Monday, April 30, 2007

Nails - Acrylic vs. Gel

Do you know the difference? Here's a great article by Alice Seba - author of Hot Mama Makeover - a free guide to help moms feel confident and sexy.

What's the Difference Between Acrylic & Gel Nails?

One question that a number of moms who have read the guide have asked me is “What’s the difference between acrylic and gel nails?” Here are some comparisons to help you decide which works best for you.

Acrylic nails
- Composed of 2 parts: liquid and powder- Take a bit longer than gels to dry- Most are stronger, but can break due to lack of flexibility- Cost less than gels- Requires filling every 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly your nails grow

Gel Nails
- More natural looking- Limited filing required reducing the risk of burns/cuts- Dry with a UV lamp - Quick to dry, but the whole application process takes longer- Lifting can occur if you have oily nails or live in a humid environment- Cost is higher than acrylics- Also require filling every 2-3 weeks

Most nail salons offer both options. Always talk with your nail technician about any concerns you have beforehand. Choose the option that works best for you and enjoy you’re pretty, new nails, you Hot Mama, you! ;)
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Alice Seba is the author of Hot Mama Makeover, a free guide to help moms feel a little bit sexier and whole lot more confident. Get your free copy here.



Hot Mama Makeover

Thursday, April 26, 2007

The South Beach Diet


The South Beach Diet has sold millions of copies and was founded by Dr. Agatston while working on a diet for his heart patients in the mid 1990s.

The diet is based around eating the right type of carbohydrates and good fats rather than bad fats. However, the diet advices you cut out all carbs and alcohol during the first two weeks (phase 1) of the diet. During phase 2 you can reintroduced the right type of carbs and fruits in moderation according to the diet guidelines.

The diet also advices eating low glycemic index foods . For example, low glycemic index fruits you can eat on the diet are apples and pears. High glycemic fruits you should avoid are bananas, watermelon and pineapples.

This diet is similar to the Atkins diet but unlike the Atkins diet, Dr. Agatston warns that you should not consumed saturated fats such as butter, ground beef and bacon. Instead you are allowed to eat monosaturated fats such as olive oil and salmon fish.

The South Beach Diet is divided into three phases:
  • Phase 1: lasts 14 days and is the strictest phase of the diet. You are not allowed to eat any carbohydrates or drink alcohol during this phase. Many dieters find this phase quite restrictive.
  • Phase 2: You stay on this phase until you reach your weightloss goal. During this phase you can reintroduced some carbs in moderation. You are given a list of carbs and foods you can include in The South Beach Diet Plan Book.
  • Phase 3: This is the maintenance phase of the diet and you can add extra foods during this time. This is the phase you will remain on for the long term and is much more flexible. If your weight begins to increase you are advised to return to phase 1 of the diet.
Where can you buy it? Amazon.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Helpful Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep!

Most of us have experienced a night of where we just couldn’t get to sleep, or kept waking up in the middle of the night. In fact, most of us haven't experienced a good night's sleep since our oldest child was born!

While one night of not sleeping can be annoying, persistent insomnia can have negative consequences on our work, personal relationships, and health. If you just haven’t been able to get a good night’s sleep, here are some tips and tricks you can use to catch some z’s.

Watch What You Eat!
  • Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. You may think you’re okay if you don’t drink caffeine before bedtime, but stimulants can stay in our bodies for up to 6 hours. If you’re having trouble sleeping. Try not to drink caffeine after lunch time.
  • Don’t drink alcohol. This may put you to sleep right away, but you’re much more likely to wake up in the night and have a much less restful sleep.
  • Try some tryptophan. This is the chemical in turkey that makes you sleepy. It’s also found with most protein. Try eating a little protein with some complex carbohydrates at night. You could also try a warm glass of milk, another good source of tryptophan.
  • Avoid a big dinner. A lot of food late at night provides you energy and actually helps wake you up. It can also cause painful indigestion that will keep you from sleeping. Try eating a moderate dinner and a small bedtime snack instead.

Watch Your Sleeping and Bedtime Habits!
  • Have a set sleeping schedule. Our bodies thrive on schedules and rhythms. Waking up and going to bed at a set time will help your body develop a normal sleeping rhythm.
  • Get darkness and light. Another way to help set your natural rhythms is to make your bedroom dark or wear a mask while you’re sleeping. Shortly after you wake up in the morning, expose yourself to the sun or other bright lights.
  • Start a bedtime ritual. Our bodies develop natural responses to what we do. If you follow a certain pattern before you go to sleep every night, your body will know it’s time for sleep when you do these things. This will help you fall asleep faster and easier.
  • Only sleep in your bedroom. You’re much less likely to be able to sleep in a place where you work, read, or watch T.V. If you sleep and only sleep in your bedroom, your mind won’t be occupied by other things.

