I'm Back!!

After a LONG hiatus I am back!!!

WOW - having a baby sure does take up a lot of time!!!! Who knew??

So this week I received a new peel sample to try for my review called the Fusion Peel by the awesome and (very easy to deal with on the phone) company named Skin-Peel.com. (That is my disclosure - if you missed it!) HA

I have only had one peel since having my baby - and actually I have in the past 5 years have probably only had one type of peel - the tried and true Alpha Beta....so this peel better be great b/c I LOVE the alpha beta one!!

I have wicked hyperpigmentation from having a baby - I mean terrible!! I would love to get rid of!! I have been staying completely out of the sun for months, wearing my SPF religiously, and using tazorac and retin-a nightly for about 3 months.

The peel came well packaged and with very easy to follow instructions as well.

I immediately opened and read everything!

The peel itself is a straight liquid and had to be applied with a gauze pad that was included.

I swiped one layer over my whole face (after cleansing and towel drying). It was a bit stingy by my eye area and I did start to turn pretty red within about 1 minute.

Noticing that it said I could keep it on for 6-8 - I knew that being that I had been using so many retinoids for months I was very sensitive.

So about the 2 minute mark I went ahead and neautralized with the spray and then splashed cool water on my face for about a minute.

I was a bit red but nothing bad.

24 hours later - my skin is a bit pink but man is it clear!!! I mean super tight and shiny which I love!! It looks fresh and bright!! I actually look well rested - :) I really like the results - I have not really flaked at all (stay tuned to see if I will in a few days??)

So far I am hooked - this is a great peel - !!

Here is the peel that I was given if you are interested in checking it out yourself.

Just type in SHEBLOGS as your code to my faithful readers and receive 20% off anything you want to order ending Dec. 31, 2010.

www.skin-peel.com/Fusion_Skin_Peels_s/62.htm

I sure have missed blogging and am soo glad to be back!

Winter Dry Skin

Feeling like sandpaper already this fall and winter?

All of my hand washing to keep the germs away has wrecked serious havoc on my skin...

I have not gotten sick but my hands have taken a serious beating!!

I am adding a few of my favorite hand creams and items that you can wear while you sleep to help put some moisture back in your paws!!!

Holiday SALE!!!

Of course Skin Store is offering there usual 20% SALE plus FREE shipping with all orders over $49.

The code is HOL20

Type this in at checkout to SAVE just in time for your holiday shopping!!!

Sorry about the MIA!!

Being pregnant has made me lose all track of time!! Doctors appointments, hospital tours, choosing a pediatrician, meetings with Doulas, etc - AHH!!

So for all of you pregnant moms out there here are some of my favorite products that I have enjoyed during my 6 months of pregnancy.

I LOVE all of the Mustela products - the stretch mark cream is incredible so far so good for me!!

I also am obsessed with the Belli products - they have such a great fragrance - light but just enough that you can smell it all day!!

Skin store SALE for the season!!

Click on the Skinstore Icon on the right to save.

At checkout type in:

BUY75 - when you purchase $75 or more and SAVE $10

type in:

BUY125 - when you spend $125 or more and SAVE $30

Just in time for shopping to begin!!

Adult Acne

Questions concerning adult acne are the most commonly asked questions that I ever receive!!

People stop me, email me, phone and text me and 90% of the time they are questions about acne over the age of 30. Mostly people that have never had to deal with acne and are freaking out. Most of them have no clue how to take care of the problem and MOST can easily be fixed with switching up their products.

Here is you plan of action LADIES for your acne issues!!

1. Cleanse am and pm with a mild cleanser - don't break the bank with this one. It is just to remove residue, acne meds from the night before, oil, and makeup.

2. Then use your treatment cleanser again am and pm - one with salicylic acid/glycolic acids and leave it on for 30-45 seconds before you rinse it off....focusing on areas with breakouts. You do not need a wash cloth or any type of "scrubby" pads - just use your CLEAN hands to apply with water. My two favorites are Glycolix and DDF - both available on the right side of my blog.

AM Only

1. Use your SPF 30 - DAILY!!!!! Using acne meds can make you extremely sun sensitive so a high SPF is a must!! My favs are NIA 24 mineral SPF and Cellex C SPF 30. Both excellent choices for those of us dealing with acne. They are mineral based and WILL not pose a problem with your skin.

2. I prefer mineral foundation as your makeup not a liquid...my favorite is Bare Minerals! Nothing in mineral foundations will break out your skin or clog your pores.

