The Shelf Life Of Makeup : Shelf lives of typical beauty products

Every woman we know has a pile of makeup in her drawer that she "sometimes" uses. Beauty products do have a shelf life, however, and chances are that blue eyeshadow with the glimmery bits that you bought a couple years ago has long expired. Here's a quick guide on the shelf lives of typical beauty products.

# Concealer Up to 12 months.

# Powder 2 years.

# Cream & gel cleansers 1 year.

# Pencil eye liner Should be sharpened regularly. Will last up to 3 years.

# Eyeshadow Will also last up to 3 years. Extra tip: A dark eyeshadow can double as eyeliner, in fact, most makeup artists swear by eyeshadow used as eyeliner.

# Brushes Wash every 2-3 months in a mild detergent.

# Sponges Wash weekly and discard monthly.

# Foundation Check the ingredients: A water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months.

# Lip liner Up to 3 years. Extra tip: Skip the push-up lip liners. They're expensive, tend to break and you never really know how much you have left until you run out.

# Lipstick Some experts say 1-2 years. Others say up to 4 years. What everyone agrees on is that if it smells rancid, throw it out, it's spoiled. Extra tip: If you store lipstick in the refrigerator, it will last longer.

# Mascara This product expires the fastest: Throw out after 4 months. Extra tip: If you don't want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don't pump the wand in and out.

# Nail Polish Up to 12 months, depending on the quality.

My Gluten-Free January

I've been avoiding most gluten, particularly wheat, for over a year now. I never had obvious symptoms that I could clearly link to eating wheat, although I had my suspicions. I've made many changes to my diet over the last decade, and I feel much better than I did ten years ago, but it's hard to disentangle all the factors. I don't think I ever went an entire month without eating any gluten at all before this January. After posting Matt Lentzner's challenge to go gluten-free this January, I felt obligated to do it myself, so I signed up!

I succeeded in avoiding all gluten for the month of January, even though it was a pain at times. I felt good before January, and didn't start with any health or body weight problems, so there wasn't much to improve. I also felt good while strictly avoiding gluten this January, perhaps a little better than usual but it's hard to say.

At the end of the month, I did a blinded wheat challenge using the method I described in a previous post, which uses gluten-free bread as the placebo (1). I recorded my blood sugar at 30 minute intervals after eating the bread, and recorded how I felt physically and emotionally for three days after each challenge.

The result? I think the bread gave me gas, but that's about it. I'm not even positive that was due to the wheat. My energy level was good, and I didn't experience any digestive pain or changes in transit time. There was no significant difference in my blood glucose response between the bread and the gluten-free bread.

I decided that I didn't have any symptoms, so I celebrated by having a porter (1) with friends a few nights later. I slept poorly and woke up with mild digestive discomfort and gas. Then I ate wheat later in the week and slept poorly and got gas again. Hmmm...

Some people might say that the body adapts to any food, and wheat is no different. Go without it for a while, and the body has a tough time digesting it. But I can go for weeks without eating a potato, a chicken thigh or broccoli, and all will digest just fine when I eat them again.

I'm pretty sure I don't have a severe reaction to gluten. I think I'm going to stick with my mostly gluten-free habits, and eat it occasionally when I'm offered food in social situations.

Did anyone else do a blinded wheat challenge? Describe it in the comments!

Acai Benefits : Acai Berry For Your Health

This little, dark, purple berry is loaded with antioxidants, healthy mono saturated fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols that help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.

This berry is packed with a natural complex of B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, anthocyanin (an antioxidant), zinc, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium and especially phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant based nutrients that help guard and protect the immune system.

Some of the other Acai benefit / Health News that people have reported:

Skin tone: Youthful, healthier-looking skin.

Healthier eyes: Better night vision

Greater energy /stamina.

Improved mental focus.

Improved digestion.

Improved sexual function.

Better sleep

Improved circulation

The acai berry also has been discussed in many of the Health News :

High levels of antioxidants, which help us, fight colds and flu

High levels of dietary fiber.

