Watch "Coldplay - Princess Of China ft. Rihanna" on YouTube
Posted by Smooches
Friday, July 20, 2012
Beware the Killer Bikini Wax
Beware the Killer Bikini Wax
Simple body hair removal can go from sexy beauty habit to scary sickness faster than you can say 'yowza!'
All Jennifer (not her real name) wanted was a smooth bikini line. But within 24 hours of getting a bikini wax at a reputable New York City salon, an infection crept in. She developed a fever of 102, chills, and pain in her left thigh. "I thought I'd caught a cold, "she says, "but after five days, the pain was worse."
Her doctor diagnosed her with cellulitis, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the skin and the underlying tissue. Jennifer spent the next 15 days in the hospital hooked up to an IV that pumped her full of antibiotics and heavy-duty painkillers. She also had surgery to drain the infection. "One doctor said I could have lost my leg!" she recalls. "It took me months to recover physically and emotionally from the whole ordeala steep price to pay for a little vanity."
While there are no reliable stats on body wax related complications, Jennifer's experience wasn't unique. This past March, the state of New Jersey nearly banned Brazilian bikini waxes after two women landed in the hospital as a result of them (one of the women filed a lawsuit against the state cosmetology board).
What makes them risky? "Pubic hair is there for a reasonto protect the sensitive skin and mucous membranes in the genital region," explains Linda K. Franks, M. D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. "Getting a wax literally strips away that layer of protection."
Waxing can also pull off tiny pieces of the skin's outermost layer, creating a portal through which bacteria can enter the body. What's more, the process creates inflammation, which can trap bacteria beneath the skin. All of this sets the stage for skin infections (including staph), folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles), and ingrown hairs.
Choose a facility carefullyBefore you make an appointment, drop by to see how clean the place is, or ask a friend to recommend a salon she trusts. Be sure the cosmetologist or aesthetician you choose is licensed by your state and has received training in Brazilian waxing, says Rosanne Kinley, past president of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology.
Ask about the wax"Hard wax is best. It's gentler and adheres to the hair, not the skin," Kinley says. "Speed wax, which is soft and sticky, is applied with a roller applicator, and while it's fast and easy, it's more painful and more likely to tear skin." Sugaring, a natural method that's kinder to the skin than waxing, is a good alternative. Look for products that are chemical-free; Shobha ($22, myshobha.com) contains nothing but sugar, water, lemon juice, and glycerin.
Keep an eye on hygieneBefore beginning the process, the practitioner should scrub up or (at least) apply hand sanitizer. Double dipping into the wax is taboo because it introduces bacteria into the pot. "The waxer should have brand-new spatulas available for each swipe to your skin," Kinley says. To prevent burns, she should check the wax's temperature on the inside of her wrist before applying it to your skin. If you don't see the practitioner taking these steps, speak up.
Prevent irritationFor a few days following your wax, apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic cream and an anti-inflammatory 1% hydrocortisone cream to the area, says Bruce Robinson, M. D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. This will ease irritation and help ward off potential infection.
Know the signs of infectionCheck yourself with a hand mirror (look for inflamed ingrown hairs, rashes, or raw, open sores or cuts). "See a doctor ASAP if you develop redness or swelling in the area, an itching or burning sensation, peeling of the skin, or a fever," Robinson says.
Posted by: Georgie
Credit:womeshealthmag.com
Cool Treats
Frozen Kiwi Pops
Kiwi Pops
What you’ll need: {makes 3-4 pops per kiwi depending on kiwi size}
1 kiwi – peeled and sliced into 3-4 vertical slices
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon olive oil
What to do:
1. Place a candy stick or Popsicle stick into bottom of each kiwi slice. Careful not to pierce through kiwi.
2. Place kiwi slices w/sticks onto a silicon mat {or similar}. Place into freezer until frozen. Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour.
3. When kiwi slices are nearly frozen, into a small bowl add: chocolate chips and oil. Mix. Either melt in microwave or in a double boiler on your stove until melted.
4. Remove kiwi slices from freezer. Dip each one into chocolate. Return to silicon mat and back into freezer when all pops have been dipped. Leave in freezer until chocolate has hardened.
Posted by: Georgie
Credit:babble.com
Touring New York by Smooches
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As a New Yorker, I often times take this great city for granted and fail to stop and admire all it has to offer. I took it upon myself to alt all meetings and appointments and set aside a few hours to tour and explore New York City as a tourist. In my quest, I was unable to cover all the great sites in one day. However, here is my instalment of pics in my journey. Enjoy!