Watch the Stress!
  • Take a warm bath. This will soothe your muscles and help you relax. Just be sure your bath isn’t too hot; it can actually make you more awake.
  • Try deep breathing and visualization. These can not only help calm you and prepare you for rest, they can also clear your mind and push away stressful thoughts.
  • Avoid stimulating activities. This includes not reading or watching T.V. before bed. Instead of relaxing and sleeping, you’ll end up thinking about what you saw or read.

If you find that none of these techniques work for you, you may also want to look at herbal remedies that will calm you and help you rest. If all else fails, you should pay a visit to your doctor.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Orange and Cashew Couscous Salad

Ingredients:
For the Salad:
8 oz of apple juice
6 oz of couscous (dried)
½ red pepper, cored, deseeded and diced
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 oz of raisins
2 oranges peeled, deseeded and cut into segments
1 oz of cashew nuts

Dressing:
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons olive or walnut oil
1 teaspoon honey

Directions:
Place the apple juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Slowly stir in the couscous and remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 7 to 10 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork. Add the herbs, raisins and peppers and orange segments. Gently toss together. Transfer to serving bowl.

For the dressing, place the ingredients in a saucepan and gently heat until the honey is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil. Drizzle dressing over the salad and garnish with cashew nuts.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Confessions of a SuperMom's Obsessions

I've been tagged by Robyn at One Tough Momma to list my top 5 obsessions. What does a SuperMom obsess about you ask? Check it out...I bet yours are very close to mine!

  1. Making Lists - My memory is gone after the 3 labors and deliveries took most of my brain cells. I am constantly making lists...grocery store, "to do" lists, work lists, what's due this week lists, and the list goes on and on. I take great pleasure in being able to complete a task cross something off of my list.
  2. Organizational Tools - Charts, whiteboards, calendars, dry erase markers...my house is full of them and I can't get enough!
  3. Checking my email - This is the plight of the WAHM (Work at Home Mom)...I wake up in the morning, check my email...I come in from an appointment, check my email...I am cooking dinner, check my email...I'm on my way to bed, check my email...you get the picture. This is a true obsession.
  4. Cleaning Little Hands and Faces - I don't care if you're my kid or not. I am forever armed with a wipey or a wet paper towel (sing it with me kids - warm water is our friend) to wipe down and ward off any potential messes on my kitchen chairs, refrigerator and family room furniture.
  5. Grey's Anatomy - Seriously...I HAVE to have my McDreamy fix weekly.

Thanks Robyn for allowing me to take a closer look at myself and realize that I really AM a freak!

I'm going to go ahead and tag two of my favorite SuperMoms to take part in this fun and enlightening exercise. Busy Mom and Suburban Oblivion...you're it!

Friday, April 20, 2007

Quick Pampering Tips

Every mom deserves a break. You can’t always take a day off just for you. However, you can pamper yourself any day of the week, right at home. These quick pampering tips for moms are sure to give you a quick boost!

Listen to your favorite music
When was the last time you bought yourself a new CD of your favorite artist? Turn on some motivating music for yourself. Listen to music to relax or pump up the volume and dance while you do the laundry.

Light some candles
Gather a few scented candles and light them for a soothing effect. Be sure to keep a few of the scents you like best on hand so you never run out.

Bubble bath
Fill your bath tub with hot water. Squirt in some nice-smelling bubble bath. Scents like lavender, mint and vanilla contribute a calming aroma.

Rose petal soak
Instead of using bubble bath or bath salts, drop some rose petals in your water just before you get ready to soak.

Rose petal foot soak
Soak your feet for twenty minutes in warm water with rose petals. The smell from the rose petals have a calming effect and the foot soak is sure to be a treat for mom’s tired feet.

Manicure and pedicure
What mom doesn’t deserve a nice pampering manicure and pedicure! Plan a special day out alone for this special treat. If you can’t afford to pay for this, invite a girlfriend and take turns pampering each other.

Save face
Buy an inexpensive tube of facial mask and soothing cream. Give yourself a facial while relaxing in the tub or soaking your feet in a rose petal foot soak.

Mother-daughter pampering
All moms need special pampering, but don’t forget to include your daughters from time to time. If you have a younger daughter, use some of these pampering tips we’ve provided for a fun mother-daughter night. Take turns giving each other facials and manicures, rubbing lotion on your feet or combing your hair. If you have an older daughter, save and plan for a special mother-daughter pampering day at the spa.

These should make you feel rejuvenated and ready to face your overworked life! If you want some more tips and helpful advice on how to reduce your stress and get a better balance out of your life, check out Journey to Joy - a complete multimedia package to help SuperMoms like us attain the center and balance that we so need and deserve!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Fancy Diet? Portion Control is the Answer!

