7. Teeze Me Rhinestone Bow Strapless Dress

Price: $38.90 at shop.nordstrom.com
Sure, with this dress, you are definitely going to be a “tease.” I like how the big bow is centered at the hip. Atop that bow, you have some eye-catching rhinestones. It ties at the waste and has a back zip closure.

6. Pink Silk First Date Spaghetti Strap Dress

Price: $249.00 at bluefly.com
This dress is not only fun, but it is flirty as well, which is perfect for a date night. It adds a lot of spark to your wardrobe. It has a slight sweetheart neckline. I like the spaghetti straps, which are adjustable.

5. Loy And Ford Chiffon Skirt Black

Price: $328.00 at bluebee.com
How cute does this look? I know for a skirt, it is a bit expensive, but it’s high quality! It has a metallic embroidered tulle that is layered over a sheer black chiffon. The layers of tulle give this skirt that puffy look. It is definitely a well designed piece and the closer you look at it, the more you will find it pretty!

4. NU Collective Ruffle Halter Bib Dress

Price: $86.50 at shopmanhattanite.com
This is a cute dress, don’t you think? NU Collective is known for draping fabrics in order to make them shine and move. If you are a big fan of NU Collective, then you will like this dress. Some popular celebrity fans include Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, Hayden Panettiere, Lindsey Lohan and Hillary Duff. This ruffle dress is both sweet and sexy.

3. Military Stub Jacket

Price: $22.80 at forever21.com
If you think the night is going to be a bit chilly, then why not put on a casual jacket with military details at the chest? I think this would look good for a date night. You never know if the restaurant you are going to is going to be cold.

2. Daisy Dress

Price: $180.00 at couturecandy.com
This is a cute dress that would look stunning on date night. If you have a first date sometime in the near future, then this dress will surely set a good first impression. It’s great for the eloquent restaurant or any evening event you plan on attending during the date.

1. Sexy Evening Dresses by Atria

Price: $284.00 at edressme.com
I just had to include this dress as number one. It has rhinestone details on the bodice and straps. The back is a sexy crisscross open back. It is strapless bra friendly! So, you won’t have those bra straps peaking out from under it. It is floor length, but all in all, I think it makes a great evening piece. Don’t you?

There you have 7 cute things to wear on a date. Particularly, I am aiming at a fancy evening date, which should be your first date. Go out someplace nice to eat and then see where love (or no love) takes you in life. So, do you have a date coming up in the near future?

It’s that time again, summer, the time of year when all those outdoor date activities you can’t do in the frozen tundra unthaw and become fun again. So this year, try out some great outdoor dates with your new man, or even the one that stuck with you through the seasons. Who knows, maybe the heat will transfer to your love life when you try these great summer date ideas!

1. Picnic

Photo Credit: Ed Yourdon

It seems a little cliché but there is something very cute and romantic about packing up some snacks and eating in the sunshine. Not only will you get to talk to your date but you also get to enjoy the rays on your face. Just watch out for ants and pesky bears with Asian inspired names.

2. Beach Day

Photo Credit: Condix

It’s time to bust out the bikini and the beach bag. Why not take your date to the water and have some fun flirting under the sun. Take a dip, splash away, and lean back to catch some rays. Just remember to pack up your sunscreen, and make sure your date helps you put it on your back!

3. Sailing

Photo Credit: MarsW

Now for this one you actually need a little bit of experience. You or your date need to have gone sailing before and need to get your hands on a sailboat (please avoid any thievery to achieve this). Once you’re out on the water you’ll get a unique and fun experience and who knows, maybe if you don’t know how to sail you will at the end of the date!

4. Mini-golfing

Photo Credit: ti4s

That’s right, outdoor mini golfing is back. It seems a little cheesy and young but, it can be a lot of fun. Challenge your date to see who can make the least shots to make the ball at each hole.

Maybe let him win a little bit if it’s the first date. Either way, mini golfing is a great way to have a little fun on your date.

5. Sporting Event

Photo Credit: KcJacoby

Take me out to the ball game! That’s right, it’s the season for outdoor sporting events and baseball caps. Why not take your fellah to a game. Either pay the money for some big game tickets or, if you’re on a budget go to a local game at a park. The blood might not pump the same way that it does at a big league game but you’ll still have a lot of fun!