Posted by Smooches
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| I had the pleasure to ride the city and had a wonderful time. |
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| Brooklyn Bridge |
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| A horse drawn carriage for only $ 50 |
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| A walk in Central Park |
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| Lincoln Center |
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| Yoga under FDR leading to the Brooklyn Bridge |
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| Lincoln Center |
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| Central Park |
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| mozzaikwall@gmail.com |
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| Central Park |
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| NYC street vendor |
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| mozzaikwall@gmail.com |
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| Add caption |
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| Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge |
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| Add caption |
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| Central Park Zoo ( will not post the pic, you will have to pay to see the treasures that live in there, lol) |
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| Lincoln Center |
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| Brooklyn Bridge under repair |
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| Columbus Circle |
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| Central Park |
5 Arguments Your Doctor Wants to Have with You
5 Arguments Your Doctor Wants to Have with You
“I don’t want to take medication”
If your diagnosis is high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, your doctor may walk in the room with a script half-written. But a prompt from you could encourage him to discuss other options like diet and exercise before sending you scurrying to the pharmacy, Frosch says. And trust us, you should consider those options first. Click here to learn how you can Escape from Statins.
“I’d rather not have surgery.”
If your doctor is trying to diagnose you, ask if he or she can do it without slicing you open. “Now, we have many more tests that can be done on the patient’s urine or blood, which avoids more risky procedures such as biopsies,” says Dr. Nigwekar. Depending on your illness or injury, noninvasive treatment options may include medication or physical therapy.
“I’m too busy for all of these follow-up appointments.”
Sometimes, there’s no substitute for an in-person visit. But often, your doctor can monitor you from afar. You might be able to take your blood pressure at home and transmit it digitally, or arrange for blood tests at a lab closer to your home or office, Dr. Nigwekar says.
“That drug is too expensive.”
“There may be generic options out there that are equally good and much less expensive, but the physician—because of prescribing habits or just being unaware—doesn’t even think about them,” says Dr. Nigwekar. Bring it up—don’t just head home with a script you’ll never fill.
“This isn’t what I saw online.”
Don’t hide the fact that you’ve already diagnosed yourself via Internet. Instead, ask about confusing or conflicting information you’ve read, Dr. Nigwekar recommends. You might bring up a point your doctor hasn’t considered. Or, if your source is sketchy, your M.D. can direct you to a more reliable URL. One thing you surely shouldn’t trust: Your Google search of “skin cancer pics.” Instead, view our slideshow of What Skin Cancer Looks Like.
Posted by: Georgie
Credit: menshealth.com
The Best Swimsuits by Body Type
Let’s say the world does end in December… How are you going to spend the last six months of your life? Hiding behind your cover-up?! Don’t.
Women come in all different shapes and sizes, but we all have ONE mighty thing in common: The desire to look and feel beautiful, confident and smokin’ hot in our swimsuits. Although we believe that every body is a perfect body, every swimsuit is not perfect for every body. So here, find your shape and suit up.
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Women come in all different shapes and sizes, but we all have ONE mighty thing in common: The desire to look and feel beautiful, confident and smokin’ hot in our swimsuits. Although we believe that every body is a perfect body, every swimsuit is not perfect for every body. So here, find your shape and suit up.
If You're Pear-Shaped
For women with wider bottoms, this flattering Juicy Couture masterpiece provides enough support for your shapely derriere while still showcasing your gorgeous figure. You’ll love the hip-hugging front tie (Leave the sarong at home!), and the sweet colors and bandeau cut are perfect for tanning enthusiasts! If You're Apple-Shaped
This piece by Natori has vibrant colors and vertical, soft patterns that synchronize an apple shape’s beach look. The cool style (check out the back!) and plunging neckline of this suit create a teasing effect by highlighting your collarbone, arms, and revealing just the right amount of cleavage.Wink! If You're Petite
The triangle shape of this Madewell bikini works well with a shorter torso and creates the illusion of an hourglass shape. Anything with adjustable strings is great for petites, so you can size the suit perfectly to your miniature body. And we love with this blue tie dye pattern -- it compliments every skin tone! If You're Busty
This number by Nanette Lepore is perfect for sporting your lovely lady lumps without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions. The thick ties on the bottom work wonderfully with hips of all sizes and you’ll make the sunshine jealous with these bright coral stripes.v If You're Plus-Size
Flaunt your curves in this cute crocheted swimsuit by BECCA ETC. The form-fitting style and sweetheart neckline are insanely flattering, while the flirty skirt and sleek black color reek of sexy... There will be no hiding underneath your cover-up in this stylish suit! If You Don't Have Curves
Are hips not your forte? Well, who needs hips when ruffles are a thing?! And you must admit the ruffles on this bikini are SO CUTE! Along with the bright solid color, this suit is terrific for playing up the curves on even the most straight-bodied beach vixens!
If You Have a Round Tummy
If you’re feeling self-conscious about your tummy, try disguising it with the busy print on this floral one-piece by Splendid. And this suit can be worn as a backless halter or a sweet bandeau -- so you can show off what you want to show off! f You've Got a Bun in the Oven
Show off your bump in this retro maternity swimsuit from Boden. With its supportive straps and ruching on the side, you’ll feel ultra-comfortable and cute! The suit also comes in blue, and it’s SO RIDICULOUSLY GLAMOROUS!
By Nirvanna Lildharrie From the Blush Posted by Mags
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