If you are going to feed your stress, make sure you feed it right.

Hey, all.

I have been stress eating more than usual, which is not the healthiest habit in the world, but at least i’ve been trying to be health conscious in my stress binge. My diet has mostly consisted of dry almonds, Delicious Green Smoothies- look like boogers, taste great (even my 5 year old brother drinks them happily), and mini roasted peppers with garlic. Also anything with avocado has me hooked. Finals are right around the corner and my stress levels are through the roof. There are also a lot of other contributing factors.

I had a pretty big wake up call a few days ago, and it really made me think about the way I treat my body. Without getting too mushy-gushy or giving too many gruesome details, I can tell you that my aunt has gotten some very disturbing news about her health and will be admitted into surgery this Monday. We’re all pretty shaken up about it here. She is pretty health conscious when it comes to what she eats and she never ever drinks, but she is an occasional smoker. Also, who hasn’t indulged in the drinking and fast food in their teenage years? It really makes me think that you can have a moderate lifestyle and years later be affected by the crap you would indulge in in your younger years. I know this really made me step back from my life and think about the decision I make in staying healthy, and hopefully I will use this to push me even harder to a healthy lifestyle. I share this with you in hopes that you too will use it to consider the realities of what you do to your body- whether it be eating way too much fast food, drinking too much, smoking cigarettes, or things that are much worse. Now, I’m not saying I’m a saint.You can find me at certain hot spots indulging in a whiskey sour time and time again. We don’t need to be perfect, but let’s make sure we think before we act. Let’s think about what we can eat instead of the greasy McDonalds cheeseburger. Cut down our smoking by half (that,my friend, was a hard battle that I went through and made it out alive). How about drinking on the weekends and substituting the after work de-stressor. We all have room for improvement and unfortunately it usually takes an eye-opener like this to kick our asses into gear.

Alright, I’m done Bill Cosby-ing you with my wise words. On a lighter note, I have been kicking some serious tail with my work out schedule! My core is really feeling the burn! And those green smoothies are super easy to make, too! I always use a heaping amount of spinach, almond milk, vanilla yogurt, and any fruits I want. Lately its been bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. Other options are orange juice, apples, kiwis, pineapple, anything. I know it sounds horribly gross to mix spinach in there, but you will not believe how good it is, and good for you, too! This is the next health experiment I’m going for… 

I’m pretty excited. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes!

Is Miami the capital city of Latin America?

In the last decades thousands and thousands of Latin American natives moved to South Florida to start their lives again. In this movement, many cultures and traditions started growing in Miami creating this US city “the capital city of Latin America”. People from Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela and Colombia participated in this cultural movement that is changing the city and it’s mystic.

Miami, after all these changes, became the place to go for many tourists from all over the world. It’s a great place for family vacations because it combines great beaches, shopping malls and fabulous restaurants like La Estancia Argentina where you can try the best meats and wines from Latin America. In this Argentinian place you will experience dishes and culinary styles that you will never forget in your entire life and better understand Latin American cultures and traditions.

If you think that Miami is just a place to do shopping you are completely wrong. You will find great restaurants, cultural events and museums to visit! Before coming create a schedule so you can go to all the great places there are in the city.

For any question or recommendations contact me!

Visit La Estancia Argentina Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LaEstanciaArgentina

Gelato, good for your health.

Gelato can be very beneficial for your health. Not only because it brings happiness and it tastes good but it also has properties that make it a healthy and nourishing dessert. It has high levels of minerals and vitamin B as well as biological protein value. It also contains essential components for children, seniors, pregnant women, and athletes like calcium and phosphorus.

Another benefit of gelato is that is easily absorbed because it contains low fat milk. And it can be consumed by diabetics in moderate amounts, the reason why is because the sugars used does not increase glycemic levels as much as other types of dessert. Also the low calorie value makes it suitable for those who are taking care of their weight.

These should be more than enough reasons for you to try a gelato. So what are you waiting for? Give your life the sweet and fulfilling taste of a gelato.

How to apply Bronzer???

Bronzer is a must for any beauty bag. It can make your skin look tan when it is protected with sunscreen, today I will give some tips in how to apply it properly.

First where you should apply it, in all the spots where the sun shines like your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. It is not a good idea to good to dark, you want it to look natural. Most brands have light, medium and dark bronzers. You should get a shade that is two shades darker than your skin. Also, you should have a bronzer for the winter, and one for the summer since your skin is naturally darker.

Also, if you are the kind of person who sunburns easily, it will be great to go for a peach or pink bronzer. If you have and olive skin tone, you should get a cooper shade, and darker shades for dark skin tones. Stay away from orange shades, which do not look natural.