High levels of essential amino acids and trace minerals.

High levels of plant sterols, which have been shown to help control cholesterol.

Essential fatty acids that resemble olive oil, which have been shown to help fight heart disease.

Healthy Hair : Home Remedies for A Healthy Hair, How To Make Your Hair Healthy

1.Have a good diet which should include lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits and sprouts.

2.Avoid shampoos as far as possible. Instead use sikkakai or besan or paste of fenugreek seeds, it will clean and soften the hair. If that is not possible, then go for herbal shampoos.

3.Henna or mehandi is a best way to keep a cool head. It conditions the hair, promotes growth, protects our hair from the harmful effects of the sun and also gives a glossy tint. However persons with sinus problems should avoid this.

4.Use wide toothed comb to remove tangles and do not comb wet hair. Avoid using hair dryer to dry your hair. Do not tie your hair tightly. Always use coated rubber bands or soft hair tie.

5.Brush your hair daily using a brush with rounded tip bristles to improve blood circulation.

6.Apply paste of gooseberry powder to prevent hair graying and falling. You can add gooseberry powder to henna paste also. Include amla or gooseberry in your diet as it is a rich source of vitamin C.

7.Grind grated coconut with a little water and squeeze out thick milk. Massage this milk into the hair roots 3 times a week to prevent hair loss naturally.

8.Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind it and apply the paste on the scalp and wash it off after half an hour to get rid of dandruff. This natural remedy for dandruff is very effective. This natural remedy also stops hair fall.

9.Heat coconut oil, switch off the gas when heated, then add neem flowers to it. Close it and keep it aside. When cooled, filter it and use that oil regularly to prevent dandruff.

10.Grind white pepper with milk, warm it and apply it on the scalp, then wash it off after 15 minutes to cure dandruff. Do this once in a week.

11.Apply 2 tbsp of vinegar (diluted in a little water) to the scalp and massage gently and wash your hair after 15-20 minutes. This natural remedy also cures dandruff.

12.Mix a little sour curd, fresh lemon juice and an egg and apply it to the scalp. Wash it off after 20 minutes. This home remedy helps to get rid of dandruff. Do it once in a week.

13 Fenugreek tea is not only good for the health but also nourishes and promotes hair growth if taken regularly.

14.Cover your hair with a scarf or shawl during travel to prevent tangles and to protect your hair from dust.

15.Home remedy for frizzy hair: Massage warm castor oil + almond oil into your scalp gently. Wrap a hot towel (dip towel in hot water (bearable) and squeeze the excess water) around your scalp so that the oil gets absorbed into the hair. Do this once a week for healthy, silky, lustrous hair. It also controls frizz.

16.Avoid chemical treatment on your hair. Hibiscus flowers and leaves are good conditioners for the hair. You can grind 2-3 leaves or flowers and use its juice along with your herbal shampoo.

17. Always dilute shampoo in a little water and use it. Do not use it directly. Wet your hair first and then apply this diluted shampoo.

18 Amla Oil nourishes and promotes hair growth. It also prevents hair fall. For homemade amla oil recipe, refer natural hair coloring.

Gluten-Free January Raffle!

Hi, Gluten-Free January participants. Matt, Janine and I have collected about 200 survey responses at this point. So far, the results are very interesting! But we want to get as many responses as possible, because the more responses we get, the more informative the data will be for all of us. So please fill out the survey Matt sent you by e-mail, no matter what your results were, and no matter whether you stuck with the diet or not! The survey is strictly about your GFJ experience, not investment opportunities, timeshares, ShamWows or anything else. It will take you less than 5 minutes, and it's totally anonymous. The deadline is Feb 15th. Big thanks to everyone who has taken it so far.

