16 weeks pregnant - update

12 weeks pregnant - update

How to combat cellulite naturally by Isabella

The following post was provided by CosmeticSurgeryGuru.com

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Isabella has been beauty blogging since she was a student at University, writing for cosmeticsurgeryguru.com she now takes an interest in all cosmetic surgery procedures from surgical to non-surgical.

Botox gets rid of wrinkles and microdermabrasion polishes the skin, but what eliminates cellulite? Most women hate their cottage cheese thighs, but there are ways to get rid of unwanted lumps and bumps – here’s how:

1.       Exercise

It’s thought that poor circulation can lead to cellulite and therefore it’s important to exercise. Research suggests that toxins build up in our fat cells creating an orange peel look – unless we stay active. Many doctors believe that it’s essential to keep the blood pumping to stop fatty deposits building up and dimpling our skin. A lack of muscle tone can cause the skin to wrinkle and sag– so let’s all hit the gym.

2.       Drink water

Did you know that water can help get rid of cellulite? Experts believe it increases circulation and helps get rid of the unwanted bumps that ruin our lives. Water also helps eliminate waste and helps remove the toxins that build up in our system. It’s great at clearing up spots and other ailments, so it’s bound to help with cellulite.

3.       Enjoy a massage

If you’ve got cellulite then book yourself in for a massage! The kneading of muscles helps stimulate the lymphatic system which helps remove toxins from the body. It also improves circulation and breaks down fats which could lead to cellulite. Massage is also good for your wellbeing and will help you to love your body. If you’re content with the way you look, you’ll start to enjoy life more – so get down to your nearest beauty salon.

4.       Stick to a low fat diet

Cellulite can appear no matter what your size, so it’s advisable to stick to a low fat diet whenever you can. Foods high in fibre and low in fat are easy for the body to break down and toxins should be eliminated from your body quicker. This in turn should reduce the risk of cellulite as you’ll have fewer toxins circulating your body. It seems the better your diet, the more effective your body is at detoxing.

5.       Keep your skin firm

To prevent cellulite it’s important to keep your skin as firm and tight as possible, so book yourself in for microdermabrasion, and buy a decent moisturiser. Vitamins such as A, C and E can also combat free radicals which cause damage to skin cells, so eat plenty of avocados and bananas. Make sure you choose night creams with nourishing ingredients and eat food packed with antioxidants.

If you hate your cellulite, jump off the sofa and do something about it – or it might just get worse.

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The views and opinions expressed by guest posters are not necessarily the views of MamaLaura.net or its creator. 

Cyber Monday

Here are some Cyber Monday deals that I thought I would pass along... Check back for more later.

All links will open a new window.

Makeup
Coastal Scents: 50% OFF THE ENTIRE WEBSITE
Dinair: Free "silver bells" collection with purchase of the studio beauty kit with code cyber1
BH Cosmetics: 50% off all eyeshadow palettes and more
MAC: Free overnight shipping
Tarte: Save up to $30 + get a free gift with code CYBER
Ulta: Lots of savings + $10 off $60 purchase with code 11410, $20 off $100 with code 18468

Accessories
Pink Ginger Designs: 20% Off with code PINKBF20
Kate Spade sample sale: up to 75% off

Clothing & Shoes
Shop it to Me: up to 80% off in YOUR size use code BIGEVENT
Payless: 20% off with code 63901
Swimsuits for All: 30% off sitewide with code CYBER30
Shoedazzle: 25% off

Misc
Cellairis Mobile Accessories: 25% OFF + Free Shipping with code cyber11

Quick note: my absence

Man, it has been a long time since I posted something! There are two reasons for this...

The first is that I started school in October. I'm going to a local vocational college full time for medical assisting. Between studying, homework, and just feeling like my brain is a bit fried by the end of the day, I haven't really been up for making posts. Nor am I doing much thinking about makeup or beauty in general.

The second was the hugely surprising news that I'm pregnant. It definitely explains why I've been so exhausted lately (which I had initially blamed on school). Anywho, I'm 9 weeks now and due in June. I will give updates for those interested.

I'll try to step up my game and make more posts, but I can't make any promises that things will be put up as frequently as they have in the past. And I thank you for your understanding :)

I need a big favor...

Please go to Facebook and 'like" George Mark Children's House.

