SKIN CONDITIONS

What causes warts? Are they contagious?

A virus causes warts. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are often found on the hands, feet, and face. Warts are contagious at a very low level.

Warts are skin conditions that will often disappear by themselves within two years. Treatment for warts includes over-the-counter medicine that is applied directly to the warts. More persistent warts may require a prescription medicine or a doctor's removal by freezing, burning, or laser treatment. Warts, even treated, can recur.

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a contagious skin condition that results in scales and dead skin on the feet and between the toes. A common fungus causes it, and the infected area can be inflamed and very itchy. You can get athlete's foot in locker rooms or by sharing a shower with an infected person.

Remedies for the skin condition include using a powder two times a day, anti-fungus creams, and wearing cotton socks. To help prevent athlete's foot, wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms, and on swimming pool decks.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin condition that results in greasy or dry white "flakes," often in your hair or eyebrows, that can itch. Although its cause is unknown, dandruff is associated with oily hair. Stress and hormonal and seasonal changes can aggravate it.

To manage dandruff, shampoo daily with a dandruff shampoo. Leave the shampoo on your head for 5 minutes to let the ingredients work. Scrub vigorously, letting your fingers loosen the scales and rinse thoroughly.

What are cold sores? Are they contagious?

Cold Sores are caused most often by a Herpes simplex virus 1. The result is mouth sores that can be itchy or painful. An outbreak can last from a few days to two weeks. Herpes is very contagious. It can be transmitted through touching a sore, sharing eating utensils or toothbrushes with an infected person, and kissing.

Avoiding certain food, wearing sunscreen, and reducing stress can help control this skin condition. Although sores will heal on their own, medications can speed up the process. There is no cure for the virus.

Improve My Life

This year can be a fresh start for you

Improve my life tip: Clothes!

Refreshing your wardrobe is an expensive task. Not everyone has the funds to run out and purchase enough new clothes to fill your closet. The key to updating the clothes you already have is being creative while adding a few new pieces.

Leggings can refresh any old skirt. They'll also keep you warm when the weather gets cooler! Pair leggings with a miniskirt and it's like gaining a whole new outfit. Opt for solid colors so you can rotate them more often—you don't want to be known as the girl who wears her striped leggings every week.

Open-toed wedges don't need to be packed away with your bathing suits. Buy opaque tights or knee highs to keep your legs warm and you'll emanate 80s glam. Stock up on chunky bead necklaces and bangles. This will dress up less than exciting outfits.


Improve my life tip: Relationships!

Are you in a toxic relationship with a guy? If you're dating someone who isn't nice, doesn't appreciate you, or doesn't respect you—drop him. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel happy and warm inside. Dating someone who makes you feel any less than that is not worth your time. You have probably had the same conversations over and over about making your relationship better. Both of you always promise to try harder, but you never do! If you're not both working at this relationship, then your hearts aren't in it. Tell your guy that things just aren't working out and move on.



Improve my life tip: Periods!

Still using the same type of tampon since the day you got your first period? It's may be time for a change. Try Tampax Pearl. Tampax Pearl tampons were designed with women in mind. With details like the absorbent core and Built-in BackupTM! Braid, and the original Anti-Slip GripTM!, it's Our Best Protection Ever. Tampax Pearl is so comfortable, you'll think, "Period? What period?"



Improve my life tip: Schoolwork!

Were your grades less than perfect last year? The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time to start over! Cut down on the time you spend each night chatting with your friends and devote that extra time to your schoolwork! It'll be hard at first, but getting better grades and being prepared everyday will make you feel like a superstar! Having trouble in a specific class? Ask your teacher for help! That's what they're there for! Most teachers keep after school hours where you can get extra help. Stay a little late to get the help you need. Teachers would rather you ask for help than have you struggle!

Before school starts, make a list of all the aspects of your life that you'd like to update. And then get to work! You'll start out your new school year with confidence and a fresh start!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIHANNA !

Robyn Rihanna Fenty (born February 20, 1988), known by her stage name Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist, actress, and fashion designer. She was born in Saint Michael, Barbados.

How To Wear Lipstick

Want to look sexier this holiday season—in thirty seconds flat? Crank up the heat and slick on a coat of bold crimson! Nothing draws attention quicker to your pretty face than daring, powerful, elegant classic red lipstick. But before you take a deep breath and release the rock star within, here are some tips for how to wear lipstick!