To encourage participants to complete the survey, we're organizing a raffle. Matt and I have five Gluten-Free January T-shirts we're ready to give out for free. These shirts were designed by Matt and they're really cool. I have one myself, and the print and fabric quality are top notch. Here's what the logo looks like:
If you've completed the survey and want to be included in the raffle, please e-mail Matt to let him know you've completed it. Anyone who has already e-mailed Matt to let him know they completed the survey will automatically be entered, so no need for a second e-mail. So far, very few people have written Matt, so your probability of winning a shirt is high!

Take Care Of Your Feet : How To Take Care of Your Feet with Natural Home remedies

Most of us take care of our face but the feet is the most ignored part of the body. In fact the legs bear the whole weight of the body. So we should include foot care in our daily routine. Here are some ways, we can take care of our feet naturally.

1.Soak feet in a large basin or bowl to which warm water and mineral salt is added for about 10 minutes. You can place pebbles in the large bowl and roll your feet back and forth giving slight pressure as it gives a massaging effect. Scrub using pumice stone to remove dead skin. Wash your feet well, then pat it dry and massage with a moisturizing cream.

You can add juice of one lemon and a few neem leaves to the water as neem has antiseptic qualities.

Rose petals or 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil can be added to the water to give a spa effect at home.

2.Natural remedy for treating cracked feet:

Wash your feet well and apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly at night and slip a pair of cotton socks and go to sleep. In a few weeks, your feet will become soft.

Mix fresh lemon juice, castor oil, rose water and apply it after cleaning your feet.

Olive oil can be applied regularly to have a soft feet.

Neem paste mixed with turmeric powder can be used to treat cracked feet, though it is very messy.

Lemon rind can be rubbed daily. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

3.Walking is best exercise for your legs. Go for brisk walk at least 5 days a week.

4.Hot (bearable) and cold treatment also improves blood circulation. Soak feet in hot water first, and then in cold water. Do this for 5-10 minutes. End with cold water .

5.Avoid heels as far as possible. Buy good fitting shoes which is comfortable for you.

6.Change your socks everyday to prevent smelly feet. Use socks made of natural material .

7.Take 3 tea bags and boil it in 3 cups of water. Mix it with half a bucket of cool water and soak feet in it to get rid of smelly feet.

8.Waxing your legs is a better option than shaving. But if you have to shave, use lot of moisturizer to avoid razor rashes.

9.Take a few minutes to massage your legs with coconut oil or olive oil everyday before bath.

10.After shower, dry your feet well in between toes with a towel to prevent fungal infection

Reduce Weight : How To Reduce Weight, How To Lose Weight

# Make lifestyle changes like giving up alcohol, smoking, avoiding fatty food, refined food,...

# Include fresh foods as far as possible as processed foods tend to contain high level of salt and sugar.

# Never go for crash diets instead reduce weight gradually and slowly.

# Never skip meals as you tend to overeat, the next meal. Do not skip breakfast in particular.

# Have your last meal of the day, three hours before going to bed.

# Include lot of fiber in your diet as it gives a feeling of fullness, thereby preventing you from gorging spicy and fatty food.

# Eat slowly and chew your food well as it helps in digestion and also we tend to eat less.

# Nuts contain lot of fiber .They are satisfying and cause people to eat less at meal time.

# Take warm lime juice mixed with honey the first thing in the morning.

# Go for skimmed milk.

# As far as possible avoid weight loss supplements.

# When you have cravings for sweets, take a fruit instead.

# When you have cravings for certain type of food like chocolates or ice cream, once in a while, you can take in small quantities .

# Take fruits and vegetables which has lot of water content like watermelons, cucumbers and white pumpkin.

# Keep yourself engaged as boredom leads to overeating.

# Drink lot of water, at least 8 glasses per day.

# Use the stairs instead of lift. Park the car a little far away and walk to your office. Use every opportunity to be physically active.

# Walk, Walk and Walk as much as possible. Even if you are busy, go for walk at least 5 days a week.

# Aerobic exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling, running accelerates weight loss. Aerobic exercise combined with healthy eating will certainly help in weight reduction.