The George Mark Children's House is a respite and hospice facility in San Leandro. It's incredibly beautiful and the staff are all amazingly wonderful. Lucas, my deceased son, visited them 2-3 times a year after becoming disabled, for respite. We called it his vacation time because he loved it so very much. When Lucas was there he was completely spoiled. He got to be held almost all of the time which wasn't possible at home, with another (younger) child and other household duties. Of course he was held as much as possible when home, but at the GMCH he was held constantly. He loved cuddles and the nursing staff and volunteers were more than happy to oblige. While at the GMCH, Lucas also received hydrotherapy (water therapy). He really enjoyed that. In fact, the therapist that he did it with just released a book about it and Lucas is on the cover  The rooms and grounds at George Mark (as we call it in our family) are immaculate. You can see them here. They are so clean and well taken care of, but you don't ever get a cold medical vibe from them. Each guest room has a theme and is painted beautifully with murals. Medical equipment is hidden behind moveable pieces of wall. Each room has its own bathroom, sitting area, TV, etc in addition to the bed or crib. They also feature nice views over the grounds. It's a very soothing, relaxed place - much unlike a hospital environment, which is what I had pictured before arriving. In addition, it's very secure. The property is gated and they must be expecting you prior to your arrival. I can't say anything negative about the staff (even down to the cooks). They are so caring and while the child's needs are #1, the parents and other family members are not neglected. One of their main focuses is giving you (the parent) the time and support you need, because they know that round-the-clock care of an ill, disabled, or dying child is difficult physically and emotionally. Lucas is no longer with us, but we still hear from the staff. We received a card on the anniversary of his passing and his birthdays. A few of the staff members even drove up here to attend Lucas' memorial service. They offer different activities down there, like tile paintings - you paint a tile in memory of your child and it's baked and added to their wall. They hold seasonal/holiday events as well. The George Mark Children's House is a non-profit organization. Their objective is to give the gift of time. They want to give families time to be a family - where the kids can be kids and the parents can be the parents, not the medical caregivers. They are the first and only freestanding residential pediatric palliative care facility in the US. We first used them during our post-hospital transition - when Lucas was released from the hospital after over 3 months, he transitioned to the GMCH for a few days before coming home. We then used their facility when Lucas was with us (for respite) and now that he's not (for bereavement - which has no time limit there). They offer end of life care, as well. I don't think that there are any other parents on the board who are in a situation like I was, but I could be wrong. Either way I wanted to share this great place with you all. I pray that none of you ever need such services, but perhaps you know someone who does and who doesn't know about this incredible place. Lord knows I've met many parents in the area with children similar to Lucas who have never been told about the GMCH. I have one request to make of those who have read this far... If you could please visit the Facebook page for the George Mark Children's House and "like" the page I would be so very grateful. As I said before, GMCH is a non-profit organization and they run largely on donations. There have been times when they couldn't fully operate due to a lack of funds, and at one point they feared a long term shut down until they could get more money. Currently they have the opportunity to receive a grant if they can reach 5000 likes by November 1st, 2011. I would appreciate it so very much if you could help them reach their goal by liking their page. Without having the personal experience that I do, I wouldn't expect any of you to share it for others to like, but please know that I will be forever grateful if anyone does. Here is their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/George...19661374724882 Thank you so much for reading and for any "likes" you can give.

Can Botox go wrong and are there any side effects? by guest blogger Dr Ganesh Rao

The following post is provided by Dr Ganesh Rao

Owing to its popularity, Botox is sometime slightly trivialised and this is highlighted by the so called Botox parties which are treated almost as a social event. People often forget that Botox is in fact toxic to the human body and can be dangerous if used in the wrong hands. Botox is actually derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum and works by blocking the impulses sent along the targeted nerves. Although Botox does have some medical uses such as Botox for sweating, it is generally used to address cosmetic issues that people have about their neck and face. The most common issues are frown lines, crow’s feet a wrinkles and Botox is generally very effective at reducing them. Botox works by paralysing the muscles which cause these cosmetic problems. For example, the reason you get frown lines in your forehead is because of the over action of certain muscles within the forehead. By injecting Botox into the nerves that supply these muscles so they can be relaxed and the frown lines disappear.

Although Botox does work well for most people there are some complications of Botox that you need to understand before going ahead with procedure. The following lists the most common side effects of Botox:

• Headaches: The exact reason that people get headaches is not fully understood but it is quite common to have a headache following Botox injections. They generally are short lasting but occasionally they can last for weeks.
• Eye lid drooping: This is extremely rare and can happen if Botox affects the nerves that supply the eye lids. Your eye lid will not be permanently damaged and once the Botox has been absorbed by your body the effect will disappear.
• Poor results: For some individuals Botox does not work as well as would be expected. As well as this, the results may wear off quicker than they normally would.  On average Botox lasts around 4 months but some people find the effects wear off after just a few months. This can make the price of Botox even higher as you will need to repeat the procedure more often to achieve the results you want.
• Redness and swelling: It is quite common to experience redness and swelling where the injection has been applied. This will normally wear off within 24 hours but can occasionally be longer.
• Unnatural look: If too much Botox is applied by an inexperienced practitioner your face may look unnaturally ‘frozen’.  A skilled practitioner will reduce the appearance or wrinkles and frown lines whilst still ensuring there is sufficient facial movement to maintain a natural look.

In summary, it is important to never trivialise the use of Botox and you should ensure that your practitioner has all the relevant qualifications as well as being experienced. Although Botox does not treat your frown lines and wrinkles and it can significantly improve your appearance, albeit for a temporary period only. Just remember Botox only lasts for a certain length of time (4 months average) after which time the procedure will need to be repeated to maintain the new look you have become accustomed to.

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Click here to check out other posts by guest bloggers, and find out how you can be featured as a guest blogger at MamaLaura.net. 
The views and opinions expressed by guest posters are not necessarily the views of MamaLaura.net or its creator.