 

Choose the right shade for you skin tone.

True reds work best on a pale face, while olive skin calls for brown-reds or mahogany shades. If you've got warm skin with golden undertones, go for an orangey or brownish-red. If your skin is cool with pink or bluish undertones, try a pinkish or purplish red.

 

Trust your instincts. 

We are often drawn to the colors that look best on us. Trust the shades you are first attracted to. Try it on your lips, not your hands. And keep the rest of your makeup subtle. You don't want your eyes to compete for attention. Give yourself time to get used to it!

 

Get a lip pencil in a similar shade.

And use it to fill in both your lips completely, giving your lipstick extra staying power. Keep to the natural line of your lips—trying to make them look fuller will just end up making them look fake.

 

Use a lip brush. 

Red doesn't forgive mistakes easily. A lip brush allows you to apply color more precisely.

 

Blot. 

Separate a tissue into two layers and use one to blot your lips and remove excess lipstick. Still holding the tissue to your lips, brush loose face powder over it. A fine dusting will go through the tissue and set your color.

 

Decide on a shine level.

Glossy or matte? Moister looks more modern, but matte stays on longer. Experiment 'til you find what's right for you.

 

If you don't have a mirror.

Use a fingertip on the non-lipstick-wielding hand as a guide and position the tip of the lipstick on the center of your mouth's bow. Draw half a heart from the bow to the edge of the mouth. Trace the top line of your lip with your fingertip to avoid wobbles. Use the same fingertip to mark the center of your lower lip and use it as your guide. Don't rub your lips together—it'll smear the color.

 

Be brave. 

If the tube of red lipstick you chose isn't exactly right, mix in a little mauve. The pretty fuchsia you create might be exactly what you were looking for. Experiment by adding a little brown if the red is a bit too bright for you.

 

Paint your nails the same color! 

Go for more red! It's that time of the year, after all!

Stretch marks...will they ever go away?

Stretch marks often appear on bodies that have recently gone through a great deal of growth or change: pregnancy, sudden weight gain or loss, and, yes, puberty. (Think about the lines like those you see in taffy when it's stretched: the same thing happens to the skin when it gets pulled in a new direction.) On teenagers, stretch marks usually show up on parts of the body like the hips and breasts because those are places that experience the most change and rapid expansion during puberty.

Stretch marks usually start off as violet or pink lines, but eventually fade to spiderweb-thin, silvery lines. Sometimes they can be more noticeable when you're tan, because they can either burn or stay pale while the rest of your skin darkens.

Some people use cocoa butter or vitamin E oil to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but there's no proof that these remedies work as a way to get rid of stretch marks. Retin-A, the medicine that is often used for treating acne, has shown some promise of reducing early stretch marks. The only hitch is that you have to get a prescription from your doctor.

It may be comforting to know that many women have stretch marks—and even some men have them too. However pronounced and noticeable they may seem to you now, they do fade over time and there are some ways to get rid of stretch marks.

How to Prevent Pimples...

Steps to stop the eruptions.

 

Here are some tips on how to prevent pimples. But remember, even if you practice good hygiene and have healthy eating habits, chances are you'll break out at some point. It's normal.

Wash. Wash your skin morning and night with a gentle cleanser that cleans your pores without drying your skin (don't use grainy, harsh scrubs since these can actually cause acne).

T-zone. Some areas of your face, like your forehead, nose, and chin (often called the T-zone because it's shaped like the letter T) might be oilier than the rest of your face. How to prevent pimples on your 

T-zone: wash it with a non-oily cleanser.

Water. Drink a lot of water. It helps flush away impurities.

Foods. Although foods cannot cause zits, some people find that what they eat affects their skin. So say hello to healthy food, like fresh fruit and veggie snacks and see-you-later to chocolate and greasy foods like french fries and buttered popcorn. If you think you get zits after eating certain foods, keep a list and avoid eating too much of them or eating them at all.

Relax! Anxiety and stress can cause the adrenal glands to make more hormones, which can cause zits to suddenly pop up. You have a lot going on in your life, but try to take time out for a walk or yoga or whatever works for you.

Create Your Own Style: Everyday Fashion Tips

Have you ever opened up a fashion magazine and thought “What in the world were they thinking? Did they dress these models in the dark?” You’re not alone. The mixture of prints and fabrics featured in these magazines make their outfits look like the dressing room floor rather than something you’d actually wear to school.