6. Bike Ride

Photo Credit: ELCAMINO1987

It’s time to dust the cobwebs off your poor deserted Schwinn, put some air in those tires and go for a good old fashioned bike ride. Just remember, cool down and relax, the bike ride isn’t about going the fastest. This date is all about enjoying the scenery with each other. Just remember, keep your balance!

7. Go to the Park

Photo Credit: BarneyF

This is more of a date for people that have been together a while. Grab a blanket and a book and lay out in the shade with your favorite book and your favorite guy. You don’t need to talk a whole lot just enjoy each others company. Or, if you just started dating, swing on the swings and act like a kid again! If that doesn’t spark conversation there isn’t much that will!

Well ladies, I hope the summer heat brings new fire to your love lives. Just remember, it’s summertime, the season is doing most of the work for you. All you have to do is kick back and let it! What are some of your summer date ideas? Let me know down below!

Top Photo Credit: Jewbakka

I love the summer, but don’t enjoy the sweating that comes along with the warmer weather. I try to avoid sweating, if at all possible. I thought I’d share my top 10 tips to staying cool during the summer, in order to give you some ideas. I hope you find at least some of them to be useful.

10. Visit a water park

Photo Credit: Gary Burke.

Water parks can be a blast for the entire family. There’s also usually food available at these places, so that tends to take care of any lunch needs as well. If you aren’t the water slide type of person, then lounging in the wade pool or floating around on an inner tube are a couple of other options often present at most water parks. On extremely hot days, these might be a bit crowded, but they are totally worth it.

9. Turn on the sprinkler

Photo Credit: bbum

Sprinklers are a great source of entertainment, no matter what age you are. Kids often prefer the type that are staked out on the lawn and that send a spray of water in every direction. I’ve found it refreshing to plant my lawn chair in a wading pool and hang the sprinkler from a branch overhead. This is sort of like an outdoor shower and a great way to cool down.

8. Wear light colored clothing

Photo Credit: .tomate d’epingles.

If you’ve ever tried to walk on black asphalt, you know how hot it gets. The dark color of the asphalt is what makes it so hot, which holds true for clothing as well. Wearing clothing that is light in color will keep you much cooler. Adding a light colored hat to your wardrobe also isn’t a bad idea for the summer months. There are many fashionable straw hats that look great with most summer outfits.

7. Avoid the hottest part of the day

Photo Credit: photofool

Of course, the easiest way to keep cool is by staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. I know, this is often easier said than done. If there is something that needs to be done outside, then try to wait until it is a bit cooler in the day. Early in the morning or late in the evening are going to be times when the sun isn’t quite so hot.

6. Drink plenty of water

Photo Credit: Stefano A

Being well-hydrated is important during the summer. This is a natural cooling mechanism for the body. I always try to have one or two water bottles filled half-way with water in the freezer. I fill one up with water before leaving the house, so I always have ice water available. These frozen water bottles make great neck coolers too or you can roll them on the bottom of your feet when sitting outside in the shade.

5. Don’t over exert yourself outside

Photo Credit: richard.heeks

Summer is also the time for a lot of yard work. Doing yard work early in the morning will make it a bit easier to stand the heat, since the sun won’t be as high in the sky. If you do have to be out during the noonday sun, be sure to take frequent breaks and make sure you cool off from time to time. It is very easy to become over exerted and have a heat stroke.

4. Hang out at the pool or lake

Photo Credit: angeloska

I know not everyone has the option to lounge by a pool or hang out on the lake, but this is a great way to stay cool. Both of these places enable you to enjoy some cool water and relax in the sun as well. Be careful to stay covered in the sunblock though. The reflection off the water will cause you to burn twice as fast as simply standing out in the yard.

3. Eat some ice cream or sorbet

Photo Credit: ulterior epicure

Cooling off your insides will make you feel cooler all over. I like taking the kids out for ice cream at the end of a hot day. We sit in the shade and enjoy our cones to the fullest. If you aren’t a big fan of dairy, then sorbet might be your thing. This consists of fruit that has been pureed and frozen. Yum! For busy kids, I find that the frozen juice in those long, thin plastic wrappers work best. They can head out doors with one of these in hand and not worry about it dripping down their arm.

2. Read a book in front of the fan

Photo Credit: Fe em Brasil

Sometimes the only option for keeping cool is with an oscillating or box fan. Thankfully, these are relatively cheap nowadays. Sitting still for a bit in front of one of the fan might be just what is needed to cool down. I usually read a book or magazine, so that I don’t have the heat from the television radiating towards me as well.

