner beauty and strength will develop. Remember to treat your body like a temple and it will thank you by giving you a strong immune system.

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secret beauty formula 2 parts hydrogen, 1 part oxygen think beauty/drink beauty. ©2009 The Coca-Cola Company. “DASANI,” and the Stylized “S” are trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company. ©2009 Beverage Partners Worldwide (North America). “EVIAN” is a registeredtrademark of Societe des Produits Nestle S.A. (Switzerland) used under license by Beverage Partners Worldwide (North America).

health

Weight-loss and Perception

Fitness

& FASHION Can Co-Exist

Jennifer Cassetty

here comes a time in every successful dieter’s life when they stand confused and lost in front of the mirror, wondering how to dress for their new body type. As a fitness trainer, I’ve seen clients completely transform from being heavy set with large breasts, wide hips and a sagging gut to being slender with a wonderfully toned body. Yet, they continue to wear clothes made for a larger person. The clothes that fit a few weeks ago now hang in loose and unflattering folds, causing dieters to believe that they’re doomed to wearing the “heavier” clothes. This is a common misconception, especially among women, who’ve recently lost weight. They often feel more comfortable wearing that baggy, pre-weight loss wardrobe because they grew accustom to hiding their body. Dieters continue to believe that baggy clothes will be best for them. “Not true,” says David A. McKnight, a certified image consultant and principal at NYC style consulting agency DAMstyle. “As an image consultant, I help people enhance their personal appearance and style and I tell my clients who lost weight that they should just throw away old clothes.” McKnight emphasizes that throwing away doesn’t mean to actually throw away the clothes but to reinvent the outfits where they’re unrecognizable. “The emotions attached to these items can sometimes reveal a residue of hurtful feelings,” he adds. One example is to take old, baggy jeans and wear them as the “boyfriend” jean style. Paired with booties and a tank, you’ll have a new outfit to match your body. Take the now oversized shirt and twist it around to be a scarf. Try mixing a new scarf with a T-shirt and blazer with jeans. You’ll be fashionable while being fit. One of the most important things successful dieters should know is that as they gain and lose weight, their body type or silhouette changes. McKnight says, “For some, a few extra pounds equates to larger hips, 82

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“being healthy and

fashionable isn’ta about being the rail thin or super buff as I always encourage a nutritious diet and exercise regime”

or bigger breasts,” referring to his mostly female clientele. “So, the first step is to determine the new body type after weight is gained or lost weight. Learning your body type is one of the most important steps you can take in order to enhance your personal appearance and look your best.” “I’m still surprised when I look in the mirror at how much more toned and shapely my legs and hips are and even with a smaller upper body. The compliments I get on my arms make a huge difference in how I carry myself,” one of my clients, Erin McEvoy says, describing how her new body silhouette influences her personal style after losing 23 pounds. “For many women, they have carried the excess pounds for years and years. Learning to live with a new body and dressing for it can be just as difficult as losing the weight,” McKnight says, “The biggest challenge is getting them to realize that they look good in form-fitting clothes. I think most people forget about the reverse psychological impact that losing extreme amounts of weight may have on someone.” Remember, being healthy and fashionable isn’t about being the rail thin or super buff as I always encourage a nutritious diet and exercise regime (after approval from your doctor) that will help you maintain your body’s ideal weight. Even the fashion expert agrees.

TIPS

David A. McKnight offers the following tips for people (same tips could be applied to men) who are trying ease their way into dressing differently: • Large chest gone? To camouflage a small bust, you want to add dimension and volume over the bust by wearing ruffles, bows, layers, or draping. You shouldn’t do all three, just select one. The key isn’t to overdo it. • Large chest but everything else is small? If you have a large bust, avoid wearing short sleeves that end at the apex of the bust, as this only draws the eye to the bust. Instead, opt for a capped sleeve or a 3/4 length sleeve. A wide leg pant adds volume needed to balance the bust. • Large middle not quite gone? If you have a larger midsection, always look for pants that have a straight crease and a slightly wider straight leg. The crease will elongate the body, while the wider leg will balance the larger midsection. A fitted blazer or jacket worn open adds visual length, while camouflaging the mid-section. Try wearing this with a v-neck top underneath to add an addition vertical line while keeping the attention focused on the face.