But here’s a little secret—no one actually wears that stuff…well, not all together at least. The real value of these so-called “fashion trends” is to find something you think is cool, and work it into your existing wardrobe. Save yourself the trouble of matching your outfits to the mannequins in the storefront, and rock your own trends.

Here are five tips to help you discover your personal style and feel confident in everything you put on.

1. Find the Right Fit
When it comes to style, fit is everything. When something fits right, you’re not only more comfortable, but the clothes will look better on you. Don’t try to force your figure into every style. If skinny jeans aren’t your thing, try out the boot cut. Be sure to try on everything you plan to buy. It may look great on the hanger, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and visit the dressing room.

2. Make the Effort
It might be tough to put extra thought into your outfits when you only have 15 minutes to get ready before school, but putting in the effort gives you that polished, put-together look everyone craves. Try picking out an outfit the night before, and taking a good look at your closet to find clothes you forgot you even had. Pick out jewelry and shoes in advance and you will look like you spent hours getting ready. Don’t worry, we won’t spill the beans on your secret.

3. When in Doubt, Overdress
Famous designer Vivienne Westwood was once quoted in saying, “If in doubt overdress,” and we couldn’t agree with it more. Now, that doesn’t mean rock your homecoming dress in 5th bell biology, but it does mean pick the dressier option when you are confused on which outfit to wear. You’ll never regret wearing a cute pair of jeans and flats to the movies over the grey sweatpants you practically sleep in. It’s better any day to be overdressed than look like you rolled out of bed.

4. Go for Classic Basics
If you’re out buying new clothes, it’s a good idea to purchase basics you can wear year-round. Although color blocking is a huge trend this year, it may be a no-go next season. Finding a good pair of jeans, fitted t-shirts and long cardigans can always be taken to the next level with embellished jewelry or shoes. Save money and time by picking out classic items that never go out of style.

5. Be Yourself
You should always follow the fashion rule of dressing for you, and you alone. Even if your best friend insists that you buy the latest pair of boots, because she loves them—they may not be for you. When it comes to fashion, you will only be confident in clothes you like to wear. If it doesn't feel right, or you can’t be yourself in a particular outfit, don’t wear it. Fashion is all about self-expression; so don’t forget the most important part–you.

Mindless Behavior - Keep Her On The Low

Have you ever opened up a fashion magazine and thought “What in the world were they thinking? Did they dress these models in the dark?” You’re not alone. The mixture of prints and fabrics featured in these magazines make their outfits look like the dressing room floor rather than something you’d actually wear to school.

But here’s a little secret—no one actually wears that stuff…well, not all together at least. The real value of these so-called “fashion trends” is to find something you think is cool, and work it into your existing wardrobe. Save yourself the trouble of matching your outfits to the mannequins in the storefront, and rock your own trends.


Here are five tips to help you discover your personal style and feel confident in everything you put on.

1. Find the Right Fit
When it comes to style, fit is everything. When something fits right, you’re not only more comfortable, but the clothes will look better on you. Don’t try to force your figure into every style. If skinny jeans aren’t your thing, try out the boot cut. Be sure to try on everything you plan to buy. It may look great on the hanger, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and visit the dressing room.

2. Make the Effort
It might be tough to put extra thought into your outfits when you only have 15 minutes to get ready before school, but putting in the effort gives you that polished, put-together look everyone craves. Try picking out an outfit the night before, and taking a good look at your closet to find clothes you forgot you even had. Pick out jewelry and shoes in advance and you will look like you spent hours getting ready. Don’t worry, we won’t spill the beans on your secret.

3. When in Doubt, Overdress
Famous designer Vivienne Westwood was once quoted in saying, “If in doubt overdress,” and we couldn’t agree with it more. Now, that doesn’t mean rock your homecoming dress in 5th bell biology, but it does mean pick the dressier option when you are confused on which outfit to wear. You’ll never regret wearing a cute pair of jeans and flats to the movies over the grey sweatpants you practically sleep in. It’s better any day to be overdressed than look like you rolled out of bed.

4. Go for Classic Basics
If you’re out buying new clothes, it’s a good idea to purchase basics you can wear year-round. Although color blocking is a huge trend this year, it may be a no-go next season. Finding a good pair of jeans, fitted t-shirts and long cardigans can always be taken to the next level with embellished jewelry or shoes. Save money and time by picking out classic items that never go out of style.