1. Take a cool shower

Photo Credit: Mr Din

When all else fails, there’s always the option of taking a cool shower. You can even lounge in a tub full of cold water if you don’t enjoy showers. It’s similar to sitting in the wading pool in the yard, but there are no bugs or neighbors to worry about. At least with a cool bath, you can pour in some bubbles to make it a bit more exciting if you want!

I hope you find these 10 tips to staying cool during the summer helpful next time you need to get away from the heat. Do you have some helpful ways that you’d like to share on keeping cool? Let me know what methods work best for you.

Top Photo Credit: Scott Ableman

In many marriage breakups, one spouse will often be caught off guard when divorce papers are delivered. That is why it always pays to know what is going on in your marriage. One of the biggest mistakes couples commit is taking things for granted. Below, I am going to give you 7 divorce signs to watch out for…

7. You no longer have things in common.

Photo Credit: Umair Ashfaq

In the past, you and your partner had a lot of things in common, but now, it seems as if you two have drifted apart. When you try to reconnect with each other, you find that you really do not have anything in common and find that there’s nothing fun or romantic that the two of you can do together anymore.

6. You can’t seem to do anything right.

Photo Credit: erglantz

Do you feel like you are being watched and criticized by your spouse with every move you make? Do you feel as if you cannot do anything right in their eyes? Do you feel afraid or bogged down by your partner’s constant criticism? Negative criticism is not a good sign especially if it leads to constant arguments between the two of you.

5. You always seem to be the last to know.

Photo Credit: Leonrw

Does it seem as if you are always the last to know about your partner’s life? News of their career, personal achievements, and personal problems are shared with best friends first. Sadly, you then hear about their life through second-hand information. When you become the last to know, there is obviously a big breakdown in communication and as we all know, communication is important for a successful relationship.

4. Their appearance has changed.

Photo Credit: Klaas Tuin

Over time, there is no longer a desire to look perfect for the partner. Personal appearance and hygiene drastically decline. Annoying habits rise .This could be a sign that your spouse no longer cares about the marriage.

3. You seek distractions.

Photo Credit: Vu Bui

Is the television always on?  Are you having  friends over too often? Do you both sit there doing something , anything, instead of dealing with your troublesome relationship?

2. You argue all the time over the same things.

Photo Credit: Tyla ‘75

Do you fight all the time over the same subject? If you are constantly arguing over the same thing and there is no resolution and you feel angry or depressed all the time, then your marriage may be in trouble. You may need to seek professional help.

1. Intimacy no longer exists in your marriage.

Photo Credit: WhyHelloMegan

Sex is an important part of any relationship. If intimacy no longer exists in your marriage, then this can spell big trouble, especially when it is mixed in with all of the other divorce warning signs. Intimacy allows us to bond with our partner. If your partner is showing no interest in you, then it may be time to seek professional help.

There you have 7 divorce warning signs. If you notice these signs, then it is important that you try to save your marriage. You should never just give up without first trying. There may be ways that the two of you could reconnect. There is always hope. If you have gone through these problems and were able to save your union, please tell us what steps you took to avoid the D-Word.

Top Photo Credit: jcoterhals

Ways to improve your self confidence are numerous and each person has his/her own method of handling certain situations. Boosting your self confidence can lead to other positive things happening in your life . I’ve made a list of 12 ways that I think can help to raise a person’s self confidence, hopefully some of these tips will help you when you need it.

12. Think about what you’ve achieved in life

Being conscious of all that you’ve already been successful at completing in life is important. This reflection will allow you to see that you are perfectly capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. Even if these tasks seem like small potatoes to you, they are what make you who you are. I find it’s easier to make a list of achievements. Actually seeing them written down makes me think about them even harder. Sometimes, one will also trigger the recollection of another achievement.

Photo Credit: Samer Farha

11. Make a list of all your strengths

Writing down all your strengths is a must. Verbally listing them all is very difficult and actually seeing them written down will only improve your self confidence even quicker. It’s hard for some people to be able to say they are strong in some category, they feel they are boasting. I know this is how I feel. I have a hard time listing strengths because I often don’t feel like it is really a strength. Any positive trait you have is considered to be a strength.