JenniferCassetty &

Your Health www.jennifercassetty.com

Jennifer Cassetty is a sports, ﬁtness and nutrition expert in New York City. For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

life s e c t i o n

ÂŠ 2008 The Hershey Company

Celeb Close-Up

Courtney Cox Hollywood’s Favorite Cougar

Courtney Cox was born with a golden spoon in her mouth to a wealthy Southern family in Birmingham, Alabama. You’d never know she was southern by the way she speaks. The actress the world knows and loves catapulted to fame on the set of Friends where she played Monica Geller along with fellow co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow. Born into an exclusive society town setting, she was a typical daddy’s girl, not unlike Tori Spelling and enjoyed all the benefits that luxury could endow. Her parents’ divorce had an undeniably strong effect on her and entered a phase of rebellion not unlike one of the characters of the musical Grease, when her mother remarried and her new stepfather, New York businessman, Hunter Copeland, came on the scene. She began modeling during her final year of high school when she appeared in an ad for a store called Parisians. She dropped out of college to pursue her modeling goals and was signed on by Ford Modeling Agency. She appeared on the cover of teen magazines and on numerous romance novels; then came the TV commercials like Maybelline, Noxzema and Tampax (she was the first woman to use the word “period” on national TV.) Finished with modeling, she turned to acting, which was her original real love and ambition. Her first TV appearance was in As the World Turns, her role a young debutant called Bunny. After being discovered by Bruce Springsteen, she made her appearance in the video Dancing in the Dark and that propelled her into worldwide fame. A few years later, she struck gold when she was selected from thousands of women to play Michael J. Fox’s girlfriend in Family Ties. Now with sitcoms firmly under her belt, she 86

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Image: courtsey ABC TV

life

Courtney Cox Fun Facts 1. Courtney Cox and David Arquette engraved the words “A Deal is a Deal” on their wedding bands.

played a few thin roles the years afterwards but then starred against Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective in 1994 and then was subsequently cast as Monica Geller in Friends that same year. This was the role that shot her to international stardom and led her to receive an American Comedy nomination.

2. Cox was often complemented on her “all American” look but she often expressed her desire to look more “European” like Isabella Rossellini. 3. She dated Adam Duritz of the band Counting Crows who wrote the song “Monkey” for Cox in 1996. 4. Cox and Jennifer Aniston of Friends kissed on the season finale of the show Cox’s show Dirt.

Monica, Phoebe and Rachel went on to become sitcom triumvirate that made thousands of households laugh during primetime. Interesting trivia: she was originally offered the part of Rachel but turned it down in favor of Monica.

5. Cox was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She is the youngest of four.

Friends

7. Courtney was named after her mother and her middle name is actually her mother’s middle name, which is Bass.

The sitcom Friends propelled Courtney into TV stratosphere; Monica Geller became a household name. She was initially the most famous cast member of the series, but like Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls, she gradually took more of a backseat to Jennifer Aniston’s star role. The series would last for 10 full seasons, rivaling other sitcoms like Frasier and Cheers. Monica Geller was a firecracker who could go from loving roommate to fiendish and diabolical lover: the world loved her just as they did the Golden Girls. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Cox became the highest paid TV actress of all time, garnering $1 million per paycheck in fees by the tenth season of the sitcom. It should not come as a surprise that after Cox’s stint on Friends was over, Marc Cherry wanted to offer her the role of Teri Hatcher in Desperate Housewives; but Cox decided to focus on her family instead.

CougarTown After the last season of Friends ended, Courtney’s career seemed as quiet as a tropical storm waiting to happen. But with the launch of her recent series Cougartown, Cox is fanning the oncedying embers of her career. The ABC show about a mid-40s mom, freshly divorced, is both a testament of our times (think Demi Moore and Aston Kutcher, Kim Cattrall on Sex and the City, and Halle Berry) as well as our sensibilities.

6. She attended Mount Vernon College for Women and was a cheerleader, tennis player and swimmer in high school.

8. Courtney voiced Daisy the Cow in the 2006 animated comedy Barnyard. 9. She played Melissa Robinson, who stars opposite Jim Carrey, in Ace Ventura Pet Detective. 10. She was named the hottest babe in Playboy Magazine in 1995. 11. Her parents divorced when she was only 10 years old. 12. She’s pretty petite: only 5 feet 5 inches! 13. She was pregnant during the final episode filming of Friends. 14. She received over $30 grand worth of bed linens from Jennifer Aniston as a housewarming gift. 15. She’s talented! The woman can play drums and the piano. 16. She shared a Screen Actors’ Guild Award with the rest of the Friends cast for outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Comedy series in 1996 (they were nominated for six straight years from 1999-2004, without winning once except in 1996).