5. Be Yourself
You should always follow the fashion rule of dressing for you, and you alone. Even if your best friend insists that you buy the latest pair of boots, because she loves them—they may not be for you. When it comes to fashion, you will only be confident in clothes you like to wear. If it doesn't feel right, or you can’t be yourself in a particular outfit, don’t wear it. Fashion is all about self-expression; so don’t forget the most important part–you.

College Alternatives: Be Successful Without School

Most people would agree that the main value of college is that it teaches us how to think. We've learned life is more interesting and meaningful the more education we acquire. Our brains grow more efficient when we exercise them, so it makes sense that the more opportunities we give ourselves to learn something new, the stronger our brains will become. But does that mean that a four-year college experience is absolutely necessary to be successful rather than college alternatives?

In days gone by, a college education was a luxury, something that made you stand out from the rest of your peers. Today however, there's the feeling that your only college alternatives are a variation of "Do you want fries with that?" While there's no arguing that college graduates earn substantially more money, what many learn in school is that their diploma supplies little more than an essential line on their resumes.

 

If you are weighing the costs and the time of further education, be aware that there are college alternatives that require training programs and apprenticeships without a four-year commitment. The power to be successful lies upon how passionate you are about what you choose to do. Here are a few career paths leading to good paying jobs that only require college alternatives, with the organizations to contact for further information.

 

Are you a people person? If you are a good listener, enjoy resolving conflicts, and get pleasure answering the needs of others, perhaps you should consider these college alternatives:

Nursing...The American Nurses Association
Childcare worker...Healthy Child Care America
Physical therapy aide...American Physical Therapy Association
Travel agent...American Society of Travel Agents
Flight attendant...Airlinecareer.com
Animal caretaker...Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology


Are you a thinker? Do you constantly look for logical answers? Do you enjoy arguing your opinions? If the answer is yes and you pride yourself on working efficiently, consider these college alternatives:

Dispensing optician...National Pharmacy Technician Association
Pharmacy technician...National Pharmacy Technician Association
Mail carrier...United States Postal Service
Library technician...Council on Library and Media Technicians
Computer support specialist...The High Tech Institute
Proofreader...American Copy Editors Society
Bookkeeper...American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Locksmith...The Associated Locksmiths of America
Tax preparer...National Tax Training School


Are you a creative soul? Do you have an eye for color and form? Are you good at expressing your emotions? See if any of these college alternatives resonate within.

Groundskeeper, flower arranger, nursery worker...American Nursery and Landscape Association
Set designer...Interior Design Schools: Set Design
Photographer...Professional Photographers of America
Graphic designer...American Institute of Graphic Arts
Chef...National Restaurant Associations: Careers and Education
Jeweler...International Watch and Jewelry Guild
Camera/video operator...Society of Camera Operators


Are you adventurous? Do you always look on the bright side, tend to act spontaneously, and react well in emergency situations? Check out the following college alternatives.

Fire fighter...International Association of Fire Fighters
Court recorder...Criminal Justice Degrees
Private detective...World Association of Professional Investigators
Police officer...National Association of Police Organizations

Spring Cleaning Tips: Learning to Let Go

Most of us believe all that extra junk and clutter around us in the winter must keep us warm. If not, why do we end up with a ridiculous amount of stuff come spring? The last thing anyone wants once the sun is shining and the trees are turning green is to be stuck inside sifting through mountains of mess. But how and where to start can be more daunting than the actual task at hand, so we' ve combined a few spring cleaning tips!

 

The key to beginning what appears to be an overwhelming task starts with a change of attitude. Make it a game. Try listening to music and dance while you're cleaning. Set a timer and challenge yourself to finish one small task in 15 minutes. Take breaks. Play a favorite DVD in the background. You know what it takes to adjust your point of view.

The first spring cleaning tip is to remember to start easy. Begin by tossing things you know you can live without. Throw out all your old cosmetics, lotions, perfumes, and broken jewelry. Freshen your environment by rotating in new posters or pictures and rearranging the ones you have. If something is attached to a negative memory, lose it. Good riddance to bad vibes.

 

Every closet always needs a spring cleaning, not only to clear out what doesn't fit, is out of style, stained, ripped, and plain embarrassing (what were you thinking?), but to banish the heavy sweaters and boots you won't be needing for months. Store your winter clothes or put them in the back of the closet and drawers. Spring cleaning tips like the three-pile idea—one to keep (your favorites, your staples), one to donate (the things you haven't worn this year), and a third to try on and then decide—seems to work well. If you need some help, invite a brutally honest friend to keep you company.