Photo Credit: Josh Sommers

10. Think positive thoughts

Thinking positively about not only yourself, but also in your own capabilities will usually lead to positive responses from other people. Good thoughts usually lead to good things occurring. Being an optimistic person attracts other optimistic people as well. If you surround yourself with positive attitudes then you will be more likely to feel good about yourself.

Photo Credit: csitscenter

9. Set small goals you can easily achieve

Goals don’t have to be huge things, like, climbing Mount Everest or hiking the Appalachian Trail. They can be small and doable in a lifetime or, better yet, in less than a day. An example of a small goal that is perfectly achievable in a short amount of time would be to smile at five people during the day. Very rarely does anyone frown at someone who just smiled. You could even write down a bunch of goals that can be done on any day and put them into an empty coffee can or other container. Draw one out from time to time and make a game of it. Could be fun!

Photo Credit: Obi-Akpere

8. Recognize your insecurities

If you know what your insecurities are, this will improve your self confidence as well. People who are aware of what makes them insecure are able to either avoid these situations or confront and conquer them. Maybe you’re insecure about the size of your feet, well, then don’t wear red glittery shoes to draw attention towards them. I have very large feet for my height, but I feel that if someone is going to judge me by the size of my feet, then maybe they are insecure about their own feet. Or, maybe they have an insecurity that they are trying to cover up by focusing their attention on my feet. Who knows? Try not to worry about what others might think about you. If you’re happy, that’s what matters.

Photo Credit: Shanon Manley

7. Don’t look at yourself as being inferior to others

Everyone is different. If each person was the same, then the world would be a very boring place. There’s no reason for you to feel inferior, no matter what. Some people think they are worth less because of the occupation they have. Someone has to do it, right? If you are good at what you do and try your hardest, then there’s no reason to feel ashamed or like you are less of a person. Write down reasons why you feel inferior. Right next to each reason, write why you’re not. If you can’t come up with something on your own, ask a trusted friend.

Photo Credit: Catalina Rusu

6. Talk with friends and family

This sort of leads from number 7 on the list. What better way to improve your self confidence than to talk to friends and family members about issues you have? I find my sisters and my friends

are great ego boosters. Just when I feel like things can’t get worse and if I’m starting to feel like I don’t have a purpose, I give one of them a call and all is well after about a half hour or so. I don’t whine to them, but just let them know how I’m feeling and find out what’s going on in their lives. Sometimes they need my help and it boosts my moral to help them out!

Photo Credit: Creative Mommy

5. Remember that imperfection is a human characteristic no one is without

No one is perfect. There might be a few people who think they are, but there are other people that are easily able to see why those people are wrong. Imperfections are what make everyone unique. An imperfection isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Something that you might think as being an imperfection can be a positive trait to someone else. Some people focus on physical characteristics that they feel are imperfect, while others might focus more on character attributes. Think about what makes you unique instead of feeling like these make you imperfect.

Photo Credit: isayx3

4. Be thankful

I know I’m always thinking about what I’m thankful for. I may have days where I’m in pain, sick, tired, no money, and something is wrong with my car as well, but I think about all that I do have. I may be sick, but I’m not dying of any major illness. I may be tired, but I can go take a nap if I want to. I may not have money, but I have a wonderful husband and three excellent kids. Keep a running list of all that you are thankful for and post it inside the cabinet door, so you can see it each time you open the door.

Photo Credit: Noordeman

3. Help others

Being helpful will greatly improve your self confidence because it will give you chance to do something nice for someone else. This is usually a positive experience and I mentioned earlier that positive thinking helps with self confidence. Helping others will often get a smile from the person you are helping as well. I used to go to the nursing homes with my grandmother when I was little. We would visit all the little ladies and gentlemen that didn’t have any family or friends to visit them. We did this every Wednesday. My grandmother is 85 and still goes. These visits mean so much to each person and helps them to get through another day. It really makes you appreciate what you have even more.

Photo Credit: LiminalMike

2. Don’t brush off compliments that are paid to you

I know, sometimes it’s hard to accept a compliment, at least for some of us. I’ll admit, I find it difficult to say thank you for a compliment that I don’t feel I deserve, but I do it anyway. It comes across as being rude if you just shrug it off. Most people don’t compliment others unless they have a reason to. Very few people are random complimenters and go around doing this for fun. Just accept compliments graciously and say thank you with a smile.