PM ONLY

1. After you cleanse with your mild cleanser and your treatment cleanser...using only your hands not a wash cloth which can harbor bacteria. You will use your MD Skincare Peel Kit....it is the absolute BEST thing for any one dealing with acne. From teens to adults - dry to extremely oily. Use Step 1 first all over your face and neck if you suffer from acne on your neck. About 3 minutes should do it then you can neutralize with Step 2...this peel kit can be used every night or every other or even ever third if it makes you to dry peely or red. It contains glycolic and salicylic acids. Both a must for dealing with acne. Available on the right side of my blog.

2. Then after Step 2 has dried - use ONE of the following. A Retinol product or Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO). Not both and not on the same night. Choose one or the other. Retinol can and should be applied all over your face - BPO should be applied on the areas that you break out ONLY!! Both can and will make you red, peely, and dry - so use sparingly. If you become to irritated back off and use every third night or until your skin becomes less irritated.

My favorite Retinols are Affirm and Skin Medica.

My favorite BPOs are DDF and B Kamins - both well formulated.

All of these products are available on my blog.

Read the past post to receive 20% off from SKINSTORE - today is the last day of the sale!

October 20% SALE with SKINSTORE!!

Click on the SKINSTORE icon on the right

THEN

Use the following code to save at checkout...

OCT20

Enjoy!

Signature Style

Some of my favorite models and actresses have a distinct "signature style".  They keep their hair relatively in the same way...keeping it current but similar.  They have a certain way that they dress daily.  They know what works for them and so they stick with it.

I have always loved Claudia Schiffer's style...the long blonde hair, simply lines of clothing, a nice bag, huge sunglasses, and of course a beautiful watch.  She looks timeless and elegant.

I also love Kate Moss - if you look back at Kate's life in fashion - she has kept her look basically the same.  Knowing what works for her and again sticking with it.  Shoulder length golden locks that always look a but messy, great skirts that show off her gams, funky jewelry, large sunglasses, and one piece of trendy clothing...perhaps the newest trend in shoes...

Being 36 - I know what works for myself and what does not.  My hair looks best - long and blonde.  I have tried many different colors and styles but this works best for me.  Jeans and pants that skim just the top of my shoes look best.  V-necks and boat neck shirts tend to be my forte and make me feel good about myself.  I like bright colors - such as pinks, purples, turquoises - years of trying all colors and then viewing photos of myself - make me know what works and what does not.  Short nails, no polish - look best on me.  Dark denim - always looks best!!  My one signature piece of jewelry would be my gold hoop earrings - they are timeless and easily go from day to evening.  I have worn this type of earring for over 15 years - and I still love the way they make me feel.  A nice watch and a new bag...I have always believed that if you have these 2 you really don't need much else.  

What is your signature style?  Have you found it yet?  When have you last been complimented on an outfit or hairstyle?  Is it time for you to try something new or does your current style make you feel awesome??

Find what works for your body - for your coloring and stick with what looks best!

Save 20% by using this code

Click on the SKINSTORE icon on the right

At checkout type in this code

SEP20 

You will save 20% on your order!!  

Orders over $49 have FREE shipping!!

Enjoy!

Bacteria oh my!!

So we are all accustomed to washing our hands 20x a day to prevent the spread of disease and germs.  

But what about your cosmetics and other items you touch daily??

Take a look at your makeup bag or drawer.....do you see makeup sponges, brushes, and puffs that are covered with hair, dirt. oil, and makeup??  GROSS!!!  First of all try to clean them with anti-bacteria soap - if they still look dirty and dingy throw them out!!  

What about your foundations, creams, lotions, and anything else that maybe in a liquid form...have they separated?  Have you had them over a year?  Time to pitch them as well.

Now to your makeup bag itself.  Remove all of it contents and clean out your bag - throwing away anything broken such as powders and eye shadows...if your makeup bag it filthy and you can throw it in the washer - do so.  If not then try to clean it with anti-bacterial spray.  

AHHH - now doesn't that look better.

On to mascara - you really should only use mascara for 3-5 months before you throw it out. Don't pump your wand in and out either - it can push bacteria into the casing itself.  I also heard the other day 2 ladies talking about adding water to their mascara to make it last longer - a BIG no no!!!  Again this can add bacteria to your mascara causing you to have a really bad eye infection!!  YUCK!!

Clean your cell phone people - it is such a bacteria ridden thing!!  Simple use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball - not so much as to damage the phone - but enough to kill the germs, bacteria, and old makeup that are growing in there!!  This can also help tremendously with acne on your cheeks from holding your phone.  

Other places where germs like to live - your steering wheel, your doorknobs, the knobs on your sinks, all gym equipment (drives me crazy when people don't clean off there sweat after they work out....YUCK!!)....

We all want to remain healthy this Fall season - so start cleaning!!

Go Crazy on vaca!!

Once a year I step way out of my box. 