Other spring cleaning tips to remember include the following: Note what you are getting rid of so you'll remember what might need replacing. Then organize what's left. Hang everything where it belongs. Sort by color to make getting dressed a snap. Don't forget to sort shoes in these same piles.

 

Take a before and after photo to reward yourself. After this purging, not only will you have given yourself much needed storage space, but you'll have given someone less fortunate a pile of great pieces for their wardrobe. When you're done, notice how light and free you feel. Once you start using the above spring cleaning tips—clearing out the outside—don't be surprised to notice the inside clearing out too. Not only is your closet decluttered, but your mind as well. Getting your life in order allows you to put winter behind you and move forward toward spring. Now both you and your closets have more room for new possibilities!

Doing Laundry: It's No Dirty Business

Long gone are the days of only Mom or Dad doing your laundry. You’re a young adult now — this is one task you’re going to want to learn. You might have heard a few disaster stories, of one red sock ruining an entire wardrobe, but we’re here to tell you these “disasters” can be avoided, and that doing your own laundry is actually quite easy.



So you might be wondering, what’s the secret to doing your laundry? Well, the truth is — there’s no secret at all. It's all written down for you. Check the label of almost any piece of clothing you have. It probably says something like: "Machine wash, no bleach, tumble dry low, low iron if necessary." Laundry detergent, washers and dryers also come with instructions that serve as helpful reminders. You can also ask someone older to help show you how to do it. Here's a quick and easy lesson on how to do the laundry to help keep your squeaky-clean image picture perfect.



Step One: Sort Your Clothes

Separate your laundry into piles of whites, light colors, dark colors and linens (like sheets, towels and blankets). Don't mix light and dark colors together. Even if the clothes have been washed many times, bright colors will fade and lighter colors will get dingy or gray.

Step Two: Check the Labels

When learning how to do laundry, look at the labels of each of the clothes. If a label says: "hand wash only," "dry clean only" or "wash separately," put it aside in a "special care" pile.

Step Three: Check the Clothes

One of the most important steps when learning how to do the laundry is to empty all pockets. Remove all accessories like belts or pins. Check everything for stains. Stains like grass, blood, dirt, sweat and food should be pre-treated with a stain remover. Follow directions on your stain removal product. It usually needs to be sprayed, rubbed or soaked, depending on the type of stain and product you're using.

Step Four: Set the Washer

On the washing machine you will find dials or buttons for choosing the type of water and cycle appropriate for your laundry load.

Warm water is used for most loads. Use it for light-and bright-colored clothes, cottons and linens, jeans, and most regular-wash clothes.

Cold water is best for light colors and delicate things — swimwear, bras, and workout clothes. When you're not sure how to do the laundry, use the cold water, delicate setting. If you don't have too many delicates, hand-wash instead.

Hot water is best for removing stains and germs from clothes and can be used for white clothes and light-colored linens. However, hot water isn't very gentle to fabrics or color. It can make them shrink, fade or wear out. 

Step Five: Start the Washer

Turn on the machine and let it start filling with water before you add the clothes. (If you have a front-loading machine, this isn't possible, so turn it on only after you load the clothes.)

Measure and add the detergent, following the directions on the container.

If you are washing bright colors, you can add color-safe bleach or detergent with bleach alternatives. If you are washing whites in hot water and all of the washing instructions on your clothing tags agree, add a small amount of bleach to the water before adding your clothes. Make sure to wipe up any spills with a wet sponge or paper towel, and be sure not to spill any on your clothing as it will ruin it.

Step Six: Load the Washer

Place one pile of clothes into the washer. Leave enough room for the clothes to move around in the washer. Do not overfill or your clothes won't get clean.
Close the lid and wait for it to finish. 

Start the washer if you haven't already and wait for it to finish.

Step Seven: Dry the Clothes

Remove clothes from the washer as soon as the full cycle is done. The washer will go through a few cycles of starts and stops, so check the dial or display to tell you when it's finished. Some washers will beep when they're done. If clothes are left in the washer for more than a few hours, they could become stinky and need to be rewashed before drying.

Empty the lint filter on the dryer before each load. If you don't, it could become a fire hazard.