Photo Credit: DR. MARIΟ™

1. Mind over matter

I didn’t really know what else to call this method of boosting self confidence. Maybe you call it something else. The just of this method is to think about being confident and pretending nothing bothers you. Be a little forward sometimes, no matter how scared you are inside. If you see someone wearing a sweater or carrying a purse that you like, tell them so. Stray from you comfort bubble at times and eventually you will be able to have more confidence than you ever thought you would.

Photo Credit: Liz Henry

Have you had an argument with your other half? It can be really hard to get things back on track, and nobody likes fighting. Here are my top twelve ways to kiss and make up after a fight, but remember to be polite, patient and understanding, or you are likely to start the fight again!

1. Show them you love them.

How do you usually show that you love them? Try something different. Cook their favourite food, treat them to a back rub, run them a bath. Whatever you choose, displaying your love is sure to melt their heart!

2. Write a romantic poem.

Sometimes all anyone wants is to feel loved, and to believe that they are. Writing a romantic poem will help with this, even if it sounds soppy. You don’t need to get out your guitar and sing it, just writing it and leaving it on their pillow will be enough.

3. Cook!

Romantic dinners are perfect for making up after fights, even if you are a terrible cook. Get candles, romantic music, dim the lights, dress up. Cook their favourite food (or order their favourite take away!) Putting so much effort in is sure to banish your fight to the past.

4. Send them a card!

Find a cute card, and send it to them. Getting post is always fun, and unexpected cards are sure to melt the heart. Its easy and inexpensive, too! E-cards aren’t quite the same, but might have similar results if you are really stuck for time.

5. Buy flowers!

Whether its a guy or a girl, everyone loves flowers. Buy a gorgeous bunch, and either set it up on the table in a beautiful vase, or deliver them to your sweetie. Just be careful not to embarrass them if you have them delivered to work!

6. Go on a date!

Many arguments can be a sign of stress, and not spending enough time together. Ask them on a date, and book a restaurant or event that you both love. Then, get dressed up and take some time to look after each other. It needn’t be expensive; it’s the thought that counts!

7. Learn from the argument!

Always having the same argument? Make sure you acknowledge what you did wrong, and try to improve yourself. If both partners do this, soon enough you’ll argue much less frequently, and be much more in tune with each other.

8. Learn to laugh at yourself!

The world is a much better place if you have a sense of humour! Remember that your partner won’t be trying to annoy you on purpose, and take some time out for yourself (like a bayh, or a walk) if you feel yourself starting to get annoyed. Learning to avoid arguments is a brilliant skill!

9. Make sure you are friends.

It can be easy to stop listening when you’ve been in a relationship a while. Take some time every week to just listen, and be a friend. Talk about hopes, ambitions, wants and worries, and make sure you are both aiming for the same target.

10. Holiday!

If you have both been very stressed, or are feeling that you argue more than ever, then it might be time to take a holiday. Whether you jet off for a week or simply steal a weekend in a hotel, a holiday can be perfect for unwinding and smoothing over any debates.

Whatever the argument was about, there are always ways to say you’re sorry! So whether you need to reconnect or just send some flowers, remember the reasons you love your partner, and why you put so much effort in. Occasional arguments are healthy and needed to clear the air, but regular arguments might be a sign of trouble. Have you got a trick to apologizing to your other half? Please share it with me!

You might have heard something about good fats we should eat, but I am more than sure that you’ve heard 10 times more about low fat products, low cholesterol products and reduced calorie diets.

#1

Your body uses fat as fuel to produce energy.

#2

Your body needs cholesterol to produce almost all of your hormones, to protect blood vessels from damage and to repair them when damaged.

#3

Your body will not be able to absorb fat soluble vitamins, if you are not consuming enough fat.

#4

Contrary to popular belief, your body does not convert fat from food into fat tissue. Infact, your body can only convert carbs from your food into fat tissue.

#5

Foods that are high in cholesterol and fat do not affect the cholesterol in your blood. Once again, carbs are to be blamed for that.

#6

People who follow a fat free diet for a long period of time end up suffering from dry skin, dry hair, hair loss, low energy, feeling constant chills and joint pain. Often their blood cholesterol level rises to such an extent that medication is needed to keep it under control.

Needless to say, a fat-free diet is far from a healthy diet. What you need to do instead is eliminate the bad fats and consume the good fats.

Also, combining these good fats with the right food groups is an important part.