Typically, I am an extremely "by the book" type person.  I eat clean 95% of the time, spend very little money, only buy necessities,  save most of what I earn, never check the weather (as you know I am a sun avoider) i.e. never get into the sun, I never have dessert, I workout regularly - 4-6 days per week......I am organized - everything has it's place and I am an all around a routine girl.

Then vacation comes!!

I do everything completely opposite of my "usualness" for one week of the year!!

I go to the beach (with a high SPF on) but still I am at the beach in direct sunlight....for many hours.

I never check the prices of anything - from meals, to shopping - I just buy what I want.

I have dessert at every single meal....anything from Key Lime pie to full fat ice cream!

I exercise - but very little - not checking caloric burn or intensity....just walk for fun.

I don't clean or keep things organized at all....the condo or home we stay in looks like a dorm room....with clothes and things strewn everywhere!

For one week of the year - this is my "going crazy" time!!  I know that a lot of people live this way daily...but I chose to live more of a responsible, hard-working, do the right thing type lifestyle.

It is great for me to be the to be my opposite self - do things I never do - and then get back to my normalcy of everyday life.  

Plumping up your skin!!!

We all want that dewy glowing skin that sweet little children have....:)

No one wants their skin to look old, leathery, dry, and wrinkled - so here is your plan to luminous fresh looking skin!

AM

1.  Cleanse am and pm with a Glycolic Acid cleanser (if this makes you too peely dry or red  - back off and only use 1x per day)

2.  AM - use your SPF 30 or higher every single day for the rest of your life!! Make sure it contains either titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or parasol 1789 (avobenzone).

3.  Mix your SPF with an antioxidant serum, lotion, or powder for extra protection - and to help with free radicals.

4. Stop using face/blotting type powders - they tend to crease and make you look way older than you are.  Instead use blotting papers throughout the day.

5.  After you finish applying your makeup - always spray lightly with a mineral water spritzer - this will take away the dry and cakey look and give you the Hollywood glow!!  - Even if it is fake!!!

PM

1.  After you have cleansed in the evening - blot your face dry never rub - always use your hands to cleanse and not a wash cloth.  They are tooooo rough on your skin.

2.  Use a topical AHA (alpha hydroxy) - something with salicylic, lactic, or glycolic acids in 

it.  

3.  Then apply your topical retinol over the AHA product - layering is just fine!!

4.  If you feel too dry tight or have extra sensitive skin - apply a topical antioxidant - I prefer one with white tea, green tea, or vitamin c in it.

Now get some sleep - it is one of the best ways to have gorgeous glowing skin!!!!

Obagi ON SALE!!!!!

Obagi is NEVER on sale but it is now!  

Save 20% off on Obagi products!!!!

CLICK on the Skinstore icon on the right to purchase.

At checkout type in OBAGI20 to save 20%...

Sale ends September 8th!!

*****Spend $49 or more and you receive FREE shipping always!!!!******

Obesity in America

According to an article published in the New York Times today September 2, 2009 - 

"Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. For most, research shows, neither diets nor moderate exercise brings significant long-term weight loss."

"Dieting alone is rarely successful, and relapse rates are high.  Moderate exercise, too, rarely results in substantive long-term weight loss, which requires intensive exercise."  These facts are from a new study from the Centers for Disease Control. 

According to this study - 

"The leisurely after-dinner walk may be pleasant, and it may be better than another night parked in front of the television. But modest exercise of this sort may not do much to reduce weight, evidence suggests."

“People don’t know that a 20-minute walk burns about 100 calories,” said Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, director of the weight-management center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “People always overestimate the calories consumed in exercise, and underestimate the calories in food they are eating.”

I am so glad to read this study - it is something my husband and I have known all along.  

For myself I try to burn at least 400-450 calories during my cardio workouts 4x a week.  Every person  is different and will need to burn different amounts to lose weight.  This just happens to be the number I need to burn per day to keep my weight maintained.  

Keep in mind that many cardio machines over estimate the number of calories burned.  The only way to know for sure exactly how much you have burned is to wear a heart rate monitor.  

Try wearing a pedometer while you run or walk.  Newer stlye pedometers are able to program in your step length and your current weight.  It is amazing to see how long it takes to burn 400 calories while walking....plus this is not a leisurely walk - you should not be able to carry on a conversation - you should be breathing hard!!  Typically it takes me about 2 hours of walking - about 7 miles to make my goal of 400-450.

There are many days that I do not want to work out - that I would much rather go home then go to the gym BUT I force myself to go and I am ALWAYS glad I did.  

If you would simply write down all of the food and liquids you consume in a journal for a week - you would be completely surprised at the number of calories you have eaten in a day.  Most people should be aiming for 1500-1800 calories per day.  

Do something for yourself today - run/bike ride(not just down hill either) - walk for an hour....drink tons of water - make it your mantra!!

20% SALE!!