One important thing to remember when learning how to do the laundry is to check the washing instructions on each piece of clothing. They will say something like: "hang dry," "lay flat to dry," "tumble dry low heat," "tumble dry remove promptly." Follow all instructions and load dryer-safe clothes into the dryer, being sure not to overstuff the dryer or your clothes won't dry properly. If clothes are not dryer safe, follow instructions on the tags for best results.

Turn on the dryer and follow the instructions on the clothing tags and the dryer to choose the best setting for your load.

As soon as the dryer is done, empty it and fold clothes to avoid wrinkles.

Special Tips from Cheer.com

These quick tips will help take you from just knowing the basics of how to do the laundry to clothing-care expert.

Turn dark clothing inside out to help prevent fading.
Do the same for sweaters to reduce pilling.
Check all pockets and remove any items before washing.
Close buttons, zip zippers and fasten clasps to prevent damage to delicate duds within the load.
Before drying, separate lint-shedders (fuzzy sweatshirts, chenille robes, flannels and towels) from lint-keepers (knits, corduroys and permanent-press fabrics).
Tie drawstrings on sweatshirts and pants to prevent knotting.
Don't bleach natural fabrics, such as linen, as it can weaken the fibers.
Soak seriously soiled fabrics overnight to ensure the best wash results.

You're Done!

Wasn't that easy? And just a little bit fun? Be proud of yourself. You've just learned how to do the laundry.

Now, if only the rest of being a responsible adult could be so easy...

Foods That Make Your Skin Look Better and Worse

We know that water helps keep us hydrated, that candy is not the healthiest snack choice and that a burger and fries for dinner every night is not going to improve our figure. But what does our diet do for our skin? Does what we eat have a dramatic effect on our complexion? It might. Her Campus hit the books to find out the best and worst foods for your skin as well as what foods in your kitchen can make quick, easy and nourishing face masks!

The Best Foods For Your Skin

1. Low Fat Yogurt

Low fat dairy products can do wonders for your skin. These products are packed with Vitamin A, which is an element that is vital to our skin’s health. Vitamin A also helps our intestines, and “anything that helps keep digestion normal, any live bacteria or enzymes, is also going to be reflected in healthy-looking skin.” Vitamin A aids in repairing skin tissue, which will especially benefit people with dry and flaky skin.


2. Antioxidant-Rich Fruits 

Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and plums. Your skin will love these fruits because of their high antioxidant content. The antioxidants help prevent cell damage, which keeps your skin looking younger longer.  While these four fruits have the highest content of antioxidants, artichokes, beans, prunes and pecans also have their fair share and can benefit your skin as well.


3. Salmon 

Fishy foods aren’t especially appetizing to everyone, but the benefits of salmon for your skin might convince you to mix a little more into your diet. Salmon contains fatty acids which help strengthen the cell membrane, allowing the cells to more efficiently lock in moisture and even prevent inflammation in your arteries. The most common and beneficial fatty acid is Omega 3, which is packed into salmon. If you can’t stomach the fishy flavor of salmon, try to add some walnuts or flax seed oil into your diet as another source of these fatty acids.


4. Whole wheat bread products 

Whole wheat products contain an antioxidant called selenium. Selenium has been the focus of several studies that have found correlations with higher levels of selenium resulting in lower risk of skin cancer and other kinds of cancer. A study of people with selenium deficiencies and ultraviolet radiation published in the journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology revealed that doses of selenium could even prevent sunburn. You can also increase your selenium intake by adding turkey, tuna, and brazil nuts into your diet.


5. Green Tea and Water 

The benefits of Green Tea go far beyond improving your skin. Studies published in The Archives of Dermatology reveal that the polyphenolic compounds in green tea act as an anti-inflammatory, helping to prevent skin tumors. In addition to the increase of your skin’s defense against skin cancers, it could also help fight against UV radiation damage. Water contributes to your skin’s vitality in the same way it contributes to your body’s, by keeping it hydrated and looking healthy. We should be drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, which helps your cells maintain water and move out toxins.



The Worst Foods For Your Skin

1. Alcohol and Caffeine 

After reading the benefits of green tea and water, it is clear that your skin needs to stay hydrated in order to be healthy. Alcohol and caffeine are both very dehydrating, causing your internal organs to metabolize any water you consume before it can reach your skin. Because alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, they rapidly deplete the water in your body, starving your skin of the moisture it desperately needs. If these are two things that are a big part of your everyday diet, it is imperative that you also drink more than the recommended eight glasses of water per day.