When it comes to losing weight, your ultimate success will often depend on portion control. You've heard this over and over again throughout your lifetime, but it's really a true statement. You’re better off eating moderate portions of all different types of foods including a few treats here and there than piling your plate up with apparently healthy options.

Many of us don’t even know what an adequate portion size should be. Go to any high-chain restaurant and your plate will be piled high of food, sometimes you’ll be served up to 5 portions in one sitting! So just how do you watch your portion size and reduce your waist line?

Eat slower – you’ve heard it before I’m sure, but it’s so true, if you take time to eat your meals, your brain will have adequate time to register you’ve had enough. Many of us are out of touch with our bodies and we keep eating until we feel so full we could burst. Try to make the mind and body connection by eating your food slowly and taking the time to enjoy each bite.

The Portion Plate – You don’t need to invest in any fancy plate to help you do this, it’s really easy to do anywhere. Mentally divide your plate in half, fill the first half with vegetables then divide the remaining half in half. One half will consist of a portion of carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, and so on and the other half should consist of a protein such as chicken, fish, eggs or beans.

That’s your new portion rule from now on, one quarter protein, one quarter carbohydrates and one half fresh salad or veggies.

Keep the visual image of what your plate should look like anytime you are about to make a food choice. If you’re just having a chicken sandwich for example remember the chicken serving should ideally fit into that quarter of the plate, add two slices of bread and fill up the rest with fresh salad or veggies.

This is by far the easiest way to control your portion size and if you do this with your three daily meals and replace junk food snacks with healthier options such as fruit and low fat yogurt, you are almost guaranteed to lose weight without having to follow any strict diet regimen. Still not sure? Give yourself a few days to try it and see the great results for yourself.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Say Goodbye to Crunches...There is a Better Way!

If you’re like me, you’re probably not a really big fan of sit ups and crunches. They’re awkward, show mediocre results, and if your don’t do them properly, they can cause severe strain to your neck and back. Raise your hand if you've experienced this!!

Is there an alternative...or are we destined to do this exercise that we can't stand for the rest of our lives? Yes...and No!

Yoga and Pilates have been around and talked about for quite a few years. It has been all the craze for the Hollywood crowd. But they have really caught on to something...using Yoga, Pilates, or both, you can have sleek, toned abs, plus strong back muscles and a totally healthy overall physique.

Yoga operates on several levels to help tone your abs, along with the rest of your body. The basic concept of Yoga is to hold yourself in poses. Holding these poses requires maintaining a correct posture. Just being in a good posture can strengthen your abdominal muscles. They are part of the core muscles that help you achieve and maintain proper posture. Even though you can’t feel it, these muscles are constantly making tiny adjustments and getting a great workout.

In Yoga, the poses are held for extended periods of time. Slow, even movements and long poses give your core muscles an even better workout and help develop stamina through muscle strength. You’ll probably be able to notice a visible difference in your abs, but even if you can’t, you’ll know they’re stronger when you can maintain better balance for longer periods of time.

Another major part of Yoga is focused, deep breathing that allows your body to relax as you pose. This deep breathing involves using your abdominal muscles instead of your shoulders to help inhale and exhale. In addition to your abs helping you maintain balance, you also exercise them even more simply by breathing.

Pilates is similar to your abs with the benefits it offers. Pilates requires use of your abdominal muscles for proper posture and for breathing, just as Yoga does; however, instead of remaining stable, you move your arms and legs around. This is actually just as beneficial for your abs because you have to use them to keep your body still while your arms and legs are in motion. Natural movement would have your torso move, but your abs and back muscles work to keep it stable.

Even though Yoga and Pilates are constantly working your abdominal muscles, there are specific exercises you can do to target these areas, especially in Pilates. These will give you the extra boost you need for more drastic results.

Neither Yoga or Pilates can be learned overnight; however, once you begin to master one of both or these arts, you will get an abs workout like never before without even thinking about crunches!

Monday, April 16, 2007

Welcome!

You are the quintessential SuperMom...doing everything for everyone else.

Now it's time to take a break and take care of YOU!

I'm taking this journey with you - I've got 3 kids and a husband AND I work out of my home about 40-50 hours per week (all hours of the day and night). I get tired, fed up, and in desperate need of pampering :)

During this time together, I'll provide you daily entries with some very useful information for you to take care of you! We'll discuss pampering (of course - 'cause we all need it), exercise, diet, healthy recipes, relationships, product reviews on current diets and exercise equipment and much more! We'll hit on many different topics that will hopefully let you take a look at your life and where you need to sculpt, tone and revive your life!

I'm so happy to be able to come along with you and learn a few things too!