The material may be crude and coarse, but the lines themselves are witty and sometimes razor-sharp. The pilot episode shows Cox’s character, Jules, examining herself in front of her mirror, pinching all her sagging skin. “I’m like some farm animal,” she says. In the show, Jules also takes care of her son, Travis, who is witness to his mother’s dates and debaucheries. Cox plays the role of cougar mom very well, despite several stereotypically “single woman” escapades such as waxing her bikini line and getting her nails done. But America definitely loves its svelte, brunette sweetheart who stole many spotlight moments on Friends. The show is filmed in Los Angeles and Courtney and husband David Arquette are Executive Producers.

Television

life

Travel

Budget Activies in These Great Vacation Cities

e realize everyone is saving their dollars and cents but there’s no reason why you can’t escape to some amazing places that are also dirt cheap once in a while, right? After all, that’s how you recharge your batteries. We’ve created a game plan for you – here are some destinations and tips that really won’t break the bank when it comes to vacations with family.

AUSTIN, TX Austin, Texas boasts several activities including hiking, biking and several cultural things to do including art galleries. The city has been called the “live music capital of the world” and you can take in several music styles since everything musical goes on here. The city is also very kid friendly: a site called AustinKidsGuide.com gives you coupons for your little ones so they can eat or enjoy parks for free. Austin is a place for both culture and nature lovers alike. You can delight in so many free attractions such as the Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool. Walk through the lovely Zilker Park with your family (it’s like going to the Texan version of the Parisian garden). You can also rent canoes! (www.ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/)

LAS VEGAS, NV Nevada is very affordable if you look at the steals and deals that every coupon can give you. Hotels can be found fairly cheap (the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard South is only $69 per night). Sites like pinpointtravel.com offer bundled packages on Vegas from $230 upwards (this includes 4 nights stay). Believe it or not, there are a ton of FREE activities you can do 88

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in Vegas. The largest permanent circus in the world is at Vegas. It’s at the Circus Circus Casino and Hotel, and each show lasts 10 minutes and is absolutely free. You can visit the Tropical Rainforest at the MGM Mirage; the Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand; and the Aquarium at the Mirage. All these are open to the public and free. Visit vegasfreebie.com for other great ideas!

DETROIT, MI Believe it or not, Detroit, Michigan can be a great and inexpensive place for a family to visit. You can take in all the motor city museums. If you’re into cars, here are the top places to see (and all these museums are very inexpensive or free of charge): Fair Lane, Home of Henry Ford This stunning home of Henry Ford is one of America’s most beautiful and stunning mansions. It is 31,000 square feet, six stories and has 56 rooms. The Fisher Estate Lawrence Fisher was one of the founders of the Fisher Body Company and President of Cadillac Motors at the turn of the century. His estate far superseded what was even considered wealthy at the time, from the gold and silver leafing on the ceilings to the rare black walnut and rosewood parquet floors. Dodge’s Meadow Brook Hall This hall in Rochester, MI was the home of Matilda Dodge Wilson and her rich lumber baron husband, Alfred G. Wilson. It is considered an American castle and was completed in 1929. This castle has 110 rooms and is 88,000 square feet. Detroit Historical Museum See how a car body drops on the assembly line, and

Brooklyn Bridge/ Chris Brady, NYC | theweblicist.com/wordpress/

see the shaping of this magnificent city by the auto industry.

Broadway Show for half the price of regular ticket (the seats are great; visit www.nytix.com for information on great ideas and other discount tickets.)

The Automotive Hall of Fame “The Driving Spirit” is your leader and will show you all the famous, inspired and creative geniuses who helped make the auto industry into what it is today.

You can also do walking tours and the inexpensive “Hop on, Hop Off Bus” to see the city el cheapo. (Vist the website www.newyorksightseeing.com/).

The Chrysler Museum It is near the Daimler Chrysler World Headquarters and a place where you can see the hot rods and the future and past cool cars of the auto giant.

CHARLOTTE, NC There’s a ton to do in Charlotte, North Carolina and a lot of the activities are absolutely gratis. The Charlotte Shout is September’s month-long salutation to arts and culture. There’s also a lot of NASCAR activity here and if you’re a race fanatic, don’t miss the Lowes Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Hendrick Motorsports Museum and the Richard Childress Racing Museum. if you’re a total racing buff consider making a day trip to the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. If you’re a big shopping fanatic, a trip to the South Park Mall in order; it’s one of the largest malls in the Carolinas.

LANCASTER, PA You might wonder what in the world lies in Lancaster, Pennsylvania but the area makes a delightful and educational day trip, especially with kids. Explore Amish country and visit completely free museums, farms to learn how the Amish survive and flourish here. The local arts and crafts stores are excellent places to purchase souvenirs. The Amish make excellent quilts, all hand-stitched and hand-embroidered linens. Some Useful Links In Making Informed Vacation Choices There are a ton of sites out there but only few give you budget and last minute options for family vacations. Here are some we love: 1. Lastminute.com: a little pricey but sometimes you’ll find great deals to destinations like Memphis, TN or Charlotte, NC that you won’t want to pass up. 2. CheapFlights.com is a good source (just like Kayak.com or Hotwire.com) for deep discounts on airfares.