If you have normal or oily skin a powder-based bronzer is the way to go. Apply it with a short brush, do not forget to blow off any excess bronzer off the brush. If you have dry skin get a cream or gel-based bronzer. Apply it with a sponge, remember to blend it well into your skin.

And last but not least apply a cream blush to your cheeks, the combination of the bronzer and blush will make you look gorgeous.

Jennifer Bradley offers this wonderful bronzer!

The art and music showcase

So my wife and I went to this art and music showcase this past Friday.  I was really excited since I am into art and love to hear new music.  Since this show was at a bar.  It wasn’t your typical art show and it was the bars third time doing this.  What was nice though was that the bar is big along with a huge outdoor patio.  The patio was where most of the new and upcoming talented artist was set up.  The show consists of oil on canvas and acrylic paints, handmade jewelry, pottery, T-shirt design and designer clothing.  For the music the show had live bands playing inside of the bar and a live DJ mixing music out on the patio.  I loved the mixed music that the DJ was doing. Right up my alley.

I think the bar has a good idea about having this type of event.  It gives new upcoming artist a chance to express themselves and having other people see their work.  Plus, it gives the artist to sell their work and make some extra money.  We all know that it’s very hard to make a living being an artist.

The only bad thing I can say is since it is at a bar. You really are not going to get people to come and buy some of this artwork.  People come in and look around but really they are their to drink.  It’s Saturday night and you are in a Irish bar.  Really, the main reason we went was to support my college friend who I haven’t seen in 7 years.  She is a very talented illustrator  who is also a Graphic Designer.  She has never done this before and wanted to give it a try.  She enjoyed it but did not sell anything.

Art and Music Showcase

Lipstick or lip gloss???

Everyone has different tastes. Some people like to use lipstick while others prefer lip gloss. Others like to use both like me.

When you are getting ready to go out which one do you use??? Maybe it depends on the ocassion, if you are going to work, family reunion, hanging out with friends or a hot date.

What should YOU be focusing on?

Summer’s almost here, and bathing suits are scary! Just the thought makes me cringe. I guess that’s why I’m on this health kick. But I’m finding it hard to stay on track. I’m struggling with keeping an exercising schedule. I know I’m not a gym rat but I have to push myself. Any thoughts to motivate me? While I’m at it, what do you guys struggle with? Take this poll, I’ll follow-up with results.

ROLL TIDE POLL

 

ARE YOUR A ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE FAN?

I am holding a poll to see how many people I can find that are Alabama Fan’s. And if your not a Alabama fan then I would like to know what team you like no matter if its SEC or NFL, at the bottom write a short reply and tell us what team you like. For all that do this thank you for participating in our Alabama Crimson Tide poll.

 

How to make your lips look beautiful!!!

We all want to have beautiful looking lips, but it is hard sometimes because of the weather and daily hassles. I have some easy steps you can follow to achieve this.

First avoid licking your lips, because saliva dries them out, and this is also a quick way to remove lip balm. Stop using the smelly and flavored chapsticks, because these will tempt you even more to lick your lips. Instead carry a lip balm with you, it is not just good to moisturize your lips. Also, it will nourish your lips with vitamin E and jojoba oil, no matter if it is summer or winter, use a lip balm that has SPF 15 or higher, this will avoid any burning or flaking.

So use the lip balm prior to your lipstick, this will create a moisture seal beneath your makeup, and it will make it easier to apply. Do not bite your lips, this will damage the protective seal created by your lip balm. Now get a moisturizing lipstick for the day time, and use your lip balm at night, so you will wake up in the morning with smooth lips. Avoid using thick or dark lipsticks, when you apply a thinly and semi-transparent lipstick, it will help show the texture of your lips and make them look smoother.

Also, it is very important to drink a lot of water. When you stay hydrated, your lips stay moist, as the rest of your skin. Stay away from salty foods, this will leave a buildup on your lips. During windy or cold weather cover your mouth and chin with a scarf, this will protect your lips.

Not many people know this but exfoliating your lips help. Dip a toothbrush on vaseline, then brush off the dead skin from your lips. Another option is using honey with sugar to get a body-scrub-like texture. This will leave your lips smoother and looking healthier. And last breathe through your nose, because breathing through your mouth also dries out your lips.

Not too hard right, try it and let me know it works for you!!!

Jennifer Bradley has this beautiful line of lip gloss

Luscious LIP Gloss

Image

They have moisturizing gloss that enhances your lips, they are not sticky and have a hint of natural mint flavor. You won’t be able to live without it!

Remember go to jenniferbradley.com for more information!