2. High Glycemic Foods

Foods with a high glycemic index, such as pastas, white breads, potatoes, and chips, not only are associated with higher weight, but have also been shown to worsen acne symptoms. An increase in glucose and insulin levels can worsen acne symptom while those with a low glycemic diet showed a 50% decrease of acne. Try substituting these white foods for whole grains and you may see a significant improvement in your skin.

3. Fried Foods 

While it is common knowledge that fried foods are far from a healthy choice, they can also cause oil buildups and harm your skin. While it has not been proven that these foods are directly related to breakouts, it has been debated that fried foods contribute to the trapping of bacteria and causing of blemishes. Forget the Face lift: Turn Back the Clock with a Revolutionary Program for Ageless Skin. Given that we all know these foods aren’t good for us anyway, we say why not try to skip them just in case?

4. Chocolate – MYTH!

Don’t worry chocolate-lovers, the belief that chocolate causes breakouts is actually a myth! While some have debated the effects of sugar and our skin, the negative findings are mainly traced back to sugar from high glycemic foods. Dark chocolate is actually a low glycemic food and milk chocolate, when eaten in moderation, isn’t that bad either. Don’t worry about your occasional chocolate indulgence leading to a tiny mountain range on your chin, just try to stick to dark chocolate and of course, use self-control so that you don’t go overboard!

Who said the only thing we can do with food is put it in our mouths?  There are all kinds of possibilities for things you can do with your food… like putting it on your skin!  Check out these yummy homemade facemasks that are delicious without any of the calories… 

Homemade Facemasks

1. Moisturizing honey mask

If you are battling dry skin, try rubbing a thin layer of honey on your face. Leave it for a few minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Honey retains water and acts as a natural moisturizer. You can even mix it into a bath or rub it into your hair before shampooing to make your skin and hair feel silky smooth.

2. Pimple minimizing oatmeal mask

First, crack an egg and extract the yolk. Stir oatmeal into the egg whites until the mixture becomes thick like a mask. Apply on your face or to stubborn pimples. Allow the mask to harden for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.  The oatmeal and egg whites work together to dry out blemishes.

3. Skin softening avocado mask

To soften and moisturize your skin, mix avocado with a bit of almond oil and rub onto your face. Leave on your skin as long as you can to allow your skin to soak up Vitamins A and E in the avocado.

Next time you’re struggling with your skin, think twice before you head out to the store to spend lots of money on creams and cleansers and check your cupboards instead!

Black Buddafly feat. Fabolous - Bad Girl

THROWBACK SONG..

Richgirl - Swagger Right ft. Fabolous, Rick Ross

Ingredients and Instructions

Cake:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 box Duncan Hines® Red Velvet Cake Mix
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

White Chocolate Dip:

• 2 bars (6 oz. each) white chocolate premium baking bars, broken into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

1. Melt butter; set aside to cool. Place cake mix, egg, cooled butter and vanilla in large mixing bowl. Mix by hand until well blended and dough is formed.
2. Form dough into a smooth 12-inch log on wax paper or parchment making sure it is even in thickness end to end. Wrap in wax paper; seal in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease baking sheets. Unwrap dough log and set on wax paper. Using a sharp knife, cut into 48 slices about 1/4-inch thick. Place on cool baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in center of oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make dip by placing pieces of baking bar in small, DRY, microwave-safe bowl along with shortening. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir to blend. If needed,continue to microwave in 30-second intervals. Blend each time. Avoid overheating.
6. Dip each cookie into chocolate to coat half of cookie. Place on wax paper or parchment-lined sheets and refrigerate about 15 minutes or until dip is set. Store in airtight container with wax paper or parchment separating layers.

7. Tips:

1. For best results, bake only one sheet of cookies at a time. If two are baked at time, rotate sheets midway through baking.
2. For variation, top white chocolate with chopped pistachios or pecans, crushed peppermint candies, crushed pretzels, praline crunch, colored sugar or other cookie decorations before it is set.
3. Do NOT thin white chocolate with butter, margarine or water. Moisture will cause the chocolate to seize or tighten.
4. Place melted white chocolate in a freezer-weight zippered plastic bag. Snip a very small hole from bottom corner and drizzle white chocolate over top of cookie in place of dipping half of cookie.