NEW YORK CITY, NY There are a ton of places that are inexpensive in New York City, especially if you’re here for a day trip (overnight accommodations can break the bank indeed). First stop: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which will gladly accept any donation you wish to give it even though suggested admission is $15 for adults. Visit other landmarks like the Empire State Building or even take in a

3. Another site, called Bookingbuddy.com is a great source of information on some cool destinations. You can read in depth features on vacation spots and look at the top deals of the day. 4. There’s no better site than Hotels.com for hotel deals. Any of these destinations will be sure to please without breaking the bank. You can find richness in any destination of your choice, including your own hometown. For more information and money-saving coupons go to beautyhandbook.com

life

finance

THE CREDIT CARD

NIGHTMARE What You Can Do To Stop Your Bills From Piling Up By Megan Sarah Johnson

hen it comes to debt, finding someone you know who doesn’t owe is nearly impossible. In the stack of bills that cover your desk, the most painful of all money to owe is racked up on credit cards. Electricity? Absolutely necessary. Internet? Impossible to live without. But those $900 Jimmy Choo camel-colored suede boots you charged last month? Painful to wear, and painful to pay for. In fact, a 2006 article in the Washington Post reported that according to the Government Accountability Office, over 690 million Americans have credit cards. This means just a few years ago, the average American household was in possession of 6 separate credit card accounts. On each of those 6 accounts, $1.8 trillion is charged, which has skyrocketed from $69 billion 25 years ago. Interest rates inflate, minimum payments swell, and total balances carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. If you don’t have the financial smarts of Suze Orman, sometimes it takes a little help from your friends to gain a solid fiscal foundation. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork to help you transcend the depths of your financial woes. Cut the Junk, Literally. Remember the scene in Confessions of a Shopaholic when Isla Fisher’s character chops up a block of ice that contains her emergency credit card? You do not want this to be you. Ice will melt, hidden things can be found, and promises can be broken. The best bet to prevent yourself from being forced to file Chapter 11 is to break out the scissors. Nobody needs a charge card 90

from all of the major credit companies and every store in a 20 mile radius. While it’s important to build credit and develop a reputable credit history, you can do so with one card. Chop all the rest in half. One credit card is sufficient for real emergencies, such as running out of gas. It’s Half Time. Some of the best tips for debt management have trickled down from our elders. You can thank our mother for this wise idea: Pay your credit card bill twice a month in order to break down minimum payments. By splitting the minimum payment in half, the chunk you owe won’t look as deadly at the end of the month. Also, if you’ve been especially frugal throughout the month, you might have extra money to put towards your bill. But if you have excess money sitting in your account, chances are you’re going to be eager to spend it. Don’t give yourself that opportunity. Pay on time. Every time. Even if you can only afford to squeak out the minimum monthly payment, getting that amount in on time is light years better than getting it in late. You may think a late fee isn’t that big of a deal. But these fees have skyrocketed too, and that’s just another extra payment thrown onto your bill. Not only are late fees much higher than they used to be, but sending in your bill late can also send your interest rates through the roof. Credit card companies are looking for any excuse to penalize you, and they don’t fear taking action. Nobody needs to be paying extra fees. But if your interest rate is already above 20%, you’re paying an exorbitant amount to your company. Don’t give them the opportunity to get more money out of you. Wiggle It.

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Will not be available in all store until March 2010.

Credit Card Nightmare

‘‘

Pay on time. Every time. Even if you can only afford to squeak out the minimum monthly payment, getting that amount in on time is light years better than getting it in late.

Arguing with “the man” may seem impossible, but you really don’t have anything to lose by trying. Call your credit card company and present yourself positively. Ask if it’s possible to lower your ridiculously high interest rates, which were increased without your notification. Or ask if you can possibly lower your monthly payment. A recent unexpected job loss is a great argument for not having the ability to pay off bills like you used to. Don’t Hate, Consolidate. Store credit cards may seem attractive at the register when an extra 15% discount is dangled in your face, but a stack of bills for 15 different stores is extremely unattractive at the end of the month. Having a pile of bills to pay off can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you’re a highly disorganized individual. If you can consolidate your bills onto one credit card, you will only have to pay one bill a month. It may be large, but it’s not as intimidating as bills flying at you from every direction. There absolutely is power in numbers, and if that number is lower, chances are you’re going to be less overwhelmed by your mountain of debt. Just Ask For Help. Just like in many life situations, asking for help can be the most difficult thing to do. You recognize you’re in trouble, but making this public can be the ultimate ego-bruiser. But the truth is, eating humble pie may not be too delicious, but it’s a heck of a lot better than suffering alone. Credit counselors are existent for a reason, and that’s because it’s pretty safe to say people will always have dug themselves a financial grave. But their help is worthwhile: These individuals are experts in their field, and they want to help you. Many communities 92