Click on the SKINSTORE icon on the right

At checkout use the code 20AUG to save 20% on your order

This SALE will last approximately 3 days ONLY!!!

Living below your means....it really is easy!

For some reason our yard is the place to be in the afternoon for the neighborhood kids.  Probably b/c of our Chihuahua....

Monday there was a group of them hanging out in our driveway on their bikes...one said to me..

"when are you moving?"

I answered "oh we have to sell our house first...so not for while"

He then looked in our garage with a puzzled look on his face and said "well where is all of your stuff"..

I looked in our very neat and organized garage and answered "well we really don't have a lot of stuff - just things we need."

He looked at me with amazement in his eyes (keep in mind he is no more than 8 years old) and responded "well that is great so you only buy things that you need....what a fantastic way to live!!"

Well spoken my 8 year old friend!!

This is how we live.  We only purchase items that we need.  We only buy an item when we are out of another item.  We only buy in bulk as my husband calls it when there is a nice price reduction.  Plus I hate the clutter!!!  I never become emotionally attached to material items...

The joke at our house is if it has been sitting around too long watch out b/c Mindy will sell it on Ebay or Craigslist.  

We also do everything ourselves.  We mow our own grass (much to my hubs dismay), we clean our own home, no personal shopper or personal chef for us...

We limit our going out to eat to 2x per week and we only get water with our meals (this is more of a health reason than a money saving reason).   We take our own lunch to work, eat breakfast at home or on the run.

I never leave the lights on in a room that I am not it.  I turn the water off when not in use.

I shop online for sales and at discount stores like TJ Max....trying never to pay full price.  

It is a lifestyle that works for us....a way to to feel in control of your money and to not waste on items that in 6 months you ask yourself why you purchased it.  

I have lived paycheck to paycheck in the past BUT many years ago I made the switch to a much simpler type of lifestyle and it is sooo much better for me this way.  

FREEDOM!!!!

Hyperpigmentation

I know that I have talked about hyperpigmentation in the past BUT I feel that their is soooo much misinformation out there I must discuss it again.

Hyperpigmentation is the darkened area of the skin usually in the form of sun spots or large  discolored areas.  The main cause is from too much sun exposure and hormones, caused from birth control and pregnancy  It can affect men or women mainly starting in the mid 20's.  

What can you do about it?  

Limiting your time in the sun and wearing a sunblock on a daily basis is the best way to protect yourself from getting these spots.  Look for SPF 30 or higher with one of these ingredients - Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, or Parasol 1789 (avobenzone).  Again you must wear SPF daily - not just when you are out in the sun or at the beach....daily is best for prevention.  Remember to take the SPF all the way down your neck and chest - men that goes for you too!!!

If you already have hyperpigmentaion - look for products that contain Retinol, Glycolic Acid, and Hydroquinone.  The Retinol is an over-the-counter product that will help over time to diminish the spots as will the Glycolic Acid.  Hydroquinone is a product that will help to lighten the areas - only use it for 6-8 weeks then stop using it for a month or so and then start back...you will achieve the best results this way.

Remember the moment you step back into the sun the spots WILL come back so you must protect yourself DAILY!!!  

On the right of my blog are products that I prefer for  helping to diminish those pesky dark areas!!  

SALE - at Skin Store!!

Type in AUG15 at checkout to save 15%

Typically these sales last 4-5 days ONLY so don't miss out!

CLICK on the skinstore icon on the right and SHOP!!!

Tanning bed usage - huge risk for skin cancer

I have shared with you before that I had melanoma in my mid 20's.  I was a huge sun worshipper and was proud to say that I went to the tanning bed every single day my senior year of high school.  WOW - what an accomplishment!!

A new study recently published in Lancet Oncology states the following:

the risk of skin cancer increases by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. “We’ve known for a long time that UV light is a carcinogen, and it’s a bad idea to sit in one of those things,” says Dr. Whelan. “Whatever the short term pleasures you get from the positive effects of having a tan are not worth the ultimate price.”

I have been preaching to young girls for years to stay out of the sun and especially cancer causing tanning beds.  Finally a study that proves just this!!!

So once and for all - STOP TANNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New awesome products JUST IN!!!

I am sooo excited to add some new items!!

Stila makeup has been around for years and is coveted by many makeup artists and cool people!!  They are known for their smokey eye kits and their lip glazes!!

I sold Glytone at a derm office where I once worked and I was very impressed with this line of Glycolic products.  Especially if you are looking for a high concentrate of glycolic acid in a well formulated product.  These work so well for extremely dry skin as well as KP keratosis pilaris...those unsightly bumps mainly affecting the backs of arms.  

Too Faced is another makeup line that I love....they have a nice selection of glosses and bronzers that I have been using for many years!!