#7

Proteins with fats are a really good and healthy combination. So load up on those eggs (whole not just egg whites), fish, turkey, chicken and beef!

Make sure the eggs are organic as they have the correct ratio between Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. and make sure that the poultry and beef are free range, raised without antibiotics and sans hormones administration. By the way, lamb is your best bet as far as these points go.

# 8

On the other hand, carbs and fats are the worst combination you can have. This is what makes you gain weight, raises your cholesterol levels, causes arteriosclerosis, heart diseases and diabetes (Ouch!). So try and avoid ice-creams and rich pastries like doughnuts which contain fat, white flour and a variety of confectionary sugars or glazing. I know, I feel as much pain as you do.

# 9

Olive oil (which is ofcourse a good fat) is great for salads or as a dressing combination with herbs, vinegar and spices, is one of the best fats one can find. Unfortunately, olive oil and other vegetable oils aren’t the best for cooking. They aren’t heat tolerant and start to oxidize quickly producing a lot of carcinogens. So make sure you use it in salads only.

# 10

Your best bet for completely safe and good cooking oil is coconut oil, provided it is organic and extra virgin. That assures that it does not contain any hydrogenated fatty acids. Coconut oil is also highly heat resistant and will only oxidize at temperatures above 198 °C. The best part is that coconut oil contains fewer calories compared to other fats because of the MCFAs (medium chain fatty acids) in them.

I found Jarrow Formulas extra virgin coconut oil with some rave reviews. Check it out!

# 11

Essential fatty acids or EFAs are well…essential for your body! These are also the good fats your body needs. They are important for the normal functioning of the immune system, brain, heart, lungs, liver as well as for your bones, skin, hair and nails.

To make sure that you get an adequate supply of these Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, I’d recommend Yes EFAs from Yes Supplements . I know a lot of you are wondering, why not just stick to fish oils from your local pharmacy store? Well, these are not quite as high in Omega 6 and are highly processed so your body can’t attract oxygen to your cells which essentially is the main purpose of EFAs.

While there, please don’t forget to use my reference code # 74847 for a discount!

So there you go, the right kind of diet simply must include good fats. It’s a combination of high-fiber, coconut oil, coconut products and EFAs. Start eating good fats, follow these tips and you will see a remarkable effect on your weight, your health and your looks in no time!

In theory, if you reduce (or eliminate) your intake of fat, you should lose weight right? But has it worked for you? And most importantly, do you think it’s healthy? I can assure you that it isn’t! Your body needs good fats, and here’s why:

It’s Monday night, there’s nothing on TV, you’ve caught up with all your friends on Facebook, and there’s no homework left to be done. How do you spend that last hour before bedtime? How about an at-home facial mask Here are some masks to treat and prevent various skin issues, made with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now…

1. Cucumber Mask (for dry skin)

Mash one small cucumber and mix well with one cup of oatmeal and one teaspoon of plain yogurt. Apply in a thick later to your face, then leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse well with warm water, and pat dry.

2. Honey Mask (for all skin types)

Apply a thin layer of room-temperature honey  to damp skin, and let stand for five minutes. Rinse well with warm water, the cool water, using a clean washcloth if it’s sticky. Pat dry.

3. Yogurt Mask (for oily skin)

Mix a half-cup of plain yogurt with one teaspoon of brewer’s yeast into a thin paste. Rub into your skin in small circles, let stand for about five minutes, then rinse well with warm water.

4. Banana Mask (to combat wrinkles)

Mash a ripe banana until it’s pretty smooth, then apply to your face in a thin layer. Let stand for ten minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry. Your skin will be so soft and smooth!

5. Avocado Mask (for all skin types)

Mash a ripe avocado until it’s smooth and creamy, then apply to your face in a thick layer. Eek! You look like a monster! Might as well add two cold cucumber slices over your eyes while you wait 15 minutes for the mask to dry a little. Rinse off with warm water, then cool water, and pat dry.

6. Oatmeal Mask (for oily skin)

Combine 2 teaspoons of plain uncooked oatmeal and one teaspoon of baking soda, then add a little water to make a thick paste. Rub small circles on damp skin, then rinse well with warm water and pat dry.

7. Lemon Juice Mask (for all skin types)

I use this mask once a week to lessen dark spots on my face. Combine the juice from half of a lemon with one egg white. Apply in a thin layer to your face. It will stiffen a little as it dries. Leave on overnight, then rinse off with warm water in the morning.