have free financial counseling through their local YMCA or community center. Also, an initial meeting with a financial counselor isn’t too expensive. They’ll help you evaluate your options, and let you know if you need to find extra assistance. If it looks like there’s no way out in the immediate future, counselors will encourage you to enter a program to manage your debt. In the same way an alcoholic enters a rehabilitation program, overspenders should do the same. You won’t spend hours on end in group therapy, but you will be able to develop an organized plan to pay off your debt in the next decade. The Bottom Line. We’re going to share a secret with you that serves as the best line of advice for any individual packing a credit card in their wallet: Do not spend money that you don’t have. While it’s simple to say, following this rule is about as easy to maintain as a sugar, salt, and fat free diet. If you don’t have the cash in your bank account to pay for the things you buy, you simply cannot afford them. Credit cards can be a godsend, and it’s generally rather easy attain one. That’s the great part about credit cards: Almost anyone can be approved to get one. Unfortunately, that’s also the dangerous downside. Anyone can have one. That includes immature high school kids who recently hit 18, equally as immature adults who go on wild spending sprees, and everyone in between. We understand that people make spending mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you have to let yourself become part of the never-ending debt cycle. At the end of the day, buying those expensive shoes feels pretty foolish if you can’t afford to put dinner on the table for your family.

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last word My Virtual Front Porch by Susan Pogorzelski

Social media is the buzzword these days. Everywhere you look, celebrities and news sources are quoting Twitter, and colleagues are talking about their latest Facebook friend request over the cubical walls. What does this mean for social media? What does social media mean for you? According to recent statistics, there are over 18 million Twitter users and more than 300 million Facebook accounts, with those numbers growing daily. Originally founded as a means for college students in select universities across the country to keep in touch, Facebook has now extended beyond that demographic to assert itself as the largest social network on the web. It’s the tool that keeps you in tune with the lives of family and friends, sharing a part of your life, yourself, as you reconnect with old friends and colleagues. Hoping to see what your high school sweetheart is up to or looking for that teacher who had a positive impact on you? Want to feel closer to a family member who is states away or overseas? Facebook has streamlined sharing pictures, events, and status updates to make it easier to stay in touch on one platform. A wide range of applications from quizzes to games help make the site more interactive and fun; however, the true purpose of connecting and reconnecting remains at the forefront. If Facebook is the internet’s water-cooler, Twitter is the front porch of a virtual neighborhood community. Billed as a real-time micro-blogging platform that asks people to update their status by answering the question, “what are you doing?” in 140 characters or less, Twitter encourages conversations and lays the foundation for new friendships based on shared interests, locations, and ideals. Users begin by electing to follow other members, which then streams those status updates in an easy-to-read 96

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feed wherein members can reply by simply placing an “@” symbol before the user name. By following another’s feeds, users get a glimpse into another’s life while also sharing a part of theirs instantaneously, forming new personal relationships based on shared interests. Connecting and conversation is what it’s all about, recording the everyday moments of life as you share news, ideas, and a part of yourself, bridging the gap that divides us and forming strong communities. Both Facebook and Twitter contribute to the idea of life streaming – sharing our lives in small fragments that easily add to the whole of who we are as individuals and as a society. While each status update or tweet may seem insignificant, these little instances create the ties that bind in a larger context, helping us to indirectly relate to one another and become invested in each other’s lives in ways that previously seemed restricted to family members and close friends. Applications are built so that we can update at anytime, anywhere – at home or at work, from laptops to phones – keeping others constantly informed and connected. Society is changing once again – we’re opening our lives and sharing a part of ourselves, connecting with others around the world from our very own homes as our means of communication continues to evolve. We’re living in a world of a moment’s notice, where our lives are shared instantly, updates no longer relegated to page-long updates stuffed into holiday greeting cards. Social media is making the world seem personal again, with the ability to instantly connect and form relationships with those in other countries and our own backyard, making our little corner of the world seem that much smaller. We are world-wide colleagues and international neighbors sharing space, sharing our lives, and forming friendships from a virtual front porch.

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