8. Banana-Yogurt Mask (for dry skin)

Mash ¼ of a very ripe banana, and combine it with a half-cup of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply in a thin layer to your face, leave on for ten minutes, then rinse well with warm water. Your skin will be moisturized and smooth! Bye-bye, dry skin!

9. Cucumber Scrub (for all skin types)

Mash one cucumber and add one tablespoon of granulated sugar, and mix well. Store the mask in a lidded dish in the refrigerator. Apply it to damp skin, rubbing in small circles, and leave on for ten minutes. Rinse well with cool water and pat dry. Your skin will be smooth as silk! Use it no your knees and elbows as a body scrub, too!

10. Grape Cleanser (for all skin types)

Cut two or three refrigerated grapes in half and rub them gently on your skin, avoiding your eyes. Make sure to run them over your lips, too! Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Perfect as a pick-me-up on hot summer days!

So make up one of these masks, grab your favorite “Twilight” book, and wait for it to do its work! I love the cucumber scrub and the grape cleanser, and I do them at least once a week! Do you have a favorite home-made facial mask? How do you make it, and with what ingredients? Please let me know, so I can add it to my list and try it the next time I have an hour to kill… thanks!

There’s health benefits of sex? For real? Are you kidding me? Wow, many of you are going to love to hear just how beneficial sex can be! I have found 10 benefits without having to look so deep. I have decided to give you those 10 benefits of having sex, because well, as many of you may already know, I like sharing things with everyone and am very open…

10. Boosting the Immune System

When you are in the mood, I bet you never thought that it would boost that immune system up! See, with good sex, there is great benefits. Having sex two times a week higher the levels of immunoglobulin A or IgA and that can protect you from infections and colds.

9. Healthy Weight

Hey, did you know that good sex helps you maintain a healthy weight? It’s true, you are actually burning calories during sex. Oh, what a fun workout !

8. Sex Relieves Stress

With all of the health benefits of sex, it does not surprise me one bit to find that it relieves stress. The next time you are stressed, just get in the mood!

7. Sex Improves Cardiovascular Health

Amongst the health benefits of sex, you may be surprised to learn that it improves your cardiovascular health.

6. Sex Boosts that Self-Esteem

It has been proven that sex boosts that self-esteem level. Is your self-esteem level down a bit today? Then have sex and boost it up!

5. It Improves Intimacy

Having orgasms raises the levels of the hormone known as oxytocin, which is also referred to as being the love hormone and it helps us build trust and bond.

4. Sex Reduces the Pain

When the endorphins and oxtocin increases, the pain declines. If you have a headache or arthritis pain, then the symptoms could improve after you had sex.

3. It Reduces Risk of Prostate Cancer

When you frequently ejaculate, especially for men in their 20’s, you may be reducing the risk of prostate cancer later down the road.

2. It Strengthens the Pelvic Floor Muscles

Wow, if you want to have stronger pelvic floor muscles, just have sex. For the women, during sex, doing exercises known as Kegals offers some benefits. You will not only have more pleasure, but you will also be strengthening the area and minimizing the list of incontinence later on in your life. As a side note, for a basic Kegel exercise, all you have to do is tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor as you are trying to stop the flow of urine.

1. Blood Pressure

When you have sex, there are so many benefits! The last one I am going to tell you is the fact that it helps your blood pressure level.

Of course, this may want to make you run right out and have sex with just anyone, but then you would be risking something. However, if you have a partner in your life right now, I bet he would be happy with you and I know your body will be benefiting. Did you know that sex was so beneficial? Health benefits of sex…who would have ever guessed?

My continued search for the perfect holiday perfume has lead me to another great find that is sure to tickle your every sense. Check it out….

I know what you’re thinking…I probably just put this up because I love the bottle and I do! I really really do! But the fragrance is just as amazing! If floral smells are not your thing, then you’re in the wrong place. But if you think you’d enjoy the aromatic scent of fuschia peony then this is the perfume for you. I know I said that yesterday’s Prada was perfect for the holidays but I think I just changed my mind. From the bottle to the romantic fragrance, I just can’t get enough of this perfume!

Price: $85.00 for 3.4 oz and $65.00 for 1.7 oz at neimanmarcus.com

So who does your vote go to? The Prada L’eau Ambree Perfume or this one by Marc Jacobs

? Or would you actually buy both? Or neither?